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We have much reason to be grateful for the body positive movement because we're finally at a point where the pressure to have a "summer body" has been lifted off many shoulders.
This is not to say that personal body goals have been chucked out with Thursday's trash and all its low-fat contents we're no longer strictly eating. Everyone has a little something on their body they'd love to work towards improving, and that's totally fine.
I too would love a PDF version of Rihanna's eating plan.
But lumps, bumps, stripes, and flat surfaces aside, there is another source of insecurity that is still stopping a lot of individuals from wearing exactly what they want, especially over the warmer seasons - body acne.
READ MORE: "Dear Dr Pimple Popper fans - I love my acne, pimples and breakouts"
Bacne, buttne or chestne is the pesky little reason why many cover up in summer. Well then, 'tis the season to destigmatise body acne.
These may be lesser spoken of types of acne compared to facial acne, but just because you never see anyone with body or back acne posting it on Instagram, doesn't mean you're alone.
If anything, it's actually pretty normal to breakout a little on other parts of your body besides your face.
According to Very Well Health, this type of acne is caused by excess dead skin cells, overactive oil glands and blocked pores. Basically the same way facial acne develops, so why the extra shame when we breakout on our bodies?
Maybe it's time body positivity also captured skin positivity within its definition.
Seeing women with vitiligo, albinism, scars, dark skin (a victory over colourism), and hypervisible birthmarks on magazine covers, runways and fashion/beauty campaigns means we may just already be halfway there.
Soon acne will also be normalised just as much.
Also worth mentioning is the fact that body acne is completely treatable. It may take time, but you definitely have options, so fret not.
READ MORE: Your skin can be healthy even with blemishes, blackheads, acne and pimples
We recommend a tea tree based product such as this skin clearing body wash from the Body Shop, R100
Or the Dermalogica clearing skin wash with salicylic acid, R859
And something that worked for my seasonal bacne, which I never used to let get in the way of wearing bikinis and bardot tops/dresses; Shea Moisture African black soap. Available at Clicks, R111
If your body acne is slightly more persistent, visit a dermatologist, who will be able to prescribe treatment suited for your particular case.
READ MORE: Are you having trouble finding a good skincare regime? A dermatologist gives us the best hacks
Ultimately, a few pimples here and there should not deter you from wearing what you want to wear for fear of public opinion.
It's not getting any cooler anytime soon, so if you've been dying to wear that low-cut top for a while, now is the time to take a leap in the name of skin positivity.
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