National Acne Positivity Day Date in the current year: September 1, 2024

Acne is a long-term skin condition that results from hair follicles (skin pores) getting clogged with sebum (skin oil) and dead skin cells. Its common symptoms include oily skin, comedones (blackheads or whiteheads), pimples, and skin inflammation.

Acne is commonly associated with adolescence because it affects the majority of teenagers due to the hormonal changes that they are going through. However, about half of those affected by acne during puberty continue to have acne breakouts well into their adulthood.

Acne is caused by a combination of factors, which include genetic susceptibility, hormonal activity, and acne-causing bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes). Factors such as diet, stress, cigarette smoking, climate, and certain medications may affect the severity of acne.

There are many different treatments for acne. As a rule, the condition is managed by a combination of topical medications, oral medications, special skincare products, and lifestyle changes. It usually takes several weeks of treatment for the results to become visible, especially in severe cases of acne, which can negatively affect a person's psychological well-being.

Pimples and skin inflammation are generally considered to be aesthetically displeasing, so it is not surprising that many people with acne struggle with low self-esteem and anxiety. In extreme cases, acne may contribute to the development of depression and suicidal thoughts. Hiding acne with makeup is often not an option because it exacerbates the severity of the condition. This is why it is so important to normalize acne positivity.

National Acne Positivity Day was founded in 2020 by La Roche-Posay, a skincare brand owned by L’Oréal, which specializes in the development of products for people with sensitive and acne-prone skin. The main goal of the observance is to dispel common misconceptions about acne, fight the associated stigma, spread the message of acceptance, and support people with acne.

How can you observe National Acne Positivity Day? If you have acne, post your photos on social media (either with or without makeup, whatever you’re comfortable with) and share your story of self-acceptance to encourage other people with acne to adopt a positive attitude about their skin with all its imperfections.

National Acne Positivity Day isn’t meant to discourage people from treating acne. It’s just that getting acne under control may take quite a lot of time, and people with acne deserve to be treated with respect every day of their lives and not just when their skin looks healthy. National Acne Positivity Day is about boosting confidence and self-esteem, encouraging people to accept themselves unconditionally, and reminding that it’s not okay to judge others by their appearance.