Society’s unrealistic beauty ideals can make feeling free in our own skin seem like an insurmountable challenge. But the key to that freedom lies just below the surface—we need only have the courage to take it. By Clara Siew
What is it like to feel trapped in your own skin? Feelings of isolation, helplessness, depression, frustration, low self-worth, and sometimes even suicidal thoughts, are commonly reported by individuals suffering from chronic skin conditions like cystic acne, eczema, alopecia, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, adult acne and psoriasis. According to Harvard Medical School clinical psychologist Dr. Bart Grossbart, our body image constitutes about one quarter to one third of our self-esteem, and self-esteem has a monumental influence on our overall psychological health. So it makes sense that dealing with a skin disorder would take a hit on one’s self-esteem and psychological wellbeing.
There are individuals who end up putting their life on hold until their skin gets better. And if things don’t seem to improve, it only reinforces their feelings of low self worth. Skin conditions affect people from all walks of life, and can cause them to isolate themselves both physically and emotionally. Making matters worse are family, friends or strangers who highlight their insecurities by making ignorant or cruel remarks about their appearance. “They (the patients) often create intense feelings of shame and guilt that slowly diminish self-esteem, building a negative emotional snowball that gradually grows until it limits their lives,” inferred California based clinical psychotherapist, Matt Traube. There is a wide variety of skin ailments such as eczema, rosacea and acne that manifest themselves differently on the outside, but the emotional impact and internal anguish are very similar.
THE SNOWBALL EFFECT
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Denne historien er fra August 2018-utgaven av Marie Claire Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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High Fashion Takes A Stand Against The Covid-19 Pandemic
As the world battles the turbulent effects of COVID-19, fashion’s most prestigious luxury groups join in on the fight against the novel coronavirus
She NAILED It
Pursuing a successful career beautifying the nails of Hollywood’s who’s who is incredibly intense—but it is also incredibly rewarding. Sought out by Hollywood’s elite, nail artist Thuy Nguyen gives us a closer insight on her journey as an artist in La-La land
The ILLUSTRATOR of DREAMS
Azza Arif gives an exclusive insight into the romantic world of Elie Saab, brought to life with the creativity of fashion photography and digital illustration using Apple’s creative essentials—the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPad Pro
The Newest BEAUTY BOSSES
Redefining the Malaysian beauty scene, Marie Claire Malaysia explores exactly how our homegrown future shapers are thriving in the local landscape of beauty
YUNA AT HOME
We all know her as the woman with a POWERFUL VOICE. An international name, YUNA acknowledges the role her soulful MUSIC plays in the lives of her listeners, and despite her stardom, strives to CONNECT with her audiences during this pandemic through Instagram live sessions, and SHARING her KNOWLEDGE of music through virtual intimate classes she calls Tiny Class. She talks to Azza Arif about life at home under MCO, the CHANGES she hopes to see within the music industry, her LOVE for her QUARANTINE PARTNER and husband, Adam—including what habits she picked up from him; and the advice she would give to her 15-YEAR OLD SELF
REINVENTING The Traditional Business Model
Innovative partnerships might be the solution brands need to stay relevant
DESIGNERS to WATCH
Stay in the know with our curated list of talented emerging designers that will keep you looking fashion-forward for any occasion
6 TIPS for a BETTER ORGASM
Achieving consistent, mind-blowing orgasms doesn’t necessarily have to be a distant dream—there are little tricks that can help you learn how to have better—and more frequent—orgasms
SPRING Training
Spring clean and revamp your post gym skincare essentials to not only maximise your body and mind, but your beauty health too
Of Mentors and PROTÉGÉS
Supporting quality, excellence and performance— a cross-generational exchange like no other. Rolex unveils its list of inspiring mentors and talented protégés for the 2020-2021 Rolex Arts Initiative