London-based photographer Sophie Harris-Taylor knows exactly how it feels to have acne: “I suffered from acne in my teens and in my 20s, I felt incredibly self-conscious about it and really wanted ‘normal’ skin,” she explains in the conversation with ze.tt.de. Skin problems such as acne or rosacea are normal – unlike the flawless complexions that Instagram and Co. set an example for us.
The Epidermal Project
However, the pore-free skin that shines at us on posters and in magazines makes our view of what is normal transfigured. That’s why Sophie decided to take up the topic for a new series of photos: she photographed and interviewed a total of 20 women with various skin diseases and is now naming them as her new project epidermis together.
The photographer is certain that many of those affected feel stigmatized by acne and forced to cover up their blemished skin with thick layers of make-up. “I wanted to create something that would empower others and allow women to love their skin no matter what condition it is in,” Sophie continued. In her photos you can see beautiful women who proudly present their skin, which is often notorious for being flawed.
How does acne develop in the first place?
Acne is a hormonal skin disease that occurs primarily in adolescents during puberty, but can also affect adults. In many cases, the male sex hormone androgen is responsible for this: It stimulates the production of the sebum glands and at the same time ensures that more horny material is formed. This clogs the sebaceous glands, which makes it easier for certain bacteria to multiply, ultimately resulting in pimples and pustules. Men and women are almost equally affected by the disease, but the symptoms in women usually increase before and during menstruation. In many cases, acne disappears by the end of the third decade of life at the latest.
Sophie shows more of her impressive work on her website sophieharristaylor.com.