How Does the UK Really Feel in Their Skin?

Ever felt conscious about your skin? You’re not alone. As advocates of skin positivity and self-care, Neutrogena® conducted a survey of 2,000 UK adult skincare users to explore how people feel about various aspects related to self-confidence and skincare. 

Read on to learn more about skincare trends among UK adults and how they’re feeling within their skin. We’ll explore a range of important topics including when people first became self-conscious of their appearance, the relationship between our skin and self-confidence, and simple changes we can all make to help promote greater skin positivity.

Jump to:

• What Factors Impact Skin Confidence? 

• How Can We Achieve More Skin Positivity in the Future?

• Real Skin Stories 

• Inspiring Skin Positivity with Neutrogena®

• Key Takeaways

What Factors Impact Skin Confidence?

Clear Skin Drives Confidence

Given the digital age we live in, people can often feel pressure to live up to certain social and cultural beauty standards, which can influence how they feel about themselves – particularly because of skin. 

We surveyed 2,000 UK skincare users aged 18+ to gauge a better understanding as to what factors impact people’s skin confidence. 

When asked “What factors most make you feel comfortable and/ or confident within your skin?”:

• 32% of respondents said clear-blemish free skin

• 28% of respondents said problem-free skin 

• 28% of respondents said smooth/soft to touch skin

• 24% of respondents said a healthy lifestyle

• 22% of respondents said exercise

• 20% said wearing make-up

• 12% said not wearing make-up

• 12% said positive comments from others

• 12% said specific skincare products and routines

Based on these results, it appears clear skin is an important factor when it comes to feeling confident within our skin.  

Signs of Ageing Negatively Impact People’s Confidence in Their Skin

We also explored specific factors that negatively impact how comfortable and confident people feel with their skin. Here’s what we found:

• 45% of respondents said visible signs of ageing negatively impact how comfortable / confident they feel with their skin, with older participants experiencing these feelings more acutely. 

• 26% of participants said acne and blemish prone skin negatively impact how confident they feel with their skin.

• 21% said skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, negatively impact how comfortable / confident they feel within their skin. 

• 15% of respondents said an unhealthy lifestyle impacts how comfortable / confident they feel within their skin. 

• 12% said not wearing any make-up has a negative impact on how comfortable they feel in their skin. 9% said negative comments or judgements from others impact how confident they feel with their skin, whilst 8% said media beauty standards (celebs, reality TV, advertising models etc) have a negative impact. 

With 32% of respondents alternatively reporting that clear-blemish free skin makes them feel more confident, it’s no surprise that issues like blemishes and skin conditions negatively impact confidence. What’s also interesting to see is that almost half of respondents (45%) reported that visible signs of ageing negatively impact how comfortable / confident they feel with their skin.

Skin Conditions Impact Our Mental Health

As the largest organ in our body, our skin plays an important role to our overall health. But our skin can be affected by a range of conditions which can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health.

For example, 54% of the group we surveyed said their skin condition frequently impacts their confidence. 15% of respondents also reported being bullied for their skin, with younger adults (25 – 34) experiencing this the most (22%). 

Given how visible issues with our skin are to others, it’s understandable why skin conditions can affect our mental health. However, dealing with skin conditions can be underestimated by those who aren’t affected and don’t suffer with the same issues. What’s more, the focus society and social media place upon self-image and the stigmatisation of imperfections can often create further pressure for us to look a certain way. When our skin doesn’t appear ‘perfect’ this can have a negative impact.   

We Start to Become Aware of Our Appearance as Early as Six Years Old

We wanted to dig deeper and find out when people first started to become self-conscious of their appearance. Our survey revealed that most respondents began feeling self-conscious of their appearance between ages 11 – 12 (10%) and 13 - 14 (16%). Results also showed a significant group (5%) became self-conscious of their appearance at an even younger age (6-10).  

There are many different factors that can affect our self-perception from a young age. Young children undergo a lot of changes as a result of hormones and puberty, which can significantly alter how they view themselves. 

Judgement from peers can also influence self-confidence from a young age. For example, children who are teased about their appearance are more likely to struggle with their body image as they get older. 

Studies also show that social media can impact the way both adults and children feel about themselves from a very young age. For example, growing up being exposed to models and celebrities with flawless skin in the media can lead us to believe that this is the ‘ideal’ skin type. As a result, people can often feel dissatisfied with their own skin if it doesn’t measure up. The impact of this can reach beyond external appearances and impact their self-confidence as evident from our study.  

How Can We Achieve More Skin Positivity in the Future?

At Neutrogena® we also wanted to understand what changes people believe are necessary to combat negative issues impacting confidence, and what would help create more skin positivity and skin comfort in the future. Here’s a summary of what we found: 

More Education About Different Skin

There is demand for change with 31% of respondents wanting to see more education available around different skin types, conditions and healthy-looking skin.

We all have different skin types, some of us have oily skin, while others have dry skin. Some of us also have common skin conditions such as eczema that can cause itchy skin. As a result, our skin’s characteristics and needs can differ from one another, but this doesn’t mean that skin is only expected to have one appearance. 

More education around different skin types and skin conditions could therefore help us to better understand a variety of appearances in skin and what they mean to broaden our view of what healthy-looking skin is. 

Less Judgement Around Appearance

Almost a third (30%) of our survey respondents said that less judgement around appearance, and harsher punishments for bullies and online trolls (21%) would help achieve more skin positivity in the future.

One in five (21%) respondents believe that more positive comments from others could help achieve more skin positivity. 

The body positivity movement originated in the early 2000s to counter body shaming, bullying and online trolls and advocate for the acceptance of bodies in different shapes and sizes. But while the body positivity movement aims to give people more confidence in their skin, some argue that it focuses too heavily on appearance and puts pressure on people to unconditionally love their body. 

By contrast, the more recent body neutrality movement isn’t centred on appearance. The approach – popularised in 2015 as a counter to body positivity – encourages people to see their body as only one part of who they are, and that their value is not tied to their appearance or what they look like. 

More Representation in the Media  

Our results also indicate there is demand for more representation in the media. 24% of the 2,000 skincare users we surveyed wanted to see more diverse and inclusive models within the media. 

Social media, TV, films and print media often show us images of models with flawless skin which can set impossible standards to measure up to. The reality is that we are all different – and so is our skin. More diversity and inclusivity within the media could therefore help us to feel more represented, normalised, and put less pressure on adhering to unrealistic beauty standards. 

More Transparency When Editing Tools Have Been Used

While editing tools and filters can be fun to experiment with, it’s easy to forget that many of the images we see have often been edited. Plus, its often easy for people to post pictures online when they are looking their best. Thus, it can be easy for us to compare our everyday appearance to the perfectly edited, filtered selfies we see on social media. 

To help achieve more skin positivity in the future, 29% of our respondents said they would like more transparency on when editing tools / filters have been used in the media. 24% of respondents also feel it is important that there is more transparency and legal requirement within media and beauty claims when people have had cosmetic work done. More than 1 in 4 (26%) also believe that banning the use of photoshopping / editing media would help to prevent negative impact on image confidence and inspire positive change. 

Improved Self Care and Skincare

5% of respondents said improved self-care (meditation, exercise, more positive self-talk) would help to improve how comfortable people feel in their skin moving forward. 30% of respondents also said improved skincare would help. 

Keep reading to find our tips to help!

Real Skin Stories

To really get under the UK’s skin, we asked three people to tell us their skin stories and share their journey around how their skin has impacted them. Here’s what they had to say. 

Gemma T, Age 33, Female, Peterborough

Can you share your journey around how the condition of your skin has impacted you and how you feel about it now?

I started to feel self-conscious about my skin when I started puberty at the age of 14. My skin became very spotty and oily and I couldn’t find a way to control my spots. I was also too embarrassed to speak about my skin to anyone, so I think that if I had spoken to someone then I might have found a solution to help calm and clear my skin and ultimately feel better and more confident. There were some students in my year at school who were very quick to point out and make fun of someone’s appearance if they were ‘different’, which was a big contributing factor to my low self-esteem. I would always be comparing my skin to other girls and always felt like mine was the worst.

My skin didn’t really improve until I fell pregnant when I was 25 in 2016 when my skin transformed, becoming less oily, more ‘glowy’ and my spots calmed down and at times had completely disappeared. Because of this, I became more confident about wearing less makeup, or no makeup at all, after having my baby (plus I had less time to put makeup on every day!). 

I am now so much more confident about my skin. I think this is also paired with being in my 30s, married and having two children which empowers me and brings perspective to my life. Even if I get spots now, which I’m guaranteed to get just before my period, I care a lot less, if at all. I simply give them a quick cover with some concealer (if I can be bothered and have time) and go about the rest of my day without giving them another thought.

What, if anything, do you do to try to feel more comfortable within your skin? How successful is this?

Since I started trying for a baby and tracking my menstrual cycle, this also taught me about how my skin changes over the month. This knowledge has helped me to understand what to expect with my skin throughout my cycle and accept that my skin will change. I have also researched the types of products that are best for my skin type and my skin has therefore improved. 

 I also follow positive people on social media who believe in body/skin acceptance and aren’t afraid to show their authentic makeup-less selves. This makes me feel like I’m not the only one who experiences skin changes and outbreaks and it’s all completely normal.

What advice would you give to others who don’t feel comfortable with their skin?

I would say that they aren’t alone in feeling uncomfortable with how they look. Society puts so much pressure on people to look a certain way, but what ultimately matters in life is who you are on the inside and how you treat others. By being a genuine and kind person, that beauty will naturally shine through and your people will love you no matter what you look like. When you are dead and gone, you won’t be remembered for your spots or your rolls, you will be remembered for the impact you made on the world. 

What change do you think would have the biggest impact on people feeling more comfortable in their skin? 

If people surrounded themselves only with people who celebrate them and support them, their self-esteem will build, and they will feel comfortable in their skin.

Rob S, Age 29, Male, Hertfordshire

Can you share your journey around how the condition of your skin has impacted you and how you feel about it now? 

I have spots. It’s ok, but I do still have spots occasionally on my face and they’re not great on my back especially. I’m cool with it now but wasn’t when I was younger. I used to get called names about it. It didn’t  bother me until I was a bit older, probably like 18-20, when you are more seriously thinking about relationships, what people will think, other stuff.

What first made you self-conscious of your appearance and how old were you? 

Probably like 12-13, it’s kind of normal at that age but also annoying. I’d say I got more self-conscious of it as I got older as it wasn’t seen as ‘normal’ as much. For example, for lots of people spots might clear up when you aren’t in your teens anymore, but for lots of people they don’t

What challenges have you faced, big or small, around feeling comfortable in your skin? How does this impact you now? 

Challenges have come from it like with relationships, I probably worried about it more than anybody else realistically would. Also, things like going on holiday can be a really self-conscious time with my top off as people will see spots on my back. It doesn’t worry me much now, although I would still prefer they weren’t there, but I’d say when I was younger it impacted me a lot. 

What, if anything, do you do to try to feel more comfortable within your skin? How successful is this?

I have started trying to moisturise more and be more present with a skin care routine. I would say to feel more comfortable now, just not caring really seems to help. Also having a partner that isn’t bothered in the slightest helps me feel comfortable with myself.

What advice would you give to others who don’t feel comfortable with their skin?

For others who might not be comfortable with their skin, I would say try not to care as much - but that is easier said than done. I guess it helps to put things into perspective, like my face isn’t as bad as it used to be and yes, I have spots on my back, but who really sees it. Try and have some form of skincare routine, perhaps don’t even call it that if that doesn’t work for you, but just making little changes or even small progress might make you feel better.

What change do you think would have the biggest impact on people feeling more comfortable in their skin? 

I think the biggest change to feeling better in your skin can come from having people around you that really don’t care. Once you realise that it’s not really a big deal to other people, it isn’t such a big deal to you.

Hannah T, Age 28, Female, Leeds

Can you share your journey around how the condition of your skin has impacted you and how you feel about it now?

I've been on a long journey with my skin, and although I still face challenges, I’ve come to a place of acceptance. I have good days and bad days, but I've learned what works best for me and embraced the reality that nobody has perfect skin. I've tried countless products and social media trends - some of which unfortunately damaged my skin barrier. Over time, I’ve educated myself on what my skin really needs, and now I feel more confident and comfortable in my own skin.

What first made you self-conscious of your appearance, and how old were you?

I started feeling self-conscious in high school. Many girls around me were wearing makeup, and I felt pressure to fit in, which made me more aware of my appearance and what I was putting on my face. I began wearing makeup at 13 as a way to blend in.

What challenges have you faced, big or small, around feeling comfortable in your skin? How does this impact you now?

In my late teens and early twenties, I struggled significantly with my skin due to hormonal changes. After trying various topical creams and antibiotics, I eventually went to a dermatologist and was put on some tablets, which were very harsh on my skin. The treatment left me with extreme dryness, which led me to explore skincare in a way I hadn’t before. This journey ultimately taught me to care for my skin with the right products.

What, if anything, do you do to try to feel more comfortable within your skin? How successful is this?

I’ve developed a skincare routine that focuses on hydration and barrier protection, which has made a big difference. I also try to embrace my natural skin texture, and this mindset shift has been incredibly helpful. While I still have days when I feel less confident, overall, I've found a routine that supports my skin’s needs and helps me feel more comfortable.

What advice would you give to others who don’t feel comfortable with their skin?

Remember that nobody has perfect skin, and it’s normal for everyone to have unique skin textures and occasional breakouts. Having skin issues can be hard on your confidence, but try not to compare yourself to others, especially on social media. What works for one person won’t necessarily work for someone else. Be cautious of following TikTok trends and viral products - they’re not always suited to your skin’s unique needs and can sometimes do more harm than good. Focus on understanding what your skin needs, and prioritise your own journey over what’s popular online.

What change do you think would have the biggest impact on people feeling more comfortable in their skin?

Seeing more people embrace and share their natural skin on social media would be so impactful to helping people feel more comfortable in their skin. Some influencers like Elizabeth Kaye Turner are challenging beauty standards, and it’s incredibly refreshing to see people showing up as they are. It reminds us all that real skin has texture, and that’s perfectly okay.

Inspiring Skin Positivity with Neutrogena®

As a leader in promoting self-confidence and skin positivity, we believe everyone should feel confident with their skin. With that in mind, we’ve pulled together some expert tips to help you have healthy-looking skin every day, as well as advice on how to embrace and feel more comfortable and confident in the beautiful skin you were born in. 

Embrace Your Skin and Show it Some Care 

With a ton of noise out there when it comes to skin care, knowing how to take care of our skin can be challenging. 

Here are a few expert tips that may help:

Build an Effective Skincare Routine

Understanding your skin type is important when it comes to caring for your skin. We all have different skin types with different characteristics and needs, so building a skincare routine that suits our skin type is important.

Not sure how to identify your skin type? Learn more about your individual skin needs in our dedicated skin types guide.

For more healthy-looking skin tips, check out the following guides:

• Skincare for oily skin. 

• Skincare for sensitive skin. 
  

Protect Your Skin From the Sun

Whilst sunlight can provide us with a source of Vitamin D8, it’s important to protect our skin from sun damage (even when it’s cloudy). Unprotected sun exposure can be harmful to our skin and to our health. Don’t worry, you’ll still get your vitamin D while wearing suncream. 

Follow these sun safety tips to protect your skin from the sun: 

• Wear an SPF of at least factor 30 every day to help protect your skin from sun damage.

• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them.

• Seek shade when the sun is at its strongest (usually between 11am and 3pm from March to October).

• Cover up with protective clothing to protect any exposed areas of skin.

Learn How To Care For Common Skin Conditions   

When it comes to caring for acne-prone skin, the following self-help techniques may be useful: 

• Avoid over washing your skin (this can disturb your natural skin barrier)

• Use mild soaps or cleansers 

• Use lukewarm water to wash (hot or cold water can break your skin barrier)

• Avoid oil-based makeup and skincare products and look for non- comedogenic products instead (these won’t block your pores)

• Avoid touching your face 

Try the following self-help tips for eczema-prone skin:

• Avoid things that might increase your eczema symptoms e.g. washing up liquid, certain types of fabric and pet dander 

• Moisturise your skin at least twice a day with moisturising treatments like emollients

• Keep cool when its hot (heat can aggravate eczema symptoms)

• Keep your nails short to prevent damage from scratching 

As well as taking care of our skin on the outside, the following techniques can also help in feeling more comfortable and confident in our skin:

Practice Self Care

Taking care of our ourselves by being more active, making sure we’re getting enough sleep, and eating healthily, can all change how feel about ourselves. This is because self-esteem comes separate from how we look. It comes from within and is based on certain opinions and beliefs we hold about ourselves.  For example, when we have a healthy self-esteem, we tend to feel more positive about ourselves. But when our self-esteem is low, we can often see ourselves in a negative way.

Practicing self care therefore is important as it can change how we feel about ourselves. Exercise in particular has been proven to boost self-esteem and self-image. This is because exercise releases endorphins (feel-good hormones) that can reduce stress and anxiety and increase our confidence levels.

Reframe How You Think About Your Skin

Affirmations can help to reframe how we think or feel about a situation or ourselves. By repeating positive phrases, your brain can create and strengthen new pathways to support the message you’re sending it, so it eventually becomes habit. If something negative happens or you receive a negative message, having a regular practice with affirmations in place means it’s easier to keep your thinking on the track of the positive message.

For them to be most effective, think about a statement that really resonates with you – you don’t have to tell anyone, but try to get into the practice of repeating it to yourself daily. Stick with it, and eventually the message will go from thought to feeling. 

To get you started, we’ve shared some examples below; either use the affirmations below each day going forward or use them for inspiration to create your own.