Skin insecurities have played a major role in denting body confidence, a new survery has found – with more than a third of British women admitting they feel uncomfortable getting naked in front of a partner
More than a third of British women feel uncomfortable getting naked in front of a partner, with skin insecurities playing a major role in denting body confidence. Over half (51%) avoid mirrors during a flare-up, and 77% say looking at their reflection makes them feel worse about themselves. As many as 36% worry about being undressed in front of a romantic partner.
These are just a few of the stark findings from Sudocrem’s Skin Study, a survey of 2,000 UK adults that uncovers how skin conditions like eczema and acne are quietly shaping everything from our self-esteem to our social lives. Nearly two-thirds of people with skin issues say they feel self-conscious because of it.
Almost half report stress, and more than four in ten say their skin makes them anxious. A quarter of UK women regularly experience eczema flare-ups, while 39% frequently deal with acne – with major life stages like puberty, pregnancy and menopause named as common triggers.
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The impact goes far beyond the bathroom mirror, with the study also finding 28% of women skip romantic dates when their skin is flaring up, 23% avoid shopping, 32% miss nights out and 24% ditch beach plans entirely.
Ava Godden, 21, a childcare practitioner from Swansea, knows the struggle well. “I’ve had eczema since I was two years old. I do feel less confident when my skin is flared. I don’t want to say ugly but like, not myself.”
Sudocrem has launched Uncovered – a national campaign to break the stigma around skin conditions and celebrate those living with them. Featuring unfiltered portraits by photographer Sophie Harris-Taylor, the campaign tells the stories of ten people with visible skin differences – inspired by millions across the UK, including high-profile figures like Catherine, Princess of Wales, Victoria Beckham and Kendall Jenner.
Ava, who features in the campaign, shared how she’s reclaimed her confidence: “It takes a lot of self-confidence to get out and go out into the world. When I look at myself in the mirror and I say you are beautiful today, that’s what makes me feel the most confident.
“Recently I haven’t let my eczema stop me from seeing my friends and being out. Eczema is a blessing, not a curse, and it showed me how to be confident no matter what I look like.”
Sudocrem is encouraging women to join the conversation and share their stories using #UncoveredBySudocrem, helping shift the narrative from covering up skin to celebrating it. Bethany Innes, as Sudocrem spokesperson, said: “Skin conditions aren’t just skin deep.
“We found women are disproportionately impacted emotionally and socially by their skin – they’re cancelling plans, skipping dates, and dodging the mirror because of the toll it takes on their confidence. Uncovered is about changing that.”
The immersive exhibition highlights the emotional impact of skin conditions like acne and eczema and showcases such powerful portraits and personal testimonials. Bethany continued: “This campaign is about empowerment, not embarrassment. We want people to know they are not alone – and that real skin is nothing to be ashamed of.”
Sudocrem hope the campaign offers people an opportunity to better understand how these conditions affect confidence, relationships, and daily life, as well as providing a platform for individuals to share their experiences and support each other.
The skin brand is encouraging Brits to visit the Uncovered hub at sudocrem.co.uk or follow the hashtag #UncoveredbySudocrem on social media.