It’s rare to make it to adulthood without experiencing some form of spots. Acne affects between 80 and 95 per cent of teenagers worldwide, with Western Europe reporting some of the highest rates. The perception of acne has shifted over the years, however, with the #skinpositivity movement increasing representation of what was once called “bad skin”, while pimple patches have grown in popularity. Today, young people wear brands like Starface as fashion accessories, while acne influencers go viral for documenting their skin journeys and pimple-popping videos rack up millions of views.

It seems like an optimistic, celebratory revolution, but do teens still feel the stigma and cultural shame around “blemished” skin as strongly as ever? Photographer Sophie Harris-Taylor shot and spoke to young people about their experiences for her new series, Breakout Years, with Leanne Worsley on styling and set design.

AVA, 15

“When I get a really bad pimple, or a cluster of under-the-skin spots, it can make me feel insecure and a bit embarrassed. However, all teenagers get spots, so it is reassuring for me to know that nearly everyone I know is going through the same or similar things with their skin. As much as I despise spots, they will never put me down enough to stop doing the things I love or hanging out with friends. I feel that most teenagers are all in the same boat when it comes to spots, so nobody really judges or cares. 

Acne patches help me to feel more confident when I wear them and help me to realise that having spots is okay and completely normal. If I were to design pimple patches, they would be brightly coloured and in all sorts of fun shapes. I would want people to accept the fact that spots are normal, and while we have them, we should decorate them and turn what we think is negative into something positive!”

AIDEN, 14

“I don’t really get many spots on my face, but when I do, I can feel a bit self-conscious about them, especially because I’m a dancer and model and sometimes have pictures taken or have to perform. I wouldn’t let spots stop me from doing things I enjoy or seeing my friends. I might feel a bit more conscious of them sometimes, especially when I’m performing or having photos taken.

You can’t really feel the patches when you’re wearing them. I actually think they look quite cool, and I’ve used them before even though I don’t get many spots. I’d make them with a Marvel theme, or have different cool stickers that boys would want to wear too. I think they should look fun and like something you’d actually want to wear, rather than something you want to hide.”

ELVIE, 14

“I don’t really mind my spots too much, but I definitely prefer to have pimple patches on them instead of not. But I also feel like stressing about it will only make you feel worse about what other people think. I never feel like spots stop me from doing anything because of pimple patches, but I understand some people might feel very insecure and not want anyone to see or know they have spots. 

Pimple patches feel good to wear because instead of just covering them up, they also have cute designs. If I had to design a pimple patch, I would make one that is cute for everyone and not one that some people might think is too bright, bold and obvious.”

MIYA K, 14

“When I get spots, I usually feel quite embarrassed and insecure. I know that other people get them, but in the moment it feels like it’s just you who gets the spot and a lot of the time I think we keep thinking about it even when other people might not notice. I also feel like I need to cover where the spot is, like with my hands around my face.”