Acne Positivity Day
September 1
About Acne Positivity Day
Acne Positivity Day is observed on 1 September each year, encouraging people with acne to embrace their skin, reject stigma, and practise self-acceptance. Founded in 2020 by skincare brand La Roche-Posay, the day amplifies the experiences of people living with acne and challenges the unrealistic skin standards promoted by mainstream media and social platforms. It falls on Tuesday, 1 September 2026.
What is Acne Positivity Day?
Acne Positivity Day is an annual awareness day held on 1 September that promotes acceptance of acne-prone skin, raises awareness of the psychological impact of acne, and works to dismantle the stigma surrounding one of the world’s most common skin conditions. The day was created by La Roche-Posay, a French dermatological skincare brand, in 2020 as part of a broader commitment to supporting people with skin conditions.
The campaign encourages people with acne to share their unfiltered stories and photographs on social media, building a community of visibility and support that counters the heavily curated, blemish-free images that dominate digital platforms. Related skin health awareness can be found through National Healthy Skin Month, which provides broader context for skin health education throughout November.
When is Acne Positivity Day?
Acne Positivity Day is observed annually on 1 September. In 2026, it falls on Tuesday, 1 September. The date is fixed each year and has been observed on 1 September since the campaign launched in 2020, making 2026 its seventh year.
Why Acne Positivity Day Matters
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world. Globally, it affects approximately 9.4% of the population, making it the eighth most prevalent disease worldwide. In the United States, acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease, with a prevalence of around 85% among people between the ages of 12 and 24. Despite its ubiquity, acne carries significant stigma, particularly in the age of social media, where filtered and retouched images have created a widespread expectation of flawless skin.
The psychological impact of acne is substantial and well-documented. Research shows that people with acne experience depression at a rate of around 22%, anxiety at approximately 29%, and suicidal ideation at around 12%. Acne can cause lasting damage to self-esteem and social confidence, leading some people to withdraw from social situations, avoid photographs, or feel unable to present themselves professionally without extensive covering. Acne Positivity Day exists to counter these effects by normalising acne and validating the experiences of those affected.
How to Get Involved in Acne Positivity Day
- Share your story or photo: Post an unfiltered photo or a personal story about your experience with acne on social media. Use the hashtags #AcnePositivityDay and #AcnePositivity to join the conversation and show others they are not alone.
- Challenge filtered beauty standards: Think critically about the images you share and consume online. Choosing to post unedited photos, or simply unfollowing accounts that promote unrealistic skin standards, contributes to a healthier digital environment.
- Talk about acne openly: Bring acne into everyday conversation without embarrassment. Treating it as the normal, common condition it is helps to normalise it for others, particularly young people experiencing acne for the first time.
- Support someone with acne: If a friend, partner, or family member is struggling with the emotional impact of acne, offer support without offering unsolicited advice.
- Seek dermatological advice: If acne is significantly affecting your quality of life or mental health, seek advice from a dermatologist or GP. Effective treatments are available.
- Share with young people: Acne most commonly affects teenagers and young adults. Sharing Acne Positivity Day content in spaces where young people gather can have a meaningful impact.
History of Acne Positivity Day
Acne Positivity Day was founded in 2020 by La Roche-Posay, a skincare brand with a long history of working with dermatologists to develop products for sensitive and acne-prone skin. The brand launched the day as part of a broader initiative to give a voice to the millions of people fighting the stigmas associated with acne.
The launch in 2020 coincided with a period of heightened cultural conversation about beauty standards, body positivity, and the mental health impact of social media. The “no-filter” movement had already gained traction, and Acne Positivity Day built on this momentum by applying a similar framework specifically to skin conditions. By encouraging people to post unfiltered photos and share their experiences openly, the campaign directly challenged the culture of airbrushing and digital perfection.
Since its launch, Acne Positivity Day has grown into an internationally recognised annual observance. Each year on 1 September, thousands of people share photos and stories under the campaign’s hashtags, creating a visible community of support and acceptance.
Noteworthy Facts
- Acne affects approximately 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 in the United States, making it the most common skin disease in the country.
- Globally, acne has a prevalence of around 9.4%, placing it among the most widespread skin conditions in the world.
- People with acne experience depression at a rate of approximately 22% and anxiety at around 29%, significantly higher than in the general population.
- Acne Positivity Day was founded by La Roche-Posay in 2020 and has been observed annually on 1 September since then.
- The campaign specifically encourages unfiltered photos and honest storytelling as a counter to heavily edited images on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Acne Positivity Day?
Acne Positivity Day is an annual awareness day observed on 1 September that promotes self-acceptance for people with acne, challenges stigma surrounding skin conditions, and raises awareness of the significant psychological impact that acne can have on mental health and quality of life. It was founded by La Roche-Posay in 2020.
When is Acne Positivity Day in 2026?
Acne Positivity Day falls on Tuesday, 1 September 2026.
Who founded Acne Positivity Day?
Acne Positivity Day was founded by La Roche-Posay, a French dermatological skincare brand, in 2020.
Hashtags
#AcnePositivityDay | #AcnePositivityDay2026 | #AcnePositivity
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