For over a year, looking in the mirror was a painful experience. At one point, nearly 95% of my body was covered with psoriasis—a relentless condition that left my skin raw, inflamed, and covered in thick scales. I felt imprisoned within my own skin, unable to escape the daily physical pain and the emotional weight that accompanied it.

But today, as I look at myself, I see something different. My skin, once overtaken by this condition, is now almost clear. While a few slightly pink scars remain, they serve as reminders of the resilience I never knew I had. I still face occasional flares that leave dark, rough patches across my body, but these, too, have become a part of my story—a testament to my journey of healing and self-acceptance.

The Emotional Toll of Psoriasis

Living with a visible condition like psoriasis isn't just about managing the physical symptoms. It’s also about handling the mental and emotional impacts. When my skin was at its worst, I felt as though I had lost a piece of myself. People’s reactions—whether sympathetic, curious, or judgmental—could cut deeper than any flare. For a time, I believed that my skin defined me, that I was somehow "less" because of how I looked.

I remember a former student who also has psoriasis, who reassured me that there will come a time I won’t mind what is happening to my skin anymore. That time, I don’t know if that time will ever come.

Rediscovering Confidence

As my skin began to heal, I faced a new challenge: learning to see myself beyond the scars. The physical improvements were wonderful, but there was still a lingering fear of judgment, of rejection, and of flares that could undo all the progress I’d made. Slowly, I began to recognize that my journey wasn't just about clear skin but about reclaiming my confidence and redefining my sense of self.

Building confidence after over a year of hiding took time. I started small—choosing clothes that made me feel beautiful, even if a flare left rough patches exposed. I began engaging in activities I had previously avoided, like social gatherings and even simply going out without covering every inch of my skin. Little by little, I trained myself to see the beauty in my scars and the resilience they represent.

Embracing My "New" Skin

I’ve come to understand that the journey with psoriasis doesn’t always end with clear skin. Flares will happen, and scars may remain, but I've learned that they don’t define me. They’re simply chapters in my story—reminders of battles fought and resilience found.

On days when the rough patches or pink scars catch my eye, I remind myself of how far I’ve come. I now choose to celebrate my progress and focus on self-love rather than self-criticism. Every patch, every mark, is part of a story that I’m learning to tell with pride rather than shame.

Finding Strength in Community

One of the most transformative aspects of my journey has been connecting with others who also have psoriasis. By sharing our stories, we lift each other up, find empathy and understanding, and help each other build confidence in ways we might not have achieved alone. I want others facing similar journeys to know they are not alone, and that it is possible to find peace—and even pride—in the skin we’re in.

Loving My Skin Again

Today, my skin is no longer something I hide or apologize for. Instead, it’s something I embrace, scars and all. Though my journey with psoriasis is ongoing, I’m learning to love my skin again. I’ve come to realize that confidence doesn’t come from perfection but from acceptance and the courage to stand tall, even in the face of adversity.

This journey has taught me that self-love is not just about appearance; it’s about resilience, about finding beauty in imperfection, and about celebrating every step forward—even if it’s small. For anyone struggling to love their skin, I hope my story offers encouragement: healing, both inside and out, is possible.