Fluid Skin Part 1
Interview
Interview
Oct.202
2023
Shenzhen,China
Fluid Skin seeks to explore the visual correlation between specific skin conditions and water patterns, with the objective of encouraging individuals to adopt a broader perspective on skin health and selfacceptance. As part of preliminary research, the project invited five young women to engage in discussions concerning "skin issues" and the perfect standards of skin from the East Asian aesthetic viewpoint. After sharing their stories, they proffered recommendations to those troubled by their skin conditions.
Yuhui Can you tell me about your skin condition and when you first started paying attention to it? Yuhui: I'm 22 now. My skin is a combination of oily in the summer and dry in the winter. I probably started noticing my skin condition during middle school, especially when I began getting acne at the start of puberty.
Have there been any specific experiences related to your skin? Yuhui: I feel that the factors leading to my skin issues are somewhat related to stress. When I'm under a lot of stress, I tend to eat highcalorie sweets, which, combined with the emotional factors, often results in a lot of pimples on my face. Surprisingly, when I'm more active in sports, my skin tends to improve. Even if I get injured or bruised, it usually heals quite quickly. Emotional factors play a significant role, and I believe hormones, age, and stress can impact the skin. In my opinion, especially as a woman, changes in skin condition during the menstrual cycle are noticeable, and the days leading up to menstruation often result in worsening skin quality.
[Interviewee] Yuhu
i[she/her]
3 [Age] 2
e ily in th ] scar, o inter n io it d n [Skin co nd dry in the w ra summe all eyb l l o ]v bby [Ho
Does your mood ever affect your skin, like feeling anxious or stressed causing breakouts, which in turn cause more anxiety? Yuhui: Yes, I tend to exhibit a bit of obsessive-compulsive behavior when I see pimples on my face. I immediately squeeze them, hoping that they will heal faster. However, this process can lead to inflammation, redness, and even infections.
Now that your life is in a better place and you're generally satisfied, you don't worry much about imperfections anymore? Yuhui: Absolutely, and I also think that the definition of imperfections can vary from person to person. For instance, I appreciate my freckles and don't consider them flaws. However, some people may see them as blemishes and suggest treatments. I've noticed friends who've undergone procedures to remove freckles or moles. It's true that people have different views on what is considered a flaw.
How do you view these standards for beauty and perfection? Yuhui: I really dislike those procedures. For instance, when I had my ID photos taken at a studio, they retouched my face so much that I looked like an entirely different person. The mainstream standards of beauty can change, and people often undergo medical procedures for temporary trends. I hope young women can resist these external standards and have their own set of criteria. It's essential to focus on inner well-being.
"I think it's crucial to remember that your face is something you're born with. If your emotions, values, and overall well-being are consistently disturbed by mainstream norms, it can be tough to find peace."
Huiwen Can you tell us a bit about your skin condition?
When did you first start paying attention to your skin's condition?
Huiwen: Well, I'd say my skin is on the drier side, a bit sensitive, and my cheeks are actually naturally pink, The sides of my nose are also pink because I have allergies, I have to blow my nose, and that area turns pink.
Huiwen: I started paying attention to my skin probably in middle school. That's when I first had allergic rhinitis. I did consider getting some cosmetic treatments to improve my skin, but I thought it wasn't really necessary. Skin is just one part of you, and it doesn't affect me that much, it's just a matter of aesthetics.
After I developed allergies, I sometimes get hives, which result in pink spots on my skin, and they can be really itchy. It happens during seasonal changes or when I'm stressed or emotionally unstable.
I also have some freckles on my face, but they've been smoothed out by the filter, and I've had laser treatments to remove them. I thought they didn't look good, but they grew back not long after removal.
Do you feel that your skin is influenced by your mood? Huiwen: Yes, it is. For example, if I suddenly get a big pimple and I have to meet friends the next day, I might not feel so great. I'd get a little anxious, wondering why I suddenly broke out. I feel like spending too much time worrying about it is unnecessary because appearance isn't that important, and some things, like heavy eye bags and dark circles, are just part of who you are.
Have there been specific life events that helped you move from anxiety to acceptance regarding your skin? Huiwen: I think there have been. But I believe this is somewhat related to appearance anxiety because I consider my skin as part of me, and it reflects my state of mind. When my state of mind is not great, I might break out, and it feels like a volcanic eruption of pimples.
Have there been moments when your skin's condition led to negative comments or judgments from others? Huiwen: Well, sometimes friends would ask me, "What's been going on with your skin lately?" But I understand that most people are genuinely concerned, and it's about your well-being.
iewee]
[Interv
Hui
[Age] n]
onditio [Skin c
23
dr y
s
dnes
re kle, frec
er]
e/h
[sh wen
"Just accepting the flaws and imperfections on your skin, it's like your skin could also be a painting, and you view these imperfections as some elements of that painting or just as a beautiful artwork."
Kira Can you tell us about your skin and any allergies you've had?
During acne or allergic reactions, do you ever feel anxious about it?
Kira: Allergies, yeah. These areas on both sides, around the cheeks, get red after a shower. If I'm out in the sun, they develop red veins. The rest of my skin is usually fine, but this area reacts to the sun. Also, if I stay in the shower too long on a hot day, this area used to turn red.
Kira: It can be uncomfortable to wear clothes when you have breakouts on your face, and people can see your face. Yeah, during those times, I don't really feel like going out.
When did you first start paying attention to your skin's condition, including dealing with allergies? Kira: I started paying attention when I began getting acne. Oh, during allergies, mainly when my face was affected. I've had allergic reactions a few times when I used some harsh skincare products. For my body, it was primarily related to consuming seafood and humid weather.
iewee]
[Interv
K [Age] n]
onditio [Skin c
aria Urtic Pimples
r]
/he
she ira[
23
Can you share any experiences or stories related to your skin? Kira: When I had hives, it was very itchy, and I wanted to scratch, but I couldn't. So, I applied this hot, tingling cream to soothe it and tried to cool it down by fanning my face. Once I applied a skincare product that was too strong for my face, and this area turned red. I had to use ice packs for an entire afternoon to get relief.
"When I had allergies, I rem when I had lunch out, I felt l at me. So, during allergy epi out. When you have allergie can be uncomfortable to wea breakouts on your face, and those times, I don't really fee
emember that one time t like people were staring episodes, I'd rather not go gies, it's tough,Yeah. And it ear clothes when you have nd people can see it. During eel like going out."
Wing When did you start paying attention to your skin? Wing: It was in elementary school, around fourth or fifth grade when I got bangs, and that's when I started breaking out like crazy. Back then, even though it was just elementary school, I had a crush on a boy, so I cared a lot about my appearance.
How did having acne affect your life back then? Wing: I felt that when I had acne, my face would sometimes itch, and I'd want to pick at it.
Do you agree that there is a connection between getting acne and your emotions? Wing: Absolutely, there's an impact. I think when I'm in a good mood, my skin looks much better, smoother. Adolescence can be a rebellious phase, and things like the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes, they can lead to breakouts and worsened skin conditions, including acne.
When you weren't happy with your skin, what did you do to try to improve it? Wing: Back then, I definitely used a ton of skincare products before I even reached adulthood. I tried a lot of lesser-known and popular brands. Later on, as an adult, when I had some disposable income, I started getting professional skincare treatments. It had a psychological effect.
Did you ever feel stressed because of your skin's condition? Wing: In the past, I definitely felt like my skin was terrible. I cared a lot about my appearance, but as I got into makeup and skincare treatments, I gradually improved, and my anxiety decreased. Also, my skin is more stable now; I don't break out as much as I used to. It's like it has something to do with hormones.
[Interview ee]
W [Age]
[Ski
n co
21
ndit
ion]
Oily
Acne
] her
he/
[s ing
Do you believe that your skin's condition reflects some of your personal experiences or stories? Wing: It certainly can. I think a person's skin condition can reflect their age and lifestyle. When people are teenagers, they often have acne due to hormonal fluctuations. As they get older, they might develop wrinkles, and their skin might sag a bit. Factors like skin complexion and texture can also tell you a lot.
As of now, what aspects of your skin's condition do you pay the most attention to? Wing: Currently, it's still acne. I don't really worry about issues like sagging skin because I'm in my twenties; the focus is mainly on inflammation and acne.
Do you think that society spreads anxiety related to skin? Wing: To some extent, yes, because you look at beauty camera apps, they're always promoting skin smoothing. It's like they want everyone to pursue perfect skin. With the prevalence of beauty salons, everyone is getting all kinds of treatments.
"People should not be overly anxious about their skin. Embrace your uniqueness; everyone has their own beauty. Don't go for a onesize-fits-all standard. Even if some procedures can help you achieve it, the cost might be too high."
Mega Tell me a bit about the condition of your skin. Mega: Well, my skin is still going crazy with breakouts, which can be a bit embarrassing.
When did you first start noticing your skin? Mega: I noticed when I was in elementary school, seeing lots of my classmates getting acne. I wondered why I didn't have any. But, eventually, it happened to me too.
So, what did you start doing? Mega: I started using skincare products, like acne-fighting face wash. During that time, skincare brands were promoting these antiacne face washes, like that famous Mentholatum one. I'm sure many people have bought that.
How did you feel back then? Mega: Having acne, I initially thought that buying those products would surely 'save me'. But as I grew older and learned more, I realized that adult acne are different beasts. Skincare products could help a bit, but they couldn't fully fix the problem.
So, when you kept breaking out, did it make you anxious or selfconscious about what others might think? Mega: Well, in junior high, we're all just starting to grow up, so you definitely care more at that age because others notice and comment. People tend to point things out.
How did you deal with that kind of scrutiny? Mega: Even though I was young, I already had the mindset. I'd tell myself not to be too critical of others because I had flaws too.
Have your feelings about your skin changed? Mega: I have fewer breakouts now compared to back then. But even when I do get them, I don't really care anymore. *laughs*
Would you pay more attention if there were people you care? Mega: Maybe. I might, but they'd have to be at the level of a celebrity like Wu Yanzu for me to really care. In theory, it doesn't exist, so I'm still not bothered. I have a male colleague who is really concerned about his acne. He says no one in college ever saw him without makeup.
If someone is really anxious about their skin, what would you want to say to them? Mega: Well, if they really care, I might suggest spending money on some good products and avoiding foods that trigger breakouts. But if they're just saying they care without taking action, I'd tell them to stop bothering themselves. I'd advise them that it's okay, everyone goes through this.
There's no need to buy into the
w
Honestly, I've seen so many nat
e whole idea that women have to be fair-skinned.
aturally beautiful
girls
striving for more perfection.