‘I’ve had pimples for 14 years and really feel stunning – you shouldn’t pop your spots’

A woman who has been covered in acne for 14 years revealed how she managed to fall in love with her skin again – despite cruel misconceptions.

Afia Kufuor, 25, from London, got her first spot when she was 11-years-old.

Although getting your first pimple is often a marker of puberty to many, the presenter and skin positivity advocate was dealing with more than what she was told to be ‘typical teenage spots’.

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But the spots continued to become more severe, and her self-esteem began to suffer where she would shut herself away from the world.

After being prescribed what felt like a ‘million’ different products and treatments and dealing with the ‘worst’ acne during university, Afia had enough of her life baring the brunt from acne.

Over a decade on, mum Afia still has acne and she’s not afraid of it anymore.

She’s now become a social media content creator and advocate where she dispels the myths of acne and has encouraged others to embrace their skin to ‘not pop’ their spots.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Star, Afia candidly shared: “Your face is the first thing people see, and dealing with acne on top of all the hormonal changes during your teenage years was tough.

“Others around me had a few spots here and there, but nothing like mine, leading me to often think, ‘Why me?’ and wonder if things would ever change.”

Afia not only had to deal with her acne, but also how society views it. Often, acne or pimples are seen as a sign of ‘dirty’ skin – which is a misconception.

After feeling alone in her acne while studying at uni, Afia decided to start the ‘Don’t Pop That Spot’ community to create a ‘safe place for acne babes’.

Since then, she’s been on a mission to spread the word about acne near and far.

And Afia even featured on an ITV documentary with Georgia Toffolo discussing all things skin and the pursuit of finding the ‘perfect’ kind.

However, Afia realised that with or without acne – she’s still beautiful.

She said: “I want people to know that acne is more common than you think; you’re not alone, and I see you.

“Your beauty isn’t defined by the condition of your skin but by the beauty within your heart.

“For those in media, skincare, and beauty industries: include acne and other skin conditions more in your narratives.

“The upcoming generation is greatly impacted by the distorted realities they see on social media, so be part of the movement that showcases realness.”

Afia is hosting the Don’t Pop That Spot exhibition today (Saturday, June 22) to bring her online community together to talk about all things acne for ‘Acne Month’.

Even top skincare brands like INKEY List are getting involved, along with models who have acne and workshops on how to ‘love your acne’.

The mum has come a long way since shutting herself and her acne away from the world, but now, thanks to body positivity, the world is her oyster.

Afia concluded: “I created the platform to document my journey with alternative treatments like dietary changes, facials, and supplements.

“I’m incredibly proud of the community I’ve built, providing a refreshing alternative to the highly filtered world of social media.

“I’m excited about this new chapter, bringing people together in person with the Don’t Pop That Spot Exhibition, creating the safe space I needed when I was younger to feel more confident, accepted, and worthy.”

You can find Afia’s Don’t Pop That Spot community on Instagram here and tickets to the exhibition can be found here