Carly Findlay

Writer, speaker, appearance activist. Loving life!

  • About me
  • Say Hello – my book
  • Hire me!
  • Support Me
  • Contact
  • What is Ichthyosis?
  • Ichthyosis + appearance diversity resources
  • Disclaimer
  • Shop
  • Guest post contribution guidelines
  • Growing Up Disabled in Australia

Don’t let the world make you feel your skin, face and body should not be seen.

February 10, 2017 Carly Findlay Leave a Comment

I haven’t blogged for ages, I’m sorry. I’ve done a lot in the media, though – that’s why it’s been so busy. This weekend I’m working on a big blog, and another secret project, so keep an eye out for those.

Tonight I wrote this for Facebook and thought I’d publish it here.

This is what ichthyosis looks like.

It’s not often I show off my body – in photos or in real life. It’s not that I am embarrassed of my body – of  the redness or super dry skin. I’m not embarrassed or ashamed.

I cover up because I am often sore, want to protect myself from the sun, bumps and scratches, and I’m always always cold. I want to prevent infection. Plus I use paraffin to moisturise and it’s really hard rubbing against furniture etc. (People have told me to cover up in the past, or not to wear certain colours as they clash with my redness.)

I’m quite proud of my body. It’s quite nice, really. And I’m proud that no matter how sore I get, that I sheds 28 days of skin in one day, and that it’s itchy and prone to infection, my body keeps going. Like magic. I can move, I can think, I am happy, and gosh I look young (thanks rapid renewal freaky genes!).

I was very sore for a long time – a good (bad?) almost two years. My body didn’t feel or look it’s best, in respect of skin and weight/shape.

But now I am experiencing much less pain, have less stress in my life, and have more time to look after me because I’m working more flexibly (but probably more than I did when I had a full time day job). I decided that it’s time to go back to the gym today. I went for half an hour tonight, and hope to go a few nights after work from now on. I considered using the heated pool, too. So I picked up a va-va-voom pair of bathers and cute beach skirt after the gym.

 For the five minutes I tried on the bathers, I felt FABULOUS. I’m feeling (and looking) pretty well right now so I want to keep that up. I’m feeling comfortably back in my size 10 clothes again (though these swimmers are a 12 because BOOBS).

Adam isn’t home to take a photo. But the kitchen lighting was flattering and I had a post gym glow, so I snapped some selfies. Hashtag no filter. Hashtag I need a selfie stick. Of course I sent the pics to him first – and I felt like a blushing teenager when he wrote back “wow you look amazing”.

 If you’ve got a skin condition, or something else that makes you look different – cover up for comfort, not because you feel like you have to hide. Stop hiding! (So many people write to me saying they hide and cover up because they’re embarrassed by how they look – I’m so sad to read their pain.)

Wear clothes that make you feel beautiful.

 Don’t read the magazines that tell you dry skin and dandruff is unsightly.

Ignore the people who stare at you.

Remember the compliments you’ve received, forget all the nasty remarks.

Don’t let the world make you feel your skin, face and body should not be seen.

Has this blog post made you think or laugh? Why not buy me a drink to show your gratitude? Thanks! 

 Here’s the original post on Facebook if you want to check out the comments.

Share this:

  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related

appearance diversity, disability, ichthyosis

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Socials

  • View tune.into.radio.carly’s profile on Facebook
  • View @carlyfindlay’s profile on Twitter
  • View carlyfindlay’s profile on Instagram
  • View sqoggle’s profile on YouTube

Book me to speak

Sign up for some love in your inbox

Listen to my podcast

Tune in

Enter your email address to receive new posts by email.

Archives

Popular Posts

  • What's with the image descriptions on my social media posts?
  • The death of Offspring's Dr Patrick Reid. The TV death that stopped a nation.
  • Sixteen + books on disability by disabled writers.
  • Book review - Raceless by Georgina Lawton
  • Six at Best - Eddie Perfect - Offspring
  • On Valentine’s Day
  • Disability is not a bad thing! - My keynote speech for International Day of People with Disability in Albury Wodonga
  • Interview with Beth Bradfield from Malory Towers
  • Coke is my washing machine miracle - it de-greases clothes and the machine.
  • Say the words

Copyright

The material on Tune into Radio Carly is copyright. The writing in this blog is by Carly Findlay unless otherwise stated. Most photos in this blog are by Carly Findlay unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without permission from Carly Findlay. This blog represents my personal opinions and experiences. It does not reflect those of my employers'. The information I provide about ichthyosis is mostly based on personal experiences. Please seek medical advice or counseling before trying any new treatments I've written about. Where stared, I use affiliate links on this blog. By clicking them, I receive a small percentage of the purchase.

Copyright © 2021 · Daily Dish Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.