Ep. 51: Embracing acne, with Afia Kufuor, AKA @dontpopthatspot

I’ve wanted to interview Afia Kuofor for a while now. She’s the face behind @dontpopthatspot, an Instagram account where she talks freely about her skin journey. As well as being a journalism student and presenter, Afia calls herself an acne activist. Over the past 10 years, since she was 12 years old, Afia's skin has had 'good' periods and what she refers to as ‘waves’ of acne.

In this episode Afia shares why she's decided not to try Roaccutane (yet) and why she decided to set up @dontpopthatspot. As someone who has existed with hormonal acne for several years, I really wanted to get to the heart of how Afia approaches acne with such calm acceptance. One thing that came out of this conversation for me, is how we refer to 'dealing' with, or 'suffering' with acne, or calling acne an 'issue'. It's clear that it goes way beyond what we see in the mirror. Thanks so much for listening. You can find me on Twitter and Instagram @beautymepodcast, and if you have time I would love if you could provide a review - it really helps the podcast be seen out there. See you next week!

Products mentioned:

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser: https://www.boots.com/cerave-hydrating-cleanser-236ml-10246701-

Neostrata Mandelic Clarifying Cleanser: https://www.skincity.co.uk/p-726-mandelic-clarifying-cleanser-200ml.aspx?slndg=56faa4c22706&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoffasL3F7AIVBKp3Ch1ItAbjEAQYAiABEgKDlPD_BwE

CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF25: https://www.boots.com/cerave-facial-moisturising-lotion-spf25-10246705-

Cetaphil Rich Night Cream: https://www.boots.com/cetaphil-rich-night-cream-10246698

Galderma Acnecide 5% Benzoyl Peroxide: https://www.superdrug.com/Health/Medicated-Skin/Acne-&-Spots-Treatment/Acnecide-Gel-Spot-Treatment-Benzoyl-Peroxide-30g/p/374606

Dots for Spots: https://dotsforspots.com