THE SKIN I'M IN: Breaking Beauty Barriers is an on-going portrait series project celebrating individuals living with visible skin and body conditions, such as vitiligo, eczema, burns, major scars, keloids, albinism, alopecia, rare skin conditions, physical changes due to injury, limb difference, and more. Through powerful, editorial-style photography, this series aims to challenge conventional beauty standards and honor the strength, stories, and visibility of real people. Inspired by the photographer’s own skin journey, the project is volunteer-based and open to adults 18+. Selected participants receive their professional portrait and are featured in an upcoming exhibition.
The Skin I’m In photo project is supported by a Queens Arts Fund New Works Grant, administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) in partnership with the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs DCLA). Thank you.
The galleries below present highlights from the public exhibition THE SKIN I’M IN at LIC Arts Center, Long Island City, New York (December 28, 2025), followed by the complete photographic series shown as individual works with narratives from the participants about their skin conditions. Images may be selected to view at a larger scale.
Pri the Honeydark - Chronic Eczema : “ As the photographer and creator of THE SKIN I’M IN project, I wanted to empower those living with diverse skin and body conditions within an unfortunate society that glorifies a cookie-cutter standard of beauty and acceptance, NOT real life! This project was inspired by my own experience living with severe eczema since I was a toddler. I have been hospitalized for it numerous times in my life all the way to adulthood. I have been scarred, and have dealt with stress triggers which have put me out of commission for weeks. I am at the point in my life where I no longer focus on the public appearance or texture of my skin as I did when I was younger. It is liberating to not care so much! To stop wearing long sleeves and long pants in the summer, and to start loving my skin as intended! I want everyone to feel this liberation. I want everyone to be free, while embracing the skin/body they are in, no matter what that liberation looks like for them!
Dex - Chronic Eczema & Acne: “My name is Dex! As a woman growing up with severe acne and eczema I grew up very insecure about my skin and still am, I want to be in a space where my strength to accept myself and still love the body I was born with is celebrated, I want to be seen for the skin I am in.”
Carlene - VitiIigo: "I am a 35 year young Brooklynite and Vitiligo warrior. Vitiligo is a skin disorder which causes melanin loss in the skin, but in 'losing' melanin I found myself and a true purpose. Instead of it holding me back, my skin disorder made me determined to push through the many barriers of conventional beauty. It is my motivation to pursue an art I am extremely passionate about. I began modeling at the age of 17 and have grown tremendously over the years in crafting a walk I can call my own.”
Curtis - Childhood Injury: “I was dragged along the right side of my body so I have a very visible leg scar above the knee of the right leg. It's been there since the age of 6. Growing up I was extremely insecure with it but through adult life I have reconnected with it as a source of inspiration and a blessing. I didn't grow up wealthy but because of that accident I was able to start life with a cushion. It truly was a blessing in disguise. “
Emily - Burn Survivor: “ My scars as a burn survivor are beautiful and powerful and just make me “ME” now. I want other people to not feel sorry for me when they see me with these scars, but feel that I am just me, another person who made it through something, and these scars show that.”
Burg Nation: “ I am a music artist, record label CEO, director, producer, writer & actor. I been half of my life with vitiligo. It was hard to adjust at first. People gave me a hard time, but my relationship with GOD made me love my special skin more & more, so now I am an advocate for anyone going through what I went through with vitiligo. We are special & beautiful. AMEN. So I feel this project touches my heart.”
Jessica - Chronic Eczema: “ I developed severe eczema at the age of 2 and my relationship with my skin has played an important role in the person I’ve become. In fact, as a writer, I’ve wanted to write a book of personal essays called “Love in the Time of Eczema” capturing my experience learning to love the skin I’m in and how that has impacted my romantic relationships. I’ve recently become a mother (my son will be 2 soon) and while he hasn’t shown signs of eczema, he was born with a large, unique birthmark. I think my experience overcoming insecurities about my skin has put me in the position to instill a sense of self love in my son and I’m so grateful for that.”
Sosa - Surgery Scars: “Just had emergency appendix surgery and literally got discharged... I have had previous surgeries on my body and never took my health seriously till now but I see and I just think some need to know. I want people talking about this. I caught it so suddenly my scar is gorgeous but messy...”
Angel - Breast Cancer: “ Had several surgeries but most recently double mastectomy and deip flap leaving scare on chest and abdomen. Relearning my body and to live the skin I am in. And learning to prioritize self love.”
Kiah - Neurofibromatosis (NF1): “ I was born with a skin condition called Neurofibromatosis (NF1) leaving small and large permanent bumps all over my skin. I have learned to love and embrace who I am, I wear bikinis I wear those crop tops. I’m proud of the skin I am in as my later mother and sisters wear the same skin. I’m thankful for love from those who see me for who I am.”
Mel - Vitiligo: “ I’ve had vitiligo since I was two years old. Wasn’t an easy journey to maneuver through especially as a kid however it’s allowed me to own the room now. I would like to join this project because we need to be seen in a different light. These day I truly love the skin I’m in and I would love the opportunity to work with y’all on this project.”
Tara - Acne: “ I’ve encountered acne, hyperpigmentation and eczema which are not embraced by the perfectionism of the entertainment industry. For over 20 years I have chosen to unapologetically share my gifts without piling tons of cake face make up to hide the skin I’m in. I participated in this for whoever it might inspire”
Shannon - Childhood Injury Scar: “ How I got my scar? Well from what I remembered I was being chase by one of my childhood friends who is no longer with us. I ended up colliding with my God brother and his bike and we both fell. I remember when I came too I got up and I was feeling numb and I saw blood dripping from my face and when I got home and looked in the mirror I saw my face half of it was down to the white and I had a gash under my eye. My mom took me to the hospital so they can clean me up and make sure I didn't have an concussion. I remember after that accident I slept in the living for a while until I healed but my confidence of how I looked was destroyed. It really made me very self conscious on how I looked and felt. I went into a deep depression because of it. It took me a long time to embrace my scar for me to feel comfortable with it. I still have some issues with my confidence however I know eventually I will grow and blossom through it all. ”