Typically, most models and influencers use their social media presence to showcase the best side of themselves. However, this one Instagram model had decided to use the platform as a way to show off her body’s “flaws”.
Karina Irby, an Australian model and swimwear designer, has made it her mission to lead by example when it comes to body positivity. By not retouching her photos and flaunting her “flaws” like cellulite and eczema scars, she wants young women everywhere to embrace their natural beauty as they are.
In 2018, Karina took a bold move by deciding that she would no longer retouch any of her photos when she was 28 years old. This was a huge deal for someone in her line of work since models are often expected to have perfect skin with no bumps or bruises in sight.
According to ThoughtNova, Karina opened up on Instagram about why showing off our raw selves is so important: “I like to post content online of what I want to see more of on social media…I WISH I could have seen someone flaunt their natural ‘flaws’ just to show me that they aren’t flaws at all.” These encouraging words from the body positivity activist make us believe that embracing our imperfections can actually be liberating.
Karina also demonstrates how much editing goes into creating an “Instagram-ready” photo – including posing. In one post featuring two images side-by-side, she showed a transformation from posing with tight abs and loose bottoms compared with relaxing with a bloated tummy while wearing them differently.
She explains that although there is nothing wrong with posting pictures you think you look good in, it is essential never judge yourself based on other people’s online personas because one image cannot accurately represent someone’s beauty or health.
We need more people like Karina who understand that things like skin rolls and bloating are normal occurrences rather than something we should be ashamed of.
