Do You Need Perfectly Clear Skin to Become a Model? | Synonym (2024)

Modeling is a career where appearance is of paramount importance. Because many models are between the ages of 15 and 25, when hormone levels are fluctuating the most, and because the heavy cosmetics, bright lights and stress some forms of modeling require can wreak havoc on the skin, preventing blemishes can be a concern for many models and hopeful models.

Explore this article

  • The Facts
  • Types of Models
  • Model Requirements
  • Benefits
  • Solutions

1 The Facts

Models use their appearance to convey a message and encourage people to buy the product that they are selling. Models may appear in person, in showrooms or fashion shows, or in print, in posters and magazines.

A model's appearance, including skin quality, plays a role in how successfully you can convey your message.

2 Types of Models

There are several different kinds of models.

Fashion models, also called editorial models, are the best-known. These models---like Kate Moss and Adriana Lima---appear in magazine fashion spreads and advertisem*nts. Because photos can be edited, minor skin problems are not usually detrimental to fashion models.

Runway models, who walk in fashion shows, may also work as fashion models. Runway models are usually viewed from a distance so some minor skin problems might be OK.

Commercial models, who appear in catalogs and ad campaigns, often have the strictest skin requirements since there are many more commercial models than other kinds of models. Given a choice between a model with perfect skin and a model who has skin problems, an agent will usually choose the model who needs the least post-production photo editing.

Body models, who model hands, feet, arms or other body parts, only need perfect skin on the body part they plan to model.

3 Model Requirements

Clear skin is not required for modeling, but it is an advantage.

In general, female models should be at least 5-foot-6 or taller for commercial work and 5-8 or taller for fashion and editorial modeling. Men should be at least 5-9 to model in commercial or editorial campaigns.

Models, particularly fashion models, are usually very thin, since they need to be able to fit into designer sample sizes. Commercial models can weigh more than fashion models.

4 Benefits

There are several reasons perfect skin can be a benefit to a model.

For beauty and cosmetic campaigns, clear skin is essential. Models who do not have perfect skin are unlikely to be booked for these campaigns even if their photos could be touched up.

Post-production photo touch-ups can be costly, and many people are unwilling to spend the money required on a new model when they could book a model with clear skin instead. Established models who have made a name for themselves in the industry are more likely to be able to get away with skin problems.

Perfect skin also helps a model stand out at go-sees and castings. It can be hard for agents to see past imperfections, even if they could easily be covered with makeup or in post-production.

5 Solutions

Hopeful models who are worried about the quality of their skin should visit a dermatologist. Many treatments can prevent and minimize blemishes, as well as treatments that can clean up acne scars.

About the Author

Holly Roberts is an award-winning health and fitness writer whose work has appeared in health, lifestyle and fitness magazines. Roberts has also worked as an editor for health association publications and medical journals. She has been a professional writer for more than 10 years and holds a B.A. in English and an M.A. in literature.

Do You Need Perfectly Clear Skin to Become a Model? | Synonym (2024)

FAQs

Do you need to have clear skin to be a model? ›

What a lot don't know is that it can make or break a modelling career! An inside tip to our followers: for editorial fashion photo shoots makeup artists do not use foundation on models' skin, EVER! Models need to have clean and flawless skin on their face and even body, if they want to get work.

Can you be a model with imperfect skin? ›

As always, there are models that have defied the stereotypical requirements and forged successful careers in high fashion despite their “imperfections”. One such model is Winnie Harlow , who has vitiligo . Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes the skin to lose its pigment .

Do you need clear skin to be an actress? ›

Nope! There are a number of female actors with flawed (aka normal human) skin. For actors in a category where idealized beauty important, makeup and lighting are used to achieve the desired look. Most of us are cast in roles that don't require that, so it's generally not an issue.

Do you have to have no acne to be a model? ›

If the job is a runway show, your face will be seen from a distance and your acne will be covered by heavy stage makeup. Print jobs that show your face close up are always retouched, so blemishes can be removed with a click of the mouse. If the job is a television commercial, a poor complexion could be a deal breaker.

How do models avoid acne? ›

"Cleansing properly is so important to make sure the pores are completely detoxed and clear of any makeup," Joanna says, adding that not making the time to wash your face at night "guarantees breakouts the next morning." While she recommends using her Miracle Bar cleanser, using a makeup wipe right before you pass out ...

Does face matter in modeling? ›

No matter what type of modelling you want to get into, having a strong model face is going to be super important. What is a model face I hear you ask? Well, a model face is that serious, strong, and powerful face you've probably seen models do literally EVERYWHERE.

How do models get flawless skin? ›

In addition, they incorporate habits into their lifestyle that keep their skin healthy. In order to get model skin, there are essential demands that you must meet to keep your skin happy. These include adequate water intake, cleansing, proper nutrition, moisturizing, and sunscreen.

Do I have to be pretty to be a model? ›

Being a model isn't just about being “good looking” or “pretty.” There are a lot of beautiful people in the world. If you're serious about getting into modeling, it's important to have “a look.” There should be something unique about the way you look or the way you're built.

Is it OK to have scars as a model? ›

I have acne scars – can I still become a model? Don't worry about your acne scars, they won't affect you in any way. Always remember that our differences make us unique the way we are!

How important is clear skin for attractiveness? ›

The Role of Facial Skin in Attractiveness

One of the most desirable facial attributes, especially in females, is flawless skin. Several studies have underscored the importance of smooth, blemish-free skin in attractiveness ratings5. Even in men, skin hom*ogeneity has been linked to increased appeal6.

Can I be an actress if I'm not pretty? ›

Yes and no. What you look like matters because it's relevant to how you'll be cast. But you don't have to be conventionally attractive to be a successful actor. In fact it can be limiting.

Why are actors skin so clear? ›

They visit their dermatologist often to see what treatments, procedures, and products will work best for them. They use Botox, fillers, sunscreen, chemical peels, and IPL/photofacial. It's not that they have access to anything unique — it's that they actually get the treatments.

Can you be a model without clear skin? ›

So yes, it is possible to get signed to modeling agency even with acne, but most agencies will tell you to resubmit once your face is cleared up and some will go ahead and sign you then…it is all situational based. Overall, you have much more chances to get signed and book paid work when your skin clears up.

Do girls find acne unattractive? ›

Studies show that teenage girls suffer significant distress from acne, which makes many feel unattractive. Even mild acne can affect one's emotional health. This is especially true for teenage girls. In studies, teen girls often say that acne makes them feel unattractive.

Is clear skin important for attractiveness? ›

The faces with radiant and smooth skin can enhance perceptions of health and attractiveness and convey various positive impressions to the observers, while the faces with skin blemishes convey the impression of unhealthy and incompetent,” the study authors explained.

Does skin Colour matter in modelling? ›

Colour of your skin is immaterial. Certain modeling requirements prefer a darker skin tone in fact.

Is it normal for models to have acne? ›

Since this condition is so common, it also has its place in the modeling industry. Brands don't want the perfect model who owns an unreachable beauty anymore. Instead, they're looking for real and diverse people with imperfections their customers can relate to.

How do models keep their face clear? ›

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

I moisturize a lot—day and night. I usually change my skin products according to the seasons, for winter and summer. My skin is very oily, so I tend to opt for a lighter moisturizer. I love Kora Organics by Miranda [Kerr]—its cleanser is the product I really, really love.

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