A recent research study reveals which celebrities help Americans feel more confident.
 
The data shows that generally, people are over being ashamed of their scars and imperfections, with 81% admitting they wouldn’t feel like themselves without them. Acne (30%), stretch marks (29%) and surgery scars (28%) are just some of the blemishes that people were insecure about for a long time.

Three in five Americans said they’d like to see more characters with visible flaws on the big screen (63%) and 60% of these respondents said this would help them feel more represented.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of the scar treatment brand Mederma, the survey found that 65% used to go to great lengths to cover up their imperfections or wear clothes to hide them — but 54% feel like they’re not being true to themselves when they do.

Now, most of those who have easily visible scars on their body (851) said it makes them feel empowered (68%) and unique (80%).

The results found that 86% are even comfortable with sharing the story of how they got their scar, with a similar percentage agreeing they’d talk to others about it if it helped them feel more confident about theirs, too (88%).

It may have taken a long time for people to gain this confidence, though. More than half of Americans deal with low confidence often (56%).

This may be because 59% are worried that others will notice imperfections that they notice about themselves. A similar percentage said concern over how their blemishes look to others has had a negative impact on their mental health (56%).

Sixty-one percent said that they’re mentally at a place where they’ve conquered insecurities and 56% agree that owning their insecurities helps them feel empowered.

More than a third of those with scars said they were able to mentally and emotionally heal with advice from those with similar scars or imperfections (38%).