### Esther Hong's Journey with Eczema Esther Hong, a full-time actor, model, and social media influencer, has had a long journey with atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema. Diagnosed at the age of 5, Esther has faced the challenges of this skin condition, which causes itchiness, dry skin, and discoloration. Despite these struggles, she has learned to embrace her condition and share her experiences openly. #### Early Struggles Growing up, Esther often felt self-conscious about her eczema. The condition first appeared on her arms and later spread to her eyes, Cupid’s bow, and neck. The itchiness and discomfort sometimes made her reluctant to leave the house or even cancel gigs. #### Turning Point In March 2020, Esther decided to leave her full-time marketing job to pursue a more creatively fulfilling career. She began building her brand on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Initially, she tested and reviewed skin products, but many of them triggered flare-ups, making her feel vulnerable. #### Embracing Eczema One day, Esther decided to change her approach. She started posting videos without filters, showing what eczema looks like for her and how she manages it. This openness resonated with many people, and she received overwhelming support from the beauty and TikTok communities. #### Managing Eczema on Set As an actor, Esther often needs to wear makeup, which can exacerbate her eczema. Through trial and error, she has learned to manage her condition by using her own makeup, washing her face before and after applying makeup, and removing it as soon as possible. #### Advocacy and Acceptance Esther aims to challenge conventional beauty standards and advocate for beauty beyond the perfect look. She wants to be seen as someone who has overcome insecurities and is proud of who she is today. Her journey shows that it's possible to pursue your dreams despite having a chronic skin condition like eczema.