Can you still remember the time when you were still in your teenage years? O binaon nyo na sya sa memory box nyo? haha! Did you suffer any insecurities, low self esteem due to pimples, acne, and PMS-ing? I remember the time whenever I'll have a pimple right before my monthly period, I used to feel super conscious. Lalo na if alam kong makikita ko si crush that day. Lol! And of course, for just one pimple, super conscious na ako and afraid to go out. How about these teenagers who are suffering from bad acne, menstrual leaks, and odors? They can't chain themselves for life!
I remembered those things when I attended the Johnson & Johnson See The Real Me: Teen-Powerment Program held at Makati High School. I learned that today a troubling global statistic: 75% of adolescents aged 13-19 years old are growing up fearful adults, hesitant to show people who they are and to display their potential because they are afraid of being ridiculed or judged for their appearances.
Wow! Can't say I blame these teens. But, I'm glad Johnson and Johnson's latest campaign of See The Real Me will open their eyes to gain confidence and see their real beauty. J&J are here to correct our mindset. They are bravely changing the mindset of teen girls who are used to feeling unsure and held back by pimples and menstruation by giving them instead, the confidence and courage to show their real selves-- regardless of the changes happening in their bodies.
The ever pretty Joyce Pring hosted the event
Teens fear that their peers focus on the external, bodily manifestations of puberty like pimples, menstrual leaks, and odors instead of who they are inside and what they can do. As a result, instead of sharing their own thoughts and ideas, having fun, or participating in socio-civic activities that drive personal progress and development, they often choose to tuck their heads in a corner and stay on the sidelines.
“Our children are growing up in a world where they feel embarrassed and concerned over bodily changes that are actually normal and manageable,” said Gabrielle Solomon, Clean & Clear brand manager. “These teens will grow up thinking that having pimples, wetness, or menstruation stains are embarrassing and that having these prevents them from pursuing the opportunities available to them. They will think that so long as you are not the traditional, flawless kind of beautiful, or if you don’t work hard to hide your flaws, it will be difficult to stand out and show the world the real you.”
Gabrielle Solomon, Clean & Clear brand manager
J&J Philippines takes a brave stand with its recently launched, pioneering campaign entitled “See the Real Me.” Spearheaded by the company’s teen brands Clean & Clear, Modess, and Carefree, J&J wants to take the lead in correcting this mindset. It wants teens to understand that pimples, oil, menstruation, and wetness are not hindrances, but rather, milestones of a new chapter in their lives and a signal for them to show the world who they are and what they have to offer.
Krissy Villongco, one half of the titular online sensation Krissy and Ericka, and Clean & Clear brand ambassador, said, “J&J goes beyond the movement of increasing self-esteem by giving teens the courage to show their real selves. We’re really happy to be part of this campaign because Filipino teenage girls today need a strong support system. It feels good to know that J&J is making them and their emotional well-being a priority.”
See the Real Me anthem was debuted and performed by Krissy
Teen psychologist from Cribs Foundation, Aileen Sison talked more about the importance of celebrating puberty and having the courage to say #seetherealme.
J&J also provides platforms to make the campaign easily accessible to teen girls. Through digital media, it will be showing video testimonials about real teens talking about the challenges they encounter and expressing who they really are. And through on-ground efforts, there will be various educational teen programs in-store, as well as the J&J See the Real Me Teen-Powerment School Program. After three decades of partnerships with schools nationwide, J&J elevates its program by going beyond physical education and digging deeper into the psychological, emotional, and social components. This school program will initially go to hundreds of schools in the country, with the drive to help give teens the courage to show their real selves and tell them that puberty isn’t something to be scared of – and, on the contrary, that it should be celebrated.
For more information, log on to Johnson & Johnson’s brand pages and see how it is inspiring teens to have the courage to #seetherealme:
