Elman makes the point that even in films that talk about illness the “actors have no marks, not one single scar, because that would be too realistic, not pretty, no matter who you are”.

Through the voices of five women, the body positive coach gives an insight into how sadly it’s the superficial that troubles her more than anything:

“I’m scarred from surgery that saved my life, but it’s my beauty, the evidence, that causes me strife. Instead of dealing with the PTSD these surgeries left me, I’m struggling with these scars wondering if I’m still pretty. Lines staring back at me like it was some sick game, taunting me every day, looking at my reflection.”

Elman questions: “why do we spend our time worrying about stretch marks, cellulite and scars, when the important thing is that our bodies are ours?

“Ours to own, ours to use, ours to decorate. It’s time that we start teaching girls that their scars don’t define their life. We all have a story, a struggle, a past.”

Ending the video, which you can watch below, on a galvanising note, Elman urges viewers to stop believing the “ridiculous farce” that social media promotes and to join her in being, yes scarred, but not scared of being yourself.

This incredible body-positive activist is encouraging women to love their scars