Simone Biles Opens Up About Eczema and Skin Confidence

Published: October 16, 2026 Last Updated 14 hours ago by FPN

As someone whose career has involved performing under intense scrutiny, Simone Biles knows what it feels like to have every detail watched. 

Yet, even a decorated Olympic champion can struggle with something that has little to do with medals or competition: the discomfort of living with a visible skin condition.

Biles is now speaking publicly about her experience with eczema and seborrheic dermatitis as the face of Skin to Believe In, a new awareness campaign with dermatology company Arcutis Biotherapeutics. 

In her interview with ESSENCE, the gymnast discusses the frustration of persistent itching and flare-ups, the self-consciousness she experienced, and the decision to seek professional help after years of trying to manage her symptoms herself.

Her experience brings attention to a part of beauty and personal care that can be difficult to discuss openly. People often treat skin conditions as cosmetic concerns, especially when they affect visible areas such as the face, arms, and scalp. 

For people living with persistent symptoms, however, the experience can extend beyond appearance, affecting comfort, confidence and everyday routines.

Simone Biles Wants People With Eczema to Seek Help

Biles first noticed patches of irritated skin while she was younger and training. 

At the time, she assumed environmental factors were responsible. As the symptoms continued to flare unpredictably and spread to her scalp, she became increasingly concerned.

In her ESSENCE interview, Biles recalls feeling embarrassed by the changes in her skin.

She also describes spending time searching online and trying remedies before realising she needed professional guidance. An official diagnosis eventually helped her understand what she was experiencing.

The gymnast was diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, as well as seborrheic dermatitis affecting her face and scalp.

Although the two conditions can share symptoms such as itching and inflammation, they are distinct conditions that require appropriate diagnosis and management.

Atopic dermatitis can cause dry, itchy, inflamed skin, with flare-ups that improve and return over time.

Seborrheic dermatitis commonly affects areas rich in oil glands, including the scalp and face, and can cause persistent flaking, itching and irritation. Neither condition is contagious, but both can affect a person’s quality of life.

For Biles, the experience also brought concerns about how other people might perceive her skin.

With frequent public appearances, photo shoots, and red-carpet events, she became self-conscious about the possibility that people would notice her symptoms. 

The sports star highlighted the emotional pressure that can accompany a condition that is difficult to conceal, especially in spaces where appearance receives constant attention.

What the ‘Skin to Believe In’ Campaign Means for Beauty and Wellness

The Skin to Believe In campaign encourages people living with inflammatory skin conditions to speak with healthcare professionals about their symptoms and available treatment options.

Biles has partnered with Arcutis as part of that effort, sharing her experience with the company’s prescription treatment, ZORYVE.

She uses ZORYVE cream for her atopic dermatitis and ZORYVE foam for seborrheic dermatitis. 

The two formulations are designed for different conditions, and the campaign highlights their steroid-free approach to topical treatment. 

ZORYVE is a prescription medication, so its suitability depends on an individual’s diagnosis and medical circumstances. Biles’ experience should not be taken as a guarantee that the treatment will work in the same way for everyone.

The partnership also creates an opportunity to discuss how skin conditions appear across different skin tones. 

Eczema does not always look like the bright redness often seen.

On darker skin, inflammation can appear brown, purple, grey, or as small, rough bumps. Pigmentation changes may also remain after a flare-up has settled. 

These differences can make it harder for people to recognise their symptoms when the examples they see do not reflect their own skin.

For Black women in particular, better representation in conversations about skin health matters.

Beauty content frequently centres on achieving a particular complexion or concealing visible imperfections, leaving less room for honest discussions about chronic conditions. Biles’ openness creates space for those conversations without suggesting anyone needs flawless skin to feel confident.

Her campaign ultimately centres on a message that extends beyond a particular product: seeking help is a reasonable and necessary part of caring for yourself.

The gymnast’s experience shows that even someone accustomed to performing under pressure can struggle to acknowledge a health concern and ask for support.

By speaking openly about eczema and seborrheic dermatitis, Simone Biles is helping bring greater visibility to conditions that millions of people manage in their daily lives.

The hope is that more people will recognise their symptoms, feel less alone and approach skin health with the same seriousness they give other aspects of their wellbeing.

Photo: ESSENCE