Life With a Difference
A space to celebrate and empower individuals with visible differences.
Through my work as a patient advocate I've had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people with stories that I believe we could all benefit from hearing.
This podcast aims to share those stories, experiences, and journeys of those living with unique appearances. Through candid conversations and inspiring interviews, we aim to challenge stereotypes, foster understanding, increase empathy and kindness and build a community where everyone feels seen and heard.
Join us as we explore topics ranging from self-acceptance and advocacy to the everyday triumphs and challenges faced by our guests. Whether you have a visible difference or simply want to learn more, you’re invited to be part of our conversation and discover the beauty in diversity.
Subscribe now to help create a kinder and more inclusive world.
Life With a Difference
Sun Safety, Skin Research & Stigma | Lisa Bickerstaffe, British Skin Foundation
n this episode of Life With a Difference, I sit down with Lisa Bickerstaffe, Head of Communications at the British Skin Foundation (BSF). Lisa has been with BSF for over a decade, leading campaigns that raise awareness of skin health, skin disease, and skin cancer while supporting vital dermatology research.
We cover:
• The mission of the British Skin Foundation and why skin research matters
• How skin health campaigns have evolved with social media & TikTok trends
• The impact of sun safety and the award-winning “Burnable Billboard” campaign
• Psychological effects of living with a skin condition
• Stigma and discrimination faced by people with visible differences
• The importance of diverse skin images in healthcare and inclusive dermatology
• How the public can support BSF’s work and get involved
⸻
Show links:
https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/
https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/which-sunscreen-is-right-for-me
🕒 Timestamps / Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
00:11 – Who is Lisa Bickerstaffe?
01:00 – How communications at BSF has evolved
02:20 – TikTok skin trends and social media challenges
03:43 – The British Skin Foundation’s mission
06:12 – Covering 2,000+ skin conditions with a small team
07:16 – Working as a team of eight at BSF
08:44 – Collaboration with other skin charities
10:17 – Psychological effects of skin conditions
12:01 – Sun safety & the importance of SPF from childhood
13:33 – Misconceptions about skin cancer
14:37 – Why skin conditions aren’t taken seriously enough
16:21 – Mineral vs chemical sunscreens explained
20:11 – The Burnable Billboard campaign
24:26 – Stigma and discrimination around skin conditions
27:16 – Teaching children about visible difference & kindness
30:52 – Reframe Project: inclusive medical images across skin tones
33:27 – The challenge of diagnosing conditions on darker skin
35:20 – Advocacy and the importance of pushing for referrals
36:28 – How patients can support BSF’s work
37:58 – Services BSF offers to patients & the A–Z of skin
40:26 – Educating children about equality and skin health in schools
43:40 – Upcoming BSF 30th anniversary projects (2026)
44:58 – Building community with patients & advocates
46:08 – Final thoughts: “We’re all united by skin”
⸻
👉 Subscribe to Life With a Difference for more conversations with patients, clinicians, and advocates.
#BritishSkinFoundation #Dermatology #SkinHealth #Eczema #SkinCancer #VisibleDifference
Social media:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lifewithadifferencepodcast/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewithadifference
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-collinson/
Please get in touch if I can help in any way
Blog:
https://www.lifewithadifference.info/
buymeacoffee.com/lifewithadifference