The world currently knows Jonathan Van Ness as the lovable, hilarious, long-haired personality on Netflix's reboot of Queer Eye, which has quickly become something of a sob-inducing phenomenon since it first aired in February. As one-fifth of the Fab Five, Van Ness's role as The Groomer is to make the show's participants feel like their best selves via grooming makeovers — and by empowering them with the tools to get the same results on their own. It's not hard to see how skilled the hairstylist is at connecting with contestants on-screen, but two weeks ago, Van Ness resonated with people in a totally new way when he opened up about having psoriasis on Instagram.

The post in question featured a stunning shot of Van Ness showing off his psoriasis spots with the caption, "Sickeningly Gorge, I left my psoriasis & my body unretouched, why should I dim my shine henny?" which went on to amass an earthquake-sized response from those also with psoriasis, as well as those who were inspired by his candidness. And after spending an hour with Van Ness and chatting with him about his personal experience with the skin condition, I can happily confirm he is just that: candid. Not once did he seem shy or unwilling to talk about his situation, which is something that can't always be said for others out there who feel ashamed of their skin due to the fact that rashes, like psoriasis, are still so stigmatized to this day.

This all to say: With the help of Van Ness, Allure is out to change that. It's one of our missions to show the world and the people battling skin conditions how unequivocally beautiful they are — spots or no spots — and that the so-called "imperfections" are what ultimately make us so exquisite and unique. Upon meeting the Netflix star, you would never know he has a skin condition, but that's kind of what's so cool about the whole thing. Psoriasis isn't something he is obligated to talk about or share with his followers, yet it's something he chose to do anyway to raise awareness and show others they're not alone.

As someone who struggles with a chronic skin condition herself, I was eager to hear what he had to say in person about his experience — and just as I expected, he didn't disappoint. Ahead, find out how Van Ness cares for his psoriasis, what he wants others with the condition to know, and how he finally found self-acceptance through it all.