Aljaz Skorjanec is known for his dazzling performances on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. His energy, charisma, and technical skill have made him a fan favourite. Yet, behind the scenes, Aljaz Skorjanec has faced a persistent and often invisible health challenge that has deeply affected his personal and professional life: psoriasis.
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition linked to a weakened immune system. For Aljaz Skorjanec, the journey began with a single, small symptom during his teenage years. He had just moved to Australia to pursue his dancing dreams, and the stress of adapting to a new environment triggered his first flare-up. The condition started subtly but soon became a daily struggle.
Living and Dancing with Psoriasis
The demands of professional dance are intense. Long rehearsals, constant movement, and bright stage lights put every dancer’s body on display. For Aljaz, the visual nature of psoriasis was especially challenging. He described how the condition began to affect his face, undermining his confidence and self-esteem.
He shared that waking up each morning and seeing the redness under his eyes was a harsh reminder of his ongoing battle. The flare-ups became particularly severe during the busiest times of his career, especially before starting Strictly Come Dancing. The combination of stress, lack of rest, and the physical demands of rehearsals made his symptoms worse. Sweat, which is acidic, irritated his skin further, making rehearsals even more difficult.
The Emotional Impact and Support System
Aljaz has been candid about the emotional toll of living with psoriasis. He admitted that the condition affected his mental health, especially given the public nature of his work. As a dancer, appearance and physical presentation are crucial, and psoriasis made him feel exposed and vulnerable.
Despite these struggles, Aljaz found strength in the support of his wife, Janette Manrara, and the Strictly team. The makeup and costume departments worked closely with him, offering practical solutions like long-sleeved costumes and extra makeup to help him feel comfortable on stage. Their understanding and encouragement played a vital role in helping him manage the condition during performances.
Searching for Solutions and Raising Awareness
Over the years, Aljaz tried many treatments to control his psoriasis. For a long time, steroid creams were the only remedy that offered relief. However, he remained determined to find a more sustainable solution. His persistence led him to Medovie, a skincare brand that uses natural ingredients. After connecting with the company’s scientific founder, Aljaz began using their products and saw significant improvement in his skin, describing it as the best it had looked in a decade without steroids.
Aljaz’s openness about his health condition has helped break the stigma around chronic skin issues. He actively encourages others with psoriasis to seek support and not let the condition define them. He emphasizes that while psoriasis is not pleasant and requires ongoing management, it is possible to live with it and maintain a positive outlook.
Inspiring Others Through Honesty
By sharing his story, Aljaz Skorjanec has become an advocate for people living with chronic skin conditions. He hopes that his experiences will inspire others to be kinder to themselves and to seek help when needed. His journey highlights the importance of mental resilience, community support, and the ongoing search for effective treatments.
Aljaz’s message is clear: even those who appear confident and successful can face unseen battles. His willingness to speak out about psoriasis has helped many fans see that living with a chronic condition is not a weakness but a testament to strength and perseverance.