I have grappled with acne since I was a teenager and it has left me emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted.
It started with blackheads here and there, but blackheads soon turned into fiery red bumps, and it only got worse from there. I started getting little red bumps all over my face and especially on my cheeks. My self-esteem took a hit as I became increasingly self-conscious about my appearance. I picked up a bad habit of picking on my acne until they were raw and bleeding in hopes that it would disappear, but instead, it left behind more scars than I could count. I didn’t have anyone in my life to teach me that all I really needed to do was treat my skin with kindness.
This led me to YouTube’s “get rid of acne instantly” videos and in my desperation, I followed their advice and put everything in my face from toothpaste to baking soda which only exacerbated the problem and absolutely destroyed my skin barrier. It got to the point where I started getting painful red cystic acne all over my cheeks. This was around the time I entered university and I felt such a deep sense of shame about my appearance that I began wearing makeup as a means of covering up my acne and avoiding judgment from others.
The fear of being judged was not unfounded. I had been hearing things like “what did you do to your skin, it used to look so much better” or “no one will marry you if you have pimples on your face, you should try this remedy to fix it” from those close to me. With each comment, my self-confidence plummeted a bit more until I could do nothing but cry my heart out and hope that there is some miracle product out there that will fix all of my skin issues.
It wasn’t until COVID hit that I stopped letting acne dictate my feeling because there was no one to judge. Being able to wear a mask when going out was a blessing! I was hidden in plain sight and it was the best feeling ever. I wasn’t as obsessed with trying every new skincare product available in the market to fix my skin but the insecurity lingered.
However, with the support of my partner, I have come to feel more confident about my bare face. Now, I wear makeup because I enjoy the process and not because I want to conceal my imperfections. My skin is not perfect and I don’t think it ever will be and that’s completely okay. My experience with acne has taught me so much about how acne not only impacts you physically in the way you look but also mentally because we live in a world where perfect smooth skin is desirable and anything other than perfect is deemed abnormal or unattractive.
(1) The photos shared on social media are frequently edited to remove acne and textures.
Please don’t compare yourself to the photos you see on social media because they do not always accurately reflect reality.
(2) Social media has a chokehold on our self-worth and self-confidence
Social media has a significant influence on how we perceive ourselves, and it is perfectly acceptable to take steps to protect our mental health by unfollowing accounts or individuals that make us feel negative about our skin or appearance. If you find yourself constantly comparing yourself to a particular influencer or feeling worse about yourself after engaging with certain content on social media, it may be better to unfollow these accounts or even consider taking a break from social media altogether. Don’t give social media the power to dictate how you should feel.
(3) You don’t need a 10-step skincare routine to achieve healthy skin.
I know it is tempting when various skincare influencers claim that the products they use resolved all of their skin concerns. But, what they fail to disclose is that often they undergo medical treatments to address their skin issues which is why you are better off finding out what your skin needs and focusing on healing it with products that target your specific skin issue.
(4) Often, your skin just wants to breathe.
A basic skincare routine consisting of a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen in the morning is often all your skin might need. If your skin is especially irritated and none of the products seem to be working, it is a good idea to simplify your skincare routine until your skin calms down.
(5) You probably won’t see results immediately, which is completely normal.
Please don’t be discouraged and give up on the product right away. Research has shown that it takes at least 30 days for any product to work properly so try the product for at least 30 before coming to any conclusion.
(6) Your skin will probably get worse before it gets better
When implementing a new skincare routine, your skin goes through a purging stage which occurs when active ingredients in skincare products stimulate the rapid turnover of skin cells. This process can often be very disheartening but it is important to understand that purging is actually a sign that the treatment is effectively addressing underlying issues within the skin.
(7) It is possible to develop an effective skincare routine without breaking the bank
Many affordable skincare brands, such as The Ordinary, La Roche Posay, and CeraVe, that offer high-quality products that address specific skin concerns. These brands can be a valuable resource for creating a skincare routine that is both budget-friendly and targets your specific skin issues.
(8) Do not let your acne prevent you from wearing makeup
Makeup can be a fun, creative, and satisfying process. Often people might tell you that makeup makes acne worse and that’s simply not the case if you use makeup that is acne safe. There are so many affordable brands out there that make makeup targeted especially for acne-prone skin. It is important to do your own research and choose the makeup that works for your skin and not against it. Remember to patch-test any new products before applying them to your face.
(9) You are so much more than your skin
It is so very important to focus on self-acceptance and loving yourself as you are, rather than trying to conform to societal standards of perfection. Remember that beauty comes from within and is not just about external appearances, so please be kind to yourself.
It took a significant amount of courage for me to openly discuss my struggles with acne, as it has become a highly sensitive topic for me. However, I realized that writing about my experiences on this blog could serve as a means of healing, as it allows me to reflect on how far I have come. I decided to share my story in order to let others who may be experiencing similar struggles know that they are not alone. Additionally, I wanted to raise awareness about the fact that even seemingly well-intentioned comments or suggestions can sometimes do more harm than good. I urge everyone to be kind and respectful to others, as even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in someone’s day.
P.S. If you want someone to talk to about your struggles, please send me a message and I would be happy to lend an ear.
*Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a licensed professional and that the information shared in this blog is based solely on my personal experience.
