It’s gross, painful, and can make you feel like a complete monster.
I know this because I’ve been dealing with persistent, cystic acne since I was about 12.
I’m now 26 and still struggle with acne.
Anyone with acne knows the struggles that come along with having it.
I’m used to those struggles now, certainly, but I’ve come a long way.
I’ve heard it all from “pizza face” to “pimple queen.”
It’s almost worse, I think.
People have asked me, “What’s wrong with your face?”
It’s extremely disheartening and makes my insecurities even worse.
Let me be frank: there is no cure for acne.
Not yet, anyway.
But every few months, a new product comes out promising to rid you of blemishes forever!
From ProActiv to DIY “cures,” there is always something new.
If something claims to cure acne, don’t expect it to actually do so.
And nothing is going to get rid of your breakouts forever.
It’s better to accept the situation for what it is than chase a fantasy.
Don’t be afraid to try new things
Trial and error is key in finding acne treatments.
I’ve tried everything under the sun from every acne medication to slathering egg whites on my face.
Don’t be afraid to experiment.
If something doesn’t work, stop doing it.
But if it does, you’re golden!
As long as you don’t expect perfection, don’t shy away from trying new products.
I’ve had people rave about certain products that didn’t work for me when I used them.
I have finally found a regimen that works for my skin, and I’m sticking to it.
It’s important to voice your concerns and talk openly with your dermatologist.
If you heard about a new treatment or medication you want to try, ask about it.
If you feel like something isn’t working for you, speak up.
I love popping zits and get great pleasure from squeezing out blackheads.
But picking is bad!
There is a proper way to extract blemishes, which I’ve fortunately learned from my esthetician.
I used to literally dig in with my nails and whatever tools I had.
Don’t do this!
Resist the urge, trust me.
Over time, I’ve learned that I am so much more than my skin.
So, I have some zits.
I’m still the same person!
I’m still just as smart and successful with acne than I am without it.
Having blemishes doesn’t make me anylessme.
You will have good and bad days, and some of those bad days may be really bad.
Someone might say something about your face, not realizing the profound affect it has on you.
While I’m aware that I’m more than my acne, I still have insecure days.
Mostly, though, I’m pretty confident in myself and feel happy despite my blemishes.
It took some time, but it’s a solid place to be.
Use the fact that you have acne as an opportunity to grow into a stronger and tougher person.
You have more control over your confidence and self-esteem than you think.
Others, like myself, have to accept that it is a lifelong condition.
I thought, surely, after college I wouldn’t have to deal with my acne anymore.
And that’s okay!
I don’t want to focus so much on my skin that I forget to live.
I mean, realistically, how much are you staring at other people’s blemishes?
You’re not, really.
You might notice a big cyst for a second, but you move along.
But when you have acne, it’s easy to feel like everyone is just staring at your face.
This is called thespotlight effect.
I promise, not everyone is staring at your zits.
You are not alone, even when it feels like you are.
Your zits don’t define you!
