There are several types of acne and at some point in one’s life, he or she may experience a breakout or two–perhaps for a short amount of time during puberty. However, for others, the longevity of acne is one that can pose a threat to self-esteem for a lifetime. But one thing will always stand true: acne is a hassle.
Puberty came at me like a train wreck. I was only 11 years old when I experienced my first acne breakout. What started as pubescent bumps in my younger years, later transcended into cystic hormonal breakouts in recent years. Throughout my 10-year-long battle with acne, I went through breakouts of all sorts—acne on my back, chest, shoulders, neck, and the most difficult: my face.
Being teased by insensitive peers, low self-esteem and depression was not making it any better. I took all this in stride while thinking of ways to get rid of my acne. Throughout high school, I tried it all: Proactive®, prescription pills, Noxema, antibiotics, and benzoyl peroxide. Aside from medicinal cures, I drank more water, exercised more, made adjustments to my diet, and washed my pillow cases often—NOTHING seemed to help! And makeup was just a temporary fix for a longer-lasting problem.
With no progress being seen, I swept my problem with acne under the rug for as long as I could, thinking it could just magically go away. My plan surely backfired on me when I came to college. I never experienced a breakout so bad in my life until I looked in the mirror my sophomore year, right before I would be standing in front of my student body being stared at! I broke down and cried. There I was, 20 years old and couldn’t even look at myself in the mirror. I felt ugly and just didn’t understand—why ME?
I couldn’t go on like that; crying every day because of my skin was simply unacceptable. I called my mother and poured all my sorrow unto her. It was this one simple line that she said during our phone conversation which has stuck with me to this day: “Beauty is from within, and you are a beautiful person.”Although I was so distraught with my skin, she was right.
Since then, my skin has calmed down significantly. Acne varies from person to person, but nontheless we all experience the same things: sadness, frustration, discouragement, and even low self-esteem. Despite this, it is perseverance and positivity that will help you see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Here are 10 ways to deal with your battle with acne (or at least make it easier):
1. Understand that you are not alone.
Hey, acne happens to the worst of us. Roughly 17 million people suffer from it worldwide. Acne is a topic that rarely gets talked about and it may seem like you’re the only one in your family or group of friends that has to deal with acne, but believe me, others are going through the same situation as you.
2. Be patient.
Patience is genuinely a virtue, and if you are able to posses this trait, utilize it. Understand that your acne has to get worse in order for it to get better. This is your body purging all the bacteria out of your body. Remind yourself that great things don’t just happen over night. Heck—it took 9 months to make Beyoncé!
3. If necessary, consult a dermatologist.
Some may find this is embarrassing—nobody really wants to magnify a problem they are embarrassed by. But remember, this is their job and they will give you a proper diagnosis to help combat your acne. He/She may suggest an oral route OR a topical gel route. Either way, they are experts and are there to help you. Remember: it will probably take more than one visit until your acne is cured, so don’t be discouraged if you have to go back.
4. If you choose to wear makeup, opt for sensitive and skin-friendly makeup.
Makeup brands such as bareMinerals don’t contain harsh and artificial chemicals, which can clog pores and lead to more acne. Always, always, always remember to wash your makeup off at the end of the day, no matter how tired or sleepy you may be! Also, be mindful of the dirt and bacteria that can accumulate on your phone, pillow cases, and makeup brushes which can potentially lead to more acne!
5. Set an official skin regimen.
Use products that are right for your skin. There are several types of acne which means you have to treat yours accordingly. Products for oily skin work differently than products for dry skin. Find which ones work for you and STICK TO IT. Abiding by a strict routine will allow the products you are using to work efficiently. This also helps your skin adjust to the products you are using.
6. Drink water (and lots of it)
I know this is super redundant and annoying—as if water is some type of “cure-all”—but water helps flush toxins out of your body. It is also an easier alternative as opposed to sweating the toxins out. Add lemon or any type of citrus fruit to make it tasty!
7. Catch some Zzz’s
I know, a nap seems like its impossible when dealing with a hectic schedule, but try to plan your day to where you can get a full amount of sleep at night. Sleep helps alleviate stress, and stress has been proven to cause breakouts. At night, try to avoid distractions (TV, social media, phone, Netflix) that can hender you from getting a good night’s sleep.
8. DO NOT PICK YOUR PIMPLES.
Yes, we have all been in the tempting situation where we just want to squeeze the life out of the pimple on our chin that has been mocking us in the mirror, BUT popping pimples only leads to more serious problems down the road such as: scars, dark marks, enlarged pores, and inflammation. I know this may sound crazy, but become ONE with your acne. Often times we think of acne as our enemy and reciprocate that energy when treating it. Just think of acne as your super nice “friend” who has overstayed their visit and you’re POLITELY trying to kick them out (they may not get the hint now but will eventually).
9. Track your journey.
Sometimes you may not realize how far you have come until you refer back to ground zero. Taking a photo every week is a great visual to see the changes your skin is making. Months from now, you can look back at your initial photos and be encouraged by improvement you have seen.
10. Lastly and most importantly, understand that beauty is from within and it is your personality and character that surpass the superficial.
Even though acne is linked to low self-esteem, lack of confidence, depression, and sometimes even suicidal thoughts, remind yourself that you are stronger than succumbing to an external “disease” which won’t last forever. Even celebrities have their own insecurities they deal with every day—would you have even guessed Paris Hilton is ashamed of her size 11 feet?
Walk with your head high! Showcasing your sadness will only repel positivity, which is essential when dealing with acne. As a pick-me-up, post index cards around your room of things, places, or memories that make you happy, and when you feel down simply look at them. Write down traits that you love about yourself and refer back to them when you need a boost. And always remember that you’re beautiful!