Acne: A New Perspective

Acne. Everyone’s had it. Whether it be the smallest bumps and blemishes to the biggest pimples and boils. We’ve all been there. And we all know how hard it can be dealing with acne. You’ve probably read one of those skin care magazines or pamphlets that advertise different ways for you to get rid of your “horrible” and/or “unwanted acne.” It’s like they want you to think that acne is some blood curdling disease. When in actuality it’s just as natural as the eyebrows and eyelashes on your face. 

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States – it affects millions of people all over the world and 95% of all people report having zits at some point! – regardless of gender, race, or age. For those of us that do have acne, it can be very hard trying to get rid of it. With home remedies, over the counter prescriptions, and those fancy creams that we see advertised literally everywhere, it can be so hard learning to accept acne. 

Dealing with acne is difficult and you don’t have to love every part of your skin, but you can work to accept it. Whether someone has acne or not is out of their control, and sometimes changing it is, too. Understand that you are not alone in your struggle and that you don’t need to hide or be ashamed of your skin. Ultimately, it’s a part of you, just like your hair, nose, or eyes.  

If you're struggling with your skin, here are some tips you can try to boost your confidence: 

1. Try out some new makeup trends and find a concealer that works for you to mask redness.
2.  Approach your dermatologist or doctor for advice. 
3. Wear an outfit that makes you feel good.
4.  Try a new hobby to keep your mind focused on something else. 
5. Place some sticky notes with positive messages around your mirror (it sounds cheesy, but speaking to yourself with kindness really does make a difference)!
6. Point out features of yourself - visible and non-visible - that you love.
7. Hang out with people who make you feel loved, and don't be afraid to lean on them if you're struggling.
8. Remember how strong you are. Let's face it (no pun intended), dealing with acne sucks and you're being strong by not letting it define you. 
9. Be mindful around social media. Sometimes what we see online can make us feel like we're the only ones dealing with acne, which isn't the case. Keep in mind that pictures online or in magazines are filtered and edited. Here's a list of some skin-positive pages to follow instead.