I've battled acne through most of my 20’s. For me personally, that meant Four years of insecurity, self-esteem issues, and hopelessness. I cried and canceled plans anytime I experienced an especially nasty breakout. I constantly compared myself towards the Instagram girls with perfect skin and wondered why I didn't look exactly the same way. Once my face cleared up, I still stressed over my acne returning which in turn led to much more breakouts. I had been caught up in a never-ending cycle of skin inflammation that I couldn't break.
However, I understand that I'm not the only 20-something who battles acne. So, here are five things I've discovered my skin on my small journey towards self-acceptance.
1. Your acne isn't bad or ugly.
I know it's hard to believe that your acne isn't unattractive, but it's true. Your breakout isn't ugly, but your attitude towards your breakout is. You will possibly not love the acne in your face, but you should love yourself regardless of your skin struggles. Should you have a problem with self-love, follow some acne-positive Instagram influencers, like @myfacestory and @mypaleskinblog.
2. There is no such thing as “perfect” skin.
That model whose skin looks like glass simply isn't showing her real face. Almost every influencer filters their images, so comparing your skin to theirs is unhealthy and fully unnecessary.
3. No one is judging you skin.
You might not trust me, but if you have acne, heading out without makeup is totally acceptable. Nobody but you likes you the spots in your face, and many people won't even notice them whatsoever. With regards to showing your face, starting small is better than not doing anything at all. Go to the store without makeup until you forget that you aren't wearing makeup.
4. It's OK if you think sad regarding your acne sometimes.
Feeling sad regarding your skin after years of self-hatred is perfectly normal. There is nothing wrong with wanting the skin issues to go away, but you have to stay strong enough to overcome your sadness. Keep in mind that acne breakouts are temporary. Your skin doesn't define you if you don't allow it to.
5. Acne breakouts are normal.
80% of people experience acne at some stage in their lives. Personally, my normal skin is dry with large pores and texture. Sometimes I go weeks with no new breakout but other times my skin doesn't cooperate. You need to understand that the skin is always changing, and it always will. You cannot get upset over every new breakout because alterations in the skin texture are common.
Until I accepted the fact that “perfect” skin doesn't exist happens when I began to really accept myself. Your worth has nothing to do with the blemishes in your face. So, discover the strength to like what you are, regardless of what the skin looks like. My journey to skin acceptance hasn't been easy, but it has been rewarding, and yours will be too.
Remember that you aren't beautiful despite your acne. You're beautiful because you're kind, empowered, smart, and compassionate. So embrace your acne and show a little love today and each day because you deserve it.
