ACNE SUCKS!
ACNE SUCKS... having had it on and off for over 15 years now hasn't been easy. Having clear skin changes how you see yourself. You feel worthy and confident. But, when the acne comes back it hits worse somehow because it brings up all those feelings you let go of and you fear it will be permanent.
At 30, I thought I'd be done with this. Everyone said, "you'll grow out of it." And at one point I would have begged for the acne I have now because it isn't cystic or physically painful. But even a few spots worry me now. I know I am NOT my acne, but it's still hard.
NEVER let anyone treat you like your feelings about your skin don't matter or that they aren't valid. With the edited, airbrushed & "perfect" content that's been thrust upon us since childhood it is no wonder we struggle when we have "flaws". Seeing people with acne, dryness, pores and more is so refreshing and important for those thinking and feeling like they're alone - like I always did. My friends didn't have acne. Celebrities, my favorite TV characters, the check out girl at the grocery store all had clear skin. Being alone made it worse. I cried alone and prayed and begged for clear skin. I thought I was dirty and gross because nothing worked for me.
Seeing makeup ads on blemished skin is so beautiful. Seeing content creators share their filter-free skin isn't just relatable, it is comforting.
It's still hard for me to accept my spots are back. I may not be as far along in my confidence journey as a thought, but that's okay. I may be struggling, but acne is NORMAL. We shouldn't have to accept it as something we can't heal from, but we should be able to feel like we aren't alone and it doesn't define us. If you are dealing with acne, you are NOT alone. #acne #acnepositivity #acnecommunity #adultacne