My Skin Story
I used to think people who did nothing to their skin but still had flawless, beautiful complexions were like unicorns - they didn't exist. Boy, was I wrong. There are definitely people out there who can sleep in face full of makeup, moisturize with a mixture of butter and lard, and still not get a single pimple. I, unfortunately, am not one of those individuals. Acne was, and still is (though to a lesser extent) my number one skin issue.
I had a flare of acne as a teenager, but nothing was as bad as the adult acne I experienced in my twenties. I started to break out and then break out uncontrollably. The more I strived to clear my skin, the more pimples I seemed to get. I was so set on clearing my skin that I never shied away from trying even the most outrageous acne remedies. In that crazy hunt for unrealistic photoshop perfection, I did a lot of things to my skin that I really regret doing.
I wasted a lot of money, time, and emotional energy. I know how having bad skin can change you. It sure made me feel insecure, antisocial, ugly, worthless, and bitter. Eventually I did clear my skin, but I went through a lot to get it done. I don't want anyone to have to go through the same thing if it can be helped, so here are my honest and personal experiences with treating acne, getting rid of pimples, and beautifying my skin:
- My Acne Before and After Pictures
- How I Cleared My Skin
- My Current Skincare Routine
- Laser Treatment Experience
- Glycolic Peel Experience
- Mole Removal Experience
Let me end this by acknowledging that we are indeed our own worst critic. This is okay to a certain extent, but when you would sell your left kidney to get rid of bad skin, that kind of skews things a bit.
I wish someone tapped me on the shoulder and told me: "Yes, your skin is broken out. Yes, you would look better if you had nicer skin. Yes, other people have nice skin and you don't. Yes, people can tell that you have acne. And yes, life isn't fair. But you know what? That's it. Acknowledge it and move on. You have acne, but you don't have cancer. You have acne, but you can bench twice your weight. Other people have nicer skin, but you do better in school. People can see your acne, but when they can tell it doesn't even phase you, they envy your attitude. Having acne doesn't make you a worse or unhappier person unless you allow it to."
Do yourself a favor and don't be so hard on yourself. Even if it's not apparent, you really are trying your best and you deserve credit for not giving up. Don't let acne become your life because there is so much more to life than unsightly spots on your skin.
My Acne Before and After Pictures
