Acne. Those pesky zits, terrible red marks, painful cysts…yeah, zero fun involved. But, acne happens and that’s life. In fact, about 80+ percent of people get acne at some point in their life [and we envy the other 20 or so percent that gets lucky enough to live without the plague.]
At 25, even after the many “treatments,” I still break out. In fact, I just went to visit my dermatologist last month. Speaking of dermatologists, I’ve been to at least 4 different ones since my first breakout!
At 25, even after the many “treatments,” I still break out. In fact, I just went to visit my dermatologist last month. Speaking of dermatologists, I’ve been to at least 4 different ones since my first breakout!
It all started in high school, which seems like a pretty usual time for pesky zits to pop up. When it first started, it was just a few spots here and there but it quickly became annoying and sometimes painful. My mom, without question, took me to see a dermatologist. If you’ve ever been to the derm, you know that on the first visit they usually prescribe you a mild medicine, not knowing how your skin will react. I was prescribed a topical medicine (ointment) and was sent on my way. I could see a little bit of a difference but as soon as I was clear and done using one thing, the zits would come right back! Every time my acne flared up I would go back to see my dermatologist. Sometimes I was prescribed another topical, sometimes it was an antibiotic (I couldn’t tell you just how many of each; various brands).
As a teenager, I was getting completely fed up with these pesky spots and with the lack of improvement. You see, being in high school and on a dance team, I would look at the girls me and think to myself “how did those girls get so lucky to have such perfect skin? What the heck?!” I was so envious and some days I would feel pretty bad about my own appearance.
After so many tries with topicals and antibiotics, my dermatologist suggested Accutane. From the information she had given me and the necessary research, I was a bit nervous but I knew that most of the side effects (depression, hallucinations, loss of appetite, etc) wouldn’t affect me. After all, other than the acne on my face, I was a happy camper. I was a senior in high school, on the dance team, had a boyfriend, and made prom court! I still struggled at times to take focus off my zits and onto other things in life but no one other than me seemed to care about little red spots or whiteheads on my face. Of course, wearing make-up was a simple solution to covering my insecurities (praise be to whoever created make-up!).
I must say, after my 6 months of Accutane, the dry skin, chapped lips, and blood tests, I was so satisfied with the results. My skin was clear!! I was getting compliments, one after another, on the clearness and improvement of my skin! Feelings of relief and freedom overwhelmed me. Finally, after much time and money, the zits were gone! After the zits were gone, my parents helped me get the pricey laser treatment I so desired to rid my face of the scars left from both my acne and my chickenpox (at age 2, the pox left some deep marks). I was on Cloud 9 with my new skin’s appearance! For a few years after both Accutane and my Fraxel (laser) treatments, I was clear other than a few little bumps here and there.
After so many tries with topicals and antibiotics, my dermatologist suggested Accutane. From the information she had given me and the necessary research, I was a bit nervous but I knew that most of the side effects (depression, hallucinations, loss of appetite, etc) wouldn’t affect me. After all, other than the acne on my face, I was a happy camper. I was a senior in high school, on the dance team, had a boyfriend, and made prom court! I still struggled at times to take focus off my zits and onto other things in life but no one other than me seemed to care about little red spots or whiteheads on my face. Of course, wearing make-up was a simple solution to covering my insecurities (praise be to whoever created make-up!).
I must say, after my 6 months of Accutane, the dry skin, chapped lips, and blood tests, I was so satisfied with the results. My skin was clear!! I was getting compliments, one after another, on the clearness and improvement of my skin! Feelings of relief and freedom overwhelmed me. Finally, after much time and money, the zits were gone! After the zits were gone, my parents helped me get the pricey laser treatment I so desired to rid my face of the scars left from both my acne and my chickenpox (at age 2, the pox left some deep marks). I was on Cloud 9 with my new skin’s appearance! For a few years after both Accutane and my Fraxel (laser) treatments, I was clear other than a few little bumps here and there.
Now, I’m once again facing trouble with breakouts (see picture) and constantly facing the anxiety of showing my face in public. It sucks. The cysts are painful and red, and once again I’m looking at other girls with envious eyes, at times resorting to my bedroom in tears. But I’m on a new medication, so here’s hoping for clear skin! Acne sure puts a damper on life, but only if you let it!! I’ve been faced with (and continue to be faced with) depression, fear, and anxiety over the stupid little, temporary bumps on my face. Why should I let acne control me? I shouldn’t! As difficult as it can be to deal with acne, I look myself in the mirror and think “it’s only temporary” and “it will go away.” |
After a few deep breaths I realize that there are so many people in this world that look in the mirror and face way more turbulent and traumatizing situations every day! Who am I to complain? I was given a wonderful life and I feel so blessed to have an incredible support system in my family and friends, who constantly remind me of my beauty inside and out regardless of the acne. A strong sense of self and a supportive atmosphere continue to ease my struggle.
So don’t let acne win the battle! Beat it with a giant smile and an inner shine! Just look around, take deep breath, and realize that every moment worrying about acne is a moment wasted or one that could have been spent laughing with a friend, flirting with a crush, or complimenting a stranger.
“Don’t worry, be happy.” –Bobby McFerrin
So don’t let acne win the battle! Beat it with a giant smile and an inner shine! Just look around, take deep breath, and realize that every moment worrying about acne is a moment wasted or one that could have been spent laughing with a friend, flirting with a crush, or complimenting a stranger.
“Don’t worry, be happy.” –Bobby McFerrin