Hey guys, I’m Alice. This is my first blog here on talkhealth. I’ve suffered with acne since I was around 14, and I want to help people going through the same thing. I thought I’d start with a bit of background into my acne journey.
I started getting acne in school. At first it was just a few spots here and there. It didn’t really bother me, because everyone else seemed to be getting the same. Everyone always said “it’s just spots, it’s normal, you’re a teenager!” – which is absolutely true, for most people.
I remember my Mum buying me my first concealer in year 9, and from then on I’d spend 10 minutes or so before school dabbing it on my spots to cover them up. Fast forward a few years and I was in sixth form. The 10 minutes I spent getting ready had turned into an hour and a half of covering up my acne. It just got worse and worse!
Throughout my 20s my skin has been crazy. I could count on at least 6 or 7 cystic spots at a time! The thing about acne is that it’s painful too. My face sometimes hurt so much – the spots got so swollen and often felt like they were throbbing.
I used to use makeup as a mask to hide my face. I couldn’t go out without spending an hour or two perfecting my makeup. It’s a shame because it made getting ready feel like a chore. I’d once loved wearing makeup and getting glammed up, but it had almost turned into my disguise.
I think acne had such a damaging effect on my self-esteem. I used to avoid things like swimming or even staying over at friends houses – I just didn’t want to take my makeup off! This is why I’m keen to help people who are going through the same thing. I wish I hadn’t let it take over my life the way I did.
In fact, I’m certain that one of the reasons my acne kept getting worse, was my obsession with it. We all know that stress and anxiety can contribute to breakouts.
So my first piece tip for anyone out there who’s suffering with acne, is to try and stay positive. Try not to obsess over every little spot in the mirror. And while you have every right to cover it up with makeup, don’t feel that you have to! It shouldn’t control you.
Acne is something lots of people go through, and you should try your hardest not to let it affect your perception of yourself. I know it’s easy to say and hard to do – but just try to love yourself!
Something that always helped me was realising that the people who mattered in my life would never judge me for my acne. Your friends and family don’t like you because of your skin – they like you because you’re you!
If you find that your acne is getting you down, talk to a family member or friend. It really helps to talk through your bad thoughts and feelings. I can guarantee they’ll make you smile and realise that you’re much more than your acne, and help you to clear your mind of worries and anxiety about your skin.
I’m looking forward to sharing more of my tips and thoughts about acne with talkhealth over the next few months! But for now, let’s all try and stay positive together and realise we’re all beautiful, even with acne.
Head over to my acne blog if you’d like to read more from me.
Hi i saw Toff on this morning, and like her i suffer with red marks and acne which have plagued me throughout my adult life. i hate the way i look even makeup doesn’t really cover up the lumps and bumps which cause me to feel anxious and self-conscious.I am seeing my Dermatologist this Wednesday and i think i will have to go on roaccutane any advise ? xx
on February 20, 2018 at 12:31 pm claire youngGoing to the dermatologist is the best thing. She’ll give you the right treatment. Good luck.
on March 8, 2018 at 2:16 am PamOf course you are beautiful with or without acne! Really inspiring posts 🙂
on February 24, 2018 at 11:56 am Tratamiento acnéWhen you have severe acne you have to go to a dermatologist. They will diagnose what type you have & give you the right treatment. Usually antibiotic &/or a topical. Plus they’ll advise you on what kind of cleanser & toner to use. When I had acne I found witch hazel to be the best toner. Very soothing. I’m sorry your mother didn’t get you treated but I hope you’re getting treatment now.
on March 8, 2018 at 2:15 am PamI have had treatment, I am clear now. I am writing about my experiences to help people going through it. Often people go to the dermatologist and can’t clear their acne for years anyway – so please don’t assume people haven’t tried anything just because they’re still suffering. Antibiotics and topicals often don’t cure hormonal acne forever.
Thanks,
Alice
on May 14, 2018 at 1:54 pm Alice