Being comfortable in your own skin. It’s a term that many people use but don’t always take literally.
For most, being comfortable in your skin means being at peace with your whole self, but for those with acne the term holds a little more weight.
As someone who has suffered from the annoying affliction for near a decade, I’m going to try my best to share with you my experiences and will include any and all tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years below.
Overall, the sad reality is that most people do suffer with bad skin at some point in their lives, some more severe than others but almost everyone can relate to the anguish of their skin deciding to take a nosedive the day before a big event.
The first thing most people must do is embrace that fixing your skin is a journey. Clearing up your acne is almost never a straightforward process and it most likely won’t be quick. No two people are the same and your skin is no different!
The biggest thing to get into is a consistent skin routine, picking a routine and sticking to it can majorly help in improving your skin, I’ll post mine below! On top of a daily routine, many girls are prescribed a contraception pill that often works to improve their acne overall.
If your skin can’t be cleared from daily maintenance, it’s likely that your blemishes may be a result of an internal imbalance. That’s why, if your skin persists, I highly recommend going and talking to your local GP. Your doctor will discuss the issues you have with your skin and come to a solution that suits you, whether that is prescribing specific oral or topical medication or referring you to a dermatologist.
If you’re really concerned about your skin, don’t be afraid to splash out on a dermatologist from the get-go! While some people prefer to try different supplements and work with their doctor with different medications first, going to a dermatologist may speed up the process.
The only con of going for a dermatologist right away is of course the price. It can be quite expensive, but whether you don’t want to ask your parents for help or are worried about spending that much money-trust me when I say it’s worth it!
A dermatologist will be able to recognise your specific skin needs more accurately than a normal GP would and they’ll work with you to find the best course of action to get you feeling good about your skin again.
When going through this whirlwind, it can be easy to get caught up in the technicalities that are involved like ‘when’s my next appointment?’ ‘If this treatment doesn’t work what next?’ What’s important is to remember that life doesn’t start when the acne leaves, it goes on even when you’re mid-treatment, so don’t forget to live it.
Overall, throughout this entire process, remember to smile and as cheesy as it may sound, don’t forget to give a little love to yourself. Whether it’s buying yourself a funky outfit or treating yourself to the odd bubble bath, you deserve the pampering for all your efforts, reward yourself.
It’s so easy to get tunnel vision and only focus on your imperfections, but you are not your skin, so while you’re trying to find what works for you, don’t forget to live your life and be confident in who you are, the one who notices your imperfections the most is you, so don’t hold yourself back!
General Advice
- Cleanse your face twice daily. I use MooGoo’s Natural Milk Wash cleanser on my face along with their ‘Udder Cream’ moisturizer.
MooGoo is an all-natural brand that specialize in products for sensitive skin, they’re the only products that I have found don’t irritate my skin! - Gently exfoliate your face at least once a week to get rid of dead skin cells.
- Make sure to remove your makeup well before cleansing your face at night, DON’T skip a night here or there, be consistent!
- Drink at least two liters of water a day to keep your skin hydrated.
- Stay away from junk food, especially fizzy drinks, crisps and any sugary sweets!
By Erin Carey
Life & Lemons 