Is it really stupid to let my skin determine how I feel about myself? How can I change it?
This is a long rant, so please bear with me.
So I've suffered from severe acne for 4 years, and I hated it. I hated the way I looked, I was embarrassed to go out in public in fear of what people might think of me because of my skin condition, talking in front of class was a complete nightmare; I developed an eating disorder cos I felt fat (allthough when looking back I realized that I was in fact super thin to the point where my bones would stick out), I hated every facial feature, my hair, my body...everything. I tried every acne treatment out there, and it didn't work. I kept waiting for that Hollywood-story where "the ugly duckling" turns into the swan, and it never happened for me...and then I tried a new skin treatment and within 3 months, my acne was gone. Completely. I did still have the scars, but they faded over a 6 month period and before starting at a new school, my skin was clear and it stayed that way. I gained weight and now have a normal weigh - a few pounds more than what l would like, but that's okay ;) I started seeing features in my face that I liked, and I even dared to talk to strangers, something that I have never ever done before. That was about a year ago, and I have even gone outside, in public, without make up! I haven't done that since the 7th grade! But Last week I started breaking out like crazy...I have never had cystic acne, but all of the sudden I now have it on my jaw, my cheeks (I never had breakouts on the cheek), my forehead...all over my face, and it looks terrible. And within days my "new" self-esteem is crumbling. I feel ugly and terrible, and I even considered staying home from school today cos I feel so low about myself and the way I look. All the negative things I felt have come crashing back, and I don't know what to do...Is it ridiculous to feel this way? How can I fix it? I have never been bullied or anything over it, so there is no obvious reason why this should affect me so...Thanks for any (constructive) replies...please no mean comments, really can't take it right now...
sorry, realized this is in the wrong category
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October 19th, 2010 - 05:20
No, you aren’t ‘stupid’ because you feel this way about yourself. Of course it’s ridiculous to let your skin effect the way you feel about yourself to this degree, but it’s normal. Don’t beat yourself up over feeling bad about your skin. It will just make you feel worse about yourself than you already do.
October 19th, 2010 - 05:20
ive had severe acne for the last 6 years and i went throguh periods of times when it affected me worse than others. the last 2 years have been pretty rough..butup until like a month ago…i stopped letting it bother me 100%. it doesnt bother me at all. i realized that its a part of who i cant change it…i can only accept it and learn to like it. its something that makes me who i am and im not going to feel embaressed/bad looking in the mirror or at other people anymore.
another MAJOR thing that helped me through it was that i was more critical of myself (my acne) than other people are. Your enviorment has a huge impact, and luckily for me…i go to a school and live in an enviorment that doesent care–or realy even notice–what poeple’s skin looks like. Once i saw how little other people noticed (and if they notice, the dont care,) it helped me through it because i thought …"then why do i care so much?"
I just make sure that i continue maintaining a state of clarity in my skin that i can get by going to a dermotologist and facialist consistantly…use the right skincare/makeup…and i leave it at that. Obsessing and worrying only gets worse with time and it can literally take over your life. its not worth it and its a huge waste of time
October 19th, 2010 - 05:20
its normal to have one thing drag you down to where you think everything else is wrong too. I’ve been through it all. I came to a point where I tell myself something positive about me everytime i look in the mirror to boost my self- esteem. Have you tried going to the doctor and asking him about taking a medication for acne? Or even try using cetaphil face wash? I use the cetaphil and it works! :) Hope this helps you out dear :)
October 19th, 2010 - 05:20
Sorry things are so hard sweetie, especially after seeing your skin clear up at one point. Acne is a medical condition and you should be seeing a doctor.
Our appearance is what we are judged by, especially when young. Obviously the acne does not affect how others see or feel about you and as you know and stated above, you have facial features you like and you are at a healthy weight (so probably looking just fine)….try and force yourself to keep participating in life….talk to strangers regardless if your skin is clear or not, after all your value as a person is your personality, and folks react to that.
I watched a friend struggle with acne and after gaining a few years the hormonal surges and such leveled out and now he has clear skin. (so hang in there and you are not alone as you must know)
also….tough things like this have probably made you a kinder person, not so quick to judge or make fun of others…I have a feeling you will get through this, your skin will clear and you will have gained maturity from the experience. (like it or not right now, and can’t say as I blame you,but life is going to hand you challenges your entire life span..it’s a growing experience)
Keep your chin up, smile.
(also remember most folks out in the world are so busy with their own problems and lives that even tho sometimes it feels like there is a spotlight on you and your perceived imperfection, that isn’t the case)
All the best to you! :)
October 19th, 2010 - 05:20
I’ve been in that situation and there is really nothing you can do about it. There are things you can do to try to reduce the blemishes and get rid of acne/pimples temporarily but you will always be finding yourself cleaning your face or your body depending on where it’s at.
I mean of course your acne should go away eventually but for some this is the case their whole life.
I’m 29 years old and have been suffering from these little pests since I was a teenager. I tried all sorts of face washes from the local grocery store and what not, but nothing seemed to work. If anything it would just make my skin dry and itchy.
Literally the best acne face wash I’ve ever used has been this stuff called clearpores. It has got rid of the acne to quickest and has been a success ever since I got it. It’s unique cause of it’s herbal supplement you take a long with it that helps your skin from the inside out. I saved money on it at skincleansingsystem.com at the time which was helpful.
You should really look into this stuff and if you can to assure the best results, get the 3 month supply because if it doesn’t work it will still save you butt on the return policy.
Well good luck and best wishes.