FACE
Under Sparkled Skin: 5 Ignored Truths about Acne
written by Sergio Sandoval Moreno
June is National Acne Awareness Month and, as someone who has been splattered with yellow, red, brown and purple dots for almost 6 years, I would like to open up and talk about it. Here are five ignored truths about acne.
Let’s face it, everybody has problems. People everywhere at some point or another struggle with different issues like finding a job, paying off credit card debt, staying physically and mentally healthy, dealing with toxic relationships, keeping up with your family and friends, just to name a few... But sometimes, there’s a tiny little problem that pokes its head up (or, better yet, heads) and wants to join the list, literally popping out of nowhere. Yes, one day you wake up, and the mirror surprises you with your new best frenemy: acne.
5. It's expensive
Acne treatment is a niche market, so people and companies profit from it in several ways: overpriced miraculous topical treatments, revolutionary devices or gadgets, or even online influencers who claim that whatever they are trying to sell you will also cure your acne. If you try to figure things out entirely by yourself, you’ll spend your money on cleansers, spot treatments, chemical exfoliators, lotions, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens—also probably not understanding what you’re actually getting. By the time that your bathroom counter is filled with incomprehensible ingredient lists, you’ll understand that you need to see a doctor, and these consultations aren’t cheap if your country’s healthcare system doesn’t cover them. So instead of spending money and time in the pharmacy, it’s better to invest in a doctor that you trust.
4. Everyone has something to say
Acne treatment is a niche market, so people and companies profit from it in several ways: overpriced miraculous topical treatments, revolutionary devices or gadgets, or even online influencers who claim that whatever they are trying to sell you will also cure your acne. If you try to figure things out entirely by yourself, you’ll spend your money on cleansers, spot treatments, chemical exfoliators, lotions, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens—also probably not understanding what you’re actually getting. By the time that your bathroom counter is filled with incomprehensible ingredient lists, you’ll understand that you need to see a doctor, and these consultations aren’t cheap if your country’s healthcare system doesn’t cover them. So instead of spending money and time in the pharmacy, it’s better to invest in a doctor that you trust.
3. Risks of Orthorexia
People will tell you to give up milk and refined sugars, others will tell you that you need to stop eating dairy, or maybe nuts and soy, not to mention eggs and any fats in general, of course! And, oh yeah, also carbs! From this constant barrage of dietary recommendations, let’s be very real, you just might end up eating nothing and this is a very serious risk. Please, don’t take any nutritional advice that isn’t coming from a doctor that you trust. Some studies show that acne can cause an obsession with "eating healthy" to the point of barely eating, which might result in malnutrition. Certain professionals call this condition "orthorexia," though it is yet to be recognized as an official eating disorder. Do not practice restricting diets if it’s not under medical supervision.
2. You feel guilty
Beware of destructive questions, such as: Why is this happening to me? Why does everybody else seem to have perfect skin? What am I doing wrong? and “Is everything my fault?” None of these questions will help you in any kind of way, they’ll just feed the darkest feelings that can be caused by acne. Quoting Dr Dray, dermatologist and YouTube creator: “Acne is a disease that has profound, profound effects on an individual's emotional wellbeing. [...] Acne and depression and anxiety go hand in hand. It is an incredibly depressing disease to have. It really affects an individual's mood.”
1. It makes you grow
I know that this can sound very cheesy, and it could even be seen as toxic positivity, that’s on you to decide, but acne is undeniably a difficult journey, and among all the bad sides of it, there are a few empowering things that can be picked up along the way. For example, you’ll see people’s true colors. Some will stay by your side just like they did when you had clear skin, others will have too many things to say about your face. You’ll also find an existing online community around acne and skin-care, with excellent content creators such as Cassandra Bankson, Dr Shereene Idriss, or Dr Dray. But most importantly, your ideas of beauty will change. You’ll learn to love yourself on a deeper level. It’s definitely not going to be easy at all, but when you least expect it, you will no longer see cysts, pimples, or scars, you’ll see unique faces and begin to start recognizing that your sparkled skin tells a story about strength, bravery, and self-love.
