Discussing acne has become much easier for me over the years. I’m not talking about society in general but rather my personal experience. As a teen, when my skin was at its worst, the subject felt utterly unbearable. I believed it was the only thing people saw when they looked at me, and if a well-meaning adult brought it up, I would feel crushed.
Recently, while reading an article about effective acne treatments, I was reminded of those difficult times, which persisted throughout my 20s and even into my 30s. It wasn’t until I met an amazing dermatologist in my 30s that I finally saw real improvement. Now at 49, I still get the occasional pimple, usually before my period, but it’s nothing compared to the past—and it no longer consumes my thoughts.
Acne is particularly cruel because it appears on your face, an area that’s hard to hide. While makeup can mask a pimple or a blemish, it can’t completely cover larger breakouts or clusters. Acne also leaves behind two types of scars: physical and emotional, both of which can linger far longer than the acne itself.
The Physical Scars
As a teenager, visiting the dermatologist felt more like a torture session than a treatment. Those sharp metal tools used to extract my zits were excruciating and left me feeling utterly humiliated. Walking out of the office, I would often be a bleeding mess, and witnessing others exit before me only heightened my anxiety as their faces revealed what awaited me.
Thankfully, such practices have changed. Nowadays, dermatologists advise against squeezing or popping pimples as it can lead to scarring. I wish I had known that back then—I still bear the scars of my past. One particularly bizarre dermatologist I saw handed me an extensive list of foods to avoid, which sucked the joy out of eating. She also advised against using moisturizer (even though mine was oil-free), makeup (which at least provided some coverage), or conditioner. Eventually, I abandoned her regimen because I prioritized having decent hair over the convoluted rules she imposed.
I never went on Accutane, a medication known for clearing up skin but shrouded in warnings that terrified me. Instead, I found success with a combination of pills, prescription cleansers, and over-the-counter solutions. Dermatology has evolved significantly since then, and today’s skincare specialists provide practical advice and effective products.
Interestingly, we now know that chocolate and pizza don’t cause acne—so indulge! I discovered that iodine can contribute to breakouts, which is why dairy and shrimp can be problematic for me. I still get zits after a shrimp feast, but sometimes it’s worth the indulgence. Keeping my face clean and avoiding touching it helps, and I try to keep my hair away, which is a challenge when I often use my locks to hide my skin issues. If you wear makeup and moisturizer, make sure they’re oil-free.
The Emotional Scars
Navigating teenage years with acne is no easy feat. The comments can be brutal—ranging from hurtful remarks from strangers to misguided attempts at help from adults. As a parent, it’s essential to be mindful of your words. Avoid discussing acne in front of others and offer support rather than criticism, especially regarding food choices that might trigger breakouts.
When addressing acne with your teenager, ensure the conversation is private. Chronic acne is not a result of poor habits, even if those habits can worsen the condition. Focus on discussing dermatological options rather than cleansing routines. Remember, it’s just a skin issue, not a tragedy. While it might haunt your teen, acting as if it’s a significant problem can exacerbate their feelings. Striking the right balance in these discussions can be tricky, but as a parent, you likely have the skills to manage it.
Even now, I occasionally deal with a pimple the size of California, usually on my jawline, and it seems to pop up just before I do. I’m grateful I can laugh about it today, as for so long, I couldn’t. Can you believe I’m saying this? Thank goodness for middle age!
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Summary
In summary, while I no longer struggle with acne as I did in my youth, the emotional and physical scars remain. Acne can be a profound experience, affecting self-esteem and social interactions. As a parent, being sensitive to a teen’s struggles with their skin is crucial for their emotional health.
Keyphrase: acne scars and emotional impact
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