It’s hard for people with severe acne to express exactly what it’s like. It’s almost too embarrassing to talk about, and it’s problematic enough to impact daily life. On one hand, people feel they shouldn’t be so concerned with their looks and that worrying about acne might make them seem vain. On the other hand, ignoring the problem completely is almost impossible because of how noticeable pimples can be.
It doesn’t help that we live in a society where airbrushed models and beautiful people are all over television and modern media. It’s hard to feel good about yourself when you can’t match those versions of beauty even if you have perfect skin.
This article is meant to help people who suffer from acne, and also those who might be unfamiliar with dealing with it on a daily basis. Hopefully, if you encounter someone with noticeable blemishes, you’ll be able to empathize in a more understanding way.
There are many social stigmas and stereotypes that surround problematic skin, and stopping them will go a long way to helping acne sufferers feel more normal. Here are five reasons why having bad acne can be so difficult:
1 – Other People – Most people have had a zit or two in their lifetime. But it’s definitely not the same experience as more severe forms of acne, and it doesn’t give you a full understanding of what other people have to go through. Sometimes people can be incredibly nosy and make unwelcome comments. Or they might fancy themselves experts and try to give you advice about your skin. Some folks can be downright rude and ask you questions like “why don’t you wash your face more”? Most people are usually well-meaning when they bring up your acne, but it’s important to understand how awkward it is for a total stranger to make that a topic of conversation.
2 – Self Esteem – It doesn’t matter how strong you are or how much confidence you have, it’s hard to feel good when you have a noticeable pimple on the tune of your nose. And imagine how much harder it would be if you’re acne covered your face. In some cases, the situation is so bad that a person is permanently scarred both figuratively and literally. Unfortunately, self-esteem can be a casualty if acne persists for too long.
3 – Avoiding Bad Habits – There are certain behaviors we have that tend to make acne worse, and some of them are deeply ingrained. For example, touching your face is a natural thing to do and almost happens instinctively. But when you’re dealing with acne, you have to limit this behavior to prevent the spread of bacteria. Another bad habit that people tend to have is popping zits whenever they have an outbreak. Once you begin, it’s hard to stop, especially if it seems to work. Unfortunately, this behavior is known to make the situation worse in the long term so it should be avoided whenever you can.
4 – The Treatments – There are lots of frustrating aspects about finding an acne treatment. Finding the right one in the first place might seem like an impossible task. You can probably name a few treatments offhand because of commercials and ads you see on TV. But their effectiveness will vary depending on the situation, and there is no universal cure for bad skin. To make matters worse, even if you find the right product sometimes it will take several weeks or months before you start to see results.
5 – The Cost – Even a simple acne cream from your local drugstore can cost quite a bit of money. And if you happen to require prescription medication, the costs can rise exponentially. Some of the best products on the market are incredibly expensive, and they are designed for one-time use either. You usually have to keep up with treatments for several months, and that requires a huge budget for some people. It’s tough when you have to consider that all those hundreds of dollars spent on your skincare could have been put into other more enjoyable things.
About the author: This exploration of the difficulties of acne comes to us from How to Get Rid of Acne Help, a site that deals with the emotional side of treatment as well. For everyday tips and more specific advice you can visit them at http://howtogetridofacnehelp.com.