320 replies to this topic

[PaulH85]

I was bullied about my skin when I was in school and there was a group of kids who used to say all sorts of things. They also used to follow me around chanting, "Zit! Zit! Zit!" I really used to hate that because they'd literally follow me around so any other kids nearby would pick up on it, then they'd either join in or leave because they didn't want to stick up for me. A lot of my so-called friends joined in eventually. Probably thought that if they didn't, they'd be target as well.

Other than that, I don't really remember a lot of it. It was pretty much a daily thing for four years and if I hadn't blocked it out, I think I'd have snapped at some point and done them or myself some serious harm.

These days, it's rare that anyone says anything because my skin's actually getting better. Last time I had a bad breakout, my friends daughter asked what the spots were, but she's only 3 years old so of course I let that one go.

Every once in a while there will no doubt be some idiot who just says, "You need to wash properly", or something like that. I just figure that what goes around comes around so one day, those people will get what's coming.

The only person who really talks to me about it on a regular basis is a colleague of mine who also has acne. We both went through prolonged breakouts at the same time earlier this year and neither of us wanted to be at work. I could see she was struggling so I went and talked to her about it. It was great to talk to someone in person who could related and I think we helped each other through stressful periods in our lives when our skin reacted badly. Last week she mentioned that she'd changed her medication and I noticed how much her skin had cleared up. She said the same of mine and was curious to find out what changes I had made.
There's always that implication when someone says your skin has improved that they thought it was bad to begin with, but of course mine was, so I can't really argue with that.

[Acne Security]

They also used to follow me around chanting, "Zit! Zit! Zit!

Holy shit that sounds like a literal nightmare - I can't even believe that! Are kids really that brutal in the UK? haha

[PaulH85]

Generally, I doubt it very much. I guess I was just in the wrong place and these horrible kids saw me as an easy target. It probably has messed me up more than I would tell, but then there's no real point in letting it get the better of me and give those people the satisfaction. That being said, if ever I end up speaking to a therapist or something, they'll probably make a fortune from me!

I think the one thing it has done is ultimately make me at least a little paranoid around people. My default thought when around someone new is probably, 'How long is it going to be before this person says something nasty or laughs at me?' I just got so used to that being like an automatic reaction during my teens when I was around the other kids in school. So now I get defensive and anyone new won't really understand why. Giving off a vibe like that probably makes people want to stay away, which is understandable, but I'm working on that. Seems it's essentially just a matter of putting on a front and appearing happy. After all, a smile and a friendly greeting is all it would take for someone new to perceive me as being a nice person.

I know I'm a good person and the people I am around these days - regardless of how few that might actually be sometimes - know I'm a good person too, so that's all that really matters I guess.

Edited by PaulH85, 18 April 2011 - 06:28 AM.

[Acne Security]

Haha seeing as your country has unleashed 2 unstoppable forces onto my country that I'll never forgive them fore (Bring me the horizon & Asking Alexandria) I wouldn't of been suprised if all the kids were jerks like that! haha I kid I kid. But thats good that you can be so positive despite some ridiculously horrible circumstances, definitely serves as a lesson to me when I get negative - there's just no need for me to be neg, I'm fortunate compared to a lot, and if those who've been through the worst, can be positive what the hell am I bitching about. The image of what you said is stuck in my brain though - so much insensitivity in people, I mean if there is a hell, those people must going ahahaha

Edited by Acne Security, 18 April 2011 - 06:36 AM.

[FullmetalShortOne]

My dad used to get on me all the time about my acne. He talked about it like it was MY fault. He would say "Have you been picking at your face?" "Why did you break out again?" "Are you taking enough supplements?" Things like that. He wouldn't say it in a concerned way. More like a degrading way that sounded like having acne was my choice.

He always brought it up until one time I broke down and started bawling. My mom had a talk with him and said "dont bring it up anymore. Shes really sensitive about it." So he's stopped. I can still see him inspecting my face when he thinks I'm not looking though and I HATE it.

[Sima]

My dad used to get on me all the time about my acne. He talked about it like it was MY fault. He would say "Have you been picking at your face?" "Why did you break out again?" "Are you taking enough supplements?" Things like that. He wouldn't say it in a concerned way. More like a degrading way that sounded like having acne was my choice.

He always brought it up until one time I broke down and started bawling. My mom had a talk with him and said "dont bring it up anymore. Shes really sensitive about it." So he's stopped. I can still see him inspecting my face when he thinks I'm not looking though and I HATE it.

Wow, I am so sorry. I know exactly how it feels to hear those words. I was always overly sensitive about my skin. My stepfather told me that I'd eventually grow out of it because he had mild acne at one point too. I told him that everyone is different. I have cried about my acne on several occasions. At least every other day I would spend time in the bathroom just staring at my face. It was such a waste of time.

At a sleepover, some girls were talking about how bad a girl's acne was and how someone jokingly sent her ProActiv. I'd seen the girl around school but did not know her. I knew that she had severe acne on her chin and was very oily. I really felt bad for her and my heart started feeling very heavy. I feel for her. Several girls started laughing, saying "That's too good! Ha ha ha". I just looked at them and said "That's not funny. It's really not her fault guys. That's just cruel." They immediately stopped talking and changed the subject.

[omarcomin]

Some guy outside a club called me pizza face and spotty

some kid goes to his dad in front of me "he's got spots". not that offensive i know but just kind of annoying.

"URGGGGGGGH WHAT'S THAT ON YOU'RE FACE". I've had that one a couple of times

I was visiting a girl i knew once and her sister was there and when her sister saw me i heard her say "what is that"

There are more but i can't think right now, funnily enough most of the comments i have recieved have been from my 'friends'

Edited by omarcomin, 21 April 2011 - 07:09 PM.

[Bina123]

Ummm lol...I've never gotten an outright comment. But my friend reccomended a beauty tutorial to me on youtube and it's done by a girl who has naturaly oily/ acne prone skin, but "controls it" using a lot of different products. It's not that bad I guess lol... I do have the same skin type as her..The girl in the video has really nice skin now. And I actually did end up buying one of the products she uses. But still it's like woww.

[~Special K~]

Strangers. Family members. Friends. Yes, we have had them ALL comment on our acne, haven't we? Here are My Moments Unforgettable.

1) Years ago (YEARS AGO which is an indication of how long I've had stupid acne) I've had my niece whisper in my ear "Why are you so ugly?". My nephew announced that to tell the difference between my sister and I is that she is the "pretty and nice one" and I was the "ugly and mean one." Three guesses why I was the mean one. My brother's step kid would follow me around asking me why I had so many pimples. Oh yes don't I LOVE kids.

2) I'm a waitress and I have had my share of "helpful advice" from customers. Mangosteen ("You should have some to clear up your face and then help me sell some!"), drink water, wash your face, blah blah blah.

3) Oh, and of course, a combination of the two: STRANGER KIDS! I've had a day where I was feeling pretty darn confident and that happens almost never. I walk up to a table all bouncy and happy to take an order and some kid gives me the ol' "Why do you have so many bumps on your face?" INSTA-DEFLATE. I mutter "I don't know" and take that order and race away like a bat out of hell.

They don't understand, guys. We take care of our faces SO well but we just can't get RID OF IT. Just please leave me alone, Flawless Skin Immortals, and let me wallow in misery...

[uhmeeleeuh]

1) I work at a day camp over the summer, and one of the little girls in my group touched my cheek and said "Do you have rosacea?"
2) In 8th grade, a girl who had been picking on me all year yelled across the quiet room in the middle of class, "NO, I WON'T TELL AMELIA HOW GROSS HER ACNE IS!" Everyone laughed because she was popular.
3) I was at the mall with my friend, who also has acne, and one of the guys working in a kiosk that sold some hokey-pokey dead sea salt scrub called us over. He proceeded to follow us about 40 feet, so we decided to go back to tell him we weren't interested. He proceeded to talk about how great it was all the while hinting that it would get rid of my acne. We told him we weren't interested, and he continued following us about 60 feet telling us that it would "TOTALLY clear up your skin, get rid of that gross acne, and make you attractive."
4) And of course the strangers telling me I need to drink more water, or more tea, or bathe in milk, or only eat apples, etc.

[Vinchenzo]

I got this one "friend" and randomly he just asks me " why do you have so many pimple?" so loud every can hear him. I soon turn red cause everyones staring at me and him.

Theres this place I volunteer at and this little girl said to me " you should try proactive" and since she was a little girl I just laughed a bit.

This stranger on at the bus stop came up to me and was like " do you know what a doctor is? Cause you should go see one cause your very ugly" and I felt SUPER SUPER embarrassed because some of my friends were with me and I thought I looked and felt good that day but after that comment I went back down.

[Faithx0]

People really suck sometimes.. I have had people mention it many times but here are two of the worse times.

1) I was workingas a cashier and I had a long line, as I'm ringing a lady up she starts telling me how to get rid of my acne. She is talking really loudly and my co-workers as well as all the people behind her can hear her. I blushed so bad as she went on and on about how treat my "gross skin." The worst part was at the end she's like "I just gave you amazing tips the least you can do is thank me!" so not only did this women publicly embarrass me, but I also had to thank her for it.

2) Once again this happened while I was a cashier. A woman and her two children came into my line. All of the sudden the little girl points at me and screams "oh my god, look at her face! I felt horrible. When I was done ringing them up I ran to the bathroom and cried.

[charlie700]

Holy zucchini! Why are those people allowed to procreate? Seriously, we should all get together for support, to laugh at those morons, and maybe to have some smart, strong, empathetic kids --- not necessarily in that order.

I know from experience how hurtful people's comments can be, whether it's well-intended or whether the speaker is having uncontrollable mouth diarrhea. But we'll win in the end, if we can help each other and not give up on ourselves. Most of us on this forum eat healthily, take care to avoid the sun, and are generally health conscious, so we're bound to outlive the bastards. One of the few advantages acne has given me (there are very few, but they're strong advantages) is that it's a shit-filter. Superficial, hollow people don't end up in my life. I don't end up wasting time and emotion in one-sided, dead-end relationships. Instead, the few friends I have are people I know who are there because they like me, acne or not.

Edited by charlie700, 23 April 2011 - 09:27 PM.

[oneredwine]

The worst thing imo was something this one girl said.

It was in highschool and to this very day, i still fucking remember it.

I had 4 BIG ASS pustules on my cheeks, the ones that are huge but take a week and half to two weeks to go away.

Basically, i was sitting next to her and struck a conversation with her. So we are talking about random stuff related to the class, and she keeps glancing at my pustules over and over and over. Then, out of fucking no where, she tells me "btw, you should really wash your face more often, BEING DIRTY usually causes gross pimples."

FML

Oh my god.

That kind of ignorance is just plain.... sad

[dejaclairevoyant]

I'm clear now but my acne used to be "stop and stare" severe, so I really have a lot of bad memories and can relate to a lot of what you've said.

I don't have a lot of situations involving strangers but I can think of a few.

-One time (like many of you) a sweet little girl *maybe 5 yrs old* came up to me in a waiting room somewhere and giggled and said "You have polka dots on your face!" Her mom immediately called her over and scolded her and then looked back at me with this pained look of pity on her face. Honestly the look of pity was worse than what the little girl said but it still hurt.

-Another time, when I worked in an office I had a very rude customer who wouldn't stop staring at my face. Literally, she would STARE blankly, totally zoning out on it to the point where she wouldn't answer my questions as I was trying to help her. She kept making this gagging face like she was about to throw up. Then, after ignoring me for a few minutes more she took one last disgusted look at my skin and said she would prefer to do her business elsewhere. She never actually said anything about my acne but it was very obvious she was disgusted by it and it hurt me so much that I almost committed suicide soon after.. *(long story, obviously I didn't do it and am still here)

-Not a stranger, but at that same office, I was sitting with two other co-workers, one of whom was my friend and the other was this really evil older lady who walked with a cane and was just really blunt and cold with how she spoke to people. We were all eating lunch and chatting and I notice the older lady sort of scowling at me and examining my skin. Then she says very rudely and loudly: "Are you picking at your face? Your face shouldn't be like that. That isn't right."

To be fair, it was true... my face wasn't right. This was the peak of my suffering with acne, the worst of the worst. I had almost no normal skin on my face and I was looking pretty deformed, makeup couldn't even cover it anymore. In fact, I just remembered another embarrassing moment, later on at that same job my boss called me into the office to discuss "what was being done" about my skin because this was a job where we had to be "presentable" for the public...

It really was the worst time in my life. I ended up getting let go and a few months after that I finally found the start of the long road which would lead me to healing and getting clear.

Just to add some positivity:

-At my most recent job (last year, all the bad stories were from 2-3 years prior) I was ringing up a customer who was buying a bunch of skin scrubs and spa stuff and what not. I held one up and said something like, "this looks nice" and she responded "Yeah, it's good stuff, not like you'd need it though, you look like you've always been one of those lucky people with naturally gorgeous skin."

Think what THAT felt like to hear. I went from being stared at like a leper in public to having what a stranger would assume to be "naturally gorgeous skin" in less than 3 years time! Keep the faith, people. Everything can change.

[ThisIsMyLife]

Sitting on the floor with a few guys I don't know , the guy accidentally touched my leg and he quickly rubbed it on his pants and the guy beside him said my pimples would spread to him. Can humans get any more cruel-er ?

[Lilybee]

I'm clear now but my acne used to be "stop and stare" severe, so I really have a lot of bad memories and can relate to a lot of what you've said.

I don't have a lot of situations involving strangers but I can think of a few.

-One time (like many of you) a sweet little girl *maybe 5 yrs old* came up to me in a waiting room somewhere and giggled and said "You have polka dots on your face!" Her mom immediately called her over and scolded her and then looked back at me with this pained look of pity on her face. Honestly the look of pity was worse than what the little girl said but it still hurt.

-Another time, when I worked in an office I had a very rude customer who wouldn't stop staring at my face. Literally, she would STARE blankly, totally zoning out on it to the point where she wouldn't answer my questions as I was trying to help her. She kept making this gagging face like she was about to throw up. Then, after ignoring me for a few minutes more she took one last disgusted look at my skin and said she would prefer to do her business elsewhere. She never actually said anything about my acne but it was very obvious she was disgusted by it and it hurt me so much that I almost committed suicide soon after.. *(long story, obviously I didn't do it and am still here)

-Not a stranger, but at that same office, I was sitting with two other co-workers, one of whom was my friend and the other was this really evil older lady who walked with a cane and was just really blunt and cold with how she spoke to people. We were all eating lunch and chatting and I notice the older lady sort of scowling at me and examining my skin. Then she says very rudely and loudly: "Are you picking at your face? Your face shouldn't be like that. That isn't right."

To be fair, it was true... my face wasn't right. This was the peak of my suffering with acne, the worst of the worst. I had almost no normal skin on my face and I was looking pretty deformed, makeup couldn't even cover it anymore. In fact, I just remembered another embarrassing moment, later on at that same job my boss called me into the office to discuss "what was being done" about my skin because this was a job where we had to be "presentable" for the public...

It really was the worst time in my life. I ended up getting let go and a few months after that I finally found the start of the long road which would lead me to healing and getting clear.

Just to add some positivity:

-At my most recent job (last year, all the bad stories were from 2-3 years prior) I was ringing up a customer who was buying a bunch of skin scrubs and spa stuff and what not. I held one up and said something like, "this looks nice" and she responded "Yeah, it's good stuff, not like you'd need it though, you look like you've always been one of those lucky people with naturally gorgeous skin."

Think what THAT felt like to hear. I went from being stared at like a leper in public to having what a stranger would assume to be "naturally gorgeous skin" in less than 3 years time! Keep the faith, people. Everything can change.

This made my day! Did you have any problems with scarring? You must have been so happy when she said that, congratulations

[bumble_B]

I've suffered from almost every type of acne there is, but not frequently. I get severe cystic acne, but not too often and for that, I'm so grateful. I always get a few blackheads around my nose and the occasional inflamed one, but those are bearable since they go away in a day or two.

I can say that I'm not too upset about my skin: I know it's not perfect, but there had been times when it's been worse. Unfortunately, it's not strangers who come up to me and annoy my guts, it's my friends. Or, I just say "friends" with quotations. I'm seriously reconsidering finding new people to hang around.

For the most part, my skin is fairly clear, with a few pink post-acne marks.

A few weeks ago, I got two cystic spots since I was PMS'ing. They were both within 5mm in diameter on the side of my right cheek. Not that noticeable unless someone decides to stare. So I had these for a week (by then, they were less swollen and going down) before my "brilliant" friend decides to point it out to me:
"Oh my god, what happened to you face? Why are you breaking out so badly?"
Of course, I got really annoyed, but I tried to keep calm. I was like "Yea, I know, I've had these for about a week now" in a rather matter-of-fact way.
She goes, "Oh, I don't know why I didn't notice them before!"
I said "Yea well, I don't think they're a big deal, anyway."
So she goes "YES! It IS a big deal. It means your not taking care of your skin!" in this taunting and whiny way (BOY, was I pissed.)

So those spots are gone and I just have light pink post-acne marks on my face from them. But last night, I got this tiny inflamed whitehead, less than 1.5mm in size on the side of my forehead. That same "brilliant" friend decides to point it out immediately this time: "Oh god, you have a pimple on your forehead!" It was, like, she was trying to TOP herself by noticing each f*cking spot on my face as they come now.

I AM SO ANNOYED. I seriously, don't know what to do. I don't want to snap at her since we're in school and she doesn't really get acne. She once told me and a few other friends sitting at the table, "Oh yea, I use to have oily skin and acne, but now my skin isn't oily and I never get acne!" The fact is, she does get spots sometimes, but I'm not a b*tch who points it out to her like she does to me!

ARGH, anyway, enough ranting. Seriously, people need to stop being so insensitive. They just have no idea. NO IDEA.

Edited by bumble_B, 25 April 2011 - 08:11 PM.

[mrskoala]

I don't think I've been directly confronted about it before by anyone but my family- "Why don't you pop those THINGS on your face, it's GROSS!" (Thank you, mother.) "You need to eat more meat!" (I eat meat, grandma.)
The worst experience I've had is my husband's little sister being nasty about it. At the time we were just dating, and I wasn't wearing makeup. She looked at me and sneered and said "Why do you have so many zits?!" I said I don't know, trying to avoid talking about it, and she just kept dragging it on, telling me to pop them, they were gross, etc. And laughing. My whole face was red and I was soooo embarassed. I left the room and started crying. When my (now husband) found out he yelled at her (she was 11/12 at the time) but she's still pointed it out a couple times since then. I try to not let it effect my opinion of her, but she's really rude. :/
Other than that I've just always had a chronic fear of someone pointing it out.

[FallenStardust]

.

Edited by FallenStardust, 14 September 2011 - 07:51 PM.