Its actually more frustrating to know that acne is not at all our fault and we still have to deal with this.

5 hours ago, Ae1976 said:

I mean this article says that we are responsible for our acne and how to accept it. I find that impossible to accept in every way.

Therein lies the reason behind the general lack of sympathy for acne sufferers. There is still a sizeable number of people who genuinely believe that it is somehow self-inflicted, whether that's diet or personal hygiene or whatever. I remember someone trying to convince me that my acne was caused by my alleged negative thoughts, which left me genuinely flabbergasted and almost frozen with rage.

You're right to be angry, but it won't help you in any way. They can say what they like, the onus will always be on you to grin and bare it.

You are right to be outraged. Acne is not caused by lifestyle choices instead it is caused by genetics and hormones stimulating sebaceous glands. The glands lie beneath the surface of the skin. We must work to educate the public about this disease. We are told not to shame drug users with aids and morbidly obese people who overeat (fat shaming). Bolth of these diseases are influenced by lifestyle choices in most circumstances not including rape or bad medicine practices or in metabolic disorders for obesity. My nursing text book says most obesity is not attributed to a actual medical condition but instead overeating. Obese models and actresses are posing in advertisements and magazine yet acne is not even shown in adds for acne products in cosmopolitan. Like in the retanoid advertising. The acne stigma is unbelievable. I only ask acne suffers be shown the same compassion.

I agree with RNAcne that a level of public education is definitely needed. Acne is not seen as a serious condition. It's laughed at and mocked in almost every teenage and rom-com film ever, so when teenagers get acne of course they're going to feel awful. Acne causes anxiety and depression and I just wish there was a charity out there dedicated to helping acne sufferers and educating the public that it is not our fault that we suffer from acne.

Responding to the OP, I certainly don't think we need to forgive ourselves for having acne. However, achieving some sense of self-acceptance is important. I've certainly felt ashamed because of my acne.

We don't even know where acne comes from. Some say genetics/hormonal, some say lifestyle. We think of them because we think that's where it really comes from, when in fact all of them are pieces of s***.

We never wanted this, we sometimes question whoever, why us? The good thing is we can do something about it, some have found their solution, some haven't yet. We struggle each and every day to face everyone just like someone who doesn't have acne do. I always say this and it's the truth, to accept our situation is easier said than done. We can only take it one step at a time and it will begin with ourselves, no matter how many people tell us to just accept it. No one can dictate us how fast it should be done or for how long should we grieve about this situation.