Hey all,

Im 20, and have had acne for as long as I can remember. This year it started to clear up. I thought Id postmy story with the hopes that it can help anyone.

The time right before my acne cleared up was some of the hardest stuff Ive ever had to deal with. My self-confidence dropped so low that I stopped participating in social events. It would take me 10 mins of convincing myself to wash off my makeup, as I knew that seeing my face in the mirror would make me cry. After my makeup was off I couldnt handle anyone seeing me (including my family). I was even uncomfortable alone with bright lights. There was no wayI couldgo camping withfriends. When I did go out, I couldn'tmeet new people, as I had developed a habit (still getting over it) of not looking people in the eyes. Nights were by far the hardest. I felt like I was being suffocated and stuck in a self-perpetuating cycle of loneliness. By this point I was 19and never been kissed. I felt as though all of my friends were moving forward in their lives and I wasnt. Conversations about boys made me feel alienated as Id attempt to participate and feign confidence when it came to dating. I clearly remember one night when I read someones blog here that had so many of the sameproblems I had and lying there trying to choke back sobs with my pillow.

Honestly, Im not 100% sure what fixed my acne.Ill go through the events that lead to my (mostly) clear skin. 1) Went on doxycycline for a few months. While I was on it it made 0 difference, and I bad side effects so I stopped. I have no idea if it was a coincidence that I cleared up a bit after stopping it or not though. 2) Started drinking a TON of water. 3) Washed my face a lot better (I know, how annoying is it when people tell you to just wash your face). Obviously Id always washed my face, but I started using my regular Cetaphil face wash followed by a Norwex makeup remover face cloth. 4) After doing that (nightly)I use clean and clear deep cleaning astringent. 5) Twice a week I use a Clean and Clear exfoliating scrub. 6) In the morning I use the Bath and Body tea tree oil face wash. 7) I use a tea tree oil spot treatment. 8) I change my pillow case every second night 9) I'd force myself to wash my face with the lights on, and lookat myself in the mirror afterwards with 1 compliment/day

Final words of advice: you can get through it! It sounds cheesy but it'll get better. Not only is there a light at the end of the tunnel, but its an exciting disco strobe light thats completely worth it. Ill seeat myself in the mirror and smile with giddiness.I went on camping trip that I never wore makeup during. I also now work asa teaching assistantwhere I will speak in front of a room of 200 students. If I can come from cryingmost nights to that, then you can too!

I think that Im a stronger person having gotten myself through this. I also believe that I have a happier outlook on life than some people that havent. Its help made me who I am and honestly I love it. Sorry for the long post. Props to whoever read it.