Hey Everyone,

Ironically enough this is my first post. I say that because 5 years ago I used to live on this forum, looking for answers, and hoping that someone could have a magical cure for my acne. Unfortunately, it doesn't exist. But if that is where this post ended this wouldn't be too helpful. I want to keep this brief and hope it finds whoever needs it well.

Background - About 6 years ago I started to get really bad acne. I was 16 at the time and it was progressively getting worse. It was constantly taking a toll on my confidence by the time I was 17 I had acne unlike anyone I knew. It became the only thing I could think about and my confidence was virtually gone.

In my senior year I remember walking through the halls everyday with my head down so that nobody would see me. I also wouldn't talk to anyone in class or make plans with friends for the same reason. I spent all my time researching answers because fixing my acne was the only thing that mattered to me. I was constantly picking and washing my face wanting it to go away, but it wouldn't. It became a cycle of stressing about it, picking at it and then repeating.

I know everyone reading this is going to want a miracle answer as I did, but I don't have that for you. However, here is what helped me and what you need to know.

For me, the biggest thing that helped was leaving my skin alone and not picking. It doesn't go away overnight but it makes a difference. This isn't a fix but seriously, leave it alone. In terms of skincare, different things work for everyone but excessively washing your face won't make it disappear. It does get better eventually and here are a few things to know.

Nobody judges you like yourself - remember that. My certainty that people judged my acne was the root of my insecurity however nobody cared about it like I did. This doesn't mean that you can just forget about it (I know) but take that as something to remember.

To close this off I want you to know that I still get acne. It isn't like it used to be but that son of a bit-(you get the point) still shows up. I don't love it, I don't hate, but I let it do its thing. It get better, but in the meantime; don't try to to not think about it but rather put your mind to more meaningful things. Your acne is only a tiny part of your life, and eventually, it gets better.

You got this,

Cameron