I’m in my mid-20s and have a face full of zits and acne scars. Yes, it’s slightly embarrassing and makes me feel insecure. I do not take selfies for any reason and refuse to let anyone take any pictures of me unless they’re standing several feet away. I can’t afford insurance, so I can’t see a dermatologist. Chemical peels worked wonders for me but I could no longer afford to keep getting them. I’m dealing with them the best way I can right now with better products, vitamins, and isolating things from my diet to see if certain foods are the culprit. I actually have slightly fewer and smaller pimples, and lighter scars than I had months ago, but they’re still very noticeable. I’m trying my best to be patient and remember that it’s a process, but it still bothers the hell out of me sometimes.
I try to remember that the people in my life that matter don’t care what’s on my face–not my friends, not the kids I work with, not even the guy I’ve been seeing. However, they’re not the problem. The problem is random people that I don’t know coming up to me and showing “concern” for my skin. I did not ask for your help or your comments. If I hear, “You’re pretty but need to do something about your skin,” one more time from a random stranger, I will lose it. If someone else gives me stupid dietary recommendations that I’ve more than likely already tried, I will lose it. If someone else gives me their weird-ass home remedies, I will lose it. Just leave me alone. You think I don’t look in the mirror? You think I haven’t noticed the blemishes on my face? Do you really believe I came to the farmer’s market to get a lecture on skincare from someone buying socks and hair accessories? Mind your own damn business.
image: DresdenPlaid