Overcoming And Acceptance

I know we come here for help and support, but sometimes I want to share when I overcome something. Because I think it's important to know that you can grow, heal and overcome things. I didn't really know where to put this.

Last year while recovering from my autoimmune disease I developed severe acne which really impacted my self-esteem. I felt hideous and unlovable because I thought I was too deformed and ugly to be loved. After seeing a dermatologist, it has improved a lot but it's not gone. It can never be gone because I still have that autoimmune disease and this is one of the symptoms it causes. I'm in the middle of a pretty bad breakout despite continuing to take medication.

I've reached a point where I simply accept that I'm probably going to have acne for the rest of my life, to varying degrees of severity. I've tried so many things. From top brand expensive products to supplements that are supposed to improve your skin from the inside out, to inexpensive products, natural remedies...you name it, I've probably tried it. I DO wash my face twice a day, I use toner with witch hazel, I use products that don't clog pores. I STILL get acne. Since the cause is an autoimmune disease, nothing will make that disease go away. There isn't a cure. I've realized having acne is beyond my control and it's something I can't help. Just like I can't change my height, eye color, skin color. My fingerprints. I can't change this part of me.

But I'm in a place where I no longer feel like it ruins me. I think I can be attractive with acne. I don't always cover, I do go out without make-up in the middle of a bad breakout. I feel like..if people are going to judge and determine anything about me from my skin, instead of my mind, heart, and soul then I don't want to know them anyway. I am SO much more than my skin. I refuse to accept that I'm unattractive just because I have acne. I think beauty or attractiveness is more than what you look like. And I'll proudly show my imperfect face and dare anyone to tell me otherwise.

I call this self-love.

Congrats on accepting what you cannot change. I would be okay with make up for my own self esteem añd less stress but I am only speaking for me.

I do both. Somedays I will cover and somedays I don't. But I don't value myself any more or less with whatever I choose to do. Sometimes wearing foundation is self-care, sometimes wearing no make-up is self-care. I have a lot of scars on my face because of my past severe acne. But I feel like my scars just tell the story of how I survived a disease that almost took my life.

@cinnamonsun that sounds like a very balanced approach. That is a major victory that you endured and survived that. That shows you have depth of character.