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hobbypoet
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Default May 09, 2020 at 08:56 PM
  #1
Due to...it's a long story, but I have hormonal acne due to a medical condition I'm getting on going treatment for. They're still trying to balance out my levels. So I've spent a lot of money on products and do various treatments, but still have acne. I set up to see a dermatologist but the pandemic happened. I get really down on myself about my acne.

I realized tonight until my hormone levels are stabilized, there isn't a lot I can actually do. except manage it the best I can. This isn't something I can control or make better right now.

Does anyone have any good ideas on how to self love and feel good about yourself despite having acne?

I feel so imperfect and unattractive because of it. I tell myself I'm a beautiful person inside, I'm doing all the right things, and that I'm not going into a career where my looks will matter. But I'd still like to have better self-esteem about my appearance.
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Smile May 10, 2020 at 02:24 PM
  #2
Thanks for posting this. I'm sorry I don't really have anything to offer. However here are links to 6 articles, from PC's archives, on the general subject of how to like yourself more & develop self-compassion as well as on how to improve your self-esteem:

8 Steps to Like Yourself (More)

10 Ways to Stop Thinking You're Not 'Good Enough'

5 Strategies for Self-Compassion

Cultivating Self-Compassion

10 Body Image Questions to Ask Yourself This Sunday

https://psychcentral.com/blog/6-tips...dium=popular17


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Default May 10, 2020 at 02:28 PM
  #3
Hi @hobbypoet

I still get acne, plus have pretty bad scarring from previous acne breakouts. So I know how it is. Despite that though, I am still pretty confident about my looks. There are other things about my face and body that I like. Have you tried thinking about what's attractive about you? Everybody has something.
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Default May 10, 2020 at 09:29 PM
  #4
I have had scarring form acne and still get acne. The key is to treat the source of the problem which you are finding. I wear makeup now so it is not as bad. I used to have really deep scars but some how as I aged they have come less noticeable. I am pretty people tell me though. I don't know what to say to this. I try to find other ways to make me attractive. I exercise and eat healthy. I sleep well. I don't smoke nor drink. I feel good about myself. I think imperfections are human. I would try to accentuate the positive and down play the negative. I think the good thing about acne is that I look 20 years younger than my actual age. The oils prevent wrinkles. So, you may look imperfect now but 20 years down the road, may look amazing!! This is what happened to me!! I know that being young and with acne is not a happy situation. But, on the bright side, you will live through it and benefit later from having oily skin. If you are a woman, there are scar-lifting makeup creams. But, for acne itself, I would do as your doctor recommends.
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Default May 20, 2020 at 02:29 AM
  #5
It has to do with my thyroid condition and my thyroid levels not be balanced. I just recovered from Graves' Disease, I'm now hypothyroid and they're trying to figure out my level dosages but it's been taking months and months because it's a slow process. And my acne has been getting worse. It just seems so hopeless. I'm trying everything. I spending tons of money on products hoping they'll help and nothing is helping really. I see my doctor next month and will ask to go on a birth control that can help control hormones and treat acne, but there isn't a whole lot I can do because I'm doing everything possible to treat my skin condition.

I broke down sobbing tonight about it. And I guess I'm weak that it makes me feel so horrible about myself, but it does. I've been trying positive affirmations like I'm a beautiful person inside and out but the minute I look at a mirror and my 12 and more coming in blemishes I just deflate. It's like a battle I just can't win and I feel hopeless right now. I'd try to pick out my other features but all I see is the stuff all of over my face. I'm kind of glad we're wearing masks right now so I can hide my face. I rarely ever take selfies because I don't want anyone else to see me either. I don't think anyone else would find me attractive. It's so discouraging and heartbreaking for me.

I'm going to try and look at those links.
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Default Jun 05, 2020 at 04:02 AM
  #6
I still have scars but cover them up with makeup. I am not perfect either. I am trying to improve my appearance though and bought some daily soft contacts. It has changed my appearance dramatically. Now, my eyes stand out. I am happier! Someone also said that it looks like I lost weight. I thought it was a nice compliment.


I believe you will recover from your acne soon. I would not let a temporary problem dominate your life and how you feel about yourself. I hope your thyroid condition improves and that you clear up your skin. Please be patient. I had horrendous acne too from bad diet and too much stress. I have scars now. However, they are fading into lines on my face. I am getting old and what matters in the long run is not perfection but how you feel about yourself. I know you feel awful now. But,time will heal and hopefully your condition will improve too. Character is important too. Superficial appearances only matter in certain situations. When people get to know you and see past your looks, then your personality matters more. I would not allow your flaws control your self-esteem. I have flaws all over my skin too. I try to hide them too or just let them be. I just accentuate my attributes, rather than focusing on my flaws. I hope you will be able to do so too.


I admit when I was younger I felt like you did. But,as I aged, I realized looks are temporary and that the content of my character is more important. I did not care about my looks for a long time either. Now, I care about my appearance because I can and feel better about myself. I am not just talking about my skin but also my weight. I also wear makeup to enhance my looks. I am sure your situation will fade away and hopefully your skin will improve.

Please don't let your flaws be the center of your life. Find something good about yourself and focus on this.
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