MirraSkincare
MirraSkincare
MirraSkincare

Going Beneath The Surface: Treating Acne's Psychological Damage

Image Source: Into The Gloss

It’s 6:30am. My alarm is still going off, and before I’ve had a chance to hit “snooze,” or even crack open my eyes, I’ve already run my hands over my face to see if any new uninvited guests have found home on my skin overnight. 

Sound familiar? 

Having persistent acne is debilitating. It's painful, both physically and psychologically. I can't even count the number of times I've skipped out on events (first dates and family birthdays included) in lieu of sitting at home, crying and feeling like my body was totally out of my control. Over the past two years, I’ve made a concerted effort to not let my control me or stop me from living my life, and I’d say, it works about 80% of the time. Yes, I’ve found a concealer that does wonders, but beyond that, I’ve incorporated a lot more than just product into my skincare routine. Enter, self-compassion. 

1. Validate the Psychological effects of acne 

Validating your experience is the perfect step-one for an effective self-compassion practice, because the struggle 👏 is 👏 REAL 👏 my friends. 

It is OK to be mad. It’s OK to be frustrated. You’re not overreacting, it’s your experience and it is real. Sometimes, when I vent to my non-acne-suffering friends (the privilege 🙄) I often hear, “it’s not that bad!!” or “relax you’re the only one that’s noticing it,” which can really make you feel crazy at times.  

Some ways to deal psychological effects of acne, and practice validation? You might want to try journaling, or just a simple self-dialogue in the mirror (read: Mirra 😏) : “I have acne and it is hard.” Write or say what is true and authentic to you. 

2. Acne Pain: Know You’re not alone

One big gripe that I have with the acne industry is that the pain associated with acne, both physical and emotional, is often minimized. Dealing with acne is not just about covering it up, or zapping it away. We also need to address the fact that having acne can often feel shameful and even lonely at times. 

But you are not alone - far from it. Did you know that 40-50M people suffer from acne just in the U.S.? (1) While the media can often distort that fact, try googling ““celebrities with acne”, and you’ll see that even adorned celebs like Kendall Jenner to Bella Thorne don’t have picture perfect skin all the time. 

Additionally, social media can be a friend or enemy, depending on how you use it. There are a number of social media accounts dedicated to sharing people’s experience with acne - try searching for #freethepimple on Instagram and you’ll find some gem accounts.

3. Give yourself the gift of time

Guilty of racing through your night-time routine in order to avoid the mirror or get to your Netflix a little faster? Try taking a few deep breaths and carve out as much time as you need to get ready for bed or mentally prepare yourself for the day. Ways to slow down your routine? Try giving yourself a facial massage, put on your body lotion in a way that feels relaxing and kind, brush your teeth intentionally and mindfully. (Here's 30 ways to practice self care on a budget). While it might feel a little unnatural or narcissistic at first, the mindfulness that you add to your routine can really improve your relationship with your body and mind.

Acne or no acne, you’re HOT

If you have low self-esteem as a result of acne, or just have any insecurity of any kind (does that make…all of us?🙋‍🙋‍) making self-compassion a priority isn’t always easy. It’s hard to force loving yourself when, in reality, sometimes, you just don’t. But there’s a reason why it’s called a “practice,” it literally takes PRACTICE. With a consistent, mindful self-compassion practice, you’ll get there.  

And food for thought: putting too much pressure on loving yourself all the time kinda defeats the purpose. It’s OK if you do the above and you’re still mad, angry and frustrated. It’s normal. It takes time, and some days are harder than others. Having acne is a journey (meaning there really isn’t a final destination). Just remember that the act of self-compassion will only bring you closer to the Truth: acne or no acne, YOU FLAWLESS BABY.

 

 

Related Articles:

1. The 6 Types of Acne: Which One Do You Have? 

2. Self-Care: Narcissistic Or Necessary?

3. This Model Is On A Mission To #FREETHEPIMPLE

4. Acne Free Diet Plan: What Foods To Eat And What Foods To Avoid

4 comments

  • Is it just me? I’m wearing less make up but having major break outs during Covid. Struggling to manage but it helps to know i’m not alone in how I feel.

    Valentina
  • “Social media can be a friend or enemy, depending on how you use it” YES! Love the ideas here.

    Tori
  • This really struck home.

    May
  • Acne is the worst

    Leily

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Self Care 101: The 6 Different Types of Self-Care
0 Comment
Too often, we feel swept up in day-to-day tasks, suffocated by our long-term goals, and stumped by the opposition tha ...
How to Have Good Sleep Hygiene For a Good Night’s Rest
0 Comment
Although brushing your teeth, showering, or washing your face seem like no-brainers in some of our bedtime routines, ...
Myth Busted! Do Skin Care Ingredients in Hair Care Products Work?
0 Comment
It feels like nothing is simple these days. We’ve gone from picking up the cheapest, best-scented drugstore hair prod ...