Everyone remembers the first time they had a bad breakout. From the initial trauma to the relief when it clears, there are a variety of different emotions, as well as the (gross!) stages of getting a zit. Lemme break them down so we can all reminisce together.

1. The internal formation

We all know what's to come when there's pain beneath the skin’s surface, a pimple trying to fight its way out. NOOO!

2. Panic Mode

HOLY SHIT, NO! *Runs to medicine cabinet* **applies spot treatment*

3. The surfacing

Your heart sinks when you wake up in the morning to find a decently large sized blemish on your forehead, cheeks, chin or nose.

4. Growing

To make matters worse, the pimple will grow into almost a second face, if it hasn't already formed that way.

5. Everyone stares

No matter where you are or what you're doing, somebody's creeping over at you. And there is NO. ESCAPING.

6. Ransacking the skin care department

This calls for a run to either Target or Walmart. Upon arrival, you're overwhelmed by the selection of different products that ultimately claim the same thing.

7. Blowing your bank account

From your drugstore haul to buying all the latest gadgets to purchasing the highest quality products you can find at Sephora, you are bound to max out your card.

8. Treatment overload

In the morning, wash face with an acne cleanser, follow with toner and spot treatment. Apply face mask if you have time. Touch up spot treatment throughout the day. Repeat morning routine at bedtime and leave the mask on overnight.

9. Resistance to treatment

No matter what you do the pimple just won't go away!! In fact, it seems the products are making it worse!

10. Skin irritation from all the treatments

Your skin gets red and itchy from the salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide you've been using. It might even start peeling like you have a sunburn.

11. MORE panic

OMFG, WHY WON'T THIS F-ING BLEMISH GO AWAY??!!??

12. Popping & squeezing

It's been said time and time again that you should NEVER pop or squeeze a zit, but at this point, you're desperate. You immediately follow up with more treatment.

13. Camouflaging

You style your hair in a way that covers the pimple as best it can. Or you apply foundation under concealer under powder and reapply throughout the day.

14. Clogged pores

Between all the makeup and the oils in your hair, your pores clog and produce more oils and in the worst cases...EVEN MORE PIMPLES!

15. Scarring

After popping the zit, you're left with a nasty scar and remorse for ignoring the warnings.

16. Panic turns to rage

ENOUGH ALREADY!!! *Throws containers at the mirror in anger* DIY methods clearly aren't working, so...

17. Expensive spa treatments

...You book a facial at a day spa and/or a treatment especially for treating acne. Although it worked some, you're still not satisfied.

18. Dermatologist appointments

After a few days, you call your dermatologist and make an appointment. You're hopeful they can prescribe you something to clear your skin FAST.

19. Relaxation

After you exhausted all your time, energy and money on trying to salvage your skin, you finally take a step back and realize you did all you can.

20. RELIEF!!

Out of nowhere, the damned blemish disappears and the eternity of turmoil FINALLY comes to an end.

Although having acne doesn't cause PTSD, it still is very stressful and sometimes traumatic. More importantly, however it doesn't last forever, and EVERYONE GETS IT!!