Acne sucks. As someone who has been struggling with it since adolescence, I thought I would grow out of it as I became an adult. But unfortunately this is not the case, otherwise I wouldn't be writing this angsty listicle.
These five comments are ones that I receive the most, and also conveniently frustrate me the most. While I know the people who have said this mean well and want to help, these comments oftentimes do the opposite.
1. It’s not THAT bad… it could be worse
I always get this unsolicited, backhand compliment when I show people my skin. I’m not fishing for compliments when I take off my makeup or complain about my breakouts, I’m simply stating facts and talking about how I feel. I know you're trying to make me feel better, but comparing my insecurities to others’ doesn't make them go away.
2. You should try (insert unsolicited advice here)
You think I haven’t Google searched your home remedy suggestion before? Or seen Neutrogena at my own local CVS? I don’t live under a rock, I just can’t put everything in the world on my skin because it’ll mess with it even more.
3. You shouldn’t be wearing makeup
I get it, my skin should breathe. But do I really want to hear these comments 24/7 and feel people staring at me? No thanks.
4. I didn't even notice it!
Why do people try to say this?
5. Why do you cover up your acne? You should love yourself for who you are!
Me covering up my acne with makeup does NOT mean that I love myself any less. We all have things about ourselves that we like to enhance/conceal, that doesn’t mean that we hate ourselves! Putting on mascara, shaving your legs, wearing earrings, and so much more are things people do that aren’t “natural,” so why is covering up my acne any different?