You know it’s bad when the derm sees the cyst on your forehead and says, “That’s the biggest zit I've ever seen!” And that's her job...

I've suffered from severe, cystic acne since I was 15-years-old. I tried every oral, topical, injectable anything you can possible imagine; nothing helped long-term. I finally zapped those suckers (hopefully) for good with 9 months of aggressive Accutane treatment. My lips peeled off and my legs were ashy, but hey – I’m 4 months completely acne free, and I couldn’t be happier with my skin.

Despite having wrestled with my body, begging it (with medication) to stop producing acne, I’m thankful for the struggle. Having chronic acne has taught me more than I could have hoped, and – although I love my clear skin – I wouldn’t change my acned past.

Here's why:

1. I take care of my skin.

I’ve tried anything and everything to get rid of my acne. From medicated cleansing lines to microdermabrasion and facials, my skin got the Cadillac of face creams and washes over the past 7 years. Now that my skin is completely clear, I’m still giving it the royal treatment because I’m practiced at treating my skin well. It's stuck with me through this much, doesn’t it deserve it?

2. I’ve learned to not be in control.

I’m a (former) type A control freak. Having acne clearly (pardon the pun) showed me that I can’t always be in control – no matter how badly I may want to be. Sometimes we have to be submissive to conditions and circumstances, all in faith of knowing that the old cliché holds truth: everything happens for a reason. Even a breakout (or two).

3. I’m more sympathetic.

When I see people with acne, I know their insecurities and the way acne can affect their confidence. Recognizing those qualities in my former self, I’m able to be a more supportive energy, highlighting and complimenting other outstanding qualities and emphasizing positive elements of their personality and appearance. Everyone loves a heartfelt compliment, right? Thought so.

4. I’m good with needles.

I’ve had zits lanced off, cysts sliced, diced and injected, and bumps picked at all over my face. I used to be deathly afraid of any medical tool that might break the skin, but over the past 7 years I’ve become more accustomed to needles, knives, and just about any dermatological tool that may exist. I even built up enough stamina to get my nose pierced. I’d call that a win. My mother wouldn’t.

5. I’m great with face makeup.

When mom says you’re having Christmas card family portraits next week and you’ve got those under-the-skin stubborn cysts, you only have on option: cover em up. I can play Hide and Seek Acne Edition with the best of them, and I constantly have friends asking for makeup tips and cover up tutorials. When it’s fight or flight, you figure out how to cover you’re a$$. Or acne.

6. I’m tough.

Acne sucks, no doubt. But when the only option you have is to deal with it, you grow thicker skin and you do. You can’t let a zit ruin prom (although trust me, it was huge and it tried), and you can’t let your acne paralyze you, preventing you enjoying moments and making memories. Initially I missed out on a lot because of my acne, but if I hadn’t toughened up, I would have missed out on even more. Including prom. And who doesn’t love dorky 17-year-old throwbacks?

7. I'm focused on my personality.

I used to worry about people judging me because I had acne. I overcompensated for this “flaw” by being a bright and bold personality, and by being a constant source of laughter and smiles at occasions and social events. I tried to make myself more attractive in other ways, so that others would look past my acne and still see someone worth knowing – someone who was beautiful. Even with clear skin, I know that who I am is more important than anything else, especially my appearance. I know my personality glows, even when my skin doesn’t.