I can still remember the day I walked into my dermatologist office for the very first time. My face was covered in painful (and noticeable) pimples and acne scars. I was carrying a bag full to the brim of product I'd been given from every one of my previous doctors. I still tell people that I could've run a pharmacy out of my bathroom -- and it's true! I had every cream and pill under the sun, and nothing had worked on my skin. My old office had transferred me from doctor to doctor multiple times, resulting in the worsening of my acne, rather than bettering. My mom wanted to try one last doctor, Jen, before we truly gave up and attributed my breakouts to genetics.

As soon as Jen came in, she went through the bag of products and explained to me why each one wasn't right for me. She then started me on a strict regimen -- she assigned me a daily moisturizer, a daily cleanser, two topical creams, and two pills. It was intense, but I put my trust in her. I am so thankful I did because within 2 months, the improvements were drastic.

Starting in middle school, I had acne all over my face. It wasn't just during a certain time of year or month: it was consistent. It lead to a rapid decrease in my self-confidence, and a massive increase in the amount of makeup I wore every day. I would spend upwards of 20 minutes each morning getting ready for school and strategically covering up each spot on my face. In high school, it only got worse. People had no problem pointing out my insecurities and making me even more self-conscious. I wore makeup everywhere, including the gym, because my acne made me unbelievably insecure.

After 2 months of being on the regimen that Jen gave me, my skin started clearing dramatically. I started wearing less makeup, and I got more compliments each time. People noticed a huge change in my skin and my attitude. I was less afraid to express myself, and more open to new things. It blew my mind how quickly my skin changed the way I lived.

As summer came to a close, so did my experience with breakouts. I began to get less and less breakouts until they completely stopped altogether. Ever since my skin started clearing up and my scars have started to fade, the amount of makeup on my face has dwindled. Honestly, I go to school most days without an ounce of makeup on my face. Not even mascara. I never feel like I need it anymore, and that is the most liberating feeling of all time.

Throughout my six or seven years battling acne, I've realized that a bunch of spots on my face completely changed the way I acted and lived. And even when my spots were covered up, I was still always nervous that people were judging me and talking about me. My acne changed everything about me, when it shouldn't have. But ever since Jen came and helped me get rid of my acne once and for all, I've changed back to the way I used to be. I don't pile on the foundation, I don't have a problem speaking to people face-to-face, and my social anxiety has significantly lessened. It sounds petty, but with clear skin, I feel so much more confident and happy.