Everyone goes through the awkward teen phase in middle school, and part of high school. But what happens when the awkward phase never goes away? My struggle with acne began my freshman year in high school, it went away for a little while but it came back and its even worse this time. I have tried every product from Neutrogena to Proactive, from Clean and Clear to Clearasil – but nothing has ever worked for me.

Just recently I visited a dermatologist and she prescribed me medication for my face. I thought to myself, "Yes! My struggle is finally over!" That was until I went to the pharmacy and found out the medication was going to be about $1,300. That's absolutely crazy! I could put a downpayment on a car with that kind of money. I don't know about you, but I can't afford to buy face cream for that much money. But now that that plan failed, what am I going to do?

I struggle with my appearance, I think that the acne is gross and ugly, and it is. I am almost 20 years old, and I still struggle with acne. But you know what? I am not going to let my acne define who I am. Society has this image in their minds that says that you have to have flawless skin, a perfect face, but no one is perfect and we shouldn't let society dictate our self image. So embrace your face and don't let your acne define you. I let it define me for so long that I hid behind makeup for years, but not anymore. I am proud of my face and acne is not a permanent fixture in your life, so go out and be you.