I have had acne since I was 13 years old, and my skin has only gotten worse over time. Now, I am 20 years old, and my acne is worse than it has ever been. If you have passed your teens and are still waiting on a skin-clearing miracle, you know exactly how frustrating it can be to hear those often well-intentioned -- but nevertheless always rude -- comments, suggestions and questions about your zits. Here's a list of 11 things that us adult acne suffers are tired of hearing.
1. "Are you experiencing a second round of puberty or something?"
Referring to this as a "second round" implies that there was a break between the two "rounds." However, I never experienced a break in my acne -- not even for a single day. I think it's fair to say that this is just an extra-long first round. With my luck, my skin will only get worse from this point onward. Does this clarify things for you?
2. "Why don't you try Proactiv? I heard that stuff helps with your…problem."
Stop living in 2008. Do you seriously think I haven't already tried it? If it didn't work for me when I was 13 years old, it certainly won't work now that my acne is worse than it has ever been.
3. "How about a natural liver cleanse?"
Believe what you want to believe, but in my mind, a "liver cleanse" is nothing more than a gimmick -- and a week of diarrhea and subsequent dehydration. Now, how would that alleviate my acne?
4. "Does your diet consist entirely of pizza and chocolate?"
No, it doesn't, but even if it did, that would be none of your business. I eat what I want. (And for the record, pizza and chocolate do not cause acne.)
5. "You have such rosy cheeks!"
No, my cheeks are not "rosy." They are red and blotchy -- plagued with cystic acne. "Rosy" is such a pretty word; stop trying to sugarcoat reality.
6. "Are those freckles or zits?"
Really? What do you think they are?
7. "Did your parents have really bad skin when they were younger?"
It's obvious that the reason you're asking me this question isn't because I have really bad skin; you want to know if I inherited it from my parents. The answer is no. My parents have always had -- and will always have -- perfectly clear skin.
8. "Did your older brother or sister also have really bad skin when they were your age?"
Again, no. I am the black sheep of my family. Leave me alone.
9. "You're so brave to go out in public without makeup on!"
You're pretty brave yourself for having the audacity to say that out loud.
10. "You look so different with makeup on!"
Yeah, I know. Thanks.
11. "You should drink more water."
The human body is comprised of 70 percent of water. Obviously, water is not the cure-all; if that were the case, no one would have acne.
12. "Toothpaste should to the trick!"
We are no longer 13 years old at summer camp. Didn't you learn your lesson back then? Or am I the only one who has zits that are resistant to toothpaste? (And pretty much every other topical treatment, but that's beside the point.)
