Acne Support Group

Let it all out! I think most people here have felt just like you are feeling. It really is hard because you don't, or can't, act like the real you. How embarrassing to have skin that is not like everyone else!

Remember who you are and keep in touch with family and friends.

You've been to the dermatologist? I've found that my skin is so sensitive, anything topical just makes it worse. What did the doctor say your options are? I'm so sorry you and everyone here has to deal with this!

Yeah, my derm first gave me benzaclin, but the first day i put it on my cheeks i woke up and i looked like i had chicken pox! i went back a few weeks ago and he gave me minocycline- i have only been on it for about two and a half weeks but so far i feel the same as before.

i read most of the things on this discussion list... do you or anyone else know anything about the 3 day apple thing? I am a cross country runner so I don't know if it is a very healthy idea seeing as I burn around 800 calories a day, but if it works, i figure i can manage being hungry for three days.

i just hate more than anything how i feel like i just want to get up and go out, but i cant do that without looking in the mirror at least once, just to brush my hair or whatever. and once i look in the mirror, i usually just go lie down in bed because i can't imagine leaving the house.

i'm only a sophomore in college so i'm working at a place where i have to see customers every day. it is almost unbearable. i feel so stupid and SO vain for this being such a big problem for me, but i feel like i just can't help it! i miss being able to get ready to go out with my friends.. i know there is really nothing stopping me from doing it but i just dont enjoy it. i watch my friends get ready, put on their make up, do their hair, and i rememeber how fun it was. it just makes me so sad. i guess i need to get involved in things that don't require any certain look, but so far i can't think of anything that makes me feel better.

i am lucky to have a good family and very supportive friends, but there are days when even that doesn't make me happy. i feel like i should be stronger than this and it makes me even more mad at myself that i'm not, but i am just so unhappy it is overwhelming.

Sorry for that rant. You just said get it all out, and well, there it is.

I just cant help it. I really have to say this-- is that you on the photo? You are pretty like a princess! The look in your eyes, shy and warm. And that blond, wavy, barbie doll hair of yours, gosh, I envy those! Serious.

Sigh... It pains me to read your predicament. I almost have the same situation during my late teen years. I used to hang my big, fat mama's robe over the mirror by the hallway so I would not see my face when I pass... can you believe that I learned to fix my hair and put on lipstick without looking at the mirror? How I hated the parking lot and the local Chinese restaurant in our place because I don't want to be reminded by my reflection on how horribly I see myself ).

That was before. After 6 agonizing years, I discovered that my skin reacts sooo sensitively to substances (and other, whatever, I don't know) as simple as shampoo, toothpaste, facial wash, bath soap, even fabric softener! That's when I got conscious on anything my face get in contact with. I switched into using baby shampoo on my hair every day, kid's toothpaste, and baby bath. I wash my face with plain tap water every time it needs moisturizing then I pat dry with paper towel. Use unscented fabric conditioner, and I see to it that my pillow case is regularly changed twice-a-week. After a week, I could touch my face and felt that my pimples were subsiding and were starting to dry out without topical meds nor antibiotics... Now, I still develop 1-2 small to medium sized pimples few days before my period but most importantly, I got my confidence back.

Maybe you can try not to let your sweat dry on your face. After running, I suggest you wash your face right away with water. And sleep at least 6 hours, better if you can take a nap. You can also pay attention to other beautiful features on your face, like your eyes. By wearing light neutral eye shadow, people will notice those twinkling eyes as you smile. Stay simple and elegant; by tying your hair neatly away from your face to avoid irritation.

You may not have flawless skin but if you look at yourself beyond having acne, positivism will heal your heart. You will get through this, for this too, will pass. I know it is easier said than done, but just try, keep trying... you're an athlete? athletes are fighters! And do stay in this group, I'd like to see how you progress. Let us solve acne problem one pimple at a time, shall we?

thanks whathowhy... yeah, that is me and it is nice to hear those things.

i sometimes feel like such a brat, feeling bad about my skin when there are people out there who would do anything for their problems to be so superficial as bad complexion.

this is the time when i'm supposed to be figuring out who i am. my self esteem isnt very high as it is, and having acne just makes it harder. in the grand scheme of things, it doesnt matter. it is difficult though.

thanks for the advice. im definately going to stay in the group, if anything just so i know i'm not alone.