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My Skin Story


This post is a little different than my usual ones. This one is going to be about a breif story of my skin (on my face); how it used to be, where it is now, and everything inbetween.

What really inspired this post was a few months ago when I did a photoshoot and was surrounded by young girls in high school. The girls were talking about their insecurities, comparing themselves to everyone around them, and gossiping about everything under the sun. So, I figured that it was time that I talked about something that had me insecure when I was a teenage girl: my skin.

When I was a young child, I had baby smooth skin. My complexion was clear, and even when I did somehow manage to get a scratch on my face (which was often because I played hard as a kid), it healed without scarring.

It wasn't until I hit about 6th grade that my skin started to break out. But everyone's did for the most part. It was puberty. It was awkward and uncomfortable. My skin was oily as can be. I remember putting makeup on my skin to cover up pimples and having to apply powder every few hours because my skin was so oily and shiny. It was terrible. My skin broke out like crazy, primarily around my nose, on my nose, my forehead, and my chin. My cheeks and hairline always seemed to stay clear. However, I was embarassed that my skin was breaking out in my problem areas.

I tried acne products, numerous Neutrogena facial cleansers, Proactiv, and dozens of face masks. I tried wearing makeup, and also not wearing makeup. I tried putting toothpaste on pimples. Nothing seemed to ever work for more than a few days. I didn't bother going to a dermotologist because my skin wasn't that bad. Even though my skin didn't have chronic problems, I was still insecure about it.

When I entered high school, my skin started to clear up a little more. When my skin wasn't so clear, I had finally learned how to apply makeup better to cover it. My skin became less oily and more manageable. I found a regime that worked: wash my face in the morning, after I got home from school, and before I went to bed. At this point in time, I didn't use moisturizer often, instead facial toners were my best friend.

By the time college finally came around, my skin was actually looking pretty clear. I stopped stressing about my skin and started focusing on other things in my life (dance, college, work, etc.). When I did have pimples, they were just clear bumps. My skin was still somewhat oily, but nothing that couldn't be fixed with a light setting powder. I stopped using acne cleansers and switched to just using the soap I would use in the shower (usually Dove). I moisturized at night and in the morning, and did a face mask once a week.

Now I have graduated college and I have to say, my skin is really clear again. When I do breakout, it's very rare and requires me to just drink a lot of water for about 3 days. I moisturize my skin twice a day and do face masks once a month. I don't use any facial cleansers at all besides makeup remover and Dove soap. My skin is smooth, healthy, and actually has a natural glow to it at times. Makeup artists, friends, coworkers, family, and just people I meet in general have been complimenting my skin. They mention how clear it is, how nice it is, how healthy it looks...and it feels really good to hear those things, especially after having not-so-great skin for years.

If any young girl (or boy) is reading this, just know that your skin will get better over time. Being young is frustrating and insecurities run wild, but everything changes. Puberty is horrible, I get that. You can try all the products in the world and spend hundreds of dollars trying to perfect your skin, but chances are, it won't work. Save your money and your stress. The best thing you can do right now is just try to relax, drink lots of water, and remember that your body is an amazing thing. Nearly everyone will have acne or complexion problems at some point in their life, so don't worry about it. I know that sounds easier than it is, but trust me, I lived through it, and the end result is so worth it.

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