Things I’ve Done because of Acne

So good I scrape out every last drop!

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Because of acne I’ve…

Invested a small fortune in the magic that is Kate Somerville Anti-Bac Clearing lotion (I will certifiably lose my sh*t if this is ever discontinued).

Gotten a cortisone shot in a enormous pimple on my chin 24 hours before leaving for Toronto for the MAC Bloggers’ Obsession Collection collaboration.

Gone to bed with thick dots of stinky white benzoyl peroxide cream on my face.

Forgotten about said benzoyl peroxide dots and answered the front door, half asleep in all my dried white goo glory.

Changed the part in my hair in an attempt to strategically hide behind it like a curtain (although, let’s get real, I wasn’t fooling anybody).

Woke up in the middle of the night to go look in the mirror and contemplate whether to pop THOSE PIMPLES.

Popped a zit (or two or three) during the witching hour.

Interviewed every Sephora associate in the skin care section to find out the things that people with acne buy typically (this is how I found AmorePacific treatment Enzyme peel Cleansing Powder, which worked terrific for me when my chin acne was at its worst).

Felt like cattle in a dermatologist’s office. I can’t tell you how many times I felt like my concerns were dismissed by doctors.

Bought things I didn’t need because my pimples made me feel bad about myself. ?

Had such an intense allergic reaction to prescription acne medication that my eyes became swollen shut.

Cancelled a date.

Endured emotional anguish caused by hurtful comments — but the worst ones weren’t from strangers; the worst ones were always from pals and family.

Bought ProActiv from a kiosk in the middle of the mall (I was a fan of the cream and toner for a while). The kiosk had a picture of Adam Levine on the side, and I came *this close* to taking out a pen and drawing a mustache on him a few times, ha ha!

Filled up an entire drawer with concealers and setting powders in order to find the holy grail combo of cover-up.

Experienced my self-esteem lowering.

Learned how to be more patient with myself.

Figured out creative workarounds to ease the temptation to pop pimples (side note: bribing yourself totally works).

Never gone to sleep without taking off my makeup and washing my face.

Defaced bathroom stall walls with notes for other women, including the following: “You are so much more than what you see in the mirror.”

Become cautious about putting new skin care products all over my face… patch tests all the way.

Learned to cherish the days/periods of life when my skin is clear.

Learned to have more empathy for myself and for others.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

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Karen