Still Breaking Out, But Not Breaking Down, My Acne Journey So Far
My Endless Search for a Cure
Every other month, I found myself searching for some new remedy, buying yet another face wash, and listening to all kinds of advice from relatives and colleagues. I was stuck in a constant state of self-doubt. This journey began during my early puberty when I didn't even have facial hair and now, even with a full beard I’m still battling acne. But I’m much stronger and more resilient now. This has been a journey of self-discovery, asking “Why me?”, learning patience, and gaining knowledge. It taught me that some struggles are meant to shape you. They take your unpolished, coal-like self and slowly transform you into gold.
Why I'd Choose Acne Again
If I were given a chance to choose between having clear skin or pimples back in my puberty days, I think I may choose acne again. Weird, right? But I have my reasons. It built my patience, humbled my ego, and reminded me that real beauty has more to do with compassion and mindset than a flawless face.
The Difference Between Pimples and Acne
To fight something effectively, you first need to understand what it is. That’s why knowledge and awareness are the first steps. One interesting thing that many people like me don’t realize there's a slight difference between pimples and acne, although the terms are used interchangeably, they aren't the same. A pimple is an occasional bump on the skin, whereas acne is a skin condition characterized by frequent and multiple breakouts like blackheads, whiteheads, pustules (pus-filled pimples), papules (small red bumps), and even deeper lesions like nodules or cysts. Almost everyone has had a pimple at least once in their life, but acne tends to last longer and often leaves behind scars along with mental struggles that are rarely talked about.
What Really Causes Acne
We humans are gifted with the ability to ask questions. We don’t just accept problems, we search for their causes and try to find solutions. So let’s look into what causes acne because this is one part I enjoy understanding why things happen. Your skin has tiny openings called pores, from which hair grows. Inside these hair follicles, your skin produces a natural oil called sebum. This oil is important for keeping your skin nourished. But during puberty, times of stress, or in people with oily skin, there's often an overproduction of sebum. At the same time, your skin is constantly shedding dead cells. When there's excess oil, these dead cells get trapped inside the pores. This can lead to the formation of whiteheads (when the pore remains closed) or blackheads (when the pore stays open and the contents oxidize, turning black). But the story doesn’t end there because we also get those painful red or yellow bumps. Here comes the role of a usually harmless bacteria called cutibacterium acne. It naturally lives on our skin even on people who don’t have acne. But when it gets trapped inside clogged pores, it starts multiplying. This triggers an immune response and your body's defense cells rush to the area, causing inflammation. That’s why those pimples become red, swollen, and painful. If the inflammation runs deeper, it leads to more severe forms like nodules and cysts.
Treatments That Worked for Me
But let’s be realistic just knowing the science doesn’t solve the problem. I did consult dermatologists. They prescribed treatments that worked to some extent. Since my main issues were excess oil and bacterial growth, my treatment included retinoids, which help shed dead cells faster and prevent pore blockage. Retinoids also regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation. I was also given antibiotics, face washes, and topical creams. In short, this helped a lot and the big colonies of pimples on my face reduced significantly. But they didn’t completely disappear. Still, I always recommend seeing a professional. Doctors know what they’re doing, and their advice matters.
Lifestyle Changes for Acne-Prone Skin
Because I have naturally acne-prone skin, I had to take special care of it and implemented some changes in my lifestyle. I stopped chasing every home remedy and started being gentle. A consistent face washing routine helped especially right after waking up, before sleeping, and whenever I came back from outside. These are the times when dirt and oil tend to build up most. But over washing is also harmful. Being gentle is key.
Don't Touch Your Face
One common mistake people make is frequently touching the face. It’s tempting, especially when you want to pop a pimple. But this only worsens the condition. I still catch myself doing it sometimes. But it only makes things worse.
Change Your Pillowcase Often
Changing your pillowcase regularly is something most people ignore, but it’s crucial. Your pillow absorbs sweat, hair, and bacteria. If not changed often, it becomes a breeding ground for breakouts.
Be Careful with Hair Products
Hair products can also trigger acne, especially if they come in contact with your forehead. I used to apply hair clay regularly and noticed it made things worse. I still use it now, but I try to keep it away from my face.
Watch What You Eat
And yes, diet matters too. Research shows that foods with a high glycemic index (like sugar and white bread) can spike oil production and worsen acne. Cutting back on those has helped me a lot.
Still in the Fight at 25
I used to hear, “You’ll grow out of it by 22.” Well, I’m 25 now and still fighting. But I’m not breaking down. I’m standing steadfast. If you’re reading this, just know: you are not alone, and you are not any less. Your journey is still in progress. Sometimes, the slowest paths lead to the strongest souls. Keep learning. Keep healing.
