I suffer from closed comdonal acne, that covers my chin, nose, and cheeks. I am constantly bombarded on social media, whether it’s RU-vid, tiktok or Instagram with people having clear skin. Or how to get clear skin. It’s heartbreaking. Skin texture is just not visible anymore. It is not normalised. Apps like FaceTune are just the worst for this generation. I can’t use half the products people suggest for getting clear skin and it makes you feel defeated.
I’m sorry you go through this. I know how hard things must be. I won’t give you all the annoying advice you usually get like go see a dermatologist, acutane, etc because I know you’re tired of it. I just really hope that you’re able to embrace your beauty despite being constantly bombarded by unrealistic beauty standards. Many people have struggled and do struggle with acne! You are not alone.
Acutane changed my life at 35. I was plagued from the age of 14. I wonder what my life would have been like if it was available at that age......but I'm grateful I finally found something that actually worked. If you can get access to it, go for it, I can't recommend it enough. Good luck xx
Not using face wash or acne products literally cured my closed comedone acne. I used to have the same problem with sensitive skin for years. I spent so much money on products until I finally figured out that the products were the issue.
Yeah, I struggle with acne severe enough to warrant accutane use. But when it was at it's worst I used to sit at home, due to being scared, and due to having vacation. Scrolling through social media and seeing people with flawless skin really can make a dent in your confidence. Even though I am approaching life more stoically instead of dependent. It still is a shit feeling knowing that I will be left with heavy acne scars. Even though modern procedures can better those alot
I’m not really sure why but I spent my teen years without acne, and now as a young adult I’m breaking out. It sucks but this video helped so thank you ❤️
It was the same for me! I struggled all through my 20’s and 30’s with bad acne, but I never would go to the dr. Just tried every cleanser combo (like proactive) out there, which was no help. The one thing that did finally help, differin gel (Adapalene gel) was only available in prescription, but now can be bought at Walmart! The struggle is real, but hang in there- it’ll get better❤
I was the same. Perfect skin throughout my teens then when I was in my early 20s I got HUGE painful zits all around my lips all the time. It was the weirdest thing. It phased out after a few years all by itself. To be honest when I used "skin clearing products" all that happened was my skin became dry and made it worse in the long run. Nowadays if I get the odd zit I just apply germolene and sudocrem and leave it the heck alone!
That proactiv ad pissed me off. These companies always in the business of telling women that they are ugly and will never have a man or whatever and that you need their products to be beautiful makes me sick. I wish I had been able to see videos like yours when I was in high school because I spent so many years thinking I was ugly or there was something wrong with me! People used to say I had herpes because every once in a while I would get really painful zits next to my lip and it killed my self esteem, wouldn’t even go to school if I had one. Thanks for this video babe, ily
I used to get my eyebrows threaded at a salon which sold Caudalie's skincare range. Every time I went in, the esthetician working on my brows would comment on my acne out of the blue, which I already felt super insecure about. One day they made me feel so bad about my imperfect skin, that I caved and bought the cleanser and moisturiser they recommended, for a small fortune. Not only did it not work, it made my acne worse! It was too harsh for my sensitive skin and I had spots due to stress and I think a hormonal imbalance, not bc I wasn't spending enough on 'magic' skincare. The staff working there didn't really know anything about dermatology. They were just using my insecurities (or what they thought my insecurities were) to sell me a product, most likely for commission.
i HATE when ppl comment on acne. Like what makes you think you can just comment on my skin. I used to always compare it to someone being overweight. Most people would NEVER just randomly be like “hey you’re overweight, have you thought about going to a gym? Have you ever considered exercise?!” Like ???? no so why do ppl think they can point out someone’s acne?
Acne ruined by teen years. For years I wouldn't look people in the eye, because then I couldn't see their eyes looking at my acne. People would comment on it constantly, including my parents. Thankfully I hit my 20s, gave up dairy and went vegan and that sorted it out completely. Not saying that would work for everyone but it definitely did for me! Now at 37, my skin is the best it's been my whole life due to a veggie filled diet and simple exercise like walking and ballet. I no longer wear make up or spend a huge amount of money on my skin. I wish I could go back and hug my 15 year old self. Love to anyone struggling with your appearance, you are gorgeous and one day you will see that!
Thanks for talking about this Steph. I spent my teen years having super clear skin and thought I was in the clear, but then I turned 20 and my face erupted all over my jawline, around my mouth and chin. Felt so gross. It’s taken me ten years and a vegan diet to work out I’m intolerant to too much gluten and sugar, and that the WATER where I live breaks me out if I drink it. I drink filtered water and when I have a few days when I don’t, I immediately start breaking out. I honestly think most acne starts either with hormones or with our gut… but the beauty industry doesn’t want us to know that.
You definetly spot on about the gut thing...The key to most of our mental or physical or skin problems is our GUT!! Or also if there is mould in the house...Mould in houses also causes acne or eczema
I’m actually really grateful for my acne. I’ve had a routine ever since I was 14. I’ve built up a habit of taking care of my skin, and I even decided to become a dermatologist. Is my skin perfect? No. But I’m trying to improve it. I’m turning and learning my ingredients, finding out what works for me and what doesn’t. If you ever need advice on skincare, I’ll try to help.
I was always so scared and I mean that scared to go to a dermatologist in my late teens early 20’s because all the ones I had seen on TV had “perfect” skin (I know now they were retouched) I was terrified they would judge me and get upset with me because I couldn’t look after my skin right. I’m sure would not have been the case just irrational thoughts.I never ended up going ever. So having a dermatologist with skin thats visibly had or has acne would ease so many peoples minds would have helped me if I had seen that. Good on you as well for wanting to help other people ❤😊
I struggled with cystic acne for years in my 20’s and 30’s and I HATED it so bad I wouldn’t go out when it was at its worst. This is a great video that woulda helped me back then! Thank you Stephanie ❤
This video is perfect timing, I don't usually have acne but for whatever reason my face is breaking out above my lip. I've been so trying to hide my face when I ran into somebody I knew.
Not to armchair diagnose, but AFAIK that could also be a cold sore (and easily treated). See a dermatologist, if at all possible, it might be a very easy fix - and you'll know what to do if it ever happens again
@@EH012 thanks for your advice, truly, but it's like under my nose and above my lip, in that area you know what I mean? It's just a little breakout but I can't figure out why I'm breaking out at all.
@@hippiegypsygirl omg you've solved it one hundred percent lmao. Thanks so much, I've had allergies due to season change and have been blowing my nose like crazy.
I have stress acne and premenstrual acne and also have oily skin. During my years in high school it was such a stigma. Recently though I do take good care of my skin. I chose to never shame someone because we all still go through it.
I'm 40. Never had acne until my pregnancy at 28. Now I struggle with breakouts and hyperpigmentation. I think a big challenge amid my peer group is the belief that women our age are "too old" to have acne. Advertisements for 40+ women tend to focus on skincare that treats wrinkles/fine lines, yet many anti-aging products I've tried appear to exacerbate acne. It becomes the "between a rock and a hard place" situation, which can be very disheartening.
Oooo I need this, I've been struggling with my skin lately especially. I wish the idea that acne is a mostly teenage thing would go away. I'm almost 27 and still struggle with my skin. I felt bad about it for awhile because it felt like I was weird for having acne past adolescence, when in reality tons of adults struggle with it, too.
I’m over 27 and I still have really bad acne! I think I eat a pretty balanced diet so I think it’s just hormonal and stress related or something. You’re not alone!
I'm turning 27 in 2 days and am still in the process of trying to nurture my skin after a pretty bad breakout, knowing more spots will pop up once it clears lol. So as purplejelly also said: You're not alone!
@@LivingforJesusaGodisGood74 If they sell their appearance or products related to their appearance it's false advertising. Hence some countries require posts to show that they have been edited if that's the case.
I’m 25 going on 26 and still have hormonal acne. I remember being a teenager when my acne was at its worst and not wanting to leave the house because of it. I also have no photos from that time which is sad. But now I’ve just accepted it. I’ve also learned how to manage it with a clean diet and hormonal birth control. Loved this video ❤
To anyone who is seeing this and suffering from acne I want you to know that acne does NOT define you as a person and you should not feel lesser than people who have clear skin. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!!
I recently went off my birth control pills after 10 years being on them. During those years I had never suffered from acne, but now, at my mid twenties, I’m starting to break out. It makes me kinda insecure seeing all the friends with clear skin and me looking like a teenager. But I guess it is okay. Thank you for your videos and support!!
I will never forget 7th grade, I had a girl tell me that if she were a boy she wouldn’t even want to look at me. I had the worst cystic acne from middle school all through high school until I started birth control to balance out my hormones. People can really say the most awful things
As someone of colour I get pigmentation after acne. I hate having it on show as it’s never seen so I’m always covering it with makeup. I get so self conscious but if we saw more people of colour with their bare skin online it would help normalise this. I love your videos they should be shown to children in school x
i have the most colorless skin ever (unless you count redness) and i get lost inflammatory hyperpigmentation too, it really sucks too bc it can be hard to tell when it’s healed.
I had horrible cystic acne for about 2 years. I would avoid going out the house and I even refused to get graduation photos taken because I was so insecure. It can really destroy your confidence. Only thing that cleared it up for me was cutting out dairy and benzoyl peroxide. It's so much clearer now but wow that humbled me.
I had quite severe acne from the ages of twelve to sixteen, which made boys and other girls in my school bully me relentlessly for it even though I visited quite a few dermatologists in an attempt to get rid of it. It was only after kind of passing puberty (age sixteen onwards) and after starting to have a way more healthy lifestyle (skin care routine + exercise + more healthy eating) that my acne started disappearing. Now I use skin care every other day (plus leaving puberty behind, obviously) so my skin is quite clear and I rarely have breakouts. But even now, the way I was bullied because of my acne is something I will never forget because of how cruel those kids were. Thank you very much for making this video, fourteen year old me would have benefitted a lot from hearing such a perspective.
Your videos are making huge differences. My acne sort of started going away when i stopped worrying much about them and accepted it as a normal human thing. The dermatologist requested wide array of blood tests that cost $400 plus 300 visitation charge for him to say i have acne because i am on my fertile age. I was like nah! Bro i am not giving a cent to any of these people. It is normal to have acne. with good diet and time, acne will go away. Please, Don’t be too hard on yourself
True my doctor was forcing me to go on accutane and said i can never cure my acne with diet and lifestyle changes i didnt listen to her and slowly i am healing my acne
Thank you for making this video Stephanie ❤ I had horrific acne from the time I got my period at 14 and it turned me into a really shy, self conscious teenager. I now have scarring as an adult and still have break outs that still make me self conscious and it’s hard to remember at times that many other people also struggle with this! Your videos are so refreshing and I love how passionate you are ❤
Holy moly, this vid could not have come at a better time. I literally have been dealing with acne like crazy for the past 6 months, and I've been absolutely devastated by it in so many ways. Thank you so much for this vid.
What I recommend is getting to the root of your acne first. Ask yourself “What is causing my acne?” Try to figure that out and then you’ll be able to take the steps to help get your acne under control. Try looking at those face mapping photos that tell you what causes acne on certain parts of your face. Also try to search up what causes acne on chin or cheeks or forehead etc. After you get a good understanding of what’s causing your acne you’ll be able to take the steps to actually manage it properly. For me I get cystic acne around my chin. I learned that it is most likely caused by an unbalance of hormones and/or bacteria, dead skin cells, and sebum (the substance that makes your face feel oily) get trapped beneath the skin's surface and become infected. So I need to try to get to the root of that. In my opinion hormonal acne is harder to get rid of because you actually have to try to balance out the hormones inside of your body which can be hard, especially if your a woman. So for the hormonal part I try to keep a good diet and eat whole as much as possible as well as staying hydrated. Sometimes hormonal acne can be hard to control due to hormonal fluctuations in the woman body. Things like pregnancy or your period, etc. For the dead skin buildup problem I use exfoliating products like salicylic acid which is a chemical exfoliant. I don’t use physical exfoliants because they are more harmful to the skin (take face scrubs for example.) You want to exfoliate the skin to help break down the buildup of bacteria. I use a salicylic cleaner instead of a leave on product because I don’t want to over exfoliate the skin. Just cleaning the skin regularly for a few minutes with salicylic acid is good enough. I use the cleanser only 3 times a week because any more than that can cause me irritation. I also use the product benzoyl peroxide because it helps kill the bacteria under the skin. With benzoyl peroxide you’ll want to use leave on products instead of cleansers because you need to give it enough time to kill the bacteria under your skin. If you just use a benzoyl peroxide cleanser it won’t stay on the skin long enough to kill the bacteria that is under the skin. I use the leave on benzoyl peroxide at night and I use the salicylic acid cleanser during the day (3 days a week for myself). I don’t like using them at the same time because they can cause irritation. I also use moisturizer because I have dry skin and these products can dry out the skin. I also make sure to use non-comedogenic products because they do not clog the skin. Make sure all of your product are non-comedogenic. Even your makeup! Optional: try to use fragrance free products. Incase you are curious the salicylic cleanser I use is CereVe Renewing SA cleanser. For the benzoyl peroxide leave on I use Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn acne Spot Gel. For my moisturizer I use CereVe Daily Moisturizing lotion. Using these steps I can confidently say that I have gotten my acne under control and practically cleared up by now because I used logic to answer my skin care acne concerns.
I "suffered" from acne as a teenager and young adult, means from age 12 to age 23. I put suffered in quotations, because I personally didn't care much about it. I knew why it was there. It was ALWAYS the adults I encountered that were telling me "I'm sorry you have acne" and then go on to tell me what I can do against it. Even people I met for the first time. After all this I still didn't care much about my acne, but I became insecure around people and I constantly feared that they find yet another 'imperfection' they could comment on. They meant well, but sometimes you should analyze a situation before saying something. You could awake a new insecurity that wasn't existing before.
As a woman it's normal to breakout at that time of the month.. Plus if you're going through some stressful changes .. You will breakout and it's normal don't be ashamed of it. Let it live out its course and don't fiddle with your face. Hyperpigmentation is harder to treat than acne.
This! I've had this since my teens. It's not a big problem for me because I don't get a lot of acne but using a niacinamide+zinc serum about a week leading up to my period gave good results and some months (when actually using it) I didn't get any at all. And as you said, don't fiddle with your face.
I told you this on your previous video but girl I love how you're being so open with these topics, gosh I wish I had a youtuber like you when I was younger and impressionable... thank you for debunking and telling the truth and I hope your videos get to the younger generations that are being bombarded and almost obligated to fit nowadays crazy standards
To everyone who has felt like they can’t take unfiltered pictures because they look too bad in them, I recommend working on that. I used to think I looked so bad & weird but over time, I actually started to not mind seeing my skin texture. It also could totally be your phone camera making you look odd as well. My old phone camera made me feel terrible but cell phone photos aren’t reality. But it’s nice to be able to appreciate how you look in an unfiltered photo with “flaws” and all compared to feeling dysmorphic without them.
I’m going to be honest, I’ve had “good” skin my whole life and I’m grateful for that. I already have so many other insecurities that I couldn’t imagine having super acne prone skin on top of it. I do my best to take care of it, with a fairly active skin care routine, but I know my “good” skin comes primarily from genetics. 🤷🏻♀️
As someone with hormonal acne, I noticed that if I don’t wear makeup I get followed around stores as if I’m going to steal something. But when I do my makeup before going out, I get treated COMPLETELY different 🙄
My hubby’s Australian and he was on Accutane too. It cleared his skin but he said it was the worst prescription drug he’s ever taken. At 26 I got “backne” my derm says acne flare up often happen to women in their late 20’s-early 30’s due to hormones. Retin A and changing my soaps etc clears it up eventually. But the biggest take away of his regimen was to STOP over washing/drying my face and back.
Thank you so much for this!!! This is so important. I struggled with acne throughout my elementary through high school years and it affected my confidence and self image immensely. It would have made me feel so much more content knowing that some celebrities skin looked like mine. I hope that acne becomes less stigmatized in the future.
I wish these types of videos existed when I was in high school from 2006-2010. I had acne on my back all throughout my teen years and I was made to feel so self conscious. I always had a big butt (hello, I'm greek) and I was always made fun of for having a curvy body/more prominent features. It's disgusting how the media markets women needing to look and be perfect. These videos have honestly saved me a lot during my adult years. So thank you for making these videos, honestly 🤍 I still struggle so much with my self image from past childhood trauma but these videos really help me a lot.
I think the most valuable statement in this whole video was "don't believe everything that is marketed to you" and you can do multiple video's just ON THAT! Like.... list off the range of acne meds that have salicyclic acid as it's only active ingredient and all of the price points for it, from $10 to $80!! It's the same thing!
This is exactly what I needed today, as I just got back from the dermatologist and am preparing for my second round of accutane. You, and all of us, are beautiful on the outside and in ❤
I had severe cystic acne for several years when I was 16 until I graduated high school and was bullied for it. After it cleared up on its own I was left with dark spots. (Thank you garnier dark spot vitamin c corrector cream for getting rid of them) Point being, I feel nothing but sympathy when I see someone with acne out in public. It’s awful to live with and difficult to get rid of if you don’t know the cause of it. I do wish that acne was more normalized.
Thanks for doing this video Stephanie! I am 16 and have been struggling with bad acne since I was 12. I was put on acutaine for 6 months. It was awful. Blood tests every month, and it ended in me having to be in the hospital because it messed my liver up so badly. Now my acne is just the same as before and sounds similar to your current situation. I have heard Acutaine working for many people, but if it doesn't work out for you please do not lose heart! You are beautiful and God loves you no matter how much acne you have!
I feel so embarrassed by my acne when I was a teenager my acne was contained to my face. I couldn't wait to get older for it to disappear. Then I got pregnant and started having breakouts in my belly. After that I have acne in my face, chest, neck and back. I've done EVERYTHING even going to a dermatologist and taking pills. My acne prevention routine starts in my face ends in my nipples and in the back ends in my bum. I even use disposable make up sponges don't want to use anything twice. Recently was diagnosed with IBS and lactose intolerance I changed to vegan foods for milk derived foods and it has helped. Thank you for your content I love listening to you, my best wishes to you.
Thank you so much for making this video! I've been feeling pretty insecure about the return of my acne over the last few years. I had it as a teenager and took Acutane for it which worked for while. But then I developed autoimmune issues in my early 20s that created inflammation throughout my body and reactivated my acne. My body can no longer process toxins and certain foods correctly, so if I come into contact with too many toxins (through food, the air, substances I put on my skin and hair, etc.), my skin breaks out. And unfortunately, I don't always have control over these things. I'm praying my skin improves as I move out to a more rural area and do more of my own cooking!
I'm glad you put this information out Stephanie. I remember quite awhile back you talked & showed your own skin issues & talked about those that use filters. What kills me is these young girls (& older ones) use filters to put their perfect selfies out there. One of my younglings does & I call her on it because she is pretty without that. It's her skin issues & media that causes this. Filters are easy to use & easily spotted when you see "spots" move in & out of focus. The Ks wear makeup to show how they apply makeup, on supposedly bare faces! They are also heavily filtered while they do it. Your pictures of them prove this. Between all this and plastic surgery, their followers will never achieve the K's perfection. Again, I'm glad you put these truths out there!
YES! I love this video, so well done and so amazing to see someone like you who has reach and influence talk about this. I'm a naturopathic doctor, my primary focus for most of my practicing career was acne - focusing on finding the root cause, functional medicine testing, hours researching individuals cases, etc. etc. etc. I formulate skincare products now, another part of the whole skincare industry that I find mind boggling with the level of misinformation that's out there, especially with regards to acne, rosacea and conditions like dermatitis. Dedicating years of my career to figuring out how to help others manage their skin conditions has been rewarding but also super challenging, especially with all the heavy marketing out there painting the picture of how easy it is to get clear skin by just using a certain skincare product, for example. Anyways this comment isn't about me lol - wanted to give some context where I was coming from with my thank you. I always appreciate your videos and this one in particular is just so so wonderful! Thank you!
I struggle with hormonal cystic acne, it flares up when it’s that time of the month for me lol I used to have really bad acne when I was aged 13-15. I went on the pill at 16 which helped with my skin but since going off of it my skin breaks out more frequently. I am learning how to love the skin I am in. Skin care is self care ❤ Be proud of your zits bc it’s their time to shine lol Love you Steph!❤️
I'm a late bloomer acne sufferer. Ever since this panorama started my hormonal acne is mild but it's annoying to deal with. I hate the acne scars I do my best to cover it up with some concealer before I go to work and school. This video makes me feel less insecure about the acne on my face.
This is BY FAR my favorite video you’ve made! I love them all but this one is so important for women and men in general! I’ve battled acne my whole life and some days are better than others! I have high testosterone level found out by a naturopathic dr and been working on it since! Thank you for this, reminds you that everyone is human!
I suffer from Eczema at times, and social media and shaming people for their skin texture surely doesn't help... whoever thinks they're above skin problems, I'll lend you my skin for a day or two. This makes me beyond angry!!! Thank you Steph, for pointing out the obvious: we're all not perfect but tbh I prefer people having imperfections I can see instead of someone with a horrible character.
Thank you so much for this video! The last few weeks and months have been rough for me. I am currently figuring out how to treat my skin with break outs that come from having too many male hormones. Since not using birth control anymore my skin is very different. My skin is getting better but it is still hard to go outside sometimes. Especially since I stopped wearing make up because it makes my skin worse. What I always tell myself is "what if your friend had your skin? Would you see them any differently? No. And you would not want them to waist a second of their life doubting their beauty." So go and treat yourself the same. Seriously, your skin does not change anything about your beauty! Also, I had an experience with a "friend" who made a joke about one pimple on my forehead (my skin was actually pretty good back then!). After trying to explain to them that this is not a joke to be made and them not understanding my point, but instead wanting validation that I was the one overreacting, I ended up leaving that friendship.
I'm 38 years old and still get acne. Going to a dermatologist when I was younger didn't help me because they just put me on medication and didn't provide any education about how skin works and acne happens. They might be better now, so I wouldn't say don't go to a doctor. But the first time I learnt anything about acne and skincare routines was during the first covid lockdown. I watched so many RU-vidr videos about how to address acne with skincare and I put together my own skincare routine with mostly inexpensive products and my skin is really good right now. It's not perfect and I still get little bits of acne here and there. There's a lot of skincare channels on RU-vid that can help (Doctorly, Dr Dray, Cassandra Bankson, Lab Muffin,... There's more, but I can't think of them right now). Understanding your skin and how each skincare ingredient works is so empowering. I should add, that I've also made changes to my diet... Although, I've been eating pretty healthily for a long time now (10 years or so). And my acne is likely hormonal and I break out when really stressed, which is why I thought skincare routines were bullsh*t in the past, but realised that even when hormonal, skincare routines are essential. And like you Stephanie, I was put on roacutane twice. It actually triggered migraines and I've been suffering from migraines ever since and was even on migraine medication for six years afterwards. I believe it also caused my lactose intolerance and IBS (I believe there was a class action against Acutane in the US and Canada about this). But back when I was younger they over prescribed this medication. I believe they're a lot more careful now.
@@fordlafemme heya! So, my morning skincare routine currently includes, in order, a vitamin C serum that I make (instructions from Michelle from Lab Muffin), a salicylic acid/BHA serum (sometimes daily, sometimes 3-4 x per week depending on how my skin is going. Was using Paula's Choice, but currently using Cosrx. And I use the Paula's Choice 9% BHA as a spot treatment when I have active acne), the recent inclusion of alpha arbutin (The Ordinary), Caffeine Solution (The Ordinary), CeraVe moisturising cream (although need to look for something else because I found out they're not cruelty free), and Cancer Council SPF 50 sunscreen (mineral around my eyes, because chemical stings). My evening routine includes Niacinamide (The Ordinary), Buffet (The Ordinary), prescribed Tretinoin (now on 0.05%, and getting a repeat script from my GP and buying from cheaper chemists, e.g. Chemist Warehouse, is cheaper than stuff you get from a beauty salon and Tretinoin is better than the stuff you get from a beauty salon), azelaic acid (AzClear, I get from Chemist Warehouse), Squalane (The Ordinary) and CeraVe cream, and end with petroleum jelly for slugging. Yes, I use a lot of The Ordinary haha, but it usually happens because I just want to trial an ingredient and then I just stick with it. Also, I'm treating acne, aging, and hyperpigmentation, so might use more than is needed for other people. I use oil based cleansers or gentle cleaners, morning and evening (and oil to remove make-up and sunscreen). When I'm not being lazy, I use a salicylic acid mask at night or an AHA peel (haven't done in ages though, but would do maybe once a week), and dermaplan every few months. I tried simplifying my routine towards the end of last year and my skin didn't like it. My texture got really bad and I started breaking out again, so I just stick with what I'm doing, and it seems to work.
Nothing helped my acne until I got laserr treatments, I will never buy expensive skin cleaning products coz most times acne will not go away just with cremes/products! So over this narrative and over everyone being filtered online! Thank you for this video.
I've been struggling with acne every now and then scince 8 years ago, recently it has gotten better, Like how Stephanie said there are many root causes of acne and finding the cause of my acne has been the reason why things are much better now. It's easy to get consumed by the get rid of acne fast and expensive products, only for the acne to come back after you stop using the products 😕 A video like this is the one I wish, I would've watched back in the day. Thank you Steph, Things will get better and ya'll are beautiful people inspite of acne, blemishes or acne scars💕
estheticians are another great option. You don’t need a referral, and if you live in the US it might be cheaper than seeing a dermatologist. I’ve stuggled with acne my whole life, but I started seeing an esthetician and my skin is nicer than it has ever been before. She has taught me so much about skin and skincare, how skin works, and why we break out. I get acne facials once a month. I still break out, but I am finally at peace with my skin instead of fighting it. Thank you for this video Stephanie, I wish I saw something like this when I was younger. Listen to your skin! ❤
I always had very clear skin even during my pubic years. But when I was 18 I had the worst break out of my life. My skin was full of massive acne plus I had tan skin so I becamd the subject at school and at every social event. I remember ugly crying myself to sleep every night. People were way too judgemental and acted like I had some disease or whatever. By God's grace my skin has cleared now that I'm 21 and I'm left with those deep acne scars. I'm on this journey of self love and I just feel so bad that I allowed the negativity to ruin my most valuable and precious years but I don't really care about opinions any more and I want to encourage anyone who's dealing with acne that you are beautiful with your pimples and no matter what naysayers throw at you, please don't be harsh on yourselves and love yourselves. Xx
The best you can do is taking 1000 mg propoliscapsules. 3 times a day to begin. Take with water. You will succeed. This helped me to get rid of my terrible acne. Completely. Its natural and comes from the bees. If its better you take 1 capsule a day.
I have been struggeling with acne over 10 years. Surrounded by friends & family who all had "perfect" skin I felt really insecure. All the special treatments did nothing or only made it worse. What helped was to watch my diet (animal products such as mil&cheese are really triggering for me) reduce stress & use minimal & mild skincare (no drying ingrediance such as alcohol which often is one of the main ingredeiance for anti-acne products) On my journey, I have come to the same understanding you communicated in this video. My acne is just a symptome that shows me I am not looking after myself properly and nothing to be ashamed of. What I really regret is hiding from my life, in times where it was really bad. I completely fixated on it, made it my identit, let it take away my joy and hold me back from going out and living my life. I hope this video can help others to not make that mistake. You are more than your skin & you are beautiful :)
I refuse to use a filter, I refuse to study posing guides, I truly want to catch me as I am! I didn’t get here over night but bit by bit, I have fallen in love with myself and others. I have learned two great lessons. First, my worth comes from my existence. There is nothing I have to do or not do, say or not say, or look or don’t look like to gain personal worth. Because I existence, my inherit value is beyond measure. Second, I will feel about myself the same that I feel of others. The more I accept and love myself as is, the more I am able to reach out and love others. The more critical I am of others, the more critical of myself I become. Folks, we all have beauty and worth! I hope that you know how valued and beautiful you are!! If you are struggling to find it start by looking for the beauty in others. It will change, I promise you!!
Tysm for this video. As a teenager, i had no acne and didn't realize the pain until i was 24, in technically the prime of my life, and was diagnosed with pcod and got severely painful acne. I tried everything under the book but cystic acne isn't so easy, and it's medication has a lot more side effects including weight gain and mood disorders. So, i was shamed constantly by both family and friends about my acne filled face, weight and being a pessimist (i also suffer from depression and anxiety). I'm almost 29 now, i still have breakouts and just last week i heard from my family member that i should get my acne treated out coz it makes me look *horrible*... I'm doing everything i can, and my selfesteem has taken a permanent hit coz of all this. Your video really gave my heart a little peace. Thank you so much for sharing real pics of celebs - it helps a lot to remember that no one is perfect, not even the ones in media.
Something about acne that always bothered me about acne is that there is so much misinformation.... Like dermatologists claiming theres no link to diet and acne as well as people acting like all types of acne respond topically. I get cystic acne if I eat a lot of the vegetable oils like whats in mayo (soybean, sunflower, canola, etc) and this acne only goes away with dietary modification. There is no topical remedy that helps it, because cystic acne is not on the surface where topical treatments reach!
7 years ago I gave up dairy. I was on the waitlist for accutane here in the UK aged 30 but was really upset at the sound of the consequences and side effects. I didn’t want to risk my health for clear skin. I found hundreds of testimonials online about cutting out dairy to clear skin. My acne cleared within 2 weeks. No new spots came from day one. Oil disappeared immediately. I was absolutely ecstatic to finally see my skin clear like I’d always wanted. It never came back. It was if the oil and pus in dairy was making its way out of my face in pus form. After a year I also cut out meat and that helped my wrinkles, bloating and improved my eyesight. Anyone who has suffered with severe acne will understand. It completely dominated my life. I touched up my makeup at least 6 times daily. I didn’t ever do any sports involving water. I held myself back. I was always wondering if the coverage of concealer had slipped. It was humiliating. My life would have been very different if I hadn’t had my confidence affected by acne as a young adult. I don’t even want to think about the pain of it. I still don’t have great self esteem but I managed to clear my acne and that is a big achievement.
Where was this video & message when I was a teen?!! 🥺🥰 brilliant to normalise this, show how many celebrities have it, and talk about the different types & potential causes 👏 great video & hope it reaches those who need it xxxx
Wow, thank you for this video. It is so sincere! Your content helps me so much, but this video in particular! As an adult medical professional female, I'm still struggling with my acne. It's not a flaw, it's a medical condition. Thank you for making a difference in this world! Be blessed! 🌿
I have Crohn’s disease which is an auto immune inflammatory disease of my intestines and colon. I always know when I’m going to have a bad day when I wake up and my face is more red and blotchy than normal. It’s crazy how your skin is so reflective of what going on inside.
Found it ridiculous that while I'm watching this video I got like 5 ads on different acne products😩😂 But seriously, I love your videos and thank you for not only talking about body shape but also skin texture. It's so easy to think of myself as dirty or ugly when I break out, but your videos help remind me that I'm not judging my friends on their skin, so why should I judge myself?
While I luckily only had enlarged pores and blackheads and whiteheads growing up. My brother developed extremely bad acne, to the point he missed exams because he was too ashamed and self-conscious to leave the house. He was put on a form of Accutane and had to go for regular tests to make sure his liver and everything were functioning. Thankfully, it did help to clear it up and he hasn't had any issues since and has recovered some of his self-confidence. As an adult, I only ever seem to get spots when I am going through my cycle and always on the chin area so I can pinpoint what is causing my breakouts. However, I have combination skin and both the oil and dryness were really bad growing up, to the point I would avoid bright lights because I was so scared people would say something. My nose used to proper shed skin too and bleed and be incredibly sore.
i would love to see a video like this but for hair. i always see woman with nice thick hair, typically long and no one woman apparently experiences HAIR LOSS. thanks for making these videos- they just remind me of how human we all are, not matter how we present ourselves on the socials
You look absolutely stunning with this hair and make up! Thank you for your contents, they alway make me feel better and you are such a kind human being
For me accutane was the best solution. In less than a year my face was clean but as you mentioned it's a very strong medicine that requires medical supervision. For my best friend it worked too.
Proactiv and every other acne specific cleansers made me break out a ton. A dermatologist told me to never use that stuff again and just use Cetaphil. I used that for a bit and it helped but then I discovered a sneaky little something called “SLS”. Since then, I use virgin coconut oil to remove makeup (which I use little of) and natural, SLS-free soaps. Now I get a pimple every few months and that’s it. Drink lots of water, use minimal/natural products, eat whole foods as often as possible (it’s cheaper than people will lead you to believe in the States) 🙂
I live here in the states and whole food is actually more expensive. A dozen of regular white eggs are around $1.50 USD. If I want a dozen of actual pasture raised eggs it costs around $5-$6 USD. Grass fed steaks and things like that also cost more. I have luckily found some grass fed hamburger for the same price as regular hamburger at Walmart, but that’s about it. The grass fed steaks and whole cuts of grass fed meat are always more expensive. I buy whole wheat multigrain bread that is around $4 USD for the loaf. White bread can be as low as $1 USD. The cheap $1 loaf of brown wheat bread isn’t actually “whole wheat.” Organic fruits and vegetables don’t really matter, but they do actually cost more than regular non-organic variety. I just eat normal non-organic fruit because it has the same health benefits as organic. The only difference is organic fruit doesn’t have pesticides used on them. Organic fruit is also always smaller than non-organic. A grass fed milk half gallon is $6 USD! And that’s only a half gallon! A full gallon of regular milk is only $3 USD. They make eating healthier varieties of food pretty expensive if you ask me….
careful with this advice. i used to use coconut oil on my skin and thought it would help… but coconut oil can be comedogenic, especially when used by itself and not emulsified w other ingredients in a product. probably has something to do w being a saturated fat. also groceries are expensive unless you just eat bottom quality foods/frozen all the time and don’t have others to feed.
I've had acne starting at 10-11 to now in my mid 20's. I was constantly bombarded as a teenager that it was something that would clear up instantly into adulthood. I've found solutions that work for me but still will always have some hormonal acne that has changed throughout the years where it pops up. I used to think it was so extreme but the more I've normalized it the easier it is to just accept my skin for what it is instead of resent that even with all I do, my best skin day is someone elses worst.
Thank you so much for this . I suffer with hormonal acne but I am not ashamed anymore zhowever it's lovely to hear people talk about it like this to help others, it's so sad that the meida tries to shame women. The standards people are trying to achieve don't exist and it's awful
I’m 30 now, and I’ve had acne since I was 12… I’m over it lol. But literally the things that have helped more than any products or empty promises was 1) my dermatologist, and 2) drinking a shit ton of water, reducing processes sugars in my diet, and finding out about my food allergies and stopping to eat those things 😅😝 but to each their own. I still get acne, but much less now. Idk if it’ll ever really be “cured” for me.
Great video! I had alot of acne going through high school but now I'm older I find I don't have alot of them especially on the face. And "proactive" whatever the formula is, doesn't help. Does the opposite, burns.
I have severe acne in my teenage years which affected my self-esteem up to now. I would save my allowance in college to buy all sorts of Korean beauty products, some which ended up worsening it. Now that I’m working, I spent about 1.5 years worth of my salary for facials and treatments just to get rid of them. Now, the acne are gone but I have ice picked scars that won’t go forever. It’s heartbreaking to live in this time where people are used to seeing clear skin every time they open their phone screen and expects the same in real life.
Hi Stephanie, Once again, thank you for making content that is totally real and helpful to young girls seeing all these instagram/photoshopped celebs looking flawless and exposing them for what they are. They are making money off a zillion dollar industry, meanwhile, do we even know if they are using that product? It's all a grand illusion. BTW, you look beautiful as always and love your shiny, rich color hair! Peace!
I also realised that my acne comes back every time I have my period... guess that makes sense with the hormonal imbalance. Thank you for this video, I would have needed that when I was a teenager!
Please Stephanie, could you do a video about how people change their faces with filters, app and angles? I suffer from body dysmorphia and my issues are focused on my face. Your videos about influencers and natural bodies are so helpful, but I feel like no-one is talking about how people change their faces. Cheekbones, lips, nose, eyelashes, skin (not only acne) there's editing for everything and it makes me so insecure. Would love to see any video about this, I think it would help a lot of people.
Absolutely true! I've suffered from acne and it still comes back time to time. It's an internal issue. I remember doing everything "right' and still having acne. It's all about balance in your body.
All i can say is I just am so hopeful for the next generation if we can make these silly misconceptions come to light. I spent at least a decade ‘fighting’ my acne and even when I came to terms with my skin, my mom or or other people in my life constantly were trying to give me ‘magical’ new products. I found that managing my. Hormones naturally and just time was all I needed. And if i have the odd pimple now and again I deal with it. But the more products I used, the worst my skin got since my skin was less the issue than my undiagnosed medical condition that was making my hormones go crazy and make me break our ( as well as deal with other side effects).
Great topic to bring some clarity to! It’s so hard to go through Sephora or the drug store and not get caught up in the BS claims on all these products. For me, the Oil Cleansing Method was what finally worked. Thank you for doing this video🥰
I started getting cystic acne around age 20. I’m 26 and still dealing with it, it’s upsetting to see the scarring left and it’s my main thing I dislike about myself. My acne went away when I was pregnant in 2019 but around 5 months after it started coming back. I always say I wish I could just inject hcg hormones haha
Have a look into professional dermabrasion for the scarring. I wasn't able to complete my treatment but I found it made a significant difference to the left over scars.
I would love to see video about unnoticed pressure about having a gel nails or clothes that are trendy like on instagram and basically in real life when you are walking.
I had acne from age 15 until my early 30s, when I was in my mid 20s I finally developed a good basic routine (cleanser, moisturizer, adapalene, sunscreen) this REALLY helped, with consistency, and also eliminating most non organic dairy from my diet... I still had some breakouts but they were more than cut in half.... Then after the birth of my 2nd child, it was like my skin did a reset. I still have oily skin but the breakouts are very rare... Hormones were to blame the whole time!
It would be nice if society would just take people for the way that they are and not try to make them people that they're not. Like for me I look the way that I am and I love the way that I am I not change a single thing about me my cellulite my acne and all. And most of that comes from you thank you for your videos I love them they have helped me to be able to get to this point. 🤗
I wish I had watched these videos when I was 11-12, because I used to feel SO insecure about having literally pimples (completely normal, I was leaving childhood to enter in my pre-teen years) and people would say to me why I didn't take care of it, when I actually tried several ways to get rid of it, when it was just a matter of time and wait for it to go away. I still do have pimples today, but I don't feel as insecure as I would do in the past, and thank you so much for these videos. Keep doing them, they help lots of people out there. Love ya!❤❤
Thank you so much Stephanie! 💕💕💕😭😭😭 I am literally in tears! I struggle with acne since I was 10 (i am 18 now) and because it started so early I couldn't take proper care of my skin or contact a dermatologist by myself, I also spread it horribly by popping my pimples all the time. I also struggled with anxiety and low self esteem since I was little and acne made it so much worse. I literally hated myself, felt dirty, ugly, flawed. But now because of amazing people like you I finally feel good about myself and my acne! From the bottom of my heart, thank you and other body positive influences so so so so so much ❤️ You cannot even emagine how much your work means 💗
I was on proactive for 10 years because I had such bad acne (it never fully stopped it, just lessened it). Drinking celery juice every morning on an empty stomach cleared my skin within 3 months (like fully clear, no breakouts). I’ve been struggling lately and haven’t been juicing the celery regularly and now I’m breaking out a bit (still no where neeeear what it used to be). Gonna get back on the celery cuz it WORKS
As a person with multiple skin issues I really feel a change to the worse when eating inflammatory foods (sugar, wheat and cowmilk products), so changing my diet and some light medication do the trick for me most of the time. At least changing your diet is something no doctor needs to prescribe you.
Steph, these were the right words, but you probably understand, that for companies who sell this it IS the "right" way to promote their products. They get more sales when they play on people's feelings. It's disgusting to do, but as long as it yields money, they will stick to these methods. The best thing to do is try our best not to believe it. And you help your viewers so much with this! 🥰
I could talk for days about my acne experience. My painful cystic acne didn’t calm down until my 30’s! After years of basically trying to burn and “sanitize” and “cleanse” my skin, I did an elimination diet and found out I’m super sensitive to gluten. I also have rosacea. Now I treat my skin like baby skin with super gentle and SOOTHING products and it’s soooooo much better. Even still I will get little pimps when it’s that time or just because I’m a human.
I’ve been breaking out a little bit on my forehead and it’s been difficult to walk outside without being conscious about it. I used to have severe acne and breakouts when I was younger. Whenever I get a breakout, I’m scared that my skin will go back to how it was before. I need to remind myself that I’m only human and it’s ok to have acne. Thank you for posting this. It means a lot to me 💓
Acne literally ruined my life It is a SERIOUS issue. I have never ever been ashamed of how I looked till I started getting acne. My skin was so nice that I had people literally ask to touch my face to feel it. When I started breaking out and scarring my self-esteem crashed. I don't look in the mirror much, I always wear a face mask and I don't take photos anymore. Been like that for 5 years and wasted so much of my life. All the memories I could have made and captured ... if only I didn't have acne I wouldn't mind going out. This video is much needed for me thank you :')
Have been on prescription drugs almost 4 years, almost drove me to s**cide. I stopped buying pricey skincare products swiched to using only mild facewash soap and Nivea creme. My face and body acne still exist, but learning to embrace it they got managable and working on my confidence helped me alot. Acne are sign of youth, life. I stopped fighting against my nature and started treating my body and mind better.
Great video!! Very informative! We need to normalize acne and acne scarring, especially adult acne because it is so much more common than society would like us to believe!! I was on Accutane for my hormonal cystic acne 10 years ago and the results lasted about 5 years. When it came back, I decided to start Spironolactone as the side effects of Accutane were too harsh for me to go through again. The more I learnt about what happens under the surface when my skin would break out, it's actually interesting how it all goes down under there, and it makes me appreciate what my body is trying to do to help me.
It's exactly for this kind of content that I started following you! Thank you for debunking all these misconceptions we have about beauty and telling us the truth instead!
I've had very bad skin from ages 15-23. It was not like one or two pimples, but 10s of them on both my cheeks, forehead, chin, temple areas,painful red spots that would swell, hurt and then pop, leaving behind horrible hyperpigmentation, and scarring. I was so insecure about socialising, because everytime I met anyone, be it cousins, friends, even neighbours, they would ask what happened and start giving "natural remedy ideas" to "help" me, which made me feel worse. And in 2009-14, it was taught that drying out the skin with oil clearing face washes is best for acne prone skin, and surprise, it f*cked up my skin all the more, making it taut and uncomfy. I was even suggested to put lemon juice on my pus filled acne, drink some "blood clearing" juices, it was a nightmare. Believe me, I never used to have junk food or overly cheesy or oily or sugary foods, my diet was almost always home cooked meals, and some fried snack on occasion. My self esteem was at an all time low. In recent years, I was having a talk with my mother and she was talking about how she used to have horrid breakouts as a teen, and apparently dad had similar issues too, in his teens as well. So it was genetic after all.
