How do I have confidence with acne?

We know that on the list of all the things on teens' minds, your skin and how it looks is definitely up at the top. This Acne Awareness Month, we reached out to some members of our community for advice from those who have been through their own acne journey.

Here's what Kayleigh (@kayleighjadeelliott) had to say on how to navigate those days when you lack confidence, maybe because of an acne flair, and how to treat yourself with kindness:

Do you feel like your acne journey has made you stronger in any way?

"My acne journey has made me sooooo sooooo much stronger! It’s actually made me way more confident! Fighting my battles of my own insecurities for many years has made me grow massively as a person!"


What do you say to teens struggling with skin confidence / acne?

"For any teens or anyone struggling with their skin, I would love to tell them they are beautiful! Everyone is unique and that’s so beautiful. Remember what we see online isn’t always real. Find some inspirational Instagram pages! Lots of people show ‘what they post’ vs ‘real life’ videos and they are so inspiring. It’s a huge eye opener to never compare!"

What do you wish people understood about having acne?

"Having acne is normal and okay! It doesn’t make you different from anyone else! Take care of your skin always. Know what products support your skin and learn about the products that don’t suit your skin. Skincare isn’t a trend so do what suits you! I wish people understood the effects it can have on people. I’ve experienced unnecessary comments about the appearance of my skin that I have let ruin my whole day! DO NOT LET OTHERS GET YOU DOWN!"


When did you realise acne doesn’t define you?

"Your skin is beautiful no matter your skin type! I realised my acne does not define me when I was in college. In the performing arts industry, we look at ourselves in the mirror everyyyydaaaayyyy! I would compare not only my dancing but also sadly my skin. This would lead me to pile on makeup after sweating and clogging my pores! The more I grew to except that this is temporary the more confident I became. I was kind my myself and skin! I stopped piling on the make up and learnt what products support my skin! During this time I also went on roaccutane as the GP advised! I realised it’s not about hiding it, it doesn’t define me. It’s about understanding it and appreciating myself!"