My Skin and My Story: Battling Acne for Years

There's no amount of words I can tell you how disheartening it was to undergo a condition that ruins self-esteem. 

Do you know that feeling?

That moment when looking at mirrors made you feel insecure. When facing people was something you had to endure. When cameras were objects of dread.

Acne is perhaps an inevitable fact of life... of growing up. It doesn't matter if it's "bad" genes or stress. You could only sigh in dismay the moment a bright red one happened to sit on your almost-scarred cheek. 

I have a super-duper oily skin. My parents were both acne-prone. I was a 3rd-year Nursing student at that time when ghastly, cystic ones started showing up. Oh yes, Nursing--that year when waterloo subjects began to take its toll on my lifestyle. No matter how depressing it was to face the mirror at that time, I managed to get through that horrendous year, grades-wise. 

"That's it. I'm finding a way to clear my skin.", I muttered under my breath as I entered summer of 2010. The internet was my bestfriend. Dermatology books and beauty magazines were my bedside companions. I was borderline desperate. I've tried countless remedies that proved futile. Unfortunately, most of them even aggravated my skin condition. What a shame.

I decided to go to the dermatologist for a cure. This time, he prescribed oral antibiotics and a topical lotion. He told me to stay away from the sun throughout the course of the treatment.

And just like finding the light at the end of the tunnel, I was finally seeing substantial results from months of research and hard work. The antibiotics did wonders at subsiding the inflammation. The retinoic lotion gradually lightened the scars. 

The acne aftermath was my next, biggest challenge. Almost 40% of my face was covered with pimple scars, some of them were deep. My facial skin was worse--uneven, dull, a mix of red and dark brown, rough.

My mom told me a secret--something she had heard from friends and tried on herself. She told me to buy a capsule of Dalacin-C (Clindamycin) and mix it with a bottle of Eskinol cleanser. The mixture should be used twice a day as a cleanser or toner. Then, the rest was history.

This saved it.

Just after 7 days of treatment, my skin rejuvenated. Pimples stopped showing up. Scars became less visible. My complexion somehow brightened. 

From then on, I was determined to maintain a cystic acne-free facial skin. Although whiteheads, blackheads, uneven skin tone and small pimples still plague me from time to time, I was able to control them to a bare minimum. 

Now, I am no longer using the "secret pimple eraser". I figured applying antibiotics on my skin can be very dangerous. There are, of course, drug interactions you need to take note of. So to be safe, I only use it for cystic acne--which never made a reappearance in my life, thank goodness. I am in no way an expert of skin care and acne treatment. Although I may be armed with some know-hows, I have to say it's still best to consult a health care professional before trying out different acne remedies. Moreover, Dalacin-C+Eskinol may not suit you or help banish your pimples. 

Acne can be very unique in terms of experience. So, make sure to know the factors that may have contributed to it. Could it be your fluctuating and unstable hormones? Is it your eating habits? Have you been stressed lately? There are numerous reasons that could possibly contribute to such condition.

I am sharing my story in the hopes of inspiring you and to let you know that you are entitled to a clear skin. On another note, let me impart to you these skin care tips that have done a great job on me ever since:

• Religiously follow this 3-step skin care regimen: CLEANSE, TONE, and MOISTURISE. I do this twice a day: after a morning bath and before bedtime. 
• Exfoliate at least once a week. Give your facial skin a good yet gentle scrub. This method will remove deep-seated dirt on your skin, which will in turn reveal a radiant layer of new cells.
• Never sleep with any make-up on. Some cosmetics have labels claiming they're "non-comedogenic". Don't get too complacent, though. Dirt, grime and chemicals on the skin promotes pimples and premature ageing.  Let your skin breathe before you go to bed. 
• Always use sunscreen. It doesn't matter whether you live in the tropics or temperate regions. The sun's ultraviolet rays can take away years of your youth.
• Understand what your skin type is. Trust me, knowing your skin will guide you in your beauty loots. Purchase skin care products and cosmetics according to your skin type.
• Live healthy. The skin is the reflection of your health. Stress increases your body's cortisol levels. Studies suggest that cortisol may be correlated with acne. 
• Be serious with skin care. It isn't really about vanity, ladies and gents. It's about taking care of yourself and well-being.

As proof of my 5-year skin care journey, here are some non-closeup pictures of me:

June 2009.

January 2010.

March 2011.

August 2012.

March 2013.

January 2014.

I hope in a way I have helped you or inspired you with my story. Good luck in your journey to skin care!