I always thought that acne was just a phase—something I’d outgrow once I became an adult. Well, here I am, 35 years old, and my acne is still with me. In fact, over the last couple of months, I’ve had some of the worst breakouts I’ve ever experienced, including cystic acne, whiteheads, and a lot of uneven skin. At one point, it got so bad that I felt embarrassed. No matter how much makeup I put on, I couldn’t hide the breakouts. Instead, the makeup just seemed to make everything worse.

I tried so many different things to clear my skin. From expensive products to DIY remedies, I even embraced the “less is more” approach—cutting back on makeup and facial products. But nothing seemed to work.

Then, something shifted. I began to focus on understanding my skin, what it needed, and, most importantly, what made me feel confident. And, over time, I started noticing a change. It wasn’t a miracle cure, but I could see my acne gradually becoming more manageable, and my skin—though still not perfect—was starting to feel healthier.

Here’s what’s worked for me:

While I don’t use all of these products all at once, here’s a look at what I regularly use in my skincare routine:

1. Witch Hazel with Rose Water – A gentle toner that soothes my skin while helping to clear up excess oil and impurities. I use this after cleansing to prep my skin for the rest of my routine.
2. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution – This has been amazing for helping to treat acne. I use it a few times a week to target blemishes and prevent new breakouts.
3. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – A serum that helps to reduce redness and improve skin texture. It’s become a staple for evening out my skin tone.
4. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA – A lightweight moisturizer that keeps my skin hydrated without clogging pores.
5. Giovanni Hydrating Facial Primer & Setting Mist – This not only hydrates but also helps to lock in my makeup and give my skin a natural, dewy finish throughout the day.
6. Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion with SPF 30 – An SPF moisturizer that’s gentle enough for my sensitive skin and protects against sun damage, which can aggravate acne.
7. Mighty Patch Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Patches – A lifesaver for those days when I need to quickly reduce the size of a pimple. These patches help speed up healing by absorbing the gunk from my skin overnight.

Tips for Clear Skin:

• Be consistent: Your skincare routine is a long-term investment, so it’s important to stick with it.
• Don’t skip SPF: Acne treatments can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so always wear sunscreen.
• Avoid picking at your skin: It may be tempting, but picking at acne can cause scarring and make things worse.
• Keep your hands off your face: The bacteria on your hands can transfer to your face, leading to breakouts.
• Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet: What you put into your body reflects on your skin.

A Personal Reflection:

In my own personal reflection with acne, I realize… does it matter if someone has acne? No. Does it make them any less human? No. And if people are willing to judge someone else on their acne, then they aren’t worth the time, anyway. However, I did realize that it matters to me and my confidence. As I’ve worked on finding my true self and living without fear of judgment, I’ve learned that the way I look and dress doesn’t just look cute to others—it gives me confidence to step out of my comfort zone with a full heart, not one that feels like it needs to hide.

Sometimes, the physical pain of acne is a reminder of how we deserve to feel comfortable in our own skin. Acne can hurt—not just physically but emotionally too. That’s why I no longer dress for anyone else but myself. My appearance is my way of embracing my individuality and confidence. And through my journey, I hope to inspire others to do the same—because when you take care of yourself, your happiness and confidence will have a positive impact on everyone around you. If I’m feeling down, I’m not the best version of myself for my family. But when I take the time to care for my well-being, I can show up for them in a way that’s healthier and happier.

Growing up, I didn’t live in a household where the women took the time to care for themselves. They often put their needs last for the sake of their families. While I understand that logic—and I do hold to it—I’ve learned that my happiness and confidence matter too. I’ve realized that when I make myself a priority, I can give more to those around me.

If there’s anything I hope you take away from my journey with acne, it’s this: Don’t let your skin define you. It’s okay to struggle with something, but it doesn’t have to take away your sense of self-worth. We all deserve to feel confident and beautiful, regardless of the imperfections we may have.