I struggled with acne from the age of 13 with fluctuating hormonal breakouts here and there, but it was really my adult years where my acne journey took a turn. After two years of being on the birth control pill — feeling so disconnected from my emotions and body, heavy brain fog, and a sudden lack of motivation for the things I loved — I decided to get off hormonal birth control. Little did I know that 8 months later I would end up with the worst acne of my life, covering my entire face in painful cysts. I have vivid memories of crying myself to sleep, not just from the look of my skin but from the physical pain it brought on. This led me down a new road of self love, because I really had two choices: sit in a dark room and wait until one day my skin was clearer, OR live my life to the fullest and embrace the journey I was on. So, I chose to focus on the silver linings.

three years later, and I am grateful for the lessons that having severe acne taught me. It allowed me to detach my sense of worth from my physical appearance, because your skin doesn’t define you. This taught me self love, and patience through focusing on progress over perfection, and most importantly, the power of a positive mindset and taking back the control over your insecurities.