ver feel like an imposter? Do you feel like hiding under layers of makeup or canceling plans altogether? I know I have countless times.
It’s definitely a struggle when it feels like the whole world is being unfair, forcing you to wear a mask. As days, weeks, and months pass, you start to forget who you are. You start to lose yourself. It’s hard when society labels your acne scars and acne as “flaws,” but it’s time we change the dialogue around “imperfections.” You are gorgeous just the way you are. Our skin tells us stories, and we'll look back and see how strong we’ve grown.
My story began when I was a teenager. Throughout high school, I would get small bumps on my face, but it didn’t become cystic until I was in 12th grade (17 years old). During that year, I went through a traumatic experience that led to years of chronic acne well into adulthood. I struggled both socially and academically, driven by a need to be the prettiest and smartest. This made me a horrible, nasty drama queen, and as a result, I was bullied and isolated for most of my last year of high school. It felt like the entire world hated me, which broke my spirit. From a young age, I had believed my worth was measured by others' validation. So, I started wearing a mask—a face layered with makeup and a layer of false confidence. It helped me hide behind my insecurities.
I wore that mask for so long that people began to believe I was happy. But in reality, I was suffocating from my own lies and a warped perception of reality. I hated every inch of my acne-ridden skin. My stress worsened the inflammation, and eventually, I could no longer hide behind makeup. The bumps looked horrible, and I couldn’t rely on my makeup anymore. I skipped many days of university, made excuses to avoid work, and fabricated lies about being sick because I was ashamed of how I looked and felt.
Every morning, I struggled to get up because it meant staring back at the mirror only to see a monster. Washing my face made me feel every large, sore bump on my cheeks and forehead. I was no longer myself; I became a quiet, depressed girl who wasn’t fun anymore. I lost my bubbly, loving self. Every day involved crying, but one day, I was just sick of it all—sick of hiding and sick of crying myself to sleep. So, I had a crazy idea: starting an Instagram blog!
I began uploading photos of my bare skin and took people on my journey to healing both physically and mentally. I had to teach myself that I was so much more than my skin. To be honest, I started my blog to overcome my fears and didn’t even know that people would be inspired by it. When people began commenting and privately messaging me that I had helped them love themselves a little bit more and reminded them they’re not alone, I knew my new mission in life.
In a world so focused on external beauty and unattainable standards, I aimed to publicly challenge society’s perception of beauty—not just for myself, but for everyone. Our skin does not define us or tarnish our inner beauty. Acne is normal, and it should not push us into depression because we are greater than any social standard imposed on us!
There’s no need to wear a mask to hide when you are perfect the way you are. Let makeup be an art, a form of expression, but not a necessity. Don’t feel forced to cover up. It’s time to feel liberated and embrace your natural beauty.
Your gal, Liz
