'I'm almost 30 and have the worst acne of my life. Here's how I'm dealing with it.'

"You’ll grow out of it."

That’s what everyone used to say to me, all throughout high school, when I had severe acne. It helped that most of the kids I went to school with also had a few pimples popping up on their faces.

We tried everything. Every harsh chemical under the sun. You name it; we tried it. And nothing seemed to work.

Watch: A refresher on how to protect your skin from the sun. Post continues below.

In my early 20s, I grew accustomed to the fact that I’d always have a stray pimple on my face. Usually, it would appear on my chin before I got my period, or on my forehead if I’d worn my side fringe that day.

Never in a million years did I think I would be approaching 30 and have some of the worst acne I’ve ever had.

The worst acne I've ever had. Image: Supplied.

I’ve even sent a message to my friends before a dinner catch up that read something like this:

'Also friends, just pre-warning you, my skin is really, really bad atm. I might not cover it up only because it’s sore and makeup's never good for it. I’m trying not to let it get me down, but it just means I’m out and about resembling a pimply pizza - but a cute pizza nonetheless.️'

Pimply. But upbeat. 

Before going on dates, I’ve piled layers upon layers of makeup to attempt to cover them up. 

Which brings me to another conundrum all acne sufferers will know all too well: To cover up, or not to cover up? It’s a vicious cycle.

You know you’ll look and feel confident if you put some concealer on your spots, but you also know it’ll mean you get a few more spots, or that one spot will get bigger after being clogged with makeup.

My coping mechanisms.

For my fellow acne sufferers, fill your social media feeds with skin positive influencers - people who have embraced and accepted their bumps and flaws. It helps me to remember I’m not alone in my acne struggle. 

Here’s some of my favourites: 

1. @izzierodgers.

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A post shared by ★ 𝕀ℤℤ𝕀𝔼 ★ (@izzierodgers)

2. @isofiagrahn.

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A post shared by SOFIA GRAHN🫀skin neutrality (@isofiagrahn)

3. @cottyconcha.

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A post shared by Constanza Concha (@cottyconcha)

4. @emeraldxbeauty.

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A post shared by Kadeeja Sel Khan (@emeraldxbeauty)

5. @its.shiny.

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A post shared by Shiny (@its.shiny)

6. @its_just_acne.

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A post shared by Maia Gray | ACNE POSITIVITY (@its_just_acne)

I’ve also learned the art of a killer self help pep-talk.

On those days that I’m really struggling, I remind myself of the things I’m grateful for. I chat to myself the same way I would a friend, reminding myself I am so much more than the bumps on my skin. I am smart, hard-working, independent, and kind. All qualities that will never be impacted or affected by the pimples on my face.

Flaws are a part of being human, and your body, skin included, is the vessel that allows us to experience this crazy, wild, beautiful life.

It’s cheesy but true: you’ve got to love the skin you’re in.

Sammy Rose is a journalist and newsreader at Canberra’s Mix 106.3 radio station. When she’s not reading the headlines, you’ll find her scoping out online sales and making many wish lists of items she can’t afford. She also has an adorable chubby corgi named Archie. You can follow her on Instagram here.

Feature Image: Supplied.

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