I’m Good Off The Skin Advice
“I swear by this product, it cleared my skin.”
“Do you eat a lot of sugar?”
“You should try this…”
“Are you drinking enough water?”
Nothing like unsolicited skin advice. Thank you for assuming you know how to address the noticeable features on my face. I love that you know a dermatologist, but I didn’t need the phone number. And yes, I drink water, babe.
As one of the thousands of people who have really tried everything– having been on Accutane for about seven months, let’s talk about it.
Acne is not just a skin thing; it’s visible, public, and emotional. It’s treated like a flaw that needs fixing, rather than a condition to be understood. Acne is not a sales pitch; it’s hormonal, genetic, and often beyond our control.
Acne is a significant mental burden; it can be hard on your confidence and self-esteem. It is hard to bypass the noticeable features on your face every day and remind yourself of your beauty. Those who are vocally aware of people’s features, such as acne, whether apparent or not, your ignorance is showing, and your comment is memorable.
Reviews and opinions on products are not credible based on personal experiences. There are reviews of products that people would say is God’s gift to their skin, and others would say it’s the worst thing they’ve tried.
It is remarkable to see the extensive list of products for every skin issue, type, or problem, and now there is a profit in the industry to address your every insecurity. Companies drive you to try their products, full of ingredients that I can't even pronounce, because they know you want answers, and this is how they get you.
Maybe your favorite influencer puts it on their face one time, so their followers will buy whatever it is. They say it’s their favorite product, people listen, and in reality, they just opened the package that was never even paid for or needed.
Don’t let people grab you in a vulnerable state of wanting to clear your skin. Your skin reacts and acts differently from anybody else’s, and you have to remember that before buying into the endless propaganda from sellers, influencers, and even your friends.
There is fault even in professionalism, and even the ‘skincare specialists’ or the ‘estheticians’ on social media are selling you out, because they know how badly people want a cure, and they need profit.
Acne is something millions of people experience, and it shouldn't be exploited as a marketing tool for profit. You walk into Ulta, and they have a “perfect” product for you, but they didn't even ask your skin type. Nor do they know where it’s coming from, or anything related to your health.
It’s as if people, even strangers, feel the need to fix you, help you. I’m just a young girl with blemishes, and it is completely normal and okay. What doesn’t sit right with me is the backhanded compliments and how people feel the need to give unwanted help.
I understand breakdowns of ingredients, but a simple ‘this works, and this doesn't’ doesn't work for me. It’s amazing to hear that something worked for you, but don't push it on me.
For years, I've dealt with acne, and all I can say is to be careful of what people try to prescribe to you. Be extra diligent in your research, build trust in your dermatologists or estheticians, and listen to your body and your skin, because it is unlike anyone else's. You must find what works for you, even if that didn't work for anyone else.
Strike out,
Kaden Horn
Boca Raton
Kaden Horn is a content writer for Strike Magazine, Boca. She is a free-spirited Leo who loves to write humorously, but also in a way that is intentional and meaningful. She thrives in peaceful environments, whether it’s at the beach, working out, or rewatching Vampire Diaries for the 100th time. You can reach her at kaden.horn813@gmail.com, or her Instagram @kadennhunter
