With everything going on in the world, I realise that problematic skin is a trivial topic, but I just want to share this for anyone who is having a tough time with their skin right now. Because I know it doesn’t feel insignificant for you. On Thursday I turn 30, I first experienced acne at 13. It’s been 17 years of relentless acne and I am feeling frustrated & fed up. I have posted about my skin in the past but I probably don’t do it as often as I should. It still feels daunting, because every time I share it I open myself up to feedback, unsolicited advice and recommendations which really isn’t why I post at all. I feel it’s important to break up my feed & yours with some make up free skin, breakouts, scars and all. So, this is where I am at with my skin currently. It is inflamed and persistently painful. Earlier this year it was okay, but the breakouts are back with a vengeance. Over the years, I have honestly tried it all, antibiotics, ro-accutane, hardcore products that have burnt my skin and bleached my towels and clothes, gentle products, invasive treatments, laser, needling, the works. I’ve read books and listened to podcasts and testimonials. I’ve had blood tests to look at my hormones and digestion tests & I’ve tried altering my diet (but this is tricky because of my history with an eating disorder, I want to be careful not to trigger any old habits or thoughts). I am currently working closely with my skin clinic and naturopath and I’m hopeful & trusting the process, but also just feeling really over it at the moment – it impacts my mood and my confidence. If you’ve experienced acne, you know the feeling – you can’t escape it as it literally stares you in the face every day. I am definitely not asking for sympathy, and I know this is a minor issue in the scheme of things, however in this space where we so often see ‘perfect’ poreless, airbrushed and filtered skin, I want to share my raw skin and hope that any of you who also experience acne know you’re not alone in your struggles with it.