When you’re dealing with acne, it’s very easy to start suffering from lower self-esteem as a result of your appearance. It’s important to remember that everyone has body issues. There are always things that we wish we could change, alter, remove, or add to our bodies that we think would make us look how we “should.” But there is no “should”—and getting rid of your acne won’t suddenly answer all the questions you have about life. However, it’s important to feel comfortable in your own skin (literally). So here are a few tips for dealing with the self-esteem side of acne.
How You See Yourself
Maybe you consider your acne to be your “worst” feature, but is far from your ONLY feature. Spend time focusing on the parts of your body you like best, rather than the parts you like least. Instead of worrying that others will notice a blemish, focus on the good features that you hope people will notice in a positive way.
As an individual, your identity is built on your strengths, not your weaknesses (Jim is “the guy who’s good at basketball” not “the guy who’s bad at bowling.”) Your physical identity is the same: Accentuate the parts you like best.
Dealing With It
We’ve got lots of other posts up about skin maintenance tips and acne triggers. There’s nothing you can do to stop acne from happening, but you can help manage the symptoms through good hygiene (skin hygiene and overall health tips, as well), healthy diet, and more. A light, non-pore-clogging cover-up or powder can also help minimize your acne’s appearance, which can definitely be a self esteem boost.
Acne Happens To Everyone: It’s Not Your Fault
Part of the self-esteem quagmire that acne suffers face is due to a (perceived) feeling of inferiority. It’s not your fault that you have acne any more than it’s your fault that your hair grows. There’s nothing that you did to CAUSE your acne. All you can do is maintain your skin to the best of your ability, or get in touch with a dermatologist if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
So look into dealing with your acne with good hygiene and treatment—and once you’re doing that, 
release yourself from blame. Don’t dwell on it. There are so many other things in life to focus on (school, work, friends, family, hobbies) that at some point, you just need to stop worrying.
So, in sum: Accept that acne happens (and that it will, for the majority of individuals, clear up as you get older), do what you can to deal with it, get help if you need it, and focus on the things you like about your body. There’s no magic spell to alleviate self esteem issues, but these are a few things you can do to start seeing yourself the way those around you do—for who you are and what you have to offer. Because those are what really define you.
