My Acne Gave Me "Skinpostor Syndrome"

"My anxiety over my acne feels like a heavy anchor at my ankles, and I drag it everywhere. It shows up in micro decisions, like reaching for concealer or pulling on a baseball cap before running an errand. It rears its head when it comes to macro decisions, like cutting dairy from my diet or skipping a work event because of hormonal breakouts. Chasing clear skin costs me mentally, emotionally, and financially."

"Conversations about body image tend to focus on the emotional toll, but in the age of "maintenance," acne comes with real line items: derm visits, lasers, facials, devices, supplements, and the little emergency fixes that add up fast. For women in certain cities and industries, it can also feel like a professional expense, even if no one says it out loud."

"Even though genetics often play an outsized role compared to your cleanser or your discipline, blemish-free skin is still treated like a billboard for expertise in my field. (And yes, my face has literally been blown up on a Sephora Times Square billboard!) My work is front-facing: I post videos that thousands, sometimes millions, see, with my skin in close-up. I consult for beauty companies. I host events. I meet with brand founders. With every interaction, I can"

I have lived with acne for nearly 20 years, and daily life feels dictated by the condition of my skin. Cystic breakouts trigger intense anxiety that alters small choices like using concealer or wearing a hat and major choices such as changing diet or skipping work events. Managing acne requires recurring expenses for dermatology visits, lasers, facials, devices, supplements, and emergency fixes. In certain cities and industries, clear skin functions as an unspoken professional expectation. Genetics often determine acne more than skincare routines, yet blemish-free skin remains a perceived marker of expertise in public-facing beauty work.

Read at Bustle