We often place a great emphasis on our physical appearances, in a society where looks are unrealistically emphasized; being satisfied with yourself is often easier said than done. Consumers are always bombarded with ads that display beautiful movie stars and models, all of whom are typically considered as paragons of perfection and flawless beauty.

They often act as spokespeople for beauty and health aids that promise that you’ll look like them by buying and using these products. However, you should be aware that images of those with perfect skin are already airbrushed and touched up. Even models can have acne! On some people, even mild cases of acne can cause significant negative self-image. Negative feelings are usually more prevalent if the person has concentrated lesions on the face, the part of body that represents the person most. Unlike other skin disorders, acne lesions tend to wind up on places that are usually not concealed by clothing. Acne is a common source of anxiety which can affect your confidence and self-image. These are a few things you may experience:

• Having less self-confidence
• Feeling uncomfortable in any social setting
• Feeling like being trapped in perpetual adolescence
• Becoming too preoccupied with physical appearance
• Being sad or even depressed

Acne can also trigger negative feelings, which put a significant pressure on our school, work and social life. These are a few suggestions on how to cope with negative psychological effects of acne:

• Get a new hairstyle or haircut
• Wash your face regularly
• Educate yourself about acne in various sources
• Spruce up your wardrobe
• Find a helpful dermatologist

These are some tips when you are undergoing treatment for acne

• Measure progress weekly instead of daily, results won’t appear instantly.
• During the worst moment of your acne outbreak, take a picture of your face. Put it at the bottom of your drawer and ignore it for two months. This will help you to determine your progress and the effectiveness of the treatment.
• Make sure you know the names of medications and how to use them.
• Find help if you still feel emotionally overwhelmed or even depressed.