Battling acne was one of the toughest parts of my life. Growing up, I lacked confidence because every time I looked in the mirror, I saw a damaged face that felt beyond repair. Imagine having to go out wearing a nose mask even in hot weather. I became an introvert, which was the complete opposite of who I really am.
I withdrew into my shell and grew quiet. Unlike other girls my age, I avoided mirrors because I was afraid of the "monster" staring back at me. I stopped dressing up, believing my acne made me less pretty. I became so insecure that whenever I walked among people laughing, I always felt like they were laughing at me. My confidence hit its lowest point, and I constantly compared myself to girls my age, thinking, "I wish I were like them."
Battling acne wasn't just a skin problem—it was a huge barrier to my self-confidence and self-esteem. This chapter isn't just about how I got rid of my acne, but how I regained my confidence after being labeled "the girl with big pimples and black spots" wherever I went.