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Started 2 years ago by ImTheGirlAtTheBeach
Latest reply from nancy18am
Dear readers,
I am writing this for those of you who suffer from low self-esteem from acne. I had acne for close to four years, and about two years ago it started to really affect me. I tried every product Walgreens offered, saw my dermatologist several times a year, read blogs about what worked and what didn’t, checked out library books on home remedies, and spent too long in the bathroom picking at and crying over my skin. I invested a lot of money in ineffective products, and the frustration of washing my pimply and peeling skin got to be too much. I was haunted by the image of my broken-out, damaged skin. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I often skipped school, missed out on events, chose not to hang out with friends or family, and frequently avoided places like the beach where I couldn’t wear makeup. I was embarrassed, depressed and desperate. I panicked every time I saw my skin react adversely to the medicated lotions I was prescribed or felt another patch of pimples rising. I lost my confidence, my spirit and felt tremendous anxiety and fear.
I knew my response to the acne was not normal. After consulting a psychologist and doing a great deal of research myself, I now know I have body dimorphic disorder (BDD), an OCD-spectrum disorder. With the support of my mom, I’ve worked very hard to make progress in dealing with my condition and to alleviate symptoms, and I have come along way since. I want those of you with a similar problem to hear me: you are not alone and this – the acne, the fear, the panic – is not you. Your obsession is a separate entity from who you are. You can fight this and get your life back. With medical advancements, the support network of people also suffering from acne and/or OCD-spectrum disorders and the empathy of loved ones, you can learn to be strong and rediscover and reclaim your happiness. Knowledge is power, so read everything you can about your disorder, and learn how to fight. I recommend the book “The Broken Mirror†and Dr. Low’s Recovery system. The key is keeping yourself calm, so when you feel yourself begin to panic, inhale counting slowly to three and exhale from four to six. Practice your breathing even when you’re not in symptoms. In addition, there is a biological connection between moving your hands and OCD/BDD symptoms – MRI scans show activity in the basal ganglia when symptoms are distressing and when a person is moving his/her fingers – and often using your fingers mitigates symptoms. I enjoy playing the piano, painting and baking. Motivate yourself and move your muscles! Keep yourself active and engaged and symptoms will wane. There are so many “spots†– it only makes sense for we who have acne and BDD to have two kinds of “spot treatmentsâ€, right? – that you can learn: “courage is not a lack of fear, but the ability to act while facing fearâ€; “anticipation is often worse than realizationâ€; “anger precipitates symptoms, so watch your temperâ€; “fear is a belief and a belief can be changedâ€. You can remember and reflect upon these affirmations to empower you in order to beat down symptoms. I know what it’s like; sometimes an attack of symptoms can wipe out your whole day, so important that you and I keep ourselves strong. A person with BDD characteristically keeps his/her obsession(s) and rituals private, so if you are suffering, you need to take the necessary action to help yourself!
Now, I want to share with you what changes I’ve made in my skin regiment which has made a world of difference. I stopped using my prescription lotions and the antibiotic which my dermatologist prescribed. I decided that my skin is a reflection of my mental and physical state and manifests whatever spiritual turmoil I am experiencing and junk food preservatives I put into my body (and likewise my inner peace and the vitamins and nutrients I pump my body with). I eat healthy, exercise, drink lots of water and hot tea (packed with antioxidants), and I take a woman’s daily vitamin, a vitamin d tablet and Echinacea everyday (also vitamin A and zinc have been showed to reduce acne, but large consumption can be dangerous so be advised). I use Philosophy’s Purity cleanser (a gentle and all natural facial wash) twice a day and apply small amounts of Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar (for all skin types) lotion afterward. Believe it or not, the moisturizer keeps zits away. I was afraid – truly afraid – to put a lotion on my skin, but it is oil-free and it helps to heal the damaged skin (damaged from picking and from past bacterial infections, i.e. a zit). And I try always to use a good, oil-free sunscreen in the morning and especially when I’m out at mid-day (Neutrogena makes a good one). And that’s it. Twice a week I exfoliate my skin (which helps smooth my skin, scrubbing off dead skin cells and dirt and even stimulates my skin to renew itself – those formidable dark marks are not scars and will fade completely away in a couple months tops – and it important to put a good, nutrient-rich lotion on after exfoliating). If my skin is oily or I’m breaking out, then I put a little all natural Witch Hazel on my skin, which absorbs oil and keeps my skin from getting too shiny.
I’ve gotten my life back. The time I use to spend in the mirror scrutinizing my skin and picking at my skin I now use to do something valuable, enjoyable. I am no longer afraid. I am conscious of my condition and I monitor my behavior and cognitive processes closely to ensure that my symptoms do not flare up ever again. And most importantly, I endorse myself when I am strong and resist the “dragon†that is BDD. My mom told me to fight and slay the dragon or it will kill me. I can’t tell you how true this is.
If any of you are struggling, and need a friend (who’s been there!!) for encouragement and support, please email me: ImTheGirlAtthebeach@yahoo.com. I – and so many others – can help.
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Then, I would apply Noxema face cream only to my blemishes. Just a dot on each and let it disappear,
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