To say that acne affects more than your skin is an understatement. It can have a drastic effect on your life as well. It will erode your self esteem and self confidence and your general outlook to life, apart from your battered self esteem, low self confidence and your self pride is generally smashed.

No-one can know exactly what you are going through, how you feel with this emotionally scarring problem. Acne free family and friends will never appreciate your inner turmoil and the influence it has on your life. Pimples and mild breakouts can negatively impact how you feel about yourself, talk less of chronic acne and acne scars.

In the past, acne was a trivial problem. Why? Because we had other chronic ailments that seemed  much more important and required much more attention than a 'silly old teenage problem'. We know better now. We now realise that acne can create serious psychological problems within us. So, the emotional consequences of acne must not be taken lightly.

THE EFFECTS OF ACNE CAUSES LACK OF SELF ESTEEM AND SELF CONFIDENCE

Acute embarrassment, which often leads to social withdrawal. This feeling prevents chronic  sufferers from interacting socially,  due to being self-conscious about their facial appearance. In a world that lays great emphasis on beautiful flawless skin, as smooth as 'a baby's bottom'; sufferers feel so uncomfortable and out of place.

The sense of guilt and shame prevents an acne patient from taking photographs, partying, and frolicking with friends, to the extent that social events are avoided if possible. Self esteem and self confidence is totally lacking.

Reunions? No! Swimming? No way!. You feel you may contaminate the pool, and you sense that people may feel the same way too. Partying? Heck No! Weddings? Maybe. Because you don't really have much of a choice. You have to be there, because you are family, so long as you can disappear in the crowd without being too loud or conspicuous, and go unnoticed.

For some acne sufferers,  it can influence daily decisions. This is the power acne can wield on your body and soul.

Anxiety and depression affects acne sufferers quality of life. Interestingly, its severity does not seem to be a factor in the level of anxiety or depression. Sufferers with mild cases of acne are just as likely to suffer from these depressive conditions as much as those with much more severe cases.

And adults feel this more than the younger folks. Probably because they have had to live with the effects of acne more than younger people, and their condition defies all forms of treatment. Apart from this, there is a greater social stigma attached to adults with chronic acne.

The first and most important thing will be your decision to get help and fight this malaise. It is very crucial in gaining back your self esteem. Lack of confidence dissipates once you've made this decision, AND you WILL start to feel a bit better about your condition. There will suddenly be an experience of a significant improvement in the quality of your life.

 Secondly, see a dermatologist  because in all honesty,  acne should be treated early, before any damage to your self esteem and self confidence begins. If you start too late, you may get used to your situation and do nothing about it. If you take this path, you are doomed because you will never live the quality life you desire. Definitely, you wont.

Thirdly, if your acne condition is so bad that your self esteem and pride is affected and you begin to suffer bouts of depression, seek counselling immediately. You may find it beneficial. It wont be near enough to just waste a lot of money on counselling. You must be seen to combine skin care treatments with counselling as well.

Finally, if all else fails, you should seek out a support program with compassionate and understanding people who know what you are going through. They will help you to dispel feelings of isolation and hopelessness that is common amongst acne sufferers. Search online for 'Acne support groups' or, 'Acne Sufferers Forums'. If you are at loss as to how to join such a group, your doctor may be able to refer you to a local group that helps people deal with their life with acne.

Whatever your decision may be, taking bold steps to nurture your mind while treating your skin, can help bolster your self-image and lift your self esteem and boost your confidence.

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