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Stories Skin Care Overcoming Acne In Singapore: My Journey To Self-Acceptance

Battling Acne: - The Awkward Puberty 

I used to feel like an ugly monster when I had acne all over my face. My schoolmates would say that I looked good today, and my inner voice would scream, "You are a lying and insincere b#*~h, what are you driving at?!" I tried almost everything possible, from pimple creams to purifying and acne wash brands to paper masks. However, nothing seemed to work. Relatives noticed and commented on my acne, giving me advice like "sleep early," "drink more water," and "eat less fried food," but all their sincere advice made me feel worse. I felt something was wrong with my genetics and that I had committed a big sin as a baby to deserve my acne. Some nights, I would sob myself to sleep, thinking of the girls in school with perfect skin.

 A Vicious Cycle

I turned to concealers and foundations to cover up when I needed to be on campus. Not knowing the importance of cleansing, I sometimes fell asleep at night without even washing my face. Eventually, my mom took me to a GP doctor when I was 17, and the doctor prescribed antibiotics and a skincare wash. Unfortunately, I reacted to the antibiotics and vomited seriously. The wash did nothing more than those I bought in the shops, leaving my skin dry and peeling.

Shocking Discovery About Acne Treatment Prices In Singapore 

After that, my mom took me to see a skin and aesthetics doctor. The first doctor told me I needed to go on Accutane, a medication for severe acne, and required my mom to sign a consent form to indemnify them in the event of side effects. The second doctor recommended undergoing medical laser treatments, but it cost about $12,000 for a treatment consisting of six sessions of two different lasers. My mom was initially hesitant but decided to charge it to her credit card to pay in instalments. I felt guilty because I knew my family needed the money for our utilities and groceries.

The situation at home and the stress at school added up, making my acne worse. As a result, I stopped joining my friends for after-school activities. Instead, I walked around with my head so low, hoping no one would notice me, and I never met anyone's eyes.

The Turning Point

Something was not right when I gradually stopped eating. I felt dark and moody and always cried for no reason. There seemed to be no cure at the end of the tunnel. I got addicted to sleeping because I stopped thinking about my acne and issues when I slept, and I liked it. The longest I stayed in bed was five full days, drifting in and out of sleep. Time passed, but the dark tunnel did not. I wished I were dead.

My closest buddy eventually saw my misery and attempted to speak to me, but I refused to address it. Ultimately, she enlisted the help of a few of our closest friends and made an effort to spend time with me. 

They pooled their resources and sent me to see a psychologist for counselling. After trying a few methods, I was referred to a psychiatrist at Singapore General Hospital. The doctor was very understanding and explained that I am easily depressed due to lacking a particular chemical in my brain. So, I went on a course of antidepressants for about two years. Then, with the help of medication, my friends and family's encouragement, the light finally broke through for me.

The Miracle Of A Good Facial Salon

It was also my blessing to have bumped into an excellent facial salon in Tampines. It is tucked in an obscure corner beneath an HDB block, and I later found out it was one of the best facial salons for treating acne. A friendly face greeted me when I entered the facial salon and asked what I needed assistance with. I hesitated initially, unsure if I wanted to talk about my acne, but I decided to open up. Surprisingly, the beautician didn't judge me or make me feel bad about my skin. Instead, she listened to me and gave me helpful routines and some tips on taking care of it.

She recommended a simple skincare routine that included cleansing, toning, and moisturising and explained why each step was essential. She also taught me about different products and ingredients that could help with my acne, like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Again, I was impressed with her knowledge and skill.

The beautician used gentle, soothing techniques during the acne facial to cleanse and exfoliate my skin. She also did extractions to remove clogged pores and applied a calming mask to reduce redness and inflammation. Throughout the process, she explained what she was doing and why, which made me feel more comfortable and informed.

My skin felt soft, smooth, and renewed after the facial. I was pleased with the effects and scheduled another appointment. My confidence rose as I observed a dramatic improvement in my blemishes. What I loved most about this facial salon was its honesty and transparency. They didn't try to sell me expensive treatments or products I didn't need. Instead, they focused on educating me and helping me find the proper skincare routine for my skin type and concerns. They also made me feel comfortable and supported, a refreshing change from the judgement and criticism I had experienced.

In conclusion, discovering an excellent facial salon was a game-changer for me. 

The beauticians taught me how to care for my skin, improve my acne, and enhance my self-esteem. 

Assume you're dealing with acne or other skin issues. 

In such a scenario, I propose you seek out a trustworthy and competent face salon that provides guidance and assistance. 

The Journey To Recovery

It was a long, painful, and challenging journey, but I learned much about myself and my mental health. I discovered the importance of self-care, both physically and mentally. I knew that taking care of my skin and my body was not something to be ashamed of or something that I should hide. Instead, it was something that I needed to prioritise for my well-being.

My experience with acne taught me that it's okay to ask for help, whether it's from friends, family, or professionals. Taking medication is also okay if it helps improve your mental health. Mental health should not be stigmatised, and seeking help for it should be seen as a brave and necessary step towards healing.

My skin has cleared up considerably, but I still have times when I don't feel great about it. However, I remind myself that the state of my skin does not determine my worth. I've also learned to appreciate the journey and the lessons that came with it. My experience with acne made me more empathetic towards others struggling with their mental health and self-esteem.

If you're struggling with acne or mental health issues, know that you are not alone. Some resources and people can help you. Don't be hesitant to seek assistance. You deserve to be comfortable with yourself. In conclusion, my journey with acne was not an easy one. It caused me a lot of pain, both physically and emotionally. Yet, it also taught me a lot about myself, my mental health, and the value of self-care. 

That was a journey that finally took me to a better position, for which I am thankful.

If you're struggling with acne or mental health issues, know that it's okay to ask for help and that there is always hope for healing and recovery.