My Acne Journey started in 2016 at the age of 19 whilst working my first professional job as a performer onboard a cruise line! At first, I thought it was just a few spots and that my outbreak would shortly pass, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth. In reality… It was only the beginning.
When I returned home to the UK I booked myself in with the doctor and they prescribed me a wide variety of different creams and tablets that would hopefully help clear my skin. After months of trying each medicine I was feeling really deflated at the fact NOTHING seemed to be working.
I booked myself in with a herbalist however, at the age of 19 and not really having a secure job I couldn’t keep up with the monthly out goings! I ended up going to see a dermatologist who prescribed me with my last resort of Roaccutane. I was on Roaccutane for 8 months and it finally cleared my skin! I finally felt like I had my confidence back to pursue my career and enjoy life again!
My acne came back in August 2019 – Just over a year after finishing Roaccutane. Now this isn’t the case for everybody but for me my acne coming back has been a blessing in disguise. It has made me look beyond my skin and I now look at things in my life with a whole new perspective. I find myself looking beyond the surface and I feel a lot more empathetic to others suffering with their own skin condition. There have been days where I have had to face up to multiple comments about my skin. People saying “Ugh what’s happened to your face?”, “You need to wash your face”, “Is it contagious?” , “You was much prettier before” and honestly the list goes on!
I decided to create an Instagram Page @Acne.SkinSideOut documenting my acne journey and I never realised the impact my page would make. Helping and inspiring others going through similar journeys and meeting people from all walks of life who maybe suffering something similar in their own life! Having acne has made me realise that my skin does NOT define my worth, and that I shouldn’t be made to feel any different because of the surface of my skin.
In todays society we compare ourselves to this “unrealistic” standard of what beauty is, and were made to feel like having acne means that you don’t fit into that category. Acne is SO common and we really need to normalise the fact that you are NOT alone! There are so many others going through a similar journey to you and there are so many people out there to offer you help and support!
Keep smiling, keep positive and remember IT WONT LAST FOREVER!
You can find out more about Hannah’s work over on her instagram