What to Do When Acne Ruins Your Self-Esteem

Psychologist Yvonne Thomas, PhD says it is normal for acne to affect self-esteem since our physical characteristics can often contribute to our inward confidence. “A person can feel unattractive and undesirable and have a negative image of how they look. And sometimes, the person can, on a more global overall basis, not feel likable or even lovable and may be very self-conscious of how one's imperfect skin looks in both their own and the world's view of them,” she says. 

These insecurities can cause normally self-assured individuals to stumble when they’re experiencing a breakout. Whether you feel unnerved speaking in front of your colleagues or believe the reason you’re still single is due to the condition of your skin, it can be debilitating and, at times, keep you from enjoying the activities and experiences you love.