How to Cope With Skin-Related Self-Esteem Issues
Over nearly two decades, I've developed a few personal ways to feel better about my skin. The first, most important and most painful to master is going without makeup. It might seem easy to some but even with new friends, it usually takes a while before I allow them to see my "naked" skin. Same goes with men I'm dating or, really, anyone in my life. What I've found by giving my pores more breathing room is they will—naturally—clog up less. Though no matter what I eat, what I apply, how little or how much makeup I wear, I will always break out around my period, bravely going bare-faced has made an impact on my skin and my sense of self.
The other is focusing on positive self-talk. This isn't easy either but as the saying promises, it gets easier with practice. When I start to be unkind to myself, I try to focus on the qualities I'm proud of: my writing talent, my ability to be an excellent best friend, my left hook, my courage to travel anywhere and everywhere, and my loving nature. When I turn the attention away from my one problem area, I can see the beauty in the others.
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Other Ways to Improve Your Self-Esteem
For many people, the first step in improving their skin-related mental health issues is professional treatment. Making the decision to go on Accutane a few years ago was a taxing one but, ultimately, the best solution to give myself a fighting chance at clear skin. Though it didn't solve it completely, it made a big improvement. Thomas says seeking the help of a dermatologist can create a game plan for your specific needs. Apart from the obvious medical benefit, she says the act of going can be encouraging in itself. “By gaining control of the parts within your reach, you can start to build more positive feelings and self-confidence,” she says.
And though you might feel alone surrounded by your gaggle of gals who don’t think twice about leaving the house with merely mascara on, Thomas urges those with problematic skin to remember there is strength in numbers. “You can talk to others who are battling this, be it family, friends and also join a support group. By doing either idea or both, you can connect to others and get comfort and reassurance, which can help decrease negative feelings and beliefs about yourself and your skin situation,” she says.
Another way to deal with accepting yourself—zits and all—is to write down one positive aspect about yourself every single day. Schewitz says by amplifying the positive, your imperfections will become less and less challenging. When you doubt it all, ask those who love you for everything you are. They will be your cheerleaders and help you see the larger picture. As Schewitz says, “Surround yourself with people who love and accept themselves and who don’t focus on looks to remind you that there is more to you than what people see on the outside.”
Image via Imaxtree
