Last Updated on January 12, 2025 by Angela Vaz
First of all, I need you to know that I am a person with acne writing this post.
I’ve struggled with acne since the age of nine.
I’m now 32 years old and I still deal with breakouts and cysts (mainly on my cheeks and chin).
It’s frustrating.
It’s sad.
And I feel your pain.
I have canceled so many social outings (meetups) because I have felt vulnerable and embarrassed to go out if my acne was really bad.
Acne wasn’t just on my face; it was in my mind, dictating how I felt about myself, holding me back from truly living.
I genuinely don’t care for the hyperpigmentation because it’s easily coverable with makeup but I hate the bumps and lumps.
It used to make me feel really bad about myself.
My partner has seen me cry in front of the mirror several times – and he’s been very understanding and supportive.
Once when I was at a pharmacy, the lady behind the counter asked me “What’s wrong with your face?” And it took me a lot of mental strength to not break down at that comment.
I’ve also written extensively about healing acne and building confidence via these acne quotes, I’ll link to all the other posts below this one.
In this post, I’m sharing ways to feel beautiful and confident, even with acne. These tips are not about curing your skin but about nurturing your soul, reclaiming your self-worth, and remembering that you’re stunning exactly as you are.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may make a commission at no extra cost to you if you decide to click on a link and purchase something. Click here to read the full disclaimer.
1. Change the Way You Speak to Yourself
The words you use matter.
If you’re constantly calling yourself “ugly” or saying, “I look terrible,” it reinforces negative feelings.
I know it’s something that comes naturally, but try to avoid this because acne is for the most part out of your control.
Practice self-compassion instead.
Try affirmations like, “My skin does not define me,” or “I am beautiful as I am.” Speak to yourself as you would a dear friend.
Imagine your best friend/sibling is right in front of you and they have acne – talk to yourself like you would to them.
2. Focus on Your Favorite Features
Easier said than done – acne usually shows up on our faces, I get that.
But instead of fixating on your acne, celebrate the features you love.
Maybe it’s your bright smile, expressive eyes, or luscious hair.
I love my eyes – they’re bright and sparkly and I even like using bright teal eyeliner
Accentuate them with makeup, accessories, or hairstyles that make you feel confident.
3. Build a Gentle Skincare Routine
Taking care of your skin is an act of self-love.
I understand how tempting it may be to try and use every product under the sun because you’re desperate to get rid of your acne – but this is going to do more damage to your already sensitive skin.
Opt for a simple routine with gentle cleansers, non-comedogenic moisturizers, and sunscreen.
Avoid harsh products that may worsen irritation.
Remember, the goal is to care for your skin, not punish it.
4. Wear What Makes You Feel Good
Clothing has the power to boost your confidence.
Choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and empowered.
A bright color or favorite accessory can shift your mood and draw attention to your style rather than your skin.
You don’t need to overcompensate for your skin – that’s not the goal.
But the goal is to be confident when you go out and dressing up sharply or wearing clothes that bring out your personality will actually help.
I’m not kidding.
5. Surround Yourself with Positive People
The company you keep can shape how you feel about yourself.
Choose friends that are super kind, loving and loyal.
Let go of anyone who berates you or makes you feel bad about yourself. I mean this.
I have a post here on letting go of friends without drama.
Be around people who uplift you, not those who make you feel self-conscious.
True friends don’t care about your acne; they care about your heart.
6. Limit Social Media Comparison
Social media is full of edited, filtered images that set unrealistic standards.
Remind yourself that perfection online isn’t real.
Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself and follow creators who promote self-love and authenticity.
Also please, please know that nobody’s life is perfect.
I have a friend who has glass skin but she has other health issues.
I don’t know anybody who has a perfect life.
7. Practice Gratitude Daily
It’s not silly, even though initially I thought it was.
Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have.
Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for—like your resilience, your friendships, or even small joys like a sunny day.
Gratitude can transform how you see yourself and your life.
Yesterday I was reading a very beautiful thriller and I wanted to remember how I felt reading it so I wrote my feelings on a piece of paper and put it in a glass jar. I plan on filling that jar and reading those notes every time I feel down.
8. Learn to Embrace Your Natural Beauty
Your skin is part of your story.
Instead of hiding, try leaning into it.
Wear minimal makeup when you’re comfortable, and let your natural features shine.
Confidence is the most attractive thing you can wear.
9. Remember You’re Not Alone
Millions of people deal with acne, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Joining support groups or online communities can remind you that you’re in good company and provide encouragement on tough days.
I also follow a lot acne creators online so this really helps me feel less alone.
10. Seek Professional Help If Needed
There’s no shame in consulting a dermatologist or therapist.
Whether it’s managing acne or working through the emotional toll, professional support can make a world of difference.
11. Celebrate Small Wins
Every step you take toward feeling confident is worth celebrating.
Maybe you smiled in a photo, went out without makeup, or felt beautiful for a moment.
Acknowledge and cherish those wins.
I’ve recently started going out without makeup and I feel so good about myself. Sometimes I suddenly feel naked but I remember that acne is a natural thing. There is no need to feel ashamed about it.
Bonus: Ignore nasty remarks and people
I need you to understand something very important – this world would be a much better place if people educated themselves before passing comments.
It would probably be perfect.
But most people (believe it or not) don’t know much about acne.
They assume it’s a condition of people who don’t wash their faces or have hormonal issues.
They assume it’s a problem that will go away if they drink 12 glasses of water every day and wash their face.
You cannot waste your time worrying about what these people think – it genuinely does not matter.
What matters is you love yourself and have those few friends/family that you enjoy spending time with.
If someone passes a nasty comment – let it go.
And remember that it’s their problem – not yours.
Remember this.
I’m sending you a lot of love right now.
Here are a few more posts that you might find helpful:
- How to clear your skin in the next 10 weeks if you have acne
- 9 foods to eat to get rid of cystic chin acne
- 5 best foundations for oily and acne-prone skin
- 11 ways to get glowing skin naturally
- 5 foods that cleared my hormonal acne
- Considering Accutane? Try these 14 things before going on Accutane
- 11 oily skin makeup tips you wish you’d known earlier!
