How to be confident with acne

If you’re dealing with acne, remember, you’re not alone. A lot of skincare marketing can sometimes catastrophize this skin condition, but it’s a common and completely natural part of life.

At Curology, we believe it’s what’s on the inside that matters, but we also understand that stubborn pimples—whiteheads, blackheads, or any other type of acne—can negatively impact your self-esteem. Worry not! Our dermatology providers have advice on how to be confident with acne. 

How acne can affect your confidence

We understand why many people are frustrated with acne. Its health effects are primarily cosmetic, but it can also affect your life in other ways.

The stigma surrounding acne makes it seem like more than just a skin condition. Research shows acne is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric and psychosocial consequences.¹ Here are some ways acne can impact your mental health: 

Emotional distress

Research shows that acne may cause or contribute to negative feelings and possibly exacerbate depression and anxiety.² The good news is acne is treatable, and in some cases, effective acne treatment has the potential to significantly help.³ But like any treatment, it may take time for it to work. 

Low self-esteem⁴ 

Breakouts often appear primarily on the face (although they may also occur on the body), which can make socializing and going to work with acne (or going anywhere with acne!) really tough. Research shows people with acne report lower confidence levels,⁵ and bullying often intensifies the issue, primarily for younger people. It’s important to remain positive and optimistic about your skin journey. We’re here to tell you there is an acne treatment that’s right for you, and here at Curology, we’re all about helping you find it!

Feelings of anger and frustration⁶ 

This may be old news for those who have or are already experiencing acne, but it can spark anger and frustration. These feelings may be directed toward the condition or its impact on your life. Either way, it’s normal to feel frustrated, especially while waiting for an acne treatment to start working.

Learning how to manage acne takes time. It’s often a marathon, not a sprint, but with time and patience, you’ll get there. Access to early acne treatment, reassurance, and counseling may help lighten the emotional load along the way.⁷

Wondering how to be confident with acne scars? The following tips may help you with that, too!

How to improve your confidence with acne

Feeling confident 24/7 can be a challenge. Some days will be easier than others, but bad days don’t last forever. Fortunately, our experts provided the following tips on how to be confident with acne, scars, and other skin imperfections: 

Confide in family and friends

When your confidence is wavering, leaning on the people who care about you the most can make a big difference. They see the real you and know you for who you truly are, so it’s worth listening to what they have to say. Spend time with loved ones to lift yourself out of a slump.

Avoid comparisons

We know it’s hard, but comparing yourself to others is more than likely bound to hurt your self-esteem. In the social media age, many (if not most) images posted to Instagram or Twitter are heavily edited. What you see online likely isn’t the whole story, so try to avoid holding yourself to unrealistic standards (no matter how realistic they may seem).  

Find enjoyable activities

Spend time engaging in your favorite hobby, or find a new one! Athletics, socializing, and volunteer work may also provide solace when you’re feeling down. Many engaging activities provide a way to get out of your head, feel less self-conscious, and stay busy.

Follow a skincare routine that meets your skin’s needs

So you have acne-prone skin—but is it dry, oily, combination, or normal skin? Learn about your skin type and seek skincare products that cater to your needs. Our experts recommend beginning with a simple three-step routine: cleanser, treatment, and moisturizer (plus broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher in the morning). Many excellent products are available over the counter.

Consult a licensed dermatology provider

A licensed dermatology provider is recommended if your acne is persistent and negatively affecting your self-confidence. They can evaluate your skin and create a customized skincare routine, including effective active ingredients, that’s tailored to your needs. Results take time, but working with a professional is a step in the right direction.

Build confidence from the inside out 

Sometimes, the journey to building confidence begins on the inside. Try to establish and maintain healthy habits to improve your self-confidence. Here are a few ideas to help you feel positive about yourself: 

• Get active: Think of your body as a friend to nurture and care for—just as you would your bestie! Exercise will remind you just how powerful your body is and help you look and feel better in the long run. If you’re new to fitness, experiment with walking, running, cycling, yoga, sports, and weightlifting to see what makes you feel good and gets those endorphins flowing.

• Eat well: A balanced diet may improve your mood and leave you feeling healthy and energized. Avoid processed foods and foods high in the glycemic index to boost the health of your skin. 

• Manage stress: Too much stress may negatively impact your body and mood. Regularly take the time to fully unwind—and take breaks from social media. This may help you feel in control of your day-to-day life and ready to tackle your to-do list or any other challenges that come your way.

• Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is a great way to avoid stress in the first place. It benefits the brain, body, and soul. Meditate, emotionally process, or just be—even for a few minutes each day. It can be genuinely transformative. 

Always stay true to yourself

Never forget, you’re worth so much more than just your appearance! During your skincare journey, it’s crucial to remember your self-worth. Whether or not you struggle with breakouts, we hope our tips will help you boost your self-confidence and be kind to yourself—something we could all afford to do more often.

Curology provides professional treatment  

If you’re unsure how to beat blemishes and work toward clear skin, a licensed dermatology provider can help. Curology was founded in 2014 by board-certified dermatologists, and we believe professional guidance offers one of the most effective avenues for acne treatment. We’re a skincare service that treats several major skin health concerns, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, signs of aging, and rosacea.

Curology provides a streamlined skincare consultation. Our experts can help take the guesswork out of your skincare routine. They’ll work with you to determine the products your skin needs and create a personalized prescription formula for your skincare goals. Our formulas include effective active ingredients such as tretinoin, a topical vitamin A derivative. 

Signing up is easy. Just answer a few questions and snap some selfies to help us get to know your skin better. If Curology is right for you, we’ll send you a personalized prescription formula with a mix of active ingredients chosen for your unique skin concerns.* Plus, you may include any of our recommended skincare products.

P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to:

1. Tan, J., et al. Impact of facial and truncal acne on quality of life: A multi-country population-based survey. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology International. (2021).

2. Acne can affect more than your skin. American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.).

3. Gieler, U., et al. Acne and quality of life - impact and management. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. (2015).

4. Acne can affect more than your skin. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Ibid.

5. Zaenglein, A., et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. (2016).

6. Pruthi, G.K., Babu, N. Physical and psychosocial impact of acne in adult females. Indian J Dermatol. (2012).

7. Hazarika, N., Archana, M. The Psychosocial Impact of Acne Vulgaris. Indian J Dermatol. (2016).

Erin Pate is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Curology. She earned her Masters of Science in Nursing at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL.

* Subject to consultation. Subscription is required. Results may vary. 

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Erin Pate, NP-C