How do you feel while you're experiencing a breakout? 87% of respondents from a survey we conducted with 250 of our customers admitted that acne negatively impacted their self-confidence, and almost half admitted to missing out on a social event because of their skin. We know how much of a confidence buzz-kill breakouts can be but don't worry bestie, we’ve all been there and we've got your back!
Here is your guide to building confidence while dealing with a breakout from our friends over at ReachOut Australia:
- Write down your achievements
Make a list of the things you’re proud of and make sure they aren’t only related to physical things about you!
- Question what you see in the media
We know better than to believe everything we see online and in the media. Things are so often filtered, well lit, airbrushed, and too often aim to disguise someone’s natural skin texture, convincing you that they have flawless, bump free skin (when in reality they probably don’t). Make sure you question whether what you are seeing is real and remind yourself that social media is only a highlight reel and not the full version of another person’s life.
- Unfollow people who make you feel bad about yourself
There’s nothing worse than opening up your phone, scrolling Instagram and immediately feeling that you don’t measure up to the people you follow. Follow people who inspire you and make you feel good. If you notice yourself feeling crappy after consuming a certain piece of content, then make sure you go and mute or unfollow that account. And try to remember that other people’s beauty is not an absence of your own! Comparison is the biggest thief of joy. However, we’re all human and sometimes certain people’s stories just need to go on mute for a while until we get in a better headspace.
- Accept compliments graciously and openly!
The majority of people give out compliments because they want to express genuine admiration. Yet the majority of people cringe and reply awkwardly! Think about it this way, if you complimented someone and they replied with "Thank you, that is so nice. Yeah I am really feeling great today", would you be offended? I think not. If someone compliments you, instead of shrugging it off, say thank you! Openly accepting compliments can go a long way to improving how we feel about ourselves.
- Focus on other people's good qualities
They say you find what you are looking for, or you hear what you are listening for. Sometimes we need to reframe our thought process to find the good, over the bad in certain situations. Looking for the good in other people creates an overall positive vibe and can even help you focus on and embrace your own strengths.
- Hang with people that make you feel good
As motivational speaker, Jim Rohn, says… you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. When it comes to relationships, we are all largely influenced by the people closest to us. They have an impact on our way of thinking, our self-esteem, and our decisions. Surround yourself with people who understand you, embrace you as you are and encourage you to feel confident.
- Practice self-care
When you’re having a tough time, take time to look after yourself and do something that brings you joy.
The practice of positive affirmations can also do wonders for not only your confidence but also shift your mindset (by changing your negative thinking patterns and replacing them with positive thinking ones)! We’ve started you off with a few examples below. Have a go at repeating these out loud to yourself each morning, or in times when you aren’t feeling 100% yourself.
- I value myself...
- I chose to feel good about myself…
- I am worthy of the compliments I receive…
- I am grateful for my body, my health and my unique talents…
- My body is beautiful exactly the way it is…
It is a harsh reality that people with acne are 63% more likely to suffer from depression within their first year of experiencing symptoms. By celebrating and raising awareness for National Acne Positivity Day we aim to encourage self-love, acceptance, and appreciation of a skin condition too often overlooked within the broader body positivity movement.
To celebrate this day and acknowledge the importance of this conversation, tbh Skincare has partnered with ReachOut Australia, a mental health charity focused on helping the youth of Australia. For the entire month of September, we will be donating 100% of our profits from every sale of our pimple patches to ReachOut to recognise all of the amazing work that they do.
