What you’re feeling is real

Movies and TV make it seem like no one has acne, ever. And most of those programs that mention it only talk about the physical aspects.

But for millions of people with acne, including you, it can have a more devastating impact on your self-esteem than the breakouts have on your skin. No matter how normal anyone (including us) tells you acne is, it makes you feel anything but.

What you're feeling is understandable and real. Want proof? Over the years surveys of people have reported shockingly consistent responses to their feelings about their acne. They say, "I feel ugly, angry, dirty, depressed". That's true regardless of gender, age, or country. Put simply, what you feel about acne is part of the human condition.

In fact, studies the world over conclude the same thing, like this one:

"Acne has a very significant impact on patients. Negative effect on emotional well-being and social function is greater than that seen with more 'serious' medical conditions, such as asthma and epilepsy. Acne is often associated with anxiety, depression, and higher-than-average unemployment rates." 1

What's more, it can be a vicious cycle. Your acne causes you stress, your stress causes more acne. Consider this:

"From interviews with 4,576 patients with various dermatological problems, 55.3% of those with acne reported a close chronological association between exacerbation of their condition and episodes of emotional stress. Two days was the average latency period between the onset of emotional stress and clinical changes (e.g. papules)." 2

And, this is not a new phenomenon. In 1948, researchers Sluzberger and Zaidems1 published the following statement:

"There is no single condition which causes more psychic trauma, more maladjustment between parent and children, more general insecurity and feelings of inferiority and greater sums of psychic suffering than does acne vulgaris [a common name for acne]"

So given all this, here are some things to keep in mind:

     *Acne is a common human condition, and millions of people have it.

     *Negative feelings you have about acne, including low self-esteem, are common for people who have it.

     *If acne is causing you great emotional distress, talk to someone. Your doctor or a therapist are good choices.

     *If you understand acne and why it happens, you can find many treatment options today. It's a matter of finding one and sticking to it. 

Proactiv

Proactiv, the world's #1 acne system, uses Combination Therapy® to directly target the root causes of acne - bacteria, oil production, and dead skin cell build up - to heal and soothe acne-prone skin. Developed by leading dermatologists, Drs. Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields, Proactiv clears existing blemishes, treats inflammation and redness, and prevents new breakouts before they start.

Get the smooth, clear, healthy-looking skin you deserve with Proactiv.