When I first started to get acne flare-ups all over my forehead, cheeks, and nose, my self-esteem took a nosedive.
I didn't think that anything could be worse than going out into the world with those bright red spots on my face.
That was before I started getting breakouts on my chest and back.
Body acne, for me, was even worse than facial acne.
My first issue, of course, was the effect body acne had on my self-image.
During particularly bad breakouts, I actually ended up gaining weight because I stopped going to the gym and running, which I'm normally quite disciplined about doing.
I didn't see a point to keeping in shape because, after all, I'd still have those ugly spots all over my body.
Even in the summertime, I'd purposely wear nothing but hoodies and long pants because I didn't want anyone to see my skin.
My body acne essentially held me hostage.
I couldn't wear what I wanted, I was in poor shape, and I never wanted to go out in public.
My second issue was pain.
My body acne always manifested itself in the form of infected cysts, which are incredibly painful, and can lead to serious inflammation, scarring, and further infection.
There were times that I couldn't even move without feeling some pain from an aggravated breakout on my back or chest.
It was like applying pressure to a particularly tender and painful bruise.
After years of dermatologist appointments and a plethora of different prescription acne treatments, I had all but given up hope on finding a solution to my body acne.
But then, almost by accident, I finally found a system that was able to clear up not only the acne on my face, but the eruptions on my back and chest as well.
What made this system any different from those I had tried before? In addition to a topical cream for my face, it also included a cream that was specifically designed to fight body acne.
All the medications that I had tried before were formulated for facial acne, and therefore didn't contain the blend of ingredients necessary to work with the tougher skin on the body.
The system also had a pill regimen to help cure my acne from the inside out, preventing any future breakouts.
The change has been incredible.
Since my skin cleared up, I've never felt better about myself.
It sounds cliché, but I really do have a newfound confidence.
I'm no longer afraid to go out in public or meet new people, I'm in great shape, and needless to say, I never wear hoodies in the summertime anymore.