Could you tell me a time you felt insecure?

Acne. A small word, but a big deal for anyone who suffers from it.

In today’s world, where everything is exposed, exaggerated, and multiplied by social media self-image has become so overblown that it has led to a huge increase in insecurities, hang-ups and general anxiety – especially amongst the younger generation. Aside from the normal, natural concerns of teenage life (e.g. acne, unknown futures, relationships etc) a multitude of external, artificial pressures have been added to the these ‘normal aspects of life’.

Let’s take acne as an example of our modern-day angst over what would have been considered a nuisance a few decades ago. Social media has amplified this to such a level that anxiety and mental health are now not unusual with those who suffer from it.

Acne has become medicalised. There is of course, a distinction to be made between acne and a few adolescent spots. Severe acne often leads to low self-esteem, depressing thoughts and a general lack of confidence. Treatments for severe acne often concludes with the prescription of Roaccutane (isotretinoin) it is a pity and a bit of shame that desperate people (like me) have been willing to gamble their physical and mental health due to the side effects of roaccutane treatment for the sake of clear skin.