True Beauty.
“Just wash your face.” Although this statement was repeatedly said to me, clearing my skin was not this simple. Not only did I wash my face multiple times a day, but I also tried every oral and topical acne medication. My drawer was full of pills, creams, cleansers, and patches. Yet, my skin only got worse.
Every time I passed a mirror in full lighting, I refused to look at my reflection. I attempted to cover my red, painful acne with concealer every morning. However, it is impossible to hide cystic acne. Instead, I wanted to isolate myself and hide from the world.
Finally, I was prescribed Isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane. It was not a quick fix. Rather, it was an eight-month journey with harsh side effects. During the first three months, my skin was worse than before. The dermatologist strengthened my doses. Finally, my acne slowly began healing. Now, I have been off of Accutane, with clear skin, for four years.
At the time, I would have cleared my skin in an instant. Looking back, I am thankful for the journey of positive disintegration. If you struggle with insecurity, here are reminders I learned:
Being KNOWN for who you are is more fulfilling than being NOTICED for your appearance. Focus on the people in your life who unconditionally love you for your personality rather than the people who love the perfect idea of you.
Instead of striving to change your insecurities, strive to change others’ lives with your love and kindness. If the whole world was blind, who would you impress?
Don’t be hyper fixated on how others see your physical appearance that you forget to make others feel seen.
1 Peter 3:4 states, “Your beauty should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.” Remember you are beautiful. Not because of the perfect skin, the perfect teeth, or the perfect body. You are beautiful because you are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God.
