Those that have or have had acne, I have a question

[Anonymous]

Last weekend was a family outing where we all went out to the beach. A cousin of mine refused to go because he said he had acne on his face and body and he was embarrassed to go out like that. He told me it's the reason he hasn't gone for the past 2 years but that he trusted me right now not to tell anyone. Is having acne on your face and body that big a deal? Like would you go out to the beach, take your shirt off and still have a good time while still having it?

I wouldn't go because I have spots

I would go, take my shirt off and have fun like everyone else

I would go, but not get in the water so I don't have to take my shirt off

Updates

+1 y

I forgot to mention he said it's also the reason he doesn't date or do anything with girls because he can't take his shirt off and he's embarrassed by how he looks. Add this into your answer plz.

[KodaJosh098]

Yeah it's a big deal to a lot of people. I know my brother feels really insecure because of his acne. It has been contained here and there but the problem is he still breaks out. It can be a blow to someone's confidence.

I break out too but mine can be contained right away with the use of mainstream topical products (I use that ProActiv Refining mask as a spot treatment...works wonders!).

He, on the other hand, had to watch his diet. He started swimming for his high school, his acne got contained but since then he stopped because it was time consuming and decided to do Insanity instead.

I would probably say my brother and your cousin have hyperactive sebaceous glands which bacteria can use as feeding grounds resulting in acne.

I've known people who have acne in their backs but it didn't seem to bother them at all. They were just having fun. It really depends on the person.

[Anonymous]

I don't take my shirt off any way. I've always had scars from surgery and back acne which made me self causious to show my body even to family.

update: that part is not true for me. I would be shy to show my scars and acne at first but as long as she didn't point and laugh I would be okay with it.

[DandelionGirl]

I've had acne since the day I hit puberty so it makes you feel self conscious about your looks. I'm 23 now and I still get back acne and on my face and chest. Have you any idea what that's like? I can't wear tank tops because its SO embarrassing! But I stopped giving a sh*t lately, I wear what I want with or without the acne.

But you need to understand your friends' worry, he feels self conscious because he thinks people will make fun of him and I understand that. When I was 21 these little kids at work told me to look in the mirror because I had acne on my face. Do you know what that's like?

Why don't you put little red dots on your face with a sharpie and walk around with it on your face for a week and see how good you feel.

[Asker]

I'm not judging him or anything, I just wanted to understand how he felt from someone else who's experienced something liek that

[DandelionGirl]

Im not saying you're judging him, I'm just telling you how it feels and yes it is a BIG deal to pizza faces like us ;-)

[blackwaterhattie]

The Anon girl who said sun is good for acne is right- salt water is, too. I totally understand that he is self-conscious about it, but he might think about maybe going to the beach on his own or hanging out in his backyard with no shirt on to get some sun on his back. He might be surprised how much that will help.

And I will tell you something else to pass along to him. I know a guy who has that, too- and it hasn't hurt him any. With the ladies, I mean. I know, because I'm one of them. :) It's not a big deal- at least not to Grown Folks. Just saying.

[Anonymous]

having acne isn't a 'big deal' in the grand scheme of life. it really isn't. but sometimes, it can make the person who has to deal with it feel awfully self-conscious, unattractive, and just depressed about themselves. it's kind of strange to accept that having acne can make you feel that bad, but it can for some people. people judge you on your appearance and we're our own worst critics. I don't think that having acne should stop anyone from having fun at the beach or dating or being happy. but your cousin has to make that realization. he's missing out on so much because of this insecurity.

[iluvdylan]

With the whole not dating thing, I think he's taking it to a bit of an extreme.. But I used to have it and it completely wrecked my self esteem. It probably depends on the person but I think that for the most part, people don't think its that big of a deal.

[JamielovesKU]

Everyone has experienced it one time or another, for me, ill break out so bad that its just gross and yes, it is embarrassing! But mine goes away shortly after using a facial scrub like apricot scrub. It has never effected me having fun!

[Anonymous]

the sun and salt water is actually good for acne too bad that he's missing out. I used to be like that, I don't have acne anymore now.

[Anonymous]

it was to me, but I think he should just try to remind himself that acne is not an impairement and he should enjoy life too

[Anonymous]

yes I would its not that big of a deal, everybody will have acne at some point, well at least most of us.

[Anonymous]

It is a major blow to my confidence. I won't go out without make up on, and I wait until all the girls in my dorm are asleep before I take my make up off

[stillagoodgirl]

Ya id be embarrassed to go out too

[Anonymous]

B, I wouldn't care really.