Why are people so obsessed with having clear skin? What's so bad about not having it?

[Snow-Wolf18]

If you're watching TV, you're bound to see commercials advertising a slew of products to get rid of acne, cover up perceived imperfections and lighten dark spots. Every day, people spend tons of money on these products and even potentially invasive dermatological procedures to get clear skin or give the illusion of clear skin with makeup. I am well aware that some people have clear skin naturally, but if they don't, they usually freak out - even if it is a minor blemish or mark. What I want to know is why.

Why is having clear skin so important?

And if you're genetically inclined to not having clear skin (acne, eczema, pilaris keratosis), what do you do if you don't want to spend a fortune on something that may or may not work? What's so bad about not having clear skin?

[bubbiexo]

I'll never have totally clear skin... Doomed from the start. My dad has psoriasis and eczema and my mom has acne. Now I have eczema, had perioral dermatitis, and used to struggle with acne. Like others have said, it's a sign of health. When I w as little, other kids sometimes wouldn't play with me because they thought my eczema was contagious... And all doctors want to do is give you steroid creams/ointments for your skin to become addicted to. I used to break down and cry everytime I saw a commercial for skin products because I know my skin will never look like that. Even if I could afford the fancy products, my skin is way too sensitive to use any of them. It sucked thinking I was ugly because my skin wasn't porcelain. The worst part was the pain, though. Some days my skin still burns and I can't even put water on it. I had this link taking over my face and sometimes it would be around my eyes as well. A few times they were swollen shut. No treatments even worked! I resigned mysf to being a leper and just kinda gave up. It cycled for over 2 years. It's amazing how poorly having bad skin can make you feel! And the looks people give you! I wish there wasn't such a hype about having clear perfect skin, but the media won't allow it. People take it for granted as well and have no idea how hard it is for some of us to get there!

Luckily I found a natural remedy for my skin and it's 90% cleared up. I have slight discoloration on my face but no pimples or rash and I still get patches of eczema on my body. Never again will I take clear skin for granted or judge anyone based on what their skin looks like!

[bubbiexo]

I totally didn't answer your question... I just bitched about my skin. Sorry :(

[Snow-Wolf18]

No, it's fine. Skin issues have plagued me for years and there's no way I'll ever have clear skin either. It's just genetics being dumb and I wish people wouldn't put so much importance on clear skin. We cannot change our genetic makeup so when people get all obsessive and treat it like it's something we can 'fix' completely, that bugs me. Some if us are more lucky than others when it comes to treatment, but overall acceptance would make the whole issue more bearable. Thanks for your answer.

[bubbiexo]

Yeah... I'm even allergic to makeup to cover it and then you get looks and people ask you why you won't do anything about it... Well, it's not like I haven't tried everything!

[Snow-Wolf18]

Exactly. I know how that feels. It's always annoying when people ask about it. I wish they'd understand that not everything can be fixed, but no. It seems that the only people who do understand are the ones who have dealt with the same thing and know about the frustration that comes with skin issues.

[confugirl]

Because most people don't really want to touch acne or pimples when they touch your face. It's basically an infection and I probably don't have to explain to you why people don't want to touch it. If it's a genetic thing, then you shouldn't worry about it too much. But if it's because of your diet, then you should stop eating whatever causes it.

[xzinax2]

well clear skin is a sign of health-but just like everything-from perfect teeth to food cleanliness-we took it too far. having some pimples isn't a sign of having the damn plague.just ignore it. not having totally clear skin is natural.

[Snow-Wolf18]

That's a good answer. Thanks for your input. :)

[Anonymous]

i like clear skin and not because I'm shallow but because it looks great and healthy. I have had bouts of acne and still have some scars that go away with time.

I'm not criticizing people with skin problems but I would take that into account when interested in a girl...It's not that hard to maintain though... Just eat healthy and buy some creams.

[Snow-Wolf18]

Of course it looks better, but it's not always obtainable. For some people, creams and diet are limited in effectiveness due to genetic programming and natural dispositions. Our skin has a mind of its own is some respects and what we try to do doesn't always affect it or make it the way we want it to be. We and those around us just have to deal with it. It's that simple.

[CasaNorba]

i know what's bad about it and that is that if you don't have clear skin you won't look like a celebrity... which is the number one thing that people today in our shallow and ignorant society crave for

[Snow-Wolf18]

I strongly suspect you may be right about that. The funny part is that lots of celebrities have makeup artists to hide any issues they may have on their skin. And of course, we can't forget the power of photo editing and retouching.



Thank you for your answer.

[CasaNorba]

exactly! but I guess people today are to slow to either pick up on that or even remember that

[Anonymous]

Both my cats have super clear skin and I would buy anything on the market to keep them so fresh and lovely.

[Snow-Wolf18]

That's good to hear. I see you love your cats very much. I like that in a man. ;)

[Opinion Owner]

Meow

[Snow-Wolf18]

Purr... :3

[Opinion Owner]

Oh wow looks like I'm getting summa that famous anon lovin. *grinds computer desk with pet gerbil watching*

[Snow-Wolf18]

I guess you are. At the very least, you're putting on a show for your gerbil.

[Opinion Owner]

You guess? This is hotter than the time I play pinball till 3 am with Joan Rivers.

[Snow-Wolf18]

Awesome. I'm glad I was able to give you such a thrill. Lol.

[Opinion Owner]

I will take a screenshot and frame it and keep it right about my favorite gas station toilet. Thank you for making my life worth something again!

[Snow-Wolf18]

You're welcome. I'm ever so pleased to have given you such a meaningful experience.

[Opinion Owner]

Two thumbs up!

[bombdotcom]

Clear skin looks better and more presentable. You'll rarely come across guys and girls who say they prefer someone with skin issues.

It's a sign of health and good genes

I don't regret taking Accutane one bit.

[bubbiexo]

That is a really good point! Not once have I heard someone say anything like that! The only instance I could think of is if someone had skin problems themselves and were doing that thing where they try to convince themselves it's desirable. Or I could just imagine a fetish site for people who like their partner to have rosacea or something. The latter is more interesting.

[bombdotcom]

Yep

Although I knew a girl who enjoyed popping other peoples pimples lol

[Eva_Grace]

because of the pursuit of perfection, flawlessness. Just how people want the best cars, phone, homes, bodies the best skin as well.

[Anonymous]

It all about genetics. Almost all skin problems are caused by bad genes, and no one wants their kids to have bad genes, so therefore we instinctively find people with bad skin extremely unattractive. It sucks but that is nature for you. People with bad genes are not meant to reproduce. Using make up to hide bad skin is basically cheating nature and passing on bad genes to the next generation to suffer. People should really only be allowed make-up if they are infertile.

[Snow-Wolf18]

An interesting thought, but the problem with genes is that the good ones are mixed in with the bad and how often they occur is random. Some people with bad skin have children with excellent skin and vice versa. You just don't know who's going to get what until after the person is born and grows up, then you find out. Nature is random like that - for better or for worse.