As kids, we’re often told that acne is just a passing phase—something that’ll clear up by the end of our teens. But guess what? Acne had other plans for me. At 30, it’s been my most consistent relationship since I was 15. No matter how many times I’ve tried to break up with it, acne just keeps coming back, like an ex who just can’t take a hint.
It’s like dating a classic bad boy: just when you’re getting over it, it reappears, totally uninvited, demanding all your energy and attention. My acne makes such an entrance that getting rid of it feels like a whole negotiation. With a dermatologist, that is – who, ironically, is probably the closest thing I have to a relationship counsellor these days.
I used to think “success” meant being as visible as possible, but acne made me rethink that. There’s nothing like a fresh batch of zits to make you question your life choices. So I decided to measure success a bit differently. Now, I ask myself: Did I get up today without letting negativity spiral? Did I move my body in a way that didn’t feel like a chore? Did I let myself feel inspired (and not just by new pimple creams)? Success, it turns out, isn’t just about having clear skin.
But still, acne gave me some funny moments. Like when my friend and I were out admiring the moon, and I joked, “The moon’s got its own craters and still looks amazing. Maybe my face is like that?” She replied, “Yeah, that’s inner turmoil showing.” Brutal, but I had to laugh.
Teaching design classes with acne was another test. While people would stare, no one ever actually asked about it. I think the design crowd just doesn’t care about beauty norms anymore. I found it kind of freeing – there I was, scars and all, and they still wanted to hear what I had to say. It gave me the space to finally focus on something other than how I looked.
Of course, the acne saga continues. A few months ago, after a rough week at work, I went back to my dermatologist, who assured me stress was probably making things worse. Well, who doesn’t have stress, right? She prescribed a more intensive treatment, which is now my new routine. Acne might be sticking around, but I’m learning to live with it and laugh about it.
I’ll keep working on the breakup. But in the meantime, acne and I have a truce – for now. And who knows? Maybe that’s the real success story here.
Text: Bhaavya Goenka