November is National Healthy Skin Month, and if you are obsessed with skin care like me, it’s our time to shine. There are few better feelings than the one you get when your skin feels healthy and hydrated, but I think we need to talk about what “healthy” skin actually looks like.
Our skin is the largest organ on our bodies. It’s our protective layer from the world around us, and it’s also a good indicator of what’s going on below the surface.
One comment I have been getting pretty frequently on TikTok has been about the fact that I have acne on my forehead.
Yes, I have acne, I’m 17! Acne is not a bad thing. It’s our skin’s way of letting us know what it needs and if there are larger issues at hand that need to be dealt with. When we have allergic reactions, one of the first signs is typically skin irritation. Digestive issues are also signified by changes in our skin, and our hormonal cycles usually kick off with a pimple or two that lets us know things are changing as they should be.
“Healthy” skin is skin that’s doing its job by protecting us from the outside in, and signaling to us from the inside out. It’s incredibly important that we not spend so much time focusing on how much we hate our pimples, and more time learning our skin’s natural rhythms so that in the event that we have a serious health issue our skin is trying to alert us to, we can be aware of the signs and fix the root of the issue, not just the pimple.
Pimples happen! They’re nothing to be ashamed of and certainly not something I let stop me from living my life. I love learning about skin care and what works for me and I would encourage everyone this month (and every month thereafter) to take an investigative, and patient approach with your skin. I think a lot of times we forget that our skin is a literal organ and therefore sometimes we should seek out the advice of a physician rather than celebrities or influencers. Don’t get me wrong…I love a TikTok skincare routine, but I do think it’s important to remember that while tips and tricks are helpful, sometimes there’s a deeper issue at hand that we may need professional guidance on.
I’ve tried a lot of products and definitely have my favorites, which I can talk about some other time. But I think my biggest learning — and the best recommendation I would make right now — is to be patient with yourself and be KIND to your skin! Hyper-focusing on the things you hate about your skin will only make them more apparent to you, and will cause you more stress (which can cause more breakouts).
The next time you’re looking in the mirror and feeling unsatisfied with the skin you’re in, remember how far it has carried you and how long it has protected you! Trust me, I know it’s hard. But practicing gratitude with your skin each day and being thankful that your skin is communicative enough to let you know when it needs a little extra TLC is actually so amazing. Beyond all else, remember that no matter what, you are beautiful and that true glow really does come from the inside out. <3
