Freshman Year, 2023-24, 14-15 Years Old
At the time, I did not have an established skincare routine. I stuck to using brands of face wash that my mom had like CeraVe and Cetaphil.
- Small, textured bumps on forehead and chin.
- Not inflamed acne.
- Not very noticeable.
Note: This is not medical advice. These steps are based on what worked for me; please consult with a dermatologist for your specific skin needs.
Sophomore Year, 2024-25, 15-16 Years Old
As my acne got worse, I spent more money and time looking for and buying new and trendy skincare I would see on social media, leading to a myriad of tried and failed products.
This wore down my mental health significantly, and by the end of the school year, I went to the dermatologist and was prescribed doxycycline, tretinoin, and clindamycin.
Categorized By:
- An increase in sebaceous filaments in the forehead, jaw, and chin area.
- Inflamed acne, peeling.
- Noticeable with increased texture.
Note: This is not medical advice. These steps are based on what worked for me; please consult with a dermatologist for your specific skin needs.
Junior Year / Present
2025–26, 16–17 Years Old
I established a consistent skincare routine using tretinoin, clindamycin, sulfur, and azelaic acid. I finally feel comfortable walking outside without feeling like eyes are pried on my face. While I still experience the occasional breakout, I am able to say that my skin is stable enough to recover within a few days, which is a huge milestone for me since my old breakouts would last for weeks on end.
Key Observations
- Acne scars on forehead, cheek, and chin
- Stable, non-inflamed skin
- Minimal texture and improved comfort
Note: This is not medical advice. These steps are based on what worked for me; please consult with a dermatologist for your specific skin needs.
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