Acne Dysmorphia: Obsession for a Clear Complexion?

I remember those teenage years when I am constantly spending hours of wasted time, staring at my body and face in the mirror, looking for any flaw. I guess the pressure to look beautiful is at its peak during adolescence, where everyone is wanting to be among the in-crowd of the most beautiful people in campus. There is just something about beauty that attracts people like moths to a flame. Sometimes, this flame, consumes them.

There is a boundary between just wanting to care for your skin and having an obsession to look perfect like those fancy images on the cover of a glossy magazine. When the battle for acne overpowers every reason, one must seek medical help before they suffer at the hands of a debilitating mental sickness called – Acne Dysmorphia.

Acne Dysmorphia is like any other obsession, only that it focuses on acne and blemishes on one’s face. What may be a harmless, small spot is seen as something big and horrible by people who suffer this body dysmorphic disorder. It’s like seeing everything under the magnifying lens, only that in reality, it is not really as bad as that person thinks the acne to be.

If you suffer constant mirror gazing, zit hunting, or zit-popping – then you better stop and ask yourself why. If your face is giving you unnecessary worries, a poor self-esteem, or even depression, then it is not wrong to consult your psychologist before your situation can lead you to harm. Take for example the case of Laura, who was so obsessed with perfection that it almost crippled her life.

The problem is in your mind, not on your face. Acne can be treated by any topical treatment, but your poor body image is another issue. Mostly, people who suffer Acne Dysmorphia, are beautiful people. There is nothing really wrong with a mild acne since it happens to everyone.

It’s like a case of the evil witch in the fairy tale, asking, ” Mirror, mirror on the wall…who’s the fairest one of all..” Before acne dysmorphia makes you shut yourself off from the social world and lead you to cause harm to yourself, know that you are not alone in your ordeal.

A Cognitive Behavior Therapy can help you deal with this problem. It can help you destroy those negative images about yourself, and give you positive ones instead. Group counseling can also help a lot in sharing your problems with others. A good healthy lifestyle, diet, and a natural skin care regimen will help make you feel good – from the inside to the outside.

Remember that beauty is beyond skin deep and people don’t like you just for the quality of your skin. You are beautiful in your own, unique way. Don’t let anyone make you think otherwise.

You are….beautiful..