For the Girl Who Know's She's Worth More Than Just Managing Symptoms: Skincare Column with Grace Harvey

Question 1:

I’m 22 and started breaking out for the first time this year suddenly and severely. I tried natural remedies, but eventually started taking prescription meds. It has mostly cleared, but my fear is that once I stop taking the medications, my acne will all come back. Should I continue using my medication or should I focus on finding the root cause?

-Looking for More

Answer 1:

Dear Looking For More, 

Both medication and root-cause approaches have value. Wisdom begins by seeking knowledge, asking questions, and pursuing understanding. Since you're already doing that, it may be worthwhile to continue exploring potential underlying causes while thoughtfully considering the role medication plays in your healing journey.

Question 2:

I’m a little lost. I’ve had clear skin my whole life, but ever since college things haven’t been the same. I’ve been managing the symptoms for a while, but I’m not sure if it’s worth looking into why.

-Skeptical Susan

Answer 2:

Dear Skeptical Susan, 

Yes, looking into why is worth it. Seeking the deeper cause can help you better understand your body and why the acne developed. Rather than only managing the symptoms, investigating potential triggers may provide insights that lead to more lasting improvement.

Question 3:

I have been following you on Instagram for a while! Is taking medication on its own enough or is there something else I can do to better support my skin?

-Wallflower

Answer 3:

Dear Wallflower, 

Medication can be helpful, but relying solely on medication may not address the underlying issue. Good planning, continual learning, and consistent effort often lead to more lasting results than approaches that only treat the surface problem.

Question 4:

I currently feel so hopeless that anyone would ever even want to date me with my skin like this. How do I get over that insecurity?

-Navigating Insecurity

Answer 4:

Dear Navigating Insecurity, 

I also struggled massively with this insecurity in my skin & appearance, even though I had a serious boyfriend at the time. He never made me feel like I wasn’t beautiful, but I painted the narrative that those were his thoughts. The right man who truly wants to pursue you for the right reasons will be looking for much more than perfect skin. Your beauty will radiate both inside and out when you find the right man.

Question 5:

I have been doing a deep dive into the language of my body and noticed during Dad’s deployment I got crazy acne.  Could stress be a contributing factor to my acne? What other ‘depths’ should I explore?

-Skincare Scuba Diver 

Answer 5:

Dear Skincare Scuba Diver, 

I am so proud of you! You are worth the time it takes to take a ‘deep dive’ into your story. Yes, it's possible that stress was a contributing factor. Looking into factors such as stress, lifestyle, hormones, nutrition, and overall health may help uncover patterns that contributed to the breakout.

Question 6:

What if pursuing root-cause healing means my acne gets worse before it gets better? What should I do moving forward?

-Scared of Change

Answer 6:

Dear Scared of Change, 

The harder path can sometimes involve setbacks or periods of frustration. There will be times when symptoms temporarily worsen. However, patience and consistency  produce authentic long-term results. Keep reading, seek understanding, be patient with the process, and act intentionally. Don't be afraid of difficult paths when they lead to greater understanding. Often the challenges that require the most perseverance are the ones that teach us the most about ourselves and our bodies.

-Grace Harvey, MTS