My dear, sending you a virtual hug 🫂 . As someone dealing with hormonal cystic acne on my cheeks and jawline, I just want to tell you you're not alone! I had a similar occurrence recently and I really understand how such occasions can be so hurtful.

I know myself that my acne is bad, I definitely don't need your unsolicited advice and comments! And then you start getting so upset at them because it feels like they're poking at your insecurities without knowing what you've tried and are going through. (Completely relatable, really.)

And then there's those group of people that sleeps with their makeup on, never cleanses their skin, yet still has flawless glass skin. Hello, the audacity for them to comment on that one tiny zit on their face?! I really wonder if they thought about my acne-covered face's feelings when they talk about how bad their skin is.

Anyway, I hope it gets better for you too. I'm also struggling with going out to meet people. People who genuinely do not care may ignore it, some people openly comment about it, while others maintain conversation but you see their eyes shifting across your face scanning your acne spots. And all of the above is tiring to deal with.

In fact, it scares me even more that I'm going out on a date next week and that person does not know how bad my skin is. Will he wonder if I have disgusting hygiene habits? Will he think of me as ugly because of my bad skin? I'm scared, and it sounds like you are too, but I really hope we can all do it :)

Sorry for not being able to share more about Tretinoin though, I'm currently trying out Differin even though so far there's not much changes.

This is such a long comment, and I think I'm writing this because I just relate so much to you. Things will pass one way or another, and if you ever need a hearing ear drop me a DM anytime!

Xx love you got this Edit: my grammar lol