Today’s post is going to be short and sweet, and also quite vulnerable.
Here's how my skin looked like about three years ago vs. how it looks like today;
My skin has been one of the aspects of myself that I have struggled with a lot, and that journey started way back, more than a decade ago.
I had relatively clear skin until when I was around 9-10. I started getting small rashes on my forehead.
Soon enough, the rashes turned into pimples and before I knew it, I had pimples all over my face.
When I tell you I tried EVERYTHING. Best believe I did! From the lemon and honey concoctions to turmeric and cinnamon. There was even a time I put nutmeg, and it stung my skin like crazy! And guess what, I thought the more it stung, the more effective it was ha!.
I even used to use a sterilized needle to pop pimples, because I just didn't want them there. Of course, it left me with severe scarring.
I remember the heartbreak I would get every time I came across a new product that would promise to eliminate all my problems and give me so much hope. It would either do nothing for me or make things worse.
Acne took a serious toll on my self-esteem! And it didn't help that I am tall (5’8”) and easily noticeable 😂. I remember many times I would be conversing with someone, and I would notice their attention drifting from what I was saying to the state of my skin. It made me feel so unseen.
And don't get me started on the unsolicited advice from strangers! In the matatu, from my family, etc. If you think I haven't tried that remedy you're talking about, trust me, I have tried it!!!
I remember seeing other people with clear skin and wishing and praying I would have skin like that. Clear skin was like my main prayer item to the Lord,🤣
My skin began to get better when I was around 16. Since my acne was hormonal and triggered by the changes that puberty brings. I guess by this time my hormones began to calm down.
Despite all the pain and trauma that acne brought, it made me curious and intrigued with beauty, especially skincare. These days, you could ask me about any skincare ingredient and what it does, and I will answer immediately!
My skin now is not perfect. I still have scars from the time when my acne was at its peak, I get breakouts here and there, I have hyperpigmentation and texture. But things are better. And yes, I will admit that as a result, my confidence and self-esteem is in a much better place than back in the day.
If you're struggling with your skin, I'm sorry. I’m sending you the biggest virtual hugs! It can be the most frustrating thing to deal with.
Here's what you can do;
Research the best skincare practices and products that target your skin issues. There's so much more info and acne-friendly products these days than it was back then. A lot more people are informed. At the end of this post, I will share links to pages/people you can follow who share the best skincare tips, tricks, and techniques, and even recommend products that work. Bonus, they’re all local (Kenyan)!
You may consider seeking professional help and guidance. You may not need to see a dermatologist. A skincare consultation with a licensed esthetician may suffice.
Stay consistent and patient! It takes time to see results. Most of us give up just when we are close to achieving our skincare goals. Don't give up.
Embrace healthy skin instead of perfect skin. Healthy skin has blemishes, bumps, imperfections, and all of that stuff. Embrace it. As long as your skin is, looks and feels healthy, you're good. As I mentioned, my skin isn’t perfect, but I can say that it is healthy for sure. As I work on my problem areas, I can appreciate this.
Lastly, follow me on my socials, which I will also link below, and subscribe to my blog if you haven’t already. I share helpful skincare content there, and here too (though it has been a while since I did).
Keep staying strong. You got this 🥰
Xoxo,
Miss Kambe.
I haven’t forgotten, here are the links;
Then my links;
Miss.Kambe - Instagram
miss_kambe - Tiktok
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