african lady with pimples on her face smiling

Pimples, the New Dimples

2023-06-29T01:33:06+00:00

By Ev

“Fine girl, no pimples” – that was what Miss Tina called me throughout Junior Secondary school. I wasn’t sure about being fine but I was glad I didn’t have pimples, which was why the first time I had a major breakout with pimples scattered across my face like sand, my eyes and the ground found secrets to tell each other.I remember vividly complaining to my mother and trying DIY remedies I had seen on YouTube, using lime juice on my face, turmeric that stained my pillows, and Aloe Vera, just so I’d be cured of pimples – like they were a disease and not part of life. Since then, I’ve never really stopped breaking out, and dark spots have never really ceased to exist. The only thing that has changed is my approach to it.It would be untruth to tell you not to invest in skin care, but there are some things that you cannot change and there are some things that simply must take course. Somehow, pimples fall in both categories, so here’s the thing to do:

Like dimples, pimples are on your face (mostly). You’re probably side eyeing me. How can I compare both of them abi? Hear me out. Your face is one of the first things people notice – are you going to quiver and retreat into your shell each time a person stares disrespectfully? Will you no longer be light? Will you not show up at work because you have a pimple(s)? So, why are you letting it affect other things? The first thing to do is to change your mindset.
The second thing is acceptance. The good part about this is that acceptance births a kind of confidence that borders on nonchalance. “Yes, I have pimples. I’m not the first. I won’t be the last.” People have been breaking out since before you were born, and after you go, breakouts will occur. So, own it!
The third thing to know is that you cannot control your skin – even if vegetables become your bestie, and fish need water less than you. You cannot ‘say’ and your skin obeys. She will do and undo as she wishes. So, let go.