When most people see a dermatologist, they often assume their doctor will boast a completely clear, blemish-free complexion that gleams similar to that of a supermodel's. But that's definitely not the case. Dermatologists are like any other mortal and are subjected to skin issues like acne, despite having access to all the "solutions" available. Sometimes, even the supposed panacea of lotions, potions, and prescriptions aren't enough to keep breakouts at bay for good.
No one understands the aforementioned issue better than London-based consultant dermatologist, Anjali Mahto, who took to her Instagram this week to share an incredibly powerful message about normalizing the very real fact that sometimes people don't just "grow out" of their acne. She also aimed to show people that even dermatologists know what it's like to struggle with their skin and feel self-conscious — that just because their experts in the field, doesn't make them immune to skin afflictions. Mahto is a prime example, as she's suffered with acne since she was just 11 years old and is still battling it at 39.
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"The hardest thing about having adult cystic acne has been coming to terms with the realisation that I am never going to be 'cured' but the best I can ever hope for is 'control' of my skin," she writes, before going into detail about her personal experience, which involves numerous bouts of oral medications, seemingly endless ups and downs, and even acne-free times, too. She explains that while she does have her "good skin" periods, the persistent cysts always return at some point, and that she no longer aspires to be a perfect dermatologist with perfect skin. "Acne gets me down in the same way it affects any adult sufferer, but learning to accept treatment when I need it and enjoying the periods my skin is good has become key for good mental health," she says.
And if you're wondering if she's tried everything, she has. Topical creams, lasers, chemical peels — you name it, she's given it a go. But nevertheless, the pesky, not to mention painful, pimples always make their way back. Albeit, she's learned over time that even when they do, it's not the end of the world; that there's something that can be done, and most significantly, that flawless skin by no means determine's self-worth. "In this world of perceived perfection and social media filters, it is important for people to realise that no one is immune to skin disease — not even a dermatologist that is meant to be treating you!" Mahto tells Allure.
She shares with me that, in the past, she used to get anxiety wondering if her patients would judge her for having acne. "Are they going to think I must be a bad dermatologist because, if I can’t treat my own skin, how am I going to successfully treat anyone else?" she would ask herself. When it comes down to it, Mahto realizes that there will always be people who might think this, but the positive responses she's received since posting have been overwhelming. "Many say they feel relieved to find a doctor who has been through it themselves and understands what it is really like to suffer," she says.
The fact of the matter is, acne is not a condition that just affects teens. We know this, though many have a hard time accepting it (hence why Mahto is out to change that.) "I really want people to realise that it is becoming very common to suffer with acne as an adult — it is not just a teenage problem that most people will grow out of — some people do not grow out of it."
So far, based on the outpouring of positivity since her post, she could be on her way to making some serious leeway, and hopefully helping legions of adult acne sufferers out there while she's at it. "Self-esteem needs to come from self-love, not from others perception of what constitutes physical beauty," she adds.
Well, you heard the doctor, folks. Acne or no acne, you're a beaut.
More on acne:
- This Redditor's Drastic Skin-Care Routine TOTALLY Got Rid of Her Acne Scars
- An Anti-Acne Pill Is In Progress From the Makers of Botox
- Struggling With Adult Acne — How One Woman Came to Accept Her Skin
Now, watch what makes a cystic acne sufferer beautiful:
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