Ever since I was a little kid I have struggled with skin issues. My skin is extremely sensitive, I am allergic to things such as fragrance, parabens, and a lot more ingredients that I can’t even pronounce. I can’t wear perfume, I have to double check ingredients lists, I need ultra sensitive laundry detergent. Living in a sensitivity bubble has affected how I live my day to day life. I live in fear of waking up with a rash on my face. I have lived this reality too many times, waking up with a dry, red, painful allergic reaction, not knowing what caused it. Not only is my skin sensitive but I have also struggled with acne since 6th grade. Multiple trips to the dermatologists office with no end in sight. The options I was given, eating healthier, going on accutane or starting tretinoin. I already eat a balanced diet. Accutane has side effects that will follow you throughout life; back pain, dry skin to the point where your skin cracks, liver failure and a plethora of other issues. Tretinoin makes your face extremely sensitive to the sun and causes your face to be extremely dry. The options that I were given would not help me and so it only got worse. Throughout middle school and into high school my skin was my biggest insecurity. I have learned to love my skin for how it looks, I do have my off days where I am more insecure but I refuse to let something I cannot change impact me for the rest of my life.

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