Top tips to improve
your self-confidence

If you suffer from low self-esteem
due to acne or acne scarring,
here are nine ways to boost your self-confidence.

1. Accept your scars

The first step to being confident with acne scars is to accept them as a part of your skin. Remember that everyone has imperfections, and your acne scars don’t define your worth or your beauty.

2. Take care of your skin

Take care of your skin to prevent new breakouts and to make your skin look and feel healthier. Establish an effective skincare routine that focuses on nourishing and healing your skin. Use gentle skincare products and treatments specifically designed to target acne scars.

3. Focus on your unique qualities

Shift your focus from your perceived imperfections to your unique qualities and strengths. Reframe negative self-talk with positive affirmations that are specific to your skincare journey, such as “I am not my acne” or “My skin is healthy.”

4. Use makeup techniques

If you feel self-conscious about your acne scars, you can use makeup to cover them up. There are many products available that can help to conceal scars and even out skin tone. However, make sure to use products that are non-comedogenic and won't clog your pores. Professional makeup artists can also offer guidance on makeup techniques to conceal scars if that makes you feel more confident.

5. De-stress

Stress doesn't cause acne, but it can make the outbreaks you already have worse. That can make you even more stressed. So, find activities that make you relax and feel better. This can include activities such as yoga, meditation, and taking time to do things that you enjoy. Listening to music can also be a great stress reliever, as can spending time in nature. Take up a calming hobby and make time for it every day.

6. Practice self-care

Practicing self-care can help you feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin. Embrace self-care practices such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and quality sleep. These habits can improve your overall well-being and boost self-esteem.

7. Exercise

Research shows that many people experience a decrease in acne breakouts when they exercise regularly. This is largely down to how exercise helps to lower inflammation in the body, including the skin. With inflammation being what triggers acne, exercising more could very well help you prevent your next breakout.

8. Talk to others who struggle
with their skin

Reach out to others through online forums and in-person meeting groups and employ the tips and tricks they’ve used over the years to cope. Other people with similar types of acne can help you find solutions while also providing you with valuable moral support.

9. Remind yourself that others don’t notice your flaws

Acne sufferers often imagine that other people are focusing on their physical imperfections. In reality, very few people are paying attention to your acne. People will notice your personality over your pimples. Tell yourself this every time you begin to feel self-doubt or self-conscious. If acne is negatively impacting your self-esteem and confidence, it may be beneficial to seek professional help.

Our Expat Assistance Programme, which is included in most of our plans, provides 24/7 access to confidential counselling services to support you in building confidence.

Confidential professional counselling

Receive 24/7 support with a clinical counsellor through live online chat, face to face, phone, video or email.

Try our
Expat Assistance
Programme