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teenage skin/weight problems
My skin used to be beautiful, it was flawless and I had a nice glowing olive skin. I was also really skinny, my nanny used to call me a stick because of it. After my 12th birthday I started my period and therefore had breakouts. I wasn't bothered at first because they weren't really bad and mum said it was normal. Then, for about a year, I noticed scars and marks from the spots I had. I dont pick on them but still they scar, so now I have scars on my face, back and chest. I also gained weight, thought it was normal, until I noticed that my bum and thighs are getting bigger, and not only that, I had stretchmarks! It's not that im really fat or anything, Im 5"1 and 8stone and i have stretchmarks. And then, last year i had chickenpox and every single blister turned to scars, now i have scars all over my body! Im really self conscious now and dont wear shorts and skirts without tights, I dont wear bikinis anymore too, and were goin on a summer holiday in asia, its stupid wearing jeans on the beach where its really hot. I think I may have really bad skin collagen structure or something that makes my skin scar more easily. Im so worried its gonna stay forever. Its affecting my self confidence.
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First of all, try not to let it hurt your confidence too much. I had acne problems as a teenager, too, and I let it affect me too much when it really wasn't as big a deal as I was making it. And, also, 8 stone is nothing so don't worry about that. However, if you are extremely self-conscious to the point that it's hurting your everyday function and self-esteem, bring it up to your parents and ask if there are any over-the-counter tropical treatments for scars and/or stretch marks. That's a specific questions because I know and have seen the medications that exist specifically for these things. However, you're only a teenager, and as I'm sure you may have found out or are learning. Puberty is not the most fun time of life to be in a changing body, but don't fret. Self-confidence is most important. Everyone's going to be self-conscious about something or other. Being confident in your body despite it all will be what shows the most.
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You are probably the only one who really notices. The truth is, everyone has small breakout scars and everyone has some stretch marks. Even thin people. It's normal and it's natural. You need to use a good water based moisturizer and then keep in mind. The people on tv and magazines have quite a bit of make up on and most have been seriously re touched. I had a good friend who was a graphic designer, and he showed me how even the most attractive looking people have all the things you mentioned. It comes partly from hormones and partly from genetic but trust me, everyone has them to different degrees. You can have an all over body spray on tan and carefully apply the right type of make up for your complexion. Don't wear your jeans on the beach! You won't have near as much fun. Relax and be yourself, and feel your beauty on the inside where it really counts. As you get older your skin will constantly change, be aware and change the products you use as needed. Your confidence is the most beautiful part of you, so don't let insecurities bring you down.
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I have had similar problems. I have alot of chicken pox scars on my forehead and bad stretchmarks. As for never wearing skirts and shorts without tights, I feel your pain on that too.
Stretchmarks aren't all about weight gain. When you hit puberty, your body changes very quickly and your skin literally has to stretch to accomodate these changes. Unfortunately, for a girl, this means bigger hips, bigger thighs and a bigger bum. This is to prepare the body for carrying and giving birth to a child. As a result, it's really, really common for girls to get stretchmarks in these areas. It's also normal to get them on your boobs for the same reason. Like me, most of my friends have them in at least one area so don't feel you're alone in this.
There are a couple of things you can do. The first and probably the cheapest is to get some Bio-Oil. You can find it in most pharmacies and the beauty aisles of supermarkets and it's not horribly expensive. Using that every day will help fade the appearance of your acne scars and stretchmarks. Stretchmarks do fade over time to a silvery grey colour a using Bio-Oil will speed up this process considerably. However, stretchmarks never go away completely. If your chicken pox scars are like mine - the kind which are kind of like craters - then it will be hard to get rid of them without cosmetic treatment. However, you may feel less self conscious about them if your other marks are less noticeable.
The second thing I would advise is to visit a professional dermatologist. He/she will not only be able to prescribe you something for your break outs but may also be able to offer further advice on your scars.
In general, drinking lots of water will ensure your skin looks heathly and glowing. You could also take a vitamin formulated for healthy skin. Using non-oily skin products which are designed for problem skin will significantly improve your acne, as will fully removing your make up before you go to bed.
Another little tip I'll give you is that your scars and stretchmarks will probably look less noticeable on tanned skin. I am very pale but if I know I'm going to be in a situation where I have to show my body, a little fake tan really does improve the appearance of my stretchmarks. In the short term this may be a solution for you, especially for your holiday to Asia.
Regardless of these things, it's vital you get you self confidence back up. The suggestions above may help eventually but they are not quick fixes, you need something to make you feel better in the mean time. Everyone has things they don't like about their body and it's not very nice when it affects your daily life. One thing you've got to remember is that often, the things we dislike about our bodies aren't even that noticeable to other people. Focussing on and drawing attention to your good qualities will make you feel so much better and people will notice these instead of your scars and marks.
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I don't know too much on this but I can try to help you, it could be that your skin is highly sensitive and since you started your period your hormones are going haywire. What you have desrcibed here seems to be mainly about your skin. It would be best to see a dermatoligist about your skin and see if they could help. Try drinking lots of water to help with the cell renewal of your skin when you gets spots or cuts. You could also start trying bio oil or cocoa butter to help reduce the size or amount on your body if your really dont like them. As for your weight your a healthy weight so there's no problem there your just bigger than you were before. Your period could be casuing these problems and for some what you eat on your period can be a problem for your body. What i recommend is drinking plenty of water and creaming your skin everyday with cocoa butter or bio oil, then make and appointment with your docotor and explain whats happening and see a dermatologist to help with your skin problems. As for your self esteem you really shouldn't worry too much. Your really young and don't need to conform to society of really flawless skin because nobody is perfect. I have bruises everywhere but I just think to myself it's nothing abnormal so what do i have to worry about? Just try to be comfortable with yourself and not worry about other people Inbox me later if you need more help, Hope this helps xx
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