Skin Doesn’t Need Perfection to be Beautiful; Even Goddesses Have Pimples

What if Aphrodite had pimples? In a corner of the mirror, she scrutinises her reflection. A small red pimple appeared on her cheek this morning. She sighs. It is not the first, nor the last. And yet, no matter how much she tries to ignore it, this little ‘button’ seems to take over her thoughts. Find out ways to help pimples and spots, whatever your age, in Skin Doesn’t Need Perfection to be Beautiful; Even Goddesses Have Pimples.

Image Samantha Inman @rememberingtobreathe.

But if she had known that the word acne comes from the ancient Greek ακμή, meaning “the high point”, “the summit”, she might have seen it differently. Because ακμή is also the climax, the moment of glory. What if acne was not a shame to camouflage, but a step, an expression of life in full bloom?

What if this goddess had pimples? We often imagine Aphrodite, goddess of beauty, emerging from the waves, pearly skin, perfect hair, smooth like a Renaissance painting. But if she had lived today, she would probably have wrinkles, cellulite and maybe even a clearly visible pimple, especially before an important appointment.

Because acne is deeply human. Far from being just a matter of unlucky adolescents, acne affects millions of people, from 12 to 40 years old and often beyond. It manifests itself when the sebaceous glands secrete, clog pores, cause inflammation, and leave traces of their passage on the skin. It can be hormonal, related to stress, diet, genetics or nothing special. Just the life that is expressed on the surface.

But what acne causes is not always visible on the skin. It can leave deeper marks: loss of confidence, fear of being seen, withdrawal into oneself. Each spot becomes one trial too many, an invisible barrier between oneself and others.

But the truth is that your skin doesn’t stop you from shining! It was not an ugly ‘button’ that prevented this same young person from getting her dream job. It was not an outbreak of acne that erased talent, humour and light. It is not a scar that has tarnished the beauty in the eyes. Because beauty, the real one, is not a filter in social networks.

Beauty is in the assurance of the one who says: I have acne, so what? In the resilience of the one who takes care of their skin, but especially their heart. In the audacity of those who love each other today, not when their skin is perfect.

A living skin is a skin that speaks. What if we stopped fighting against our skin and started listening to it? Acne is not a failure. It is a signal, a language. Sometimes it’s a cry, sometimes a whisper. But never a shame.

The main difference between a spot and acne is that spots are single blemishes that can come and go, while acne is a condition characterized by recurring and persistent blemishes. Acne involves multiple spots that require treatment and can range in severity, while spots are usually isolated and resolve on their own.  Can be single blemishes like pimples (pustules), whiteheads, or blackheads. Thus, some treatments can be used for acne but the effectiveness may be reduced because acne often requires medical treatments (creams and/or drugs) prescribed by dermatologists.

When acne creates discomfort and a lack of self-confidence, it is nice to have the opportunity to camouflage a pimple and be able to treat it and heal it quickly.

Thus, to treat acne pimples and spots, why not try one of the many products, such as serums, but also localised, topical creams, pacthes and ointments.

VH’s DoSe, Alpha Arbutin 2% and Kojic Acid 1% Serum is a serum to help target post-blemish marks. Together with 1% Kojic Acid, a powerful antioxidant and skin brightener. DoSe by VH is a natural evolution of the Garden of Wisdom (GOW) for Victoria Health serum, thoughtfully reimagined by our co-founder, Shabir Daya, MRPharmS.

You can also wear a Purifide 3 in 1 Power Patch by Acnecide, allowing you to have visible results in 4 hours. These small transparent patches are invisible and protect the button from external bacteria during the day, but also to treat the pimple with a salicylic acid-based solution. The Power Patches are invisible, ultra-thin spot patches with 3-in-1 technology to shrink, soothe and protect emerging spots. Salicylic Acid, Centella Asiatica + Canadian Willowherb-based formulation helps shrink spots, visibly reduce the appearance of redness and helps soothe emerging blemishes. Also targeting emerging spots and blemishes from the first signs of an outbreak, preventing blemish marks. The patches are invisible and ultra-thin, and there are 2 sizes: 11mm + 13.5mm.

A different option is the +Lustre ClearSkin Solo, a blue-light, UV-free acne treatment. This LED therapy prevents rashes, inflammation and redness of the skin, spots and imperfections. +Lustre ClearSkin Solo is a clinically proven pure blue light device to eliminate mild to moderate acne – safely, gently and with no side effects. Designed with the same medical-grade technology as used by dermatologists in clinics, it delivers a targeted and hands-free 20-minute treatment, killing acne bacteria at its source, preventing future breakouts and maintaining healthy skin. +Lustre ClearSkin Solo works from day 1, with visible results after 2 weeks of daily use. 

If you prefer topical treatment, i.e a cream, serum or paste that goes only on the spot, the 10% sulfur paste by Malin +Goetz 10% is an overnight spot treatment to calm blemishes. This paste synthesises active sulfur and salicylic acid to effectively medicate and treat blemishes. Balanced with Camphor to calm skin while fighting impurities, this formula incorporates Zinc Oxide to help prevent signs of scarring. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and is both natural fragrance and colour free.

Plenaire Violet Paste Overnight Blemish Solution, which is also certified vegan and cruelty-free, allows you to effectively treat the zit in a targeted manner. Violet-tinted dreams await. Inspired by a 70-year-old French beauty recipe, this violet-tinted “vanishing” paste helps reduce blemishes overnight by drawing out excess oil and calming inflammation and redness. Suited to all skin types, Violet Paste Blemish Solution is formulated with a special blend of Azelaic Acid to help refine and brighten, Beta Hydroxy Acids to clarify, and Zinc Oxide to calm skin while keeping bacteria at bay.

Acne can occur at any age and in a more or less severe way. Several factors can be the cause, including stress, which disrupts hormonal balance, pollution, which clogs skin pores, or genetics, which can predispose some people to suffer more. Understanding these causes makes it possible to better adapt the necessary care and treatment.

She moves away from the mirror, towards her appointment. The pimple is still there, discreet thanks to the treatments, yet tenacious. And she smiles. Because basically, she knows it now: Aphrodite would also have been sublime even with a little pimple.

If you enjoyed reading Skin Doesn’t Need Perfection to be Beautiful; Even Goddesses Have Pimples, why not read The Perfect Set to Love One’s Image in the Mirror here

.Cent Magazine London. Be Inspired; Get Involved