This Inspiring Skin-Positive Influencer Calls Her Acne "A Blessing In Disguise"

Her idea to create her account @my.acne.diary on Instagram came to fruition when she started taking Isotretinoin, the most powerful oral acne medication available that essentials cures acne by training the skin to stop breaking out. For Rebuar it was a last resort to heal the constant pimples on her face.

"I just wanted to track my progress to be able to compare in the future," said Rebuar. "And also be able to remind myself how far I've progressed if I'd ever felt down about my skin again since I knew the possible side effects of Isotretinoin included impacting your mental health, which is something I've also struggled with." What she's referring to is one of the most common side effects of the medication, depression.

"My acne destroyed any confidence or love I had for myself," said Rebuar. "I fed into the beauty standards of society and made myself believe that my acne made me lesser than someone who didn't have acne, which is ridiculous. I already suffered from social anxiety, and having the acne just made it worse, as I felt uncomfortable wherever I went."

The silver-lining to her breakouts was the community she found during her acne journey. "I was surprised that I was able to connect with other people who struggled with acne and had a platform where I can be open and honest with no judgement, especially with people who actually understand," said Rebuar. "I think my followers appreciate seeing someone just be real and honest about the same insecurities they have."

Although her acne journey has had its ups and downs, it has taught her a lot about self-love. "Once my acne improved, I realised how my acne really hindered my confidence," said Rebuar. "I wanted to spread the body and skin positivity so that nobody feels like their acne makes them abnormal." This personal revelation came to her once her skin started to clear following a course of Isotretinoin.

"I truly believe my acne has been a blessing in disguise, it has helped me grow and mature as a person and helped me realise that the way I look shouldn't dictate how I live my life," she said.

"Many people have told me 'It'll get better,' and as much as I love that positivity, it's not something that encourages self-love or self-development as it goes on the assumption that things will get better once the acne is gone," said Rebuar. "The acne in itself is not something to be ashamed of."

Although Rebuar has taken a temporary hiatus from Instagram for other personal reasons, she still gets messages from her followers regularly checking in and asking for updates on her journey. "I still struggle with acne now but it's not something that ruins my day, it's just another part of me," said Rebuar. "Acne is as normal as it gets but sadly we have allowed ourselves to believe there's something wrong with us if we have it."