Thursday, August 16, 2012

Teenage Skin

The funny thing is that when I was a teenager, the skin on my face was pretty flawless. I never even thought about it. The only time I remember thinking "oh hey, I don't have spots" was when they gave out some sort of Clearasil freebies at school and a classmate told me that I didn't need it in an irritable way that implied that the Clearasil freebie I was holding should be his (other skin products are available). Throughout my twenties, I'd get the occasional spot around my period and, like everyone else, think that it was actually taking up the entire circumference of my face so that I became the Lady With The Spot. "Oh God!" The townspeople would cry, "don't look at her, it's too horrible!" I may not be talking to you, you may have a completely rational reaction to having tiny facial imperfections. I don't know your life.

But still, I'm not sure I realised how good I had it. Because acne, the bullet I dodged throughout my teen years, has finally struck. At 32 years of age. What.The.Hell? Even looking back at photos from last year, I start to get nostalgic about how nice my skin was. Now it's getting to the point where I am starting to consider wearing make-up on a daily basis. For reals.

I keep trying different things. So far the most effective has been doing the Festival, which may be due to spending more time outside. I'm hoping that it isn't actually the awful school dinners I had there because I don't want to have to recreate those at home. My skin might have cleared up over the three weeks but my digestion was horrendous. Some people were constantly farting. Not me, I hasten to add. I never fart. And if I were to, it would smell marvellous. Anyway, I'm trying to get outside more, is my point.

I've cut out Diet Coke entirely. I'm eleven days clean. It is driving me a bit potty but I haven't touched it. Given that I've put on weight again (not much but it was hard losing it in the first place and I've still not reached any goals or whatever) and am now trying to lose it again alongside exercising, I am constantly distracted. I keep bouncing around all of these things that I want but can't have. Diet Coke? No. Biscuits? No. Diet Coke? No. Ice cream? No. Diet Coke? Diet Coke?! DIET COKE?!!! No. At least the cravings are keeping me awake because without the caffeine I have a tendency to snooze at my desk. Man, I really want some Diet Coke.

I've sorted a skincare regime now, which is nice. I'm like a real-life grown-up lady. I've always tried to do it but forgot after a few days. Apparently, I really need an impetus to get responsible about my life choices. At the moment I'm washing it every morning and night and going to sleep with stuff on my face. I look a picture. Hey, single men of the world, check me out.

Oh well, it's not like I'm interested in any single men anyway. Stupid Mr P.