For most of my life, my skin was something I never had to think about. It was consistently clear, reliable and unproblematic — so much so that even a single spot was a rare occurrence. I’d always felt confident in my appearance and had never experienced the insecurities that come with skin issues.
But that all changed when I woke up to find my chin covered in hormonal acne, and at 23 years old it felt even more isolating. I didn’t know anyone else my age who was still dealing with acne. For most people I knew, it was a distant memory from their teenage years. While I suspected my contraception might be the cause, knowing the potential reason didn’t soften the emotional blow. Nothing could have prepared me for how deeply it would affect me.
A Sudden Change
Acne can feel like a deeply personal attack, it doesn’t just alter your appearance; it shatters all your confidence. I barely recognised myself in the mirror and would often stand there, overwhelmed with tears, too afraid to truly look at my own reflection.
At 23, none of my friends were dealing with acne anymore. While I knew many of them had faced similar struggles in their teens, that didn’t make me feel any less isolated. Acne wasn’t supposed to be something you dealt with in your 20s, or at least, that’s how it felt.
It wasn’t just about my appearance, the emotional toll was overwhelming. I withdrew from the world, avoiding leaving the house, skipping social events, and refusing to be in photos. My skin consumed my every thought, and the uncertainty of how long it would take to resolve made everything feel hopeless.
Eventually, I hit a breaking point. I couldn’t eat, sleep, or function without feeling completely defeated. That’s when I realised I couldn’t face this alone — I needed help.
Seeking Professional Care
That’s when I decided to book an appointment at Southface Dermatology Clinic. From the moment I walked in, I felt like I was in the right hands. During my initial consultation, we discussed several treatment options, including Roaccutane. While effective for many, it wasn’t the right choice for me. Given my mental health at the time, I didn’t want to take on the significant side effects associated with it.
Instead, the team told me about a new, innovative treatment called AviClear. This laser-based therapy offered a non-invasive approach to tackling acne at its root. It sounded promising, but my anxiety at the time completely took over: Would it hurt? Would it make things worse? What if it didn’t work at all?
My First AviClear Treatment
My first AviClear session was nerve-wracking, but the team at Southface made all the difference. Nurse Amanda, in particular, was incredibly kind and supportive, walking me through every step and ensuring I felt comfortable. The treatment itself was far less intimidating than I’d imagined.
The process involved cleansing my skin and applying protective measures, followed by the laser treatment. The sensation was a mild heat, more uncomfortable closer to my lips than elsewhere but entirely manageable. On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d rate it about a 3. After the session, my skin was slightly red for about 10 minutes, but there was no downtime. I was able to go about my day as usual.
Starting the Journey to Clear Skin
Over the course of three sessions, spaced a month apart, I began to notice real improvements. Each time I visited, the Southface team greeted me warmly and made me feel at ease. I trusted them completely, and it was reassuring to know they genuinely cared about my progress.
By the time my final session was complete, the results were undeniable. My acne was clearing, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I hadn’t had a single new breakout. While I’m still working on clearing some scarring, even that has significantly improved.
Regaining My Confidence
The most profound change wasn’t just in my skin, but my overall confidence and happiness. I’m no longer hiding from the world. I feel comfortable stepping out without makeup, laughing with friends and embracing life again. Having clearer skin has lifted a huge emotional weight. It’s a relief I can’t fully put into words.
A Message to Others Dealing With Acne
If you’re reading this and struggling with acne, I want you to know you’re not alone. Acne is more than just a cosmetic issue, it affects every part of your life, from your mental health to your relationships.
AviClear was a game-changer for me. It’s non-invasive, has minimal downtime, and targets acne at its root. While everyone’s journey is different, I can confidently say it gave me my life back.
Thank You, Southface
I owe so much to the team at Southface Dermatology Clinic. Their expertise, kindness, and support carried me through one of the most challenging times in my life. If you’re considering AviClear, I encourage you to take that step. With the right care and support, you can find relief and rediscover your confidence.
Acne doesn’t have to control your life forever. Solutions and support are out there, and things will improve.”