She experienced regular breakouts, to the point that she always had at least one pimple.
Over time her acne and mental health became more intertwined.
Although Chatterjee didnt pick her spots, they often scarred.
Having acne can affect your mental health and self-esteem.
Shes also prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which happens when inflamed skin becomes darker than the surrounding area.
Chatterjee started trying different treatment options for her breakouts, scars, and hyperpigmentation.
This is her story about acne and mental health.
I had clear skin as a teenager, which is a time when many people start getting acne.
But when I turned 25, I began constantly breaking out.
Red spots covered my cheeks and eventually my forehead.
At first I thought theacne was hormonaland would clear up on its own.
A couple of years later, however, I was still getting acne.
I decided I had to actively address my acne.
This kicked off a long process of trying numerous lifestyle changes and treatments.
I used every skin-care product and medication I found that promised to get rid of acne.
I know this because they tell me.
This is just the way my skin is.
Or well-meaning friends will say something along the lines of, Your skin looks so clear today!
I know they mean it as a compliment, but its another reminder that I have not-so-clear days.
I dont feel like I fit in with American ideas about skin care and acne either.
Even trying to find makeup that adequately covers my spots and scars has been challenging.
There arent many options for Asian Americans with dark skin.
It feels like I have a scarlet letter.
Its made me not want to go out, and I never want to take pictures.
I always edit any photos I put on social media.
Ive really been on a journey with my acne and mental health.
Im gradually learning to accept that what I have to improve is how I feel about myself.
I cant completely cure the acne, the scarring, and the hyperpigmentation.
But I can control how I treat my skin, and how I feel about myself.
One thing Ive realized from everything Ive tried is that my acne is not my fault.
The scarring isnt my fault, and the hyperpigmentation isnt my fault.
Accepting that has helped me stop beating myself up and move on to focusing on what I can control.
Ive created a routine using the two products that have consistently worked for me better than the others.
I also make an effort to stay hydrated.
I have days with lots of spots, and I have days with fewer spots.
Whatever happens with my skin, I know that Ive done what I can.
Im also working on accepting the scarring.
I used it for a couple of months, but then I asked myself why I was doing that.
I decided I didnt want to deal with this side effect in the name oftreating my scars.
That made me realize Im learning to accept my skin the way it is.
I cant spend my whole life hiding my face.
I want to live and have fun!
Im taking the process of putting myself out there one step at a time.
It gets easier day by day.
I still cant imagine going out without makeup, but its a work in progress.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Sources:1.Mayo Clinic, Acne2.Journal of Ethnic Foods, Traditional and Ayurvedic Foods of Indian OriginRelated:
