#MyBodyStory is a series of reader submitted pieces about what it’s like to live in your body. Because every body has a story, and every story deserves to be heard.

Do you have a #MyBodyStory to share? Send it to [email protected]

And now, here is Skyler’s Body Story:

  

The opinions expressed in #MyBodyStory are the writer’s own.

*Please note Skyler uses They/Them pronouns

My name is Skyler and I’m 13 and I’m right in the middle of puberty. I’ve had skin issues since I was little so I’ve always struggled with that. But once I hit puberty I really hit a rough spot that I haven’t gotten out of. I don’t think my acne is beautiful, but I also don’t think it makes me ugly anymore. I am not obligated to love every part about myself though.

I used to hate my acne because I felt it made me ugly and unlovable, helped definitely by the countless ads and movies that teach children that acne is inherently evil and ugly. I don’t feel that way anymore, but I do still dislike my skin, not because it looks ugly but because it’s a reminder of all the times I obsessed over getting rid of it. Because it reminds me of the time where I desired so much to be seen as pretty. My acne hurts and it’s itchy and it’s hard to cover when I’m trying to recreate makeup looks. It took me a long time to get to where I am now on my feelings about my acne. I didn’t get that much help from anyone else, it was just me in my room trying to love myself and my skin, until one day I had the realization that I don’t have to love my acne I just have to not see myself as ugly because of it.

So my message to everyone with acne or scars or some other skin issue who hates themselves because of it: flour is nasty on its own but when put into a cake it’s still pretty great! You don’t have to love your acne, just realize you are still absolutely beautiful. And to everyone who feels bad about hating something about their body: don’t feel bad. It’s okay to not like something, especially with the beauty industry breathing down our backs and whispering in ear telling us we’re ugly. You are okay. You don’t always have to feel and look pretty, that is not the price you have to pay to live in this world. You are already beautiful.

With love,

Skyler