A group of teens were asked to express their thoughts and feelings about their skin and acne. Their words speak of the turmoil they feel and how acne has affected their self-image. "Let me be me Feel free to sing and dance And just relax. I wanna know how it feels to be confident 24/7 And not ever cry Because I'm too shy In my own skin." - Atlanta teen, 15 "Looking in the mirror, a stranger stares back, a face I do not recognize. Then I realize why I do not know her. It is the skin. The pretty face of a little girl, one that has gone adolescent. The innocence is gone. It is the experience of a new phase. Imperfection. Imperfection, and suddenly I must hide. I'm not who I was." - Chicago teen, 14 Conversely, after getting effective treatment for acne, teens feel they can forget about their skin and concentrate on the other joys of youth. "Cruel and ugly Ruined people's lives Made them hide away Til they found medicine to make it better Then they crawled out of their shells And were no longer afraid." - Chicago teen, 13 "As my acne was doomed [by treatment], my personality bloomed." - Chicago teen, 16 "There is absolutely nothing negative about getting help for your acne. The doctor gives you great tips on how to care for your skin. The quicker you go, the quicker it can be fixed." - Chicago teen, 17
		2008