I've experienced the frustration and self-consciousness that comes with persistent breakouts.

During my adolescent years, acne was a constant companion. On good days, I'd have at least 3 or 4 conspicuous, angry pimples on my face.

Back then, you only sought help from a dermatologist if your skin was in dire straits. I, too, thought I'd eventually "grow out of it."

I tried various remedies in vain. I even resorted to applying Visine on my blemishes, which briefly concealed the redness, but the painful, inflamed nodules would inevitably return.

My battle with acne began in the fourth grade when I was just nine years old—remarkably early for such a skin condition. I vividly remember standing by the door at my Catholic school, waiting to go out for recess, while Sister Bonaventure scrutinized my face with disdain, questioning, "What's this? What's this all over your face? Don't you WASH?" I wished I could disappear, praying for deliverance from the unrelenting gazes.

I attempted every acne remedy imaginable—pungent Clearasil paste, coal tar soap, toothpaste, Oxy 10, Clean and Clear, and gallons of Sea Breeze. I convinced myself that the potent medicinal scent and the stripped sensation on my skin were signs of progress. I even resorted to concealing picked zits with band-aids when attending school (although everyone saw through the ruse).

From an early age, herbal medicine fascinated me, and I began delving into herbs and holistic wellness. While my skin showed some improvement, acne continued to plague me like an unwelcome guest.

Years passed, and even at 27, I was still grappling with acne. It was during my time at the Body Shop that I discovered my passion for skincare. I subsequently became a licensed esthetician in 1997 and, a decade later, founded my own practice, Viriditas Beautiful Skin Therapies.

Esthetics, for me, offers the ideal blend of herbal medicine, holistic wellness, and skincare, particularly when it comes to addressing the complexities of acne.

Let me share this: countless skincare brands seem clueless about tackling acne. Having worked with numerous skincare lines, I can attest that very few are genuinely effective for acne. Many are laden with ingredients that often exacerbate the condition.

I finally deciphered the code to clear my acne. It's not merely about using the "right product" or consuming the "right foods." It's a combination of factors, and it varies from person to person. This is why achieving clear skin can be incredibly challenging when you go it alone. If you have skin prone to acne, like me, maintaining control over acne is an ongoing task. If you also contend with sensitive, reactive skin, secondary skin issues may arise.

Don't be disheartened. We are here to help you regain control over your skin.