Sanjana's Story Living with Acne
Sanjana Likki, McGovern Medical School, MD Candidate Class of 2027
Like many teenagers, I started developing acne during middle school. It began on my face, then spread to my chest and back, and slowly began to shape how I saw myself. I was already a quiet, reserved kid, and my skin only deepened that insecurity. I stuck with a close group of childhood friends who felt safe and familiar, but underneath, I felt embarrassed and anxious about how others saw me.
When I got to college, things took a turn.
I was prescribed antibiotics for swollen lymph nodes during my freshman year, and unexpectedly, my acne completely cleared. For the first time in years, I felt free, confident in a way I hadn’t experienced in so long. But that confidence didn’t last.
A few weeks later, the acne returned, worse than ever. Painful cysts, whiteheads, and inflammation covered my face. My skin was sore to the touch. I’d wake up with blood on my pillow from blemishes I didn’t even realize had burst. One morning, I counted 36 spots on my face. I sat on the edge of my bed and cried.
It was one of many moments where I felt completely hopeless. And yet, somehow, I still had to show up, to class, to social events, to meet new people. Every introduction felt like a performance. My mind was loud with questions like, do they notice my acne, is it all they see.
Eventually, I went to the dermatologist, determined to find a solution. But the appointment was quick. A glance at my face, a list of prescriptions, and I was out the door. What I needed most, understanding, validation, even just a reminder that I wasn’t alone, wasn’t part of the visit. I left feeling invisible.
From there, I started chasing answers on my own. I watched YouTube videos, read blogs, tried DIY masks, changed my diet, and avoided foods like dairy and gluten even though I hadn’t had issues with them before. I checked menus before going to restaurants or avoided eating out altogether. I drank teas that promised hormonal balance. I would take and retake photos to hide my acne or cover it with my hair. I relied on filters, makeup, and routines that felt more like armor than self-care.
Acne took over my life. It was the first thing I thought about when I woke up and the last thing I obsessed over before bed.
Over time, slowly and unpredictably, my skin began to clear again. I used a prescribed topical treatment and started focusing on routines that helped me feel good, not just look better. The acne didn’t disappear overnight, but eventually it faded. What remained were scars and a new understanding of myself.
My skin isn’t perfect now, but I no longer expect it to be. I’ve learned to step out even on bad skin days, to take photos without hiding, to say yes to things even when I feel self-conscious. I’ve opened up to friends who reminded me they never saw my acne as something that defined me. And while I haven’t changed what I follow online, I try to stay mindful that what I see on social media isn’t always real. Perfect skin in photos often comes from filters, makeup, or good lighting, not real life. I’ve had to learn not to compare myself to something that was never meant to be the standard.
Starting medical school brought a new round of introductions and with them new moments of insecurity. I still catch myself wondering if people notice my scars or texture. But I’ve learned to quiet that voice. The people who matter see beyond the surface and more importantly, I do too.
My acne journey wasn’t just about my skin. It taught me how deeply our appearance can affect our confidence, our social lives, even our identity. It also showed me the kind of physician I want to become.
Dermatology, for me, isn’t just about treating skin. It’s about helping people feel seen and whole, especially those who feel isolated by something they can’t always control. I want to create the kind of space I once needed, where people, especially kids and teens, can feel safe, understood, and empowered.
To anyone struggling with acne or any skin condition right now, I see you. You are not alone in this. And your worth has nothing to do with what’s on the surface. Acne may challenge you, but it will also make you more resilient, more empathetic, and more grounded in who you truly are.