KARA’S PUTTING BRAVE FACE ON ACNE TORMENT
A BLOGGER so self-conscious about her cystic acne that she would “cake” herself in makeup every time she left the house has set up an Instagram where she bravely bares all in ‘au naturel’ selfies.
Office worker Kara Eden, 22, from Trafford, says her skin issues began around three years ago, when she stopped taking the contraceptive pill – at first thinking it was a phase and that the spots would heal on their own.
When she realised it was cystic acne – the most severe form of the condition which causes large pus-filled pimples – her confidence shattered, she would apply full make-up just to go to the local shop. But when in late 2017, after suffering for around 18 months, she ditched her heavy foundation and courageously shared slapfree photos on Instagram, she attracted thousands of followers.
Kara said: “It is scary to put myself out there, hitting that send button is a big thing. I used to edit all my photos, but then I stopped and thought, ‘No, you’re putting this out there for a reason – to show your real skin.’ On Instagram especially, everything is so flawless and filtered that I knew there was a gap that needed to be filled for people to embrace their insecurities.”
Growing up, Kara never had any problems with her skin.
But all that changed around three years ago, when she stopped taking the pill.
“I believe it was down to the imbalanced hormones in my body,” she said. “I went to the doctor and was placed on a different type of pill, but all that did was mask my symptoms.
“As soon as I stopped taking it, my skin flared up again, even worse than before.”
Taking to the internet, Kara began to read up about cystic acne and became convinced it was what she had.
“It was a real knock, confidence-wise,” she said. “I wouldn’t even leave the house without make-up on. I’d cake it on even if I was just popping to the shop. I’d even wear it in the gym, which, looking back, I know is ridiculous.”
Though she initially attempted to treat her acne with topical medication, Kara decided last year to opt for a more natural approach instead.
After taking an intolerance test she ordered online, she realised she had been unknowingly eating things that were making her skin worse. So, she overhauled her diet, eliminating dairy and gluten and cutting right down on sugar.
Keen to use her experiences to help others, she has set up an Instagram account where she shares tips and advice, as well as candid photos.
And, while she admits that she still feels nervous about uploading her bare-faced selfies, she said that banning herself from editing her perceived imperfections has helped her to accept them.
“The only way to build confidence is be true to yourself,” she said.