We aren’t just talking about those once-in-awhile zits that every teenager struggles with.

The ones that can be solved with just a Neutrogena makeup wipes or the generic-brand salicylic acid cleanser on the shelf of Walgreens.

We only wish that was the problem.

This one is for the people that can’t slick the oil off of their face no matter how many oil-blotting sheets they go through. The ones that are in pain because the acne is buried so deep beneath their skin. The ones that have a steady appointment with the dermatologist and have thought about taking Accutane more than once, despite the insane risks. The ones that have torn their skin apart with different cleansers and gels and Proactiv, only to be continuously let down by the empty promises.

The ones that, no matter how much makeup they try to slather on, can’t remember the last time they stood in front of the mirror and felt happy with what looked back at them.

I was “pimple freak” in middle school and while it hurt me so badly back then, I can now look back on it and laugh. It was true; I have been fighting a war on my skin since I was ten years old, and my middle-school awkward self didn’t help matters much.

I really wasn’t great looking.

However, over the years, as I have given my life to Christ and have learned with age, I realize that laughter is always the best medicine and there is always something to smile about in every situation, even if kids are looking at your face and asking why there are so many “ugly spots” on your skin.

I finally now have the tools to use what used to tear me down to build myself back up again, and I want the same for every child, teen, or adult that struggles with severe acne, like I do, or any other type of skin condition.

We’re in this together. We’re a team.

This list of five ways you know you struggle with acne goes out to those great people, who also happen to have acne! Have a laugh, smile, and breathe. Life is so good.

1. Not understanding how other people can go days without washing their face and still look great.

When you struggle with acne, you better believe that your face gets washed twice a day, morning and night, without fail. No matter how exhausted we are, we are in front of that sink every night with a towel and whatever group of products we are using that night. There are no chances taken here.

2. You’ve tried every product in the skincare aisle, twice.

I can go down the skincare aisle in my head and name each brand, cleanser, wipe and soap by heart. How is that even possible? Because, quite simply, “I've been there and done that.”

3. This also means you have tried every foundation brand throughout the land.

The ones filled with salicylic acid. The ones that promise to absorb oil. The ones that tell you that your skin will be “even better” once you take it off. Though your face is telling quite a different story, and those concealers usually just end up as empty jars in the trash can after a very, very, frustrating week. Ugh.

4. Still eating however much chocolate you want, because chocolate actually doesn't cause acne.

And who doesn’t love that? Despite your aunt telling you that your skin would clear up if you just put down the sweets, numerous studies have shown that eating chocolate will not be the cause of a flare-up. While it’s true that eating a healthier diet makes you feel and look better all around, it’s never wrong to indulge in something you love every now and then. So eat up, buttercup!

5. The inner growth that you go through is astounding!

In this world, no matter what, there is always going to be something about you that somebody else doesn’t like. That’s just how it is. However, when you are a person who has to look people in the eye every single day with spots all over your face, it can be hard to even like yourself. But the beautiful part is that from pain comes strength and true beauty, and what happens, if you let it, is an amazing growth within yourself. You become more accepting of others, you start to care more about not what others think of you, but how another person is doing. You start to realize that looks fade away, but inner beauty sticks throughout the rest of your life. You learn to finally be happy, pimples and all.

If you had asked me back in high school what I would change about myself, the answer would’ve been said before you even finished asking the question. Now, however, I can’t say it, because what I have learned from my skin battles is priceless. Now, I can be satisfied with taking one day at a time, doing my best to keep my face clean, and enjoy life that much more.