Have you ever chosen to go without makeup at work to “let the skin breathe” after years of struggling with acne? If you have, you would have a startling insight. Everyone offers their unsolicited acne advice in response to this personal choice. Intrusive queries like, “Have you tried vitamin C?” “Have you tried washing your face?” and as well as “Have you tried drinking any water?” mostly come from our co-workers, family, and friends.
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Social Isolation And Mental Health.
Employees who receive negative comments about their acne from co-workers experience social isolation and mental health problems.
According to studies, people automatically judge those who have acne as less likely to succeed in their careers. One study indicated that people with facial acne scars were perceived as less successful, confident, healthy, and cheerful and more likely to be insecure and shy as compared to ones with clear skin. And compared to people without scars, they were less likely to have a bright future and get hired for a job.
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Responding To Unsolicited Acne Advice.
Take a step back and remind yourself that the comments you hear from friends and family concerning acne flare-ups are not coming from you.
Recognize that they might be in the dark, then enlighten them.
Even better, try stating something like, “I would appreciate it if perhaps you didn’t point it up in the future because I already know what’s wrong with my skin. I know the products I should use and am working to improve that. I don’t need your advice, but I appreciate it.”
When co-workers offer unwanted advice on acne at work, you don’t have to pretend to be interested while swallowing your discomfort. End it by calling it out.