Acne Awareness Month: Stories and Literacy

By Aarya Davit, Founder of TogetherMed

*TogetherMed is not offering any medical advice. Please seek professional advice before treating acne.

Introduction

June is Acne Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about one of the most common skin conditions in the world. While acne is often dismissed as a normal part of growing up, it can have a significant impact on confidence, mental health, and daily life.

As the founder of TogetherMed, I wanted to share my own acne journey, not only because it shaped me, but because it ultimately inspired my passion for medicine, health education, and dermatology.

The Beginning

My acne journey began in middle school. At the time, it felt like I was the only person dealing with it. None of my close friends seemed to have acne, and I often felt self-conscious about my skin.

Like many people, I started with basic treatments. I built a skincare routine, tried over-the-counter products such as Differin Gel, and later used CeraVe benzoyl peroxide cleansers and treatments. Despite months of consistency, I saw little improvement. In some cases, my skin even became worse, which was frustrating after putting so much time and effort into finding a solution.

Seeking Medical Help

When over-the-counter products weren't working, I visited my primary care doctor and was prescribed Benzaclin, a topical acne medication. After about a year of treatment, my skin became mostly clear, and for the first time in a long time, I felt relieved.

Unfortunately, the improvement didn't last. My acne gradually returned, especially during the summer months, even though I continued using the medication. Throughout this time, I experimented with countless cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and treatments while developing a growing interest in skin health. What began as a personal struggle slowly evolved into a fascination with dermatology and a career field I hope to pursue in the future.

When Things Got Worse

In July 2024, I visited a dermatologist for the first time and began using 0.05% tretinoin. Rather than improving my skin, the treatment initially caused my acne to worsen significantly. My dermatologist and I adjusted my treatment plan multiple times, experimenting with different combinations of Benzaclin and tretinoin and eventually increasing the strength of my prescription.

Despite these efforts, my acne continued to worsen throughout the summer and early fall. What had once been mild acne progressed into severe acne. In August, my dermatologist added an oral antibiotic called minocycline, but after a month, I still wasn't seeing results.

At that point, we began discussing isotretinoin, more commonly known as Accutane. Although I was nervous about taking such a significant step, I knew I wanted to do everything possible to regain control of my skin.

Starting Accutane

After a month of waiting, I officially started Accutane in December 2024. My routine became much simpler: gentle cleansers, moisturizer, fish oil supplements, and my daily medication.

Fortunately, my only major side effects were dryness and frequent nosebleeds. Like many patients, I also experienced an initial purge, where my acne became worse before it got better. While that period was discouraging, I began seeing noticeable improvements by late January.

Over the next few months, my dosage was gradually increased based on my weight and progress. By April, my acne was largely under control, and by May, my skin was completely clear. Because my treatment was so effective, I was able to finish my Accutane course a month earlier than expected.

For the first time in years, I felt truly confident in my skin.

One Year Later

Today, more than a year later, my skin remains clear.

Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for my family, friends, and healthcare team who supported me throughout my journey. While I would never have chosen to go through severe acne, I am thankful for the lessons it taught me. The experience gave me a deeper understanding of what it feels like to live with an ongoing health condition and taught me the importance of patience, resilience, and advocating for your health when treatments are not working.

Most importantly, it sparked my passion for medicine, health education, and dermatology. What began as a personal challenge ultimately became one of the reasons I want to help others better understand their health.

Why Acne Awareness Matters

Acne affects millions of people worldwide, yet many teenagers feel alone when they experience it. The reality is that acne is incredibly common, and everyone's journey is different. What works for one person may not work for another, which is why finding the right treatment often takes time.

This Acne Awareness Month, I encourage anyone struggling with acne to remember:

• You are not alone.

• Acne does not define your worth.

• Finding the right treatment can take time.

• Improvement is possible, even when it feels far away.

At TogetherMed, we believe health education empowers people to better understand their bodies and advocate for their health. By sharing our stories, we can reduce stigma, build understanding, and remind others that they are never alone in their journey.

Sometimes the challenges we face become the experiences that shape our future, and for me, acne was one of those experiences.

TogetherMed

Aarya D.