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Kendall Jenner Opens Up About Acne Struggle


By Jennifer McShane
31st Oct 2015
Kendall Jenner Opens Up About Acne Struggle

Model Kendall Jenner is easily the most likeable of the Jenner/Kardashian clan. Her famous siblings tend to grab headlines for just stepping on the street, but the humble and hardworking 19-year-old is getting attention for talking emphatically about an extremely relatable topic: her dealings with acne.

Though her skin looks picture-perfect now, Jenner said this was an issue that debilitated her confidence entirely growing up. Having acne isn’t by any means, the worst or most important problem you’ll face in life, but for some (like this writer) finding a solution can be paramount, as it can shatter confidence.

“Where it really impacted me was how self-conscious I became about it,” Jenner said. “It completely ruined my self-esteem. I wouldn’t even look at people when I talked to them. I felt like such an outcast; when I spoke, it was with my hand covering my face. Sure, I had crushes in high school, but I wouldn’t even think about looking at guys.”

She also revealed that regular topical creams were no use in treating the skin condition, she had to get Laser Genesis (a form of skin therapy) before it began to clear.

Still suffering from this at 28, this writer has written many a topic about acne and how to improve your skin while trying to combat the blemishes – it isn’t an easy thing to do, and as an adult, it can be hugely embarrassing?to talk about. Jenner’s honest candour is refreshing; we’re so used?to seeing filtered, Instagram-ready photographs at every turn that it can be rare to see a public figure speak out about negative issues. Yes, the whole family has access to an array of specialists that can offer treatment, but regardless of celebrity status, such a complex skin condition doesn’t clear overnight. Jenner added that it took a long time for her moral to lift, following years of insecurities.

“It wasn’t anything that happened overnight,” she added. “Even after things started to clear up, it took a solid amount of time to be okay with my skin and gain back my confidence. I realised that it’s a part of life for some people, and it doesn’t define who you are.”

The unusually revealing post was written on Jenner’s website, fuelling speculation among the more cynical that she was simply writing the blog to pre-empt publicity for a new skincare range (her?sister Khlo? would have words for you for that), but then again, perhaps the teenager simply hoped to reach out to those with similar struggles.