When you have acne, it’s hard to keep your head up while listening to what everyone else has to say about your skin. Whether it’s a direct insult or an unhelpful comment, people really feel the need to say something.

For general reference, here are the thirteen worst things you can say to someone with acne.

“You Look Disgusting.”

Any critical comments about acne are always inappropriate, but to call someone disgusting based on something they can’t control is truly appalling. It’s also hurtful and cruel. Someone else’s physical appearance is not something that requires your approval or opinion. And if you’ve ever said “you look disgusting” to anyone, stick your two cents up your arse.

“Do You Even Wash Your Face?”

Mate, if I washed my face any more than I already do, I’d be exfoliating my skull.

“Have You Tried This Cleanser/This Scrub/Making Sacrifices To A Pagan God? It Worked For My Aunty Janet.”

Everyone’s skin is different, so there’s no guarantee that Aunty Janet’s cleanser will work for someone else. Also, everyone with acne has tried (or is currently trying) EVERYTHING by now. They might consider sacrificing humans after the 9887 other acne treatments on their to-do list.

“You Just Need To Stop Doing/Eating _____.”

Until my hormones take a chill pill, you just need to stop sharing your unsolicited advice, mmkay?

“Oh Wow, That’s Huge.”

That’s my skin condition you’re talking about, not a building or a mountain.

“Can I Pop It?”

No.

“Can I Actually Pop It?”

Again, no.

“Have You Considered Wearing Makeup, Just To Cover It Up A Little Bit?”

Have you considered that people with acne don’t want your opinion? Fortunately, you can cover up a zit, but you can’t cover up being an inconsiderate twat.

“You Shouldn’t Wear Makeup Because It Actually Gives You Acne.”

Fair enough, I’ll make sure that I only conceal my acne with more appropriate measures, such as balaclavas, paper bags and Ned Kelly helmets.

“You Don’t Need To Cover It Up, You’re Beautiful.”

People with acne are prone to receiving comments that basically translate to “your physical appearance still has my seal of approval”. When you tell someone with acne that they’re “still beautiful”, you haven’t permanently restored their self-esteem to 110 per cent. Don’t assume people with acne need your seal of approval or your opinion about whether they should wear makeup.

“You’ve Missed A Spot, Hahaha.”

Comedy that’s actually funny is never at the expense of someone else’s self esteem. Please don’t ever joke about something that someone can’t control.

“It’s Really Not That Bad. It Could Be Worse.”

No matter how severe it is, acne is still an incredibly isolating experience. People with acne know that things could be worse, but this does little to raise one’s spirits or make one feel like less of a pariah.

“Things Will Get Better.”

Sometimes it’s beneficial to not talk to people with acne like they’re going through a breakup or their dog has died. Acne is not a situation where it really helps to use phrases such as, “it’ll get better” or, “I can’t imagine how you’re feeling right now” or even, “you poor thing.” It’s easy to feel the need to try and give advice or positive comments, but 99 per cent of the time, such good intentions don’t do anything to really help their confidence.

Maintaining a supportive role in that person’s life is as easy as not defining them by the spots on their face (e.g. treating them like an actual human).