

Keke Palmer Gets Real About ‘Feeling Completely Insecure’ About Her Acne
My relationship with my skin may possibly be the most high-maintenance one in my life.
No matter how much money I spend, how many hours I put in, or how many methods I try, my face refuses to reciprocate the love and energy that I give it every day. Between my peek-a-boo eczema and frequent breakouts, it's clear that my skin isn't always my friend. Keke Palmer can totally relate to those of us in the sensitive skin struggle.
For the past few months, Keke has been booked, busy, and in her bag, but last week in a candid Instagram post, the talk show host revealed that money doesn't make you immune to having bad days. Keke, who began her battle with acne as an adolescent, wrote:
"This is a happy picture of me and my loved ones. I'm trying to channel the energy I had in this photo because I woke up this morning in the worst spirit you guys, all because of my skin... It's like you can try everything (which I have) and still nothing works. Every time I think my skin is on the up and up I turn around and I'm broken out even worse than before. Scarred up and wondering which products I have to throw out if not ALL."
Same, sis. Same.
We can always count on Keke to be the relatable queen we didn't know we needed, and this post on Instagram was no exception. We all know how it feels when we don't feel our best self, which eventually makes us grumpy, which eventually makes your loved ones try to make you feel better. But the thing is, nobody can make you feel anything. You gotta do that on your own (and in your own time), playa. Keke explained:
"Feeling completely insecure which in turn makes you irritable and just self-conscious for the smallest reasons. I just thought to share because I know I'm not alone and people always try to cheer you up or say you look beautiful which makes it worse because that's not how YOU FEEL. Then you feel bad about feeling bad smh. But, I think it's okay to feel those things and to let yourself be for a minute. I'm only human and every day I'm gonna roll with the punches but some days I will get the air knocked out of me. Gonna keep going though! Cause that's how I was built."
In layman's terms, sis had a moment, but she's back now. Along with seeing an aesthetician and facialist regularly, Keke says that charcoal masks do a good job of getting her acne under control when it wants to play. In a previous interview, Keke said that while face-steaming may be a skincare hack she highly recommends, understanding that you have control over how you feel is the best weapon you have against the acne formed against you:
"Now, I do whatever it takes to make myself feel better, whether that means not wearing any makeup, not hiding my acne scars, or changing my hair. Realizing that I have power over myself and my confidence felt like a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders."
If you're struggling with finding a skincare routine your face loves, check out these cult favorites that are made especially for people with acne-prone skin!
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Featured image by Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com
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Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
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Over 40 million Americans have an anxiety disorder. However, what if I told you that everyone on the planet experiences situational anxiety - feelings of anxiousness when exposed to certain situations - and this isn't a diagnosis but rather a part of everyday life?
Given the prevalence of anxiety, it's quite possible that symptoms of anxiety will arise not just during the dating phase but even in the relationship phase, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of because it’s simply an effect of being human. Although it's normal to feel anxious, it's important to remember that leaving anxiety untreated can have detrimental side effects that impact our daily lives.
Anxiety is a common issue many people face, which can significantly impact romantic relationships. Here are several ways that anxiety can show up in romantic relationships and what you can do about them:
1. Overthinking
The anxious brain can feel difficult to manage. People with anxiety tend to overthink situations, causing them to become anxious and worried about things that may not be a big deal. This can lead to arguments and misunderstandings in a relationship, as the anxious partner may worry about things that the other partner does not find concerning. Challenging irrational thoughts and having conversations about those that feel rational is important. Often, the quick fix to feeling anxious in a relationship is communication.
2. Need for Reassurance
Individuals with anxiety may need constant reassurance from their partner, which can be draining for the other partner. It is important for the anxious partner to work on building their own self-confidence and trust in their partner.
3. Fear of Abandonment
Anxious attachment, much? People with anxiety may have a fear of abandonment, causing them to become clingy or too dependent on their partner. This can be difficult for the other partner, who may feel smothered or unable to have their own space. It is important for the anxious partner to learn how to manage their fear of abandonment and trust in their partner's commitment to the relationship.
Going to therapy is often the first step to healing your abandonment wound because it’s much deeper than your partner’s actions, and if you don’t get to the root of the problem, you will continue to watch the problem grow.
4. Avoidance
Individuals with anxiety may avoid situations or conversations that make them feel anxious or uncomfortable, leading to a lack of communication and intimacy in the relationship. If you want to build a safe and secure relationship, you have to be an active participant in your relationship. Do things like couple experiences or card games to enhance emotional intimacy and build a safe relationship you don’t want to run away from.
5. Control
Anxiety can lead to a need for control, manifesting in a relationship as controlling behavior. This behavior can come from jealousy and other issues, and it can become destructive and damaging to both partners. It is important for the anxious partner to manage their anxiety and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Remember, being in a relationship does not mean you own your partner. Control is a personal issue that your partner cannot fix for you.
Trying to rob them of their autonomy will cause friction and lead to relationship dissatisfaction based on your inability to be a secure partner. Get the help you need by working through your fear of letting go and discerning where your controlling behavior stems from.
6. Perfectionism
People with anxiety may have a tendency towards perfectionism, leading to unrealistic expectations and pressure in the relationship. It is important for the anxious partner to learn how to manage their anxiety and develop a more realistic and compassionate view of themselves and their partner.
Anxiety can have a significant impact on romantic relationships. It is important for both partners to work together to manage anxiety, develop healthy coping mechanisms, communicate effectively, and trust each other. However, it is also important to do the inner work, as anxiety can be an internal issue that your partner cannot fix for you.
If you want to build a healthy relationship, you must contribute to it by engaging in healthy behaviors.
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