Most of these did not cause me any major physical pain except when I accidentally scratched them. However, the skin tag on my chest would every so often cause me internal chest pains. After experiencing that, I decided to remove it medically. It hurt. However, I would say it was worth it as it gave me relief from pain and gained back my confidence. On the other hand, the skin tag on my neck had naturally disappeared. But as of this day, I refuse to medically remove the one on my elbow due to the pain I experienced then.

After researching further about skin tags, I realized that I should not have been insecure about them. I used to ponder that people might think I did not take care of myself, resulting in me having those skin tags. But having known that it just naturally appears from the folds of the skin, I realize that I should not have been so hard on myself.

Every time there was a family reunion or a relative or a family friend saw me, they would often point out the discoloration on my neck. Moreover, at a young age, it has become my biggest insecurity ever since. I recall scrubbing my neck while showering intensely, hoping the dark area would be the same tone as the rest of my body. Whenever I leave the house, I always put a lot of baby powder to conceal the dark area of my neck so other people will not notice it. Growing up, I also hated putting my hair up because I used my hair to cover the dark areas of my neck. Besides the things I used to do to hide it, I also used a rejuvenating product when I was young, and my mom was unaware of it. Desperate to remove the dark area, I used a high-level chemical that may have negative effects on my skin.

This condition took a significant toll on my self-confidence. However, as time passed, that dark area of my neck returned to its natural skin tone, which boosted my self-confidence. This condition taught me that what others think and say about you will affect your confidence. Developing an insecurity at a young age should not be normalized. As young adults, we should be mindful of what we say that may affect one’s confidence. We should always remember the 10-second rule: never address anything that cannot be changed in 10 seconds (especially in one’s physical appearance).

Before the accident, I make sure that I take care of my skin. I have a routine of moisturizing, applying sunscreen, and the usual focus on keeping it clear and healthy. But this scar is a new awareness for me. At first, I was conscious of it, feeling like it was all anyone could see. I worried about how it might affect my appearance and how people would look and think what was the reason behind my scar.

However, I began to accept it as a part of me. The scar is still visible, a reminder of the accident. I’ve started to look at it differently. Instead of something I need to hide, it becomes a reminder of that experience.

Caring for my skin around the scar has become more intentional too. I’ve learned to be patient as it fades and use products that help with the healing process, like scar creams and hydra gel that helps my scar to lighten and smoothen. The experience has made me more appreciative of my body and I now see this scar as something that makes my skin unique.

My chicken skin has been one of my biggest insecurities since I was a kid. This started around 5-6 years old to the point that as I grew I started to get conscious and I don’t like wearing sleeveless and I always wear my jacket or cardigan just to cover it up because people around me are asking “what’s that tiny bumps?”. My condition makes me hurt when my chicken skin is itchy. I scratch them intensively to the point they bleed. 

That's why my family brought me to Dermatologist for my skin to be checked and over the time now that I'm older my chicken skin has lessened compared to when I was a kid. I know how to manage my chicken skin by exfoliating and keeping it moisturized. In reality hating my skin so much wasn’t ever going to make my chicken skin disappear… It did nothing but to worsen my feelings about it. My point of view about my skin might totally change if I begin to accept it for what it is. Genuine self-acceptance and love start from within. 

Initially, they may be red, purple, or dark brown, but over time, they typically fade to a lighter color and become less noticeable. It's entirely normal for stretch marks to occur. They are a common skin condition experienced by many people, regardless of age, gender, or body type.

Growing up, stretch marks were a source of insecurity for me. As I went through puberty, my body changed rapidly, and those marks appeared on my hips, arms, thighs, and abdomen. I couldn’t help comparing myself to others.

At first, I tried to hide them, covering up and avoiding certain clothes. I worried that others would judge me or tell me "Para ka ng nanganak sa tyan mo."

But as I grew older, I began to understand that these marks were a normal part of growing and changing. They were not flaws but rather signs of my body adapting and evolving.

Over time, I came to embrace my stretch marks as part of my personal story. Each mark represents a chapter of growth, whether it was the rapid changes of adolescence or the physical transformations of adulthood. They remind me of how my body has grown and strengthened over every phase of my life.

Lastly a friendly reminder for Everyone :) that stretch marks are completely normal and part of many people's lives. They signify growth and change, not flaws. Be kind to yourself and remember that everyone’s skin tells a unique story. You’re beautiful just as you are, and your marks are indications of your strength and growth. :))

Despite consulting three different dermatologists, none of their prescribed medications helped me cure my condition. Amid the ongoing pandemic in the Philippines, my stress levels increased when my relatives informed me that I might be showing symptoms of COVID-19 or cancer and advised me to isolate. As a result of this situation, I had frequent panic attacks and anxiety.

Additionally, as my condition became more visible, I received a lot of hurtful comments from my relatives. I recall that during this period, I would always wore a cap and long-sleeved tops to hide the sudden hair loss and irritated skin. I would always view myself as someone who is weird and dirty. I often cry to my mother and ask for assurance, hoping this disease will heal and disappear. Living with atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis affected my confidence, and mood. I was scared and conscious on how people would perceive me which limits my social engagement.

Fortunately, as time goes by, it faded away naturally. However, this year, 2024, it is occurring again. Regardless of this two conditions recurring, my experience with these conditions has also led me to learning valuable lessons in life. I learned that rather than perceiving my flaws, I should focus on embracing it. These conditions are a testament of me becoming resilient, strong, having morale, and made me realized that my insecurities makes me unique.

As time passed, I integrated mindfulness, non-irritating products and gentle practices into my routine. It wasn't an overnight transformation, but gradually, it helped my skin as well as my self-esteem.

Finding confidence in my skin took time. It meant learning to embrace imperfections and understand that my value wasn’t defined by my appearance.

The journey wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience and self-acceptance. Today, while I still deal with the occasional breakout, I approach my skin with a sense of peace and self-assurance, knowing that true confidence comes from within.

The picture below shows the scar on my right arm from 2019 (Grade 6). The story behind that is my friend and I had talked about this  topic, which I do not quite remember since it has been six years. However, I do remember that she pinched me with her nails at some point, and it got bleed. She apologized, and until Grade 9, we remained good friends up until. We lost our connection through time and drifted apart, but we're connected on social media. The mark became a scar through time, and whenever people notice it and asked what happened, I just laughed as I remember the story behind it. As the time goes by, I never felt insecure about it since I see it as part of my uniqueness as a person.

I think when I was in grade 6 or 5, both of my arms had this one, and it's itchy. At first I thought it triggered when eating chicken because, like everyday I always eat chicken, especially the skin, but it's not. And until now it has been in my arms.

But during the mid pandemic I tried the product out of curiosity, the product “Bonne Spa Milk Salt” and put some flower oils, but based on my observation it also triggered my skin and made it worse because the chicken increased, so I stopped immediately and it disappeared. 

And now I only use lotion to moisturize my skin and its lessen. 

In grade 6, my scalp and ears began to become flaky. That time I was also diagnosed with eczema. The doctor recommended ointments and shampoo; however these medications did not work either. After this I began to try different products such as baby shampoo and Physiogel.

During pandemic, I had some physical activities that caused rashes on my body, such as running, playing badminton and activities that led to sweating. At that time, the only physical activity that kept me active was swimming, because this activity not only allowed me to enjoy but also helped me to keep my skin in its normal state.

In Grade 11, when I began commuting, my skin asthma came back. I’m well aware that I’m allergic with my own sweat, which causes my acne and rashes.

Currently, I’m experiencing skin rashes, eczema and flaky scalp again, and I currently take cetirizine at least once a day.

Due to these conditions, I became more cautious about my skin. I also became insecure because of it. I tried different skincare products and procedure, however I realized that it’s seasonal. The only time that my skin can manage it well is around November to February because during these months, the air here in the Philippines is not too humid, and I can go anywhere freely without being concerned about my condition.

In 2018, I got my first period, and that was also when my body started to change-l would gain weight, then lose it, and then it would happen again.

Whenever I got my period, I would scratch the area around my lower abdomen or stomach, which caused me to develop stretch marks.

Whenever I go swimming or wear crop tops or short clothes that show my belly, I feel embarrassed. My stretch marks have become one of my insecurities.

My aunts and female cousins often ask why I have stretch marks, saying I look like l've been pregnant.

Because of this, my mom bought me a cream for stretch marks, and little by little, they're starting to fade. This has helped boost my confidence.

But as time went by, I could slowly feel more and more okay about removing my mask and started to think more positively about how I look and not acting like the scars make me look like a lesser version of myself. Other than that, I started to use skin care products to try and make it look better and avoid having it again in the future.

Back when I was a child, I often get mosquito bites as if my blood was their favorite. And I can’t bear not to scratch it, because I get stressed whenever I feel the itchiness. Moreover, there was once a time that I scratched it continuously and then later on it became watery and painful. Days have passed, and I still scratch its surrounding skin, it became dark like the 2nd photo above. That mark became impossible to remove which lead to people noticing it and eventually it became a part of my insecurities. 

Normally, I avoid wearing shorts and I often wear long pants just to cover it. Because of this, my mother and I went to consult a doctor specified to my skin condition and the doctor said that I should moisturize my skin more often since the dryness of my skin contributes to being more prone to spreading dark permanent marks. In the present times, I still have dark circle marks around my legs and arms and it still affects my confidence up until now. But, instead of thinking of it as part of my insecurities, I chose to focus on how will I prevent it from spreading by moisturizing my skin daily and by practicing how will I avoid scratching it.

By the time school ended at 3:30 PM, I was feeling exhausted, so I went home and took a nap, hoping it was just fatigue. But at 4 AM, I woke up crying because the rashes had spread all over my body. I messaged my mom, telling her, “Mom, I’ve got rashes everywhere! What should I do?” Since it was so early, I didn’t expect her to reply right away, so I went back to sleep.

When I woke up at 9 AM, the itching got worse. I thought it might be because of the heat, since it was already hot in the Philippines at 9AM. My sweat seemed to be making the rashes worse. I called my mom again, and she told me to take a quick shower and observe my skin. I did, but by noon, there was no improvement. My mom started to panic when she saw how red my face had become, so she called her friend who was a doctor, Dra. Daguno, for a video consultation. After our talk, the doctor prescribed some medicines. My sister took care of me while my brother went out to buy the medicines. Another brother asked around the neighborhood for a blood pressure checker because I was feeling weak, and when they checked, my blood pressure was quite low. At some point, I started having trouble breathing. My bestfriends suggested I go to the ER, but I was too scared of wasting money on myself. Eventually, my brother brought the medicine home, I took it and then rested.

As the days passed, my skin slowly improved with the help of the medicines I was taking. I also made sure to take warm baths to soothe the irritation, and I consistently followed the medication schedule prescribed by the doctor. It took about four days for my skin to return to normal, but during that time, the itching was unbearable. I couldn’t sleep without the medicine, and one of the medications, cetirizine, not only helped with the itching but also made it easier for me to sleep.

Throughout that stressful week, I am thankful to my bestfriends, especially to Allison and Chelsea, who were very concerned and kept urging me to go to the ER. I’m also incredibly grateful to my ate, kuyas, and my mommy, for helping me through this, even though it was late in the day. They took care of me and checked on me every day. — i feel so special !! I really hope that event never happens again. It’s difficult when you’re sick and your parents are miles away from you.

As I reached adolescence, my body changed, and so did my skin. It developed acne and bumps that weren't cured with just a simple soap. I visited a doctor once for a checkup, and they diagnosed me with severe skin asthma and keratosis pilaris. They said it reacted to heat, smoke, food, and other factors.

Hearing this from the doctor, I felt uneasy, trying to process it all. They also mentioned that it could be inherited, and my parents confirmed they had experienced similar issues when they were young. This shook me. The skin I had once been so confident in became a source of insecurity.

After this, I often wore a jacket to hide my skin when it was breaking out. I tried various skincare products, but they didn't work either. I always tried to cover it up as much as possible, and a friend once asked, "Hanz, why do you always wear a jacket?" I told her about my skin condition and admitted that I was insecure about it.

While she listened, I could sense her concern. She worried that I might carry this insecurity into adulthood. She reassured me that it was okay and that everyone has insecurities. She advised me to find ways to overcome them.

I now frequently wear jackets, but I can also confidently wear tank tops and shirts.

I've grown to love my skin. Insecurity is inevitable, so it's important to find ways to overcome it.

My battle with acne started when I was in grade 10 and it was very hard to manage the pimple marks that resulted. At first, I got non-stop pimples that took many months to heal. After they had left, I faced difficulties with the treatments aimed at removing the scars that I had been left with.

Despite all the medical doctors I have turned to, not one of them has been able to get rid of my marks. I followed their advice and bought all the prescribed medicines, but they were either not helpful or too strong for my skin, so I stopped using them. I was often teased for my looks during this time, which had a big influence on my self-esteem and I was almost always in makeup to hide my scars. Due to the fact that it was on my face, it was my main concern.

However, I have recently discovered a set of products that have significantly improved my condition. These products have been effective in lightening the scars and preventing new breakouts. They have been a game-changer for me, restoring my confidence and showing visible improvements on my skin. I can now attend school without wearing makeup, which has helped restore the self-confidence I lost two years ago.

At first, I barely noticed the changes. My energy slowed down, and my routine seemed to have vanished into the background of each passing day. Then realized there was no reason to go out anymore. It’s unsafe to go out and even if i could i had no one to go with. Added that it was mentally draining, i mean nobody prepares you for a global pandemic so you just assume that isolations would be just fine like always. My only friend was the pile of school works i had to do and the food i get to enjoy because “ I deserved it”. This routine of eating when i had nothing else to do and sitting back down to do school works affected me physically and mentally. I told myself it was just temporary—that when the world returned to normal, so would I. But the world didn’t return to normal or at least within the 3 years it felt that way . And so slowly, neither did I felt normal.

Months went by, and one morning, as I stepped out of the shower, I caught a glimpse of red streaky lines across my arms and my hips. They were in fact stretch marks. At first, I recoiled in shock. This wasn’t supposed to happen to me, not someone who had always tried to stay on top of things. I ran my fingers over the marks, feeling the texture of the skin and quickly searching for ways to get rid of them. They were permanent.

I just sat for a good minute, just staring at them. The stretch marks weren’t just about weight gain to me. They were a physical reminder of the emotional toll the pandemic had taken. The isolation, the anxiety, the sleepless nights, the constant uncertainty. My body had carried it all, and now it was showing the signs.

I went through a period of frustration, even shame, at first. I wore loose clothing, avoided mirrors, and refused to acknowledge the changes. But the more I tried to ignore them, the more they seemed to demand my attention.

One day, I caught myself really thinking about wanting a change in my lifestyle. How i needed to bring back my school routine again and how my JHS years are coming to an end soon so I clearly needed to start making plans for the future. With careful discussion with my parents I successfully moved into manila and studied in CEIS. I knew how hard transferring to a new school was but I also knew my mind, body and soul needed the change.

Fast forward to present day, going to school everyday, having extracurriculars, controlling the way i ate has helped lose 80% of my stretch marks away, i guess they weren’t so permanent after all.

It truly taught me valuable lessons on the ever changing body. On how normal it is to have drastic changes in our bodies and how it is also great indicator for change. It showed me to just accept and move forward even if the journey isn’t comfortable. It was ok to show signs of wear and that change wont come instantly.

My stretch marks were a sign of my resilience during that tough time in my life, while its remnants are now a sign of my perseverance. They were a reminder of when the world went still, and me choosing to move forward carrying them with me.

I’ve had this bald spot since I was 3 years old. The story behind it is that my aunt was carrying me when she lost her balance, causing me to hit my head on the edge of a chair. I was immediately rushed to the hospital by my grandpa, and on the way, my grandmother slapped me multiple times because I kept saying I was sleepy and wanted to take a nap. The doctors later told us that if I had arrived at the hospital just 15 minutes later, I could have died from severe blood loss or the impact to my head. 

Because of this, I was insecure during my childhood. I was often bullied and had to apply black paint to the spot so it wouldn’t be noticeable up close. Back then, I always got side-part haircuts with a low fade to conceal the bald spot.

There were times I hated my aunt for her mistake. I would lash out with harsh words and even punch her because I was so angry. But eventually, I realized it wasn’t her fault, she never intended to drop me. It was an accident. She always loved me, so why would she do it on purpose, right? 

Years passed, and by the time I reached my 4th year in high school, I was still insecure about my bald spot, hiding it from my peers. But one day, something clicked inside me. I suddenly realized that after all those years of hiding and feeling insecure, I was holding myself back from embracing my flaws. I came to understand that everyone has flaws, and these flaws make us unique. 

I began to love my bald spot not just because I realized how harsh I had been on myself, but because I was lucky to be alive. God had given me a second chance. My bald spot became a symbol of survival, reminding me of the kid I used to be shy and insecure. Now, whenever I meet new friends, I always tell them the story of how I almost died, and they’re amazed.

Nowadays, I fully embrace my bald spot, and I even joke about it on how it resembles a coin slot or a card slide. My bald spot is the place where God gave me a second chance to live, and it’s a lifelong reminder to accept myself. No matter how hard it is, we need to face our flaws head on. Misfortunes happen in life, but it’s up to us on how we deal with them. 

In my case, I accepted my flaws and learned to love myself, which helped me regain my confidence. I even started experimenting with different haircuts. Having flaws doesn’t mean you’re different from others; it makes you unique in your own way!

While walking, my arms are folded most of the time so that no one would notice my dark elbows. I look at other people with smooth, even-toned elbows. I wished that I could have the same. Many noticed my dark elbows as I walked, and this really made me insecure. I thought it's a flaw that I, no matter how hard I tried, couldn't hide, despite my dark elbows. It was not only an insecure and vulnerable place to be within my physical reach, but it also had an affect on my appearance and confidence. 

Over time, I came to accept my dark elbows as a part of me. Flaws make us unique and beautiful in their own shape, size, and color. Despite all the happenings in my life over my dark elbows, I have come to embrace them as my own story. Insecurity now no longer has an influence over me; it is something that I know I have to use as strength to love and appreciate myself just the way I am.

During the summer break in 2024, when I was bickering with my sister, I accidentally lightly elbowed her in the arm, and she suddenly faced me with a horrified expression and loudly asked in surprise, "What was that sharp thing?!" After her question, I quickly put both of my hands over my elbows as a defensive and insecure instinct. After I did that, she chuckled straight at my face, and even though we had shared so many memories since we were kids, I felt incredibly embarrassed. That moment has remained in my mind as it is a miserable memory for me.

Ever since that incident, I decided to overcome my embarrassment by treating my elbows with special care, such as using niacinamide products and cocoa butter as moisturizer. It's been a challenging routine, especially when I feel lazy or pressured by time, like when I'm getting ready for school or going out. Still, I make sure to stick with it so I don't have to face the fear of someone pointing out one of my skin insecurities again. My skin's elbows aren't entirely healed yet, but they've improved significantly since I started caring for them, which has given me a slight boost of confidence. Although I consider my condition an insecurity, I also see it as a blessing in disguise. Despite feeling insecure about it, I also appreciate having this dry skin because touching it calms me when I'm angry or stressed, making me value this particular feature of my skin.

Because of that incident, I've passionately learned the importance of caring for my skin, as it can affect my confidence and how I live. I also realized that criticism is not always an insult but an opportunity for growth. That's why I decided to embrace that experience and let that memory become a valuable lesson in my journey.

As I’ve gotten older, my skincare routine has become more important. It’s pretty simple I start with a facial wash, followed by moisturizer, and I always finish with sunblock. Over the years, I’ve learned how vital it is to take care of my skin, especially when it comes to protecting it from the sun. It’s a daily act of self-care that has become second nature, helping me maintain healthy skin while still honoring the marks and mementos life has left on me. Together, these marks my birthmark, scars, and mole tell a story of adventure, care, and a life lived with movement and growth. They’re a part of me, just as much as the daily rituals I’ve adopted to care for my skin and myself.

certainly is connected to my skin allergies.

Growing up, with this allergy my skin become more and more sensitive with things. I really had to be careful when I eat eggs and fishy foods because there was no warning before it appears. Sometimes, it appeared in the middle of my class that resulted for me to go home early. It didn’t always reacts fast, It always just appear suddenly that always makes it hard for me. I always have to stay in a cold area whenever I experience this because if I was in a hot area it is really painful and uncomfortable. That’s why I always made sure not to eat eggs or fishy things for a consecutive days but sometimes I do forget it. That’s why I always needed Cetirizine with me.

My skin has become more sensible over the years. When just a poke, can leave a bright mark. A slap mark can be hard to remove. Everything that slightly hits always left a marked on me.  That’s why I always get a little angry when someone hits me. Because it’s always hard to hide. Even if it was gentle, it’ll always leave a red mark.

Over the years, I’ve learned to always have a medicine with me and take care of myself more. I have other skin problems but this is what I can share. The lesson is, know what you’re skin allergies to avoid any discomfort. Because it was really uncomfortable for me.

Thank you for listening and understanding.