Everyone goes through a spotty puberty stage when they’re young – but how would you feel if your teenage skin problems stuck around for a whole decade? We spoke to 21-year-old Ebony Colledge about her journey overcoming acne, and how she’s now helping other sufferers get on the road to clear skin.

“I first started to suffer from acne when I was 11. The process happened gradually, I noticed a couple of spots here and there for a few weeks, but then it really escalated and my skin got so much worse. Acne runs in my family, both my uncle and my mam went though skin problems too when they were young, but I suffered a lot more than them, my acne spread all down my back and over my neck and face, during the worst phase it was even in my hairline and partially in my scalp.

“Because my acne first flared up whilst I was at secondary school I found I didn’t have a lot of confidence at all. Boys in the year above used to bully me on the bus or at dinnertime in front of everyone in my year, which was humiliating and really upsetting. As I got older my skin got even worse and I hated even walk downstairs in my own home without makeup, as my brother and sister were only young at the time and always asked what I had on my face.

Ebony’s skin before (top left), during (bottom left), and after (right) treatment.

“Doctors always told me it would eventually go away after puberty, but if anything it only got worse and the spots got bigger and horribly sore. I went through every acne tablet the doctors can prescribe and my last resort was a drug called Accutane. Accutane includes Vitamin A, and it was explained to me that it works by cutting off the amount of excess oils released by glands.

“I then got transferred to a dermatologist, where they assessed my skin and finally gave me the treatment. Once I was prescribed to Accutane, it was the beginning of a very, very long and painful 6 months. My skin became incredibly dry and I would get a nose bleed at least once a day. My lips cracked so much that they would bleed, it was agonising.

“I was only meant to have the treatment for 3 months but because of the severity of my acne I had to do a double course to clear it all out of my system. My emotions were everywhere whilst on this treatment, and although it was a horrible to go through at the time, I now realise it has probably been the best thing I ever did for myself. Being acne free has given me so much more confidence, not even to just go without makeup but actually to wear makeup and feel proud. I can experiment with products now and not have the lumps and bumps of spots underneath my foundation. Makeup goes on so much better now too! I feel like a different person.

“I don’t think people understand how hard it can be going through adult acne, your self esteem totally hits rock bottom.

“You always feel like people are looking at you for the wrong reasons. I make sure I do a specific skincare regime now to keep on top of my skin incase of any breakouts, which now only happen when I’m stressed or under pressure. I use Liz Earle’s Hot Cloth Cleanser (£15.50) and Hydration Mask (£15) as much as I can to help keep my pores unclogged, especially after the gym. I also use The Body Shop’s Aloe Vera Moisturiser (£12) before bed and after the shower. I still have quite dry skin so I just make sure it’s cleaned properly and hydrated with face masks and micellar water.

The Acctuane treatment had vicious side effects, such as making Ebony’s arms blister.

“Without sounding cheesy, my life is so much better now I’ve overcome acne as I don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed about my skin anymore. I can now go to the gym makeup free and not have to worry about whether people are staring at me. For anyone going through the same skincare issues that I did, I would highly recommend Accutane and I’d especially encourage people with sensitive skin to use the Body Shop’s Aloe Vera Moisturiser (£12) and Elizabeth Arden’s 8 Hour Lip Repair (£20), they were life savers 🏽for me.”

Ebony’s skin now.