I started struggling with acne when I was 14. My bad skin really lowered my self-esteem. Because I was so young, I did not understand what was wrong with my skin. I needed something to feel better about myself.  When I was 15, my older sister bought me makeup — cheap, beginner-friendly produc ts from brands like e.l.f and ColourPop. That gift was the beginning of my makeup journey.  Makeup for me and many other young women is a tool to build confidence, creativity and self-expression. Nearly 74% of women who were polled for a YouGov study reported wearing makeup, and 49% of the women surveyed said makeup boosted confidence.  For teenagers struggling with acne, as I was, makeup can provide a sense of control over how we present ourselves. I spent hours experimenting with different foundations and concealers. I used eyeshadow so heavily that it sometimes made me look like I had a black eye, and my eyeliner was often so messy that I ended up looking like a metal rock star. Some products made my skin break out, others clashed with my skin tone, and many of my early attempts were complete failures. But each misstep taught me more about what worked on my face. Over time, I discovered how to use products the right way. My friend Haileigh helped by reminding me that makeup was not about hiding my flaws; it was about highlighting the best features. However, there is a deeper side to makeup, and it’s the psychological benefits of it and how real those benefits are to people. “Use of makeup may contribute …  to a lower prevalence of mild depression,” said researchers in a 2023 study of 2,400 Brazilian women. Sophia Martin Makeup does not just change how others see us; it changes how we see ourselves. It may seem to others as if I am wearing makeup to impress people, especially men. But I am wearing it for me — to feel happy, not to tear my ego apart because of my skin. Critics argue that makeup is superficial and that young people should learn to accept their natural appearance. But according to the American Academy of Dermatology,  acne affects up to 50 million Americans. Acne has significant impacts on mental health, including depression and social anxiety, according to research. A study of 3,775 18-year-olds found that “girls and boys with acne had significantly more depressive symptoms, lower self-attitude, more feelings of uselessness, fewer feelings of pride, lower self-worth, and lower body satisfaction than those without acne.”   Makeup does not replace self-love; it is a coping tool that can help people navigate the social pressures of adolescence and adulthood. In my case, makeup allowed me to experiment, fail and succeed in a space that felt safe. It became a form of self-care, a ritual that made me feel in control when so much about adolescence felt overwhelming. It also inspired me to learn more about skin care, health and personal wellness, which has had lasting benefits beyond the mirror.  If there is a takeaway from my story, it is this: Confidence does not always come from going all natural, and self-esteem is not a one-size-fits-all journey. For me, it was the e.l.f. foundation and concealer and ColourPop’s Nude Mood eyeshadow palette from my sister that unlocked my love for makeup and the confidence it brings.  We should stop dismissing makeup as pointless and unnecessary. We should start recognizing its potential to build self-esteem in teens, especially when they are fighting battles that are not visible to the naked eye. If I wasn’t so vocal about my struggles with acne, then people would never know why I use makeup. They might assume I just do it for fun. It is indeed fun to wake up every morning and slap on a full face of makeup, but it also makes me feel great. Do I wish I had clear skin? Absolutely, but my bad skin helped me find what I love. Makeup is my best friend. Sophia Martin is a junior studying strategic communications at Central Connecticut State University. ...read more read less