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Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States: About 80 percent of people between the ages of 11 and 30 experience it, and for some it persists throughout their lives, the FDA reports. That said, diagnosing the root cause of external outbreaks isn't always easy, nor the fix as simple as a new skin-care routine or a slight shift in diet. For Keke Palmer, acne is a symptom of Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal imbalance that has been with her for years, but which she only recently received a diagnosis for. The actress took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a series of makeup-free selfies (save for sky-reaching lashes) accompanied by an honest and empowering description of her health journey.
After attempting to remedy her skin in every way she knew how—including two stints with Accutane—and being routinely dismissed as healthy, Palmer began her doing her own research, which allowed her to work with a doctor to discover that she has been living with PCOS. The imbalance affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age, and can lead to infertility, cysts, changes in weight, and acne. “The least harmful thing PCOS can bring is acne,” says Palmer, who went on to offer a message of hope to those dealing with the emotional fallout of unresolved skin and health issues. “To all the people struggling with this please know you’re not alone and that you are still so fucking fine! MY ACNE AINT NEVER STOPPED ME. But we don’t have accept this. Now I can really help KEKE! And I love her so it’s ON.” The takeaway? When it comes to your well-being, vigilance and self-advocacy are two of the best beauty tools available.