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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Acne at an interview

61 replies

cuno · 04/03/2022 23:42

Shamelessly making use of AIBU for the poll.

I have acne, currently I'm a care worker and no-one gives a hoot about my appearance. I don't wear makeup at all.

I'm currently applying for jobs including more professional roles. There seems to be more expectations with appearance (i.e. dressing smartly), which I don't mind. However, would interviewers be put off by my skin? As in, would they think I haven't put in the effort to look professional by not hiding my spots with makeup? Would they think I look like an absolute slattern?

YABU - if you don't wear makeup to hide your acne it looks unprofessional and untidy, interviewers will care
YANBU - it's a medical condition and has no bearing on your professionalism or looking smart, interviewers won't care

OP posts:

Yerroblemom1923 · 05/03/2022 06:38

It wouldn't bother me personally as long as you looked professional - ironed, clean clothes, shoes, clean nails, hair etc
What about getting your make up professionally done before the interview? That way you might feel more confident, don't have to buy any make up you won't be using and has got to be better than putting ood make up on your skin.

Iggly · 05/03/2022 06:41

@Yerroblemom1923

It wouldn't bother me personally as long as you looked professional - ironed, clean clothes, shoes, clean nails, hair etc What about getting your make up professionally done before the interview? That way you might feel more confident, don't have to buy any make up you won't be using and has got to be better than putting ood make up on your skin.

^this

LadyPropane · 05/03/2022 07:26

@PollyPage

It's 2023. Why do you have acne? Don't bother with soppy GPS, get one dermatology appointment, get medication and live your life. Fuck me, the NHS really is screwed. In the rest of the world this is on page 1 of the manual!

It is not 2023. Are you ok?

BadLad · 05/03/2022 07:33

I know cancel culture is out of hand, but I didn't realise it had got as far as cancelling acne by the end of this year, as Marty McFly over there is implying.

wizzend · 05/03/2022 07:52

If you haven’t had sex for years and you’re both currently happy with that in the relationship, then surely your partner would be more than happy to not have sex for another six months while you change your life with Roaccutane? It seems like catastrophic thinking to not take the tablets because you might get pregnant when you’re in a non-sexual relationship. What’s the real reason you don’t want to go on the medication? Anxiety?

Herecomesthesun2022 · 05/03/2022 07:52

I’ve RTFT. I was in roaccutane and glad I went on it. I was on contraception and I think I doubled up on the pill plus condom. Just a warning - the dryness was one thing but it also made my joints very sore and achey and my mood dangerously low. I was really quite depressed by the time I’d been on it a few months. It was worth it and I’m glad I went on it but if you do go on it please do watch your moods and be aware that if you start to feel low it’s not real, it’s just the roaccutane!

Original poster

cuno · 05/03/2022 13:01

@wizzend

It's not been years at all! I've already explained my reasoning.

OP posts:

PatchworkElmer · 05/03/2022 13:10

I know this isn’t what you’re asking OP, but I just wanted to add another opinion of isotretinoin. I’m on it currently- it has changed my life. Only side effect I’ve had is dry lips, and I do have a history of MH problems so I was very aware of keeping an eye out for relapses or mood changes. I really would have another talk with your dermatologist- it is highly, highly unlikely that you would get pregnant using 2 forms of contraception.

noscoobydoodle · 05/03/2022 13:21

I'm a professional (think doctor, lawyer, accountant type) and interview a fair amount. I never wear makeup (i am female) and would never be put off/bothered by someone's skin- whether they have acne or whether they have makeup on to cover acne (or personal preference). If you are smartly dressed and neat and tidy that would tick the boxes for me- I'm really focussed on experience, skills and suitability for the role when interviewing. Please don't let this put you off furthering your career.

nameisnotimportant · 05/03/2022 13:58

I would notice it, the same as I notice if someone has good or bad teeth but I wouldn't dwell on it and it wouldn't influence my decision on wether to hire you or not. I think it's best to do what makes you feel most confident. I would also make sure you don't touch it during the interview, your more likely to do this when your self conscious about something on your face but it just ends up bringing more attention to it.
I think it's most important to wear smart, clean clothes, have clean hands and nails and have some good questions to ask at the end that shows you have done your research on the company.

Fluffycloudland77 · 05/03/2022 14:17

I took isotretonoin. I had dry lips & I had one night of back ache I took paracetamol for. I used nipple cream for lip balm regularly.

I had one blood test after the first month and a monthly pg test.

Do be aware that around 40 your hormones will change and the acne can get much worse at that point. I had about 30 cysts when I went.

I'd turned it down at 30 due to wanting children and when I took it at 41 they'd scarred me, I have one ice pick scar and a red scar by it that azaelic acid 20%, hydroquinone and tretonoin have all failed on. Older skin scars. If I live to a 100 I think that bastard red dot will still be there waving at me.

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