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Julianne Hough: Battling Acne Was ‘Horrible’

10/19/2011 at 10:30 AM ET

Julianne HoughSlaven Vlasic/Getty

She’s the fresh-faced beauty of Footloose and Dancing with the Stars, but Julianne Hough wasn’t always so comfortable in her own skin. The Proactiv spokeswoman tells the Beauty Bean that dealing with acne while rising to fame was “horrible.”

“You try to tell yourself that you’re fine and it’s all good — and you really should be fine — but it definitely affects you,” she shares. “You want to do what you can to make you feel good.”

Now pimple-free, the dancer-singer-actress says she feels most beautiful when she’s around her family and friends. “There’s just a certain glow you have when you’re with your loved ones,” she explains. Though getting prettified can be fun, too. “I love to get glammed up and feel that my hair looks great, and my skin looks good and when my legs are shaved and I’m wearing high heels,” she admits.

A seasoned pro at hair and makeup, the starlet says she’d tell her younger self to cut back on the eye shadows and lipsticks. “Less is always more,” she proclaims. “Don’t try to be too matchy-matchy — I was always matchy-matchy.”

So these days, Hough says she turns to “women who are so comfortable in their skin” and don’t wear a lot of makeup — like Julia Roberts — for beauty inspiration. “You can just see how happy and fresh and beautiful they are from within,” she explains.

And she finds that feeling gorgeous is internal for her, as well. “I think that how you were raised, no matter what size, what color hair, anything — it comes from within and if you’re confident on the outside and have a great personality and really love who you are internally, then that’s what’s beautiful.”

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Showing 88 comments

Tessa on

Julianne you are beautiful inside and out. Thank you for this message. My 3.5 year old daughter loves you! Keep being you! Your talent and kindness is very appreciated.

lucia on

who cares?

cannat on

So fitting that this headline “Julianne Hough: Battling Acne Was ‘Horrible’” is right above “Christina Applegate Offers Giuliana Rancic Support After Breast Cancer Diagnosis”. Ought to put things in perspective.

Wendy on

Lucia…why so mean ? You jerk !

meghan on

Do you know what’s horrible to battle? Cancer. Get some perspective, princess.

KatyKatz on

Unless you’ve had to deal with serious acne issues, and I am not talking about a pimple here and there, Im talking the kind where kids call you pizza face or crater face, its deeply emotional and very distressing. Good for her in that she was able to overcome the trama that severe acne can cause.

Cat on

I agree that acne isn’t in the same league as cancer or other major illnesses. However, having had cystic acne as a teen and adult and backne, which was really bad, it can be really difficult for a teenager. Teens can be so self-conscious anyway and acne doesn’t help. I am so glad they have more treatments today than they did when I was a teen. My prayers for anyone dealing with serious illnesses.

Dee on

Nice advert People. Must have been horrible cashing the check from Proactive too?

Ganan on

Who is this person??? I never heard of her.

brian on

lucia cares,,or she wouldnt be reading it

seaghda on

Having battled acne for 26 years now, I can tell you that it affects those with it more significantly than those who only have the occasional breakout realize. It becomes hard to look in a mirror, even harder to get close to someone because of the shame, and completely depressing after years of failed attempts at clearing it. The misconceptions and misinformation that are thrown at you by people who think they know the solution to your problem (just wash your face more, use zit cream, stop eating chocolate/drinking soda, etc.) become almost unbearable to hear after years. Is it cancer? No. It won’t physically kill you; however, the emotional damage is almost debilitating after a long enough period of time. Don’t discount its effect just because you’ve never really experienced it.

courtney on

I’m pretty sure People Magazine specifically asked her about this subject. It’s not her fault someone else is battling cancer. For the love of ….you are in front of a computer reading thea article…are you out their forging the way for a cure for cancer. Maybe its YOU that needs persepctive.

Julianne Hough: Battling Acne Was `Horrible` – People Magazine : Acne on

[...] Julianne Hough: Battling Acne Was 'Horrible'People MagazineThe Proactiv spokeswoman tells the Beauty Bean that dealing with acne while rising to fame was “horrible.” “You try to tell yourself that you're fine and it's all good — and you really should be fine — but it definitely affects you,” she shares. …and more » [...]

Tracey on

@seaghda While I do agree with you about the affects of Acne, the “Acne” they are discussing with Julianna Hough is most decidedly not the same. She had a few breakouts from wearing too much make up and that was it. She will never bare the scars and this article in itself is RIDICULOUS!!!! My nephew suffered from acne and he had to take meds to keep it under control.

Paula on

Yes, cancer and other mostly fatal diseases are horrible to deal with both for the patient and the family. Acne usually affects teenagers, and to them it is the end of the world. Like Cat (and KatyKatz I assume from your response)I too had cystic acne (which isn’t something you outgrow) an I also still have backne. Cystic acne is hereditary and never stops. I will be 52 in two months and I can still set at the mirror for hours trying to get rid of zits. I have had all kinds of dermatologists, some recommending the sun, some not, some prescribing meds and one even prescribed a foundation to use. Nothing worked. My scars are deep and many. I did find a dermatologist in my early 40′s that did “punch” surgery for about five years, and he performed four dermabrasions, too. If you don’t know what that is, they take a tool that looks like something a dentist uses but it has a metal brush on the end that spins. After you are good and numb, they literally sand the skin off of your face. Imagine how I must have felt all those years (and still do)to let someone do that to me. Fortunately, he is an awesome doctor and I still use him. There are still some scars, some were so deep even plastic surgery wouldn’t help rid them, but I feel better about myself than I did when I was a teen and young woman. No, acne isn’t the end of it all, but when you are a young female and comparing yourself to others who seem to have it all including beautiful skin, you feel like you aren’t worthy of anything. Thank God for a good dr and age. Time does heal but not without a few bumps and bruises along the way.

seaghda on

@ Tracey, agreed that she didn’t have what your nephew has experienced (hope his has improved, btw). I was mostly addressing those who were insinuating that because it’s not cancer, it doesn’t really matter. :)

ageeee on

Well I feel that battling breast cancer is way more horrible and battling acne is no where near that. Being someone who has problems with acne it is horrible. Growing up I never had issues. Three kids later and now I suffer badly from it. It can take on toll on someone and their self asteem. Some of your comments seem so unnecessary! If you don’t like what its about why read or comment!

bjh on

Typical of Hollywood – poor me – my skin is horrible whaaaaa. Take a walk to Dana Farber and see the Jimmy Fund kids battling cancer.

mh on

She should have gone to a dermatologist. My kids did. They have great acne treatment now a days.

Kristina on

If you could actually stand in someone else’s shoes to hear what they hear, see what they see, and feel what they feel, you would honestly wonder what planet they live on, and be totally blown away by how different their “reality” is from yours. You’d also never, in a million years, be quick to judge again~

Emily on

No one is suggesting acne is worse than cancer. But it can definitely affect one’s self esteem and self worth especially as a young adult. How quickly we forget what it feels like to be younger when every little thing feels like the end of the world.

The way some of you are brushing it off as frivolous lacks perspective.

Gloria C on

Julianne, you are so beautiful! Why Ryan Seacrest? Don’t get that one !

Erinn on

With everything else that people battle, I can’t feel sorry for her. Acne goes away. There are far worse things to have to worry about, like cancer, or feeding your family. Poor baby had some acne and could afford the expensive treatment to get rid of it. Boo hoo.

ace11 on

is she going to marry Seacrest?

Guest on

I don’t think acne is her problem. She looks older than her age. Isn’t she like in her early 20′s?

Really? on

just finished battling colon cancer. brutal. would have traded for acne in a heart beat.

Bella on

So if your going to do an article about acne why not share how you got rid of it?

Krisann on

Having had two teens battle acne it is a very serious condition. It’s not as easy as saying “o wash your face and put some cover up on”. While it is not life threatening like cancer it is certainly life altering. I am glad I can tell my daughter to look at someone like Julianne and use her as a role model. BTW Proactive is not a good product for acne. We tried it and so have a few friends and no luck what so ever. If you have serious acne you need serious medication not over the counter products. Please remember to keep everyone’s opinions in perspective. What may seem like a senseless article to you might really mean something to someone else!

ray on

For a bunch of folks that have negative issues for Julianne there are sure enough people taking time to comment, Everything can be prioritized as the worst problem ever but its natural to feel ‘horrified’ by the ones your dealing with.
Get off JH’s back…she should be commended for sending a message of hope to others dealing with acne.

Meg on

God, you are shallow. I’ve detested you since first hearing you say “Hi guys” on that annoying proactive commercial that you do. How condescending. It’s no wonder you and Ryan Seacrest are such a perfect couple.

Shea on

Don’t “boo hoo” it unless you’ve gone through it. Some women have it well into their 40′s and it shapes your entire life, preventing some people from even wanting to go out of the house. I know it because I’ve gone through it and have extreme guilt from missing some of my child’s activies because I didn’t want to be seen. Julianne is brave for talking about it. Someone has cancer and people are sympathetic and helpful. Someone has acne and people cringe and stare.

Lizzie on

JUILANNE IS SOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL, she has that “inner beauty” that just transins LOVELINESS!! JUILANNE and RYAN are an adorable couple!!!!!!!!!!

mandi on

I have suffered from severe cystic acne since I was 15 years old.I am now 33! I have been bullied to the point where I would curl up and cry. People are cruel…everything is relative. Would you want to see you child come home in tears everyday and watch them try to hide their face in shame? I do not think so….it is a serious issue and NOT to be ignored.

Holly on

Seriously – try having psoriasis on your face… then talk to me. Acne is a walk in the park… At least people dont think you are contagious. Plus the headline below about cancer should give you an indication about how much more worse things could be.

Big Al on

Some of you haters need to get a life. Why take this article so seriously. Don’t read People if it upsets you so much. Julieanne is just telling you how it was for HER, not trying to cure cancer. Some people a so uptight. Chill!

AAwesome on

proactive rocks I have used it for 4 years…and i love it…. acne is nothing compared to any cancer no doubt… but she doesn’t have cancer and she’s not comparing it to cancer so wtf people stop hating… Acne sucks as a teen and I totally understand

Terry on

I do agree acne and cancer aren’t in the same league. I never had to deal with severe acne, but I worked in a Dermatology clinic. I really felt for some of the teens, AND adults who came into the clinic. It can be horrible for their self-esteem. Some of the medications can be damaging too. Good for Julianne on speaking out and showing that a lot of people have to deal with this.

Positive on

I had really bad acne and it was cured with a combination of laxatives to clean your insides and facials to clean the outside, also I started using Ivory soap to wash my face and Listerine on every pimple to dry them up. A clean pillow case every day also helped to keep the bacteria at bay.
Acne is not in the same league of Cancer, but it can be a major issue for young girls and boys. I am happy about this article because ridicule can last a lifetime and if somebody can bring hope, why we have to be so bitter all the time?

dee on

I do agree that acne is not the worst thing she could have but this article and the remarks made by some also show how mean some people can be. If just reading this article ticked someone off enough to make a snide remark they would probably be some of those people who would make fun of a teenagers acne.

KC on

Those of you bashing the article – you realize you’re reading it on people.com right? So not sure why you’re surprised about it on an entertainment website…get a life.

Emily on

@ Really?I just finished battling thyroid cancer. What does that have to do with anything?

She is sharing her experience and who are we to belittle what someone else is feeling.

Some acne is quite serious and can cause permanant scarring. It can also cause low self worth, especially with teens.

I don’t understand why people can be so petty and hateful for no reason at all

Elle on

Serious?

Kayleen on

Amen to Meghan and Cannat. So she had pimples as a teenager, while she was becoming a movie star – and we’re supposed to feel sorry for her? Get a grip on what’s important, People.

jragu on

Lucia, if you don’t care why did you bother to read the article and then respond to it. Doesn’t sound like someone that doesn’t care. And to the res`t of you who are comparing acne to cancer, it’s like apples and oranges. My sister had breast cancer and it was horrible. My son had cystic acne as a teenager and that too was horrible. Neither had anything to do with the other, but they both suffered. So maybe don’t be so judgemental.

rachel. on

I dont get why everyone is hating on her. Yeah, we all know cancer is bad and serious. But her whole entire career depends on her face, and her skin, and her image. So calm down.

Guest on

Easy for someone as beautiful as her to say….

Liz on

I wish acone was I had to worry about. She should be in my shoes and disabled. Now that’s something to worry about.

LESLIE on

Seriously?? We go from Giuliana Rancic battling cancer to this NOBODY battling acne!! Unbelievable!!

Booka on

I know it’s not cancer but still, it’s her reality. She seems so sweet and nice.

Amelea on

Cannat and Meghan, i don’t think she is saying having severe acne is as horrible as having to battle cancer. In her perspective, maybe this is as big of a hurdle she has had to overcome. I’m sure if she were to develop something as serious as cancer, she would be probably change her perspective right?

PeopleReadingHousewife on

Very pretty woman!

Jorge on

Acne is nothing when you compare it to having to battle cancer. NOW THAT’S “HORRIBLE”!

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Lisa on

If she’s so confident in her own skin, then why is she wearing 10lbs of makeup? but, she’s beautiful with or without makeup!

Ashleigh on

It’s People Magazine, People – it’s not that it’s not thinking Cancer is severe, or that Acne is worse than any other problem – It follows the pop culture of our world.

Mick on

Julianne is that a zit?

Traci Sawyer on

I used to like her, but now I am just angry. I am pretty sure no one has died of acne. Really??? Get a life and support a real cause!!! Oh, and wash your face!!!

Julianne Hough: Battling Acne Was ‘Horrible’ – People Magazine « DANCING WITH THE STARS on

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kmc on

Yes, some acne can be severe, but let’s all be honest here, she as we can all tell, has never had to “battle” severe acne. Just a point for those of you supporting her. By her comment that her tiny pimple problem was horrible, it shows just how shallow and self-absorbed she really is. She didn’t have the crater forming zits, so I don’t believe she should be saying that her “battle” with acne was “horrible”. Poor self-centered little beauty queen.

Steph on

ONE ZIT DOES NOT COUNT AS ACNE!

Jennifer on

I’m sorry but she is in her early 20′s right. She looks old with wrinkles and her skin doesn’t look good. She looks like she is in her late 30′s.

What on

LMAO! I “battled” acne too – had it so bad that I had to take accutane for the longest time to get rid of it. But honestly, acne is not something to battle. CANCER is something to battle! She sounds so ridiculous!

lu, south Fla on

Cystic acne responds well to Levaquin (oral antibiotic). Ask your doctor about it. it worked for women in my family

Kacey on

It always mystifies me, how people can be so cruel behind a computer. No…cancer is not the same as acne, but to negate another’s feelings is plain and simple…cruel. Acne can be extremely emotionally debilitating. I’m glad Julianne, has gotten it under control.

Megan on

I agree-
lucia if you dont care why are you reading it? hahah. you look really smart with that comment.

Noni rose on

she wears so much foundation, who could tell if she has acne or not??

Ella on

Some of you disrespectful idiots need to shut up. I love Julianne and I am inspired by her :) she is so sweet and pretty !! Acne can be very depressing and it gives young people hope when they see their favorite celebrities speak out about dealing with problems such as acne. All teenagers have this image that celebrities have perfect skin , when you hear that a celebrity that you look up too had to battle the same type of problem that your going through right now gives a young person a sense of courage ! Thank-you julianne for speaking out :) I love you and I wish you much luck in the future !!

mia on

This has got to be joke. Talk about someone who has never been through anything real in their life. This deserved to be an article?

&#8216Footlooses Julianne Hough opens up about feeling comfortable in own skin — HaLa Movie on

[...] recently opened about about battling acne while rising in Hollywood, states People. “You try to tell yourself that you’re fine and it’s all good — and you really should [...]

Amy on

Ok AGAIN People, this is on Style Watch on a celebrity gossip site, You know….STYLE! Style has to do with beauty and fashion….not cancer and world news. Cancer is a big deal, but give me a break. Get off the site and stop clicking on the articles if you do NOT care and/or you think it is not news. Please, Thank you!

Amy on

Oh and another thing, people are talking very badly about Guiliana in her article and she has cancer so none of you(talking badly) really care what anyone is going through or already went through.

Nicole on

I applaud this article its about time someone talks about serious acne it is a horrible thing for people to have to deal with. Both of my kids have chronic acne and pro activ was the only thing that worked. It is a serious problem and makes you not want to go outside. Julianne is a great role model for girls.

mery on

For those of you concerned this is not an important article, this is PEOPLE magazine! What are you expecting? if you want real news, read the newspaper!

Dermatologist on

As a dermatologist I can tell all of you that serious acne problems CAN affect someone’s life forever. A battle against cancer is for sure worse news but please have respect for people with other types of health problems. Did you know that some teenagers (and even adults) want to kill themselves because of acne and other (severe) skin problems? Did you know there are several untreatable types of skin diseases (other than acne)? Society is mean and heavy bullying is out there, so sorry about it…

weewilly on

Did I miss something? Where in this article is anyone comparing cancer to acne? Apples and oranges, people. And a sprained ankle could be horrid to someone, but then they break their arm which is worse, and then they get MS and long for the sprained ankle..

kat on

As someone who has dealt with both, cancer and acne…. I can tell you that although there is no real way to “hide cancer” there is a definite way to disguise it. I wore a wig when I lost my hair and there were good days when my complexion wasn’t green…. but with acne, its just there… you can cover it up with make up but its what people see first. All over your face and in my case, big round and bumpy red! I didn’t even tell people I was sick, and sometimes, most times actually people never knew- but they always knew my face looked like a crater. It makes you so self conscious and it can make a bad day worse. so no- acne is not as serious as cancer which can kill you, but acne kinda kills your spirit a little bit.

Karie on

I am glad a celebrity is speaking out about acne. I had perfect skin until age 20 and then had major acne until age 40. I tried everything. It is really embarrassing because people have to look at your face. It makes you feel so low and embarrassed inside. I spent so many hours washing my face, putting makeup on trying to hide it, and it was sometimes painful.

Sam on

There are a lot of hateful comments on this story. Why? This actress is not responsible for where her article appeared on the People site. Yeah hateful people, get some perspective. Geez!

Jenny on

I have a similar story to Julianne’s I suffered with acne from high school until the age of 25. I finally decided to look around for reviews on acne products and ended up finding acnescoop.com in Google which had reviews a on several products. Long story short I have my acne under 98% control now :)

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Engin on

Make a home-made mask, the one I use is made up of: sugar, honey, green tea, fat free natural yorguht and aloe vera, you don’t even have to use all of the ingredients if you don’t have them this really works, I have acne and i used this mask and my spots cleared up within 3 days.Remember to do steam before this or rinse you face with warm water to open your pores.Leave the mask on for about 15-25 minutes?Use a toner and moisturizer after it.Hope it helps

 

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