Looking for a part-time job for the summer or even during the school year has become the norm for many students. Whether you’re saving up for something or want to contribute to family expenses, getting a job on the side is a good experience.
The good thing is there are so many part-time jobs available for students now. Whether it’s working in a neighborhood restaurant or in the school library, walking dogs or babysitting, there are a lot of options to make money while working towards that degree.
However, having acne can make getting a part-time job more difficult. Studies have consistently shown that individuals suffering from active acne and persistent post-acne lesions are more likely to be anxious and depressed. Many are uncomfortable meeting new people and trying new activities.
Unfortunately, if you want to have a job, you’ll have to face your fears. Applying for part-time work involves putting yourself out there. Many jobs of this nature will require you to meet new people on a daily basis. This can be understandably difficult for those suffering from acne.
But acne should not keep you from making money for yourself. With that in mind, let’s take a look at popular part-time jobs for students and how they may affect or be affected by acne.
Food service jobs
Fast-food joints, restaurants, bars, and cafes are among the businesses that typically hire part-time students. Whether it’s servers or line cooks, college and high school students can easily pick up the skills needed for the job and find a shift that works for their schedule. This makes it an ideal way to earn money while still in school.
Unfortunately, having acne can affect your chances of getting into this line of work. There is a common misconception that acne automatically means you are “dirty” or live in unsanitary conditions. Even if the restaurant hiring managers are educated about the true nature of acne, they may be concerned about how their business will be perceived by customers who hold that erroneous view.
Another issue with the food service industry is the toll a hot and smoky kitchen can take on one’s face. This is especially true for fast-food restaurants. You may think that being surrounded by vats of cooking oil can somehow clog the pores, but to date, there has been no scientific evidence proving so. However, there has been anecdotal evidence from dermatology clinics detailing an increase in acne severity and frequency in students working part-time in fast food joints.
What is more worrisome is the heat and stress of being in a fast-paced kitchen. As the environmental temperature rises, so does our sebum production. If you don’t wipe your face often, you might look just as greasy as the fries you’re serving. And that pile-up of facial oil can lead to blocked pores, leading to more breakouts.
But if you do get a job in the food industry, you can still find ways to keep your acne in check while working. Incorporating evidence-based skincare into your routine, making sure to clean your face after work, and minimizing touching or rubbing your face can help lessen the risk of developing acne in the kitchen.
Retail jobs
From clothing shops to department stores to home depots and more, retail will always be in need of an extra pair of hands. Part-time students can man the counter, help sort inventory, or work in customer service.
However, these frontline jobs can be daunting if you are self-conscious about your acne. You’ll also be up against the stigma against acne when you apply. Most customer-facing jobs prioritize those who are clear-faced.
You may also want to manage your expectations. Customer service is not easy. This will require you to meet new people everyday, and it’s inevitable that you’ll be met with some stares if you have a particularly bad flare-up. If you want to push yourself past your comfort zone and practice maintaining your composure even when people are being rude, this is one of the best ways to do it.
This is the kind of job when your skill at cosmetic camouflage comes in handy. Honing your technique using the right products can go a long way in making you feel more confident to face customers.
Labour-intensive jobs
Serving as a lifeguard, walking dogs, or taking on a little league coaching job are just some of the part-time jobs that put the “work” in “work out”. These are all fun jobs that can help you stay fit, but the deadly combination of sweat and heat can wreak havoc on your skin.
Back acne has been associated with wearing tight clothing when sweating. The slick surface of the skin rubs against the shirt, irritating the skin and predisposing it to pimples. To avoid this from happening, wear loose, airy clothes that do not retain moisture.
If your job will require you to stay outdoors, make sure to wear sun protection. This is particularly important if you have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in the form of dark spots. These remnants from pimples past can linger for much longer if you expose them to the sun without SPF or protective clothing.
Office-based jobs
Lots of businesses offer part-time work for students. Sales, social media, graphic design, and marketing are just some areas that you can get into. Working on campus in the teaching or administration departments are other examples of office-based work that offer flexible hours for students.
These jobs will often require you to work in an office environment. It goes without saying that they expect you to appear professional and presentable. While acne may destroy the effect, it’s nothing that can be worked around. Continuing your skincare regimen and honing your cosmetic camouflage skills will go a long way in giving your potential employers the impression you want. Wow them with your skills and your attitude to boost your chances of getting that job.
Conclusion
Acne can affect the way you interact with others and the way they interact with you. But that doesn’t mean it should stop you from doing anything you set your mind to. Learning to be comfortable in your skin, in whatever condition it’s in, is something that you should learn early. While it’s indeed scary to do something new and put yourself out there when looking for an online job, know that you gain much more from trying than letting the opportunity pass you by.
This content is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
Resources:
Ritvo, Eva & Rosso, James & Stillman, Mark & Riche, Christopher. (2011). Psychosocial judgements and perceptions of adolescents with acne vulgaris: A blinded, controlled comparison of adult and peer evaluations. BioPsychoSocial medicine. 5. 11. 10.1186/1751-0759-5-11.
Shakoor, A. & Shaheen, J.A. & Khan, J.I.. (2012). Association of anxiety and depression with acne: Evaluation of pathoplastic effect of adolescence on this comorbidity. Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists. 22. 336-341.
