Sheel Yerneni, a 26-year-old Indian-American influencer and founder of the clothing brand Svarini, has recently opened up about her tumultuous journey with cystic acne, describing her experiences as both challenging and liberating. The content creator has taken to social media to share her unfiltered journey, illustrating the stark contrast between the challenges she faced and the confidence she now holds.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Sheel-Yerneni-041726-1afe65aa039c46c6a6f8523839ebbc48.jpg)
Yerneni, who has battled cystic acne since she was twelve, has seen her condition worsen dramatically during her teenage years, reaching its peak between the ages of 19 and 21. “That’s when it became truly severe, like full-face cystic acne that was impossible to ignore,” she relayed in a candid interview. She described the emotional toll it took, acknowledging that her skin condition was so apparent that anyone who looked at her could sense the struggle she was enduring.
Over the years, Yerneni explored a variety of treatments to manage her acne, ranging from Accutane to costly microneedling sessions that could run up to £600 a time, and other procedures like chemical peels combined with injections. Unfortunately, these attempts often exacerbated her skin condition, leaving her with significant scarring that she felt was just as difficult to manage.
However, Yerneni has now discovered a routine comprising three key treatments that focus on distinct concerns regarding her skin. She incorporates Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) for addressing “ice pick” scars, radiofrequency microneedling for deeper scars, and Pico Laser therapy specifically aimed at pigmentation and enhancing skin texture. Just before attending Coachella in April, she underwent Pico Laser treatment, which she described as having a lasting impact, despite being “not for the faint of heart”.
In an Instagram video, Yerneni candidly shared her post-treatment experience, detailing how the immediate aftermath left her with visible marks and micro injuries across her face for about a week. “It’s honestly not glamorous at all,” she remarked, yet this did not deter her from continuing with her daily activities. Her willingness to embrace her skin in public has become a kind of personal statement about self-acceptance.
Attempting to destigmatise acne, Yerneni shared her reflections on the public’s reactions as she ventured out during her healing process, noting that more often than not, she received supportive responses. “That’s such a contrast to how I felt in college. Back then, I genuinely believed I shouldn’t be seen,” she confessed, highlighting the journey from feeling invisible to embracing her appearance with pride.
Beyond her personal evolution, Yerneni has come to realise the importance of living authentically, regardless of how her skin appears from day to day. She encourages others to challenge the notion of waiting for perfection before engaging fully in life, stating, “If you’re waiting until everything looks perfect, you’ll always be chasing something.” For her, the focus has shifted towards maintaining a fulfilling life while setting a positive example for others, especially for women and younger generations.
Expressing deep gratitude for her journey, Yerneni stated that she now possesses a healthier mindset towards her natural beauty, labelling this transformation as the “most freeing” experience of her life. She acknowledges her previous struggles, saying, “I’ve lived through the worst version of my acne and come out of it undefeated,” a testament to her resilience and strength.
Yerneni’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and the ongoing journey many face in embracing their skin, further advocating for destigmatising acne in society. Through her openness on social media, she aims to inspire others to approach their own insecurities with courage and confidence.