Nollywood actress and producer, Teniola Aladese, has candidly shared her struggle with depression after experiencing a severe acne outbreak that significantly impacted her confidence and career. In an emotional interview with Chude Jideonwo on his YouTube channel, Aladese revealed that the skin condition started after she used tap water during a movie shoot in Lekki, Lagos.
Aladese explained that she had traveled to Lekki for filming and, after completing her scenes, returned to her hotel room to freshen up. However, upon turning on the tap, she noticed an unpleasant odor coming from the water. Concerned about its quality, she requested that someone purchase a bag of pure water for her to use instead. Unfortunately, the person forgot, and she was left with no option but to use the tap water.
“From there, I got acne,” she recounted. What began as a few minor breakouts quickly escalated into a severe skin condition that left her face covered in acne. The actress admitted that this sudden change deeply affected her self-esteem and professional prospects.
Aladese explained how the acne outbreak became a significant obstacle in her acting career. She found it challenging to attend auditions, and even when she did, securing roles became nearly impossible. “I couldn’t go to auditions, and the few I attended, despite performing brilliantly, I would get rejected because my face couldn’t be cast in a movie like that,” she shared.
The repeated rejections began to take a toll on her mental health. The actress confessed that the situation led her into a period of depression. “I was depressed. I would kneel down in my room, cry, and pray to God because of my face. My face is my career and my selling point, so with a bad face, there was nothing for me,” she revealed.
Despite the emotional and professional challenges, Aladese remained determined to overcome the situation. She turned to her faith for strength and began practicing self-care. “I would pray, listen to gospel songs, and visit skincare clinics,” she noted. However, the road to recovery was far from smooth. “It got worse before it got better, and I spent a lot of money just to fix my face,” she added.
Aladese’s story highlights the pressures faced by actors whose appearances play a significant role in their careers. Her experience also sheds light on the mental health struggles that can accompany physical insecurities, especially in an industry where image is often considered a key part of success.
Her openness about the experience has resonated with many fans and industry colleagues, who have praised her for sharing such a personal and vulnerable chapter of her life. Aladese’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health support and self-acceptance, even in industries where appearances can feel all-important.
