I can tell you this: 9 out of 10 times your acne doesn't come across as terrible as you think it does. But, I'm not going to sugar coat your question and the facts you state. You have worse acne than most people your age, so I'd say yes, it probably is part of your visual equation when you are sized-up.
Just as a really good looking guy that's "terribly shorter than most people his age" factors in. Or a pretty girl with "terribly wide hips" is part of her visual equation. Is having acne an asset? No. But you hit the zit on the head: You are not ashamed. Your approach to it is golden and will mitigate much of its negative impact.
The way you handle your complexion does inform others. Treat yourself like a leper, others will too. Treat yourself like a vampire ducking from light, others will too. But treat yourself as pretty with a current case of acne - others will follow that lead.
Zits do blow, but they're as common as apple pie and celebrity driven Proactiv commercials. Keep doing what your doing - long after your oil dries up, your attitude will continue to shine.
For your enjoyment, some celebs with acne battles!
Britney Spears
Cameron Diaz
Kelly Osboune
Kelly Clarkson
Victoria Beckham
The late Amy Winehouse
And many many more!
I have battled bad acne since puberty and I am now (ahem!) years old! I can honestly, tell you the ONLY thing that has EVER worked for me is Proactiv. If you haven't tried it -- give it a try! By the way, I am not a celebrity and Proactiv pays me nothing to say this!
I was in the same boat as you for years, the only difference was I WAS ashamed of it. So ashamed I even felt too sheepish to see a dermatologist! When I finally did he gave me some simple solutions and it has helped 300%. Proactiv won't always work because it depends on your skin (mine didn't enjoy it at all). A dermatologist will find the perfect solution for you and you'll forget it was ever a thing!
But I really applaud your confidence. I never wanted a guy near or touching my face because I was ashamed, but they still were giving me attention. So I guess it depends on the guy, but know that there are plenty out there who see right past it.
I suffered with it for years refusing to take the contraceptive pill. Eventually I relented took the prescription and could kick myself for not sorting it out earlier! I always thought that they would clear up on their own and that it wouldn't last forever - they lasted up until I was 26!! Such a small thing that takes no effort can make such a big difference!
I lump these questions in with many others:
I lost a lot of weight and have extra skin, will my guy love me
I am fat, will my guy love me
I am thin, will my guy love me
I have horrible stretch marks, will my guy love me
I have a tail... err.. never mind, i didn't see that one, that was mine.
But the real honest answer is - the right guy will, in fact, love you and care about you and think you're perfect just the way you are. He will support you and encourage you in the choices you make for yourself if you feel you need to do something about a particular part of you that you aren't happy with.
So keep walking in your confidence, head high, shoulders back and smile.
Very good article, I'll bookmark this.