02/12/2025
I took a deep breath before sharing this. It meant putting my vulnerable self on display, flaws and all - but I’ve always been real on here, and I want to remain true to that.
After getting married, I noticed my skin go from one breakout to the next. At first, I chalked it up to my usual PCOS flare-ups, but as the weeks went by, it got worse.
As someone who creates beauty content, I slowly stopped taking campaigns because I just couldn’t bring myself to film close-up content or test new products. I convinced myself I’d destroyed my skin barrier. For two months, I went back and forth trying to fix it - nothing helped. My physical appearance and mental health took a hit. I don’t wear makeup daily, but suddenly I was applying the heaviest foundation just to leave the house. I made excuses to avoid going out altogether. I was a woman in her mid-thirties with a face full of acne, and I felt defeated.
Eventually, I accepted that I needed professional help. My dermatologist was honest about the inflammation in my body and how my PCOS was contributing. After consultation, research, and prayer, I chose the Accutane option. And if you’ve taken Accutane in your teens, trust me - it hits very differently in your thirties. The side effects knocked me down almost daily. And while pregnancy wasn’t in my immediate plans, no newly married woman wants to hear she must avoid it for the next 12 months. Mentally, this year has taken me out.
But now, months later, I finally feel some freedom from this intense acne journey. It came out of nowhere, but here I am: four months alcohol-free( this needs a separate post) , making healthier choices, supporting my gut health, and letting Accutane run its course.
I’m reaching the tail end of this chapter, and I’m finally healing. We come on here with smiles, good lighting, great outfits - but behind the scenes, we’re all carrying our own battles. It’s a reminder to be kind to one another. I hope my story shows that we’re all human, and helps break down the unrealistic pressure of perfection.
