There’s something intimate about our relationship with our skin. It’s the part of us the world sees first, but often, it’s the last part of us we truly understand. For Steph, her skin has been both a source of struggle and a catalyst for growth.
The Beginning
“I first started getting acne when I was 19 or 20. It wasn’t just the occasional breakout—it became painful, inflamed, and constant. By my early twenties, it had gotten so bad that even sleeping on my pillow felt unbearable,” shared Steph.
Moving to Auckland was a big turning point in her life. But with the excitement of change came stress—and her skin took the brunt of it. “My face broke out so badly. I had deep scars and painful irritation. I felt trapped in my own skin, hiding behind makeup and avoiding mirrors.”
The Emotional Weight
For Steph, acne wasn’t just a physical issue—it impacted how she showed up in the world.
“There were days I didn’t want to leave the house. I’d skip beach trips and social events, worried about my makeup smudging or people noticing my redness. I thought my skin was the first thing everyone saw.”
She also faced the mental toll of unattainable beauty standards. “Social media feeds a vicious cycle. You see people with glass skin everywhere, and it feels impossible to measure up. But it’s so filtered—nothing about it is real.”
Turning Points
Steph’s journey to healthier skin wasn’t a straight line—it was a series of small shifts.
“The first big change was letting go of the idea of perfection. I realised my skin wasn’t going to look like an Instagram filter, and that’s okay. Progress became my goal, not perfection.”
She also started paying attention to what her body was trying to tell her. Stress management, better nutrition, and simplifying her skincare routine made a world of difference. “I also started taking Skin Rescue, and for the first time, my skin felt calm. Over Christmas, I was waiting for the usual big purge, but it didn’t happen. That was such a shift for me.”
Disclaimer: Steph used the raw ingredients found in Skin Rescue for four weeks. Individual results may vary.
What I Wish I Knew
If Steph could go back to the beginning of her journey, here’s what she’d tell herself:
“It’s a long road. Nothing about your skin is quick. Stick out the rough times because there will be more waves. Education is so powerful. Understanding what supports your skin and overall health can make such a difference. Be patient and kind with yourself. You’ll get there.”
A New Relationship with Her Skin
Today, Steph views her skin differently.
“I’ve learned to work with my skin, not against it. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, even if it’s not perfect. My skin doesn’t define me. It’s part of my story—not the whole story.”
For anyone struggling with their skin, Steph’s journey is a reminder that healing takes time. It’s not about flawless results; it’s about finding balance and compassion for yourself along the way.
If Steph’s story resonates with you, know that you’re not alone. Your skin is a reflection of your journey, and every step forward—no matter how small—matters.