For most of my life, I was blessed with clear, problem-free skin. Even during my teenage years, when many people struggle with acne, my skin stayed calm and balanced. I truly believed I had dry skin and never really questioned it.

That all changed when I was around 27–28 years old and decided to stop hormonal birth control.

I made that decision very consciously. I no longer wanted to deal with hormonal imbalances or the long-term effects of synthetic hormones on my body. What I didn’t expect, was what would happen to my skin.

 

 

When my skin completely changed

About six months after stopping birth control, my skin suddenly transformed.

It became much oilier than ever before, especially in my T-zone and chin, while the rest of my face remained dry and dehydrated. I started getting breakouts on my chin, forehead, neck and even my back. Pimples, and black spots I had never experienced before.

I jokingly started calling it “pimple paradise”, because no matter what I tried, it seemed to only get worse.

Every new skincare product triggered even more breakouts. 

Natural skincare wasn’t the problem

At that time, I had already switched to natural products, mainly because I was deeply into healthy hair, clean ingredients and conscious living. Naturally, my skincare routine followed that same philosophy.

But suddenly, nothing worked anymore.

I tried:

• Switching products constantly
• Using more aggressive treatments
• Expensive professional treatments and overpriced at-home devices

My skin hated all of it.

 

 

The turning point: less products, more balance

I shared my struggles with Marion, with whom I was already working closely on hair products. At that moment, she had only launched the cleanser and moisturizer, which I started using right away.

Meanwhile, she was developing water-based serums:

• Stay Balanced (Used this one during my period)
  
• Back then also the Glow Booster (Follicular phase)
• Brighten Up (Ovulation phase)
• Beyond Blemishes (Luteal phase)

She advised me to use the serums in sync with my menstrual cycle and that’s exactly what I did. And stop everything else and give my skin a break.

My routine became incredibly simple:

• Cleanser + moisturizer (morning & evening)
• One targeted serum, aligned with my cycle

Almost immediately, my skin started to calm down.

 

My absolute skincare hero

Despite my skin being oilier than ever, it was also extremely dry.

That’s when Stay Balanced Serum became my holy grail. It soothed the itcyness, balanced and supported my skin without overwhelming it.

Honestly? I couldn’t live without it. (And i still can’t)

It took about six months to truly get my skin back under control and that’s something I want to be very honest about. Skin healing takes time.

 

 

What else helped (and what didn’t)

Alongside my simple nourist routine, I also visited a esthetician every 5–6 weeks.

And yes, I still go to the esthetician today. Not because my skin “needs fixing”, but because it’s become a me-time ritual, with massage, relaxation and a moment to fully unplug (no phone allowed).

 

 

My skin today (a few years later)

Fast forward a few years, and my skin is finally balanced and healthy again. I still experience the occasional breakout when I'm stressed, eating too much processed food, or right before my period, but that's completely normal and manageable.

Now in my mid-30s, while Pimple Paradise is behind me, I'm facing new skin concerns: fine lines, crow's feet, and signs of aging. I don't mind aging, I see those crow's feet as proof of lots of laughter, but I do want to age gracefully and keep my skin looking firm and radiant.

That's where slow aging skincare has become essential. The Eye Cream is now a non-negotiable in my routine. It helps reduce puffiness, dark circles, and tired-looking eyes, while making my eye area feel firmer and more awake. I also can't live without the Skin Savior Serum, which locks in moisture, supports my skin barrier, and gives me that healthy, natural glow, even on days when I'm not feeling my best..

 

What this journey taught me

There was a time when I felt deeply insecure about my skin. Sharing my journey on Instagram helped more than I ever expected, I received so many messages from people going through the exact same thing.

When I look back at old photos now, I think: Wow. How intense was that? I’m grateful I moved through it.

Do I still get breakouts sometimes? Yes, especially when I eat poorly or experience more stress. But that’s life.

I'm happy to say one thing with confidence: I no longer have a "beard of pimples". And that, to me, feels like freedom. 🤭 And whatever chapter comes next? I'm confident I can handle it thanks to the nourist products.