Skincare Spotlight: Meet the Blemish Queen

Name: Nicole Herbig

Age: 23

Skintype (Rosacea, acne, both?): acne

IG Handle: theblemishqueen

At what age did you develop skin issues?:

I first started to experience acne as a teen — a pimple here and there — but at the age of 20 I developed cystic acne that gradually got more severe.

How did you feel/perceive acne before? After getting diagnosed?:

Prior to experiencing acne myself, I had felt bad for individuals who were struggling with this skin condition. After experiencing acne, I initially felt bad for myself, but soon grew empowered with the goal of empowering others. I came to realize that acne does not define my worth or my capabilities.

How did you come to #embraceyourface, “imperfections” and all?:

I came to embrace my face through my own sort of “exposure therapy.” When I first started posting on social media I was not confident at all, but as I started to find support and community, I grew in my self confidence!

What are your ride or die skincare products?:

When it comes to choosing ride or die skincare products, it’s sort of difficult as I have so many skin care goodies I’ve grown to love. BUT, some definitive staples in my skincare routine are my ClearStem Skincare CLEARity serum, my Banish Fighter Gel, and my Hydrabalance from Face Reality Skincare! 

What is the best way you’ve found to manage your acne or rosacea?:

The best way I’ve found to manage my acne is by being attentive to my skin, but only to a point. I am intentional about identifying my skin’s needs, but I try not to fixate on skin concerns too much because fixation can often lead to over-treating and can make the situation worse! I try to go with the flow.

Any final thoughts or words of advice?

My advice to anyone living with acne is that it’s so important to remember just that— you CAN LIVE WITH ACNE! Acne does not define what you are capable of or who you should be; only YOU can! Acne only limits you as much as you allow it, and that is EMPOWERING!

You can follow Nicole on Instagram and watch her skin journey on here on YouTube.