At 37 years old, my skin is healthier and calmer than it has been in years—but it wasn’t always that way.

My skincare journey began in my early 30s, shortly after the birth of my second baby, when I developed persistent redness, inflammation, and rosacea that seemed to get worse no matter what I tried. By 2023, my skin was at its worst. I couldn’t even look in the mirror without crying, and I honestly wondered if I’d ever feel confident in my own skin again. It took years of trial and error to find a routine that truly worked for my sensitive, rosacea-prone skin. In this post, I’m sharing my honest journey—including the changes I’ve made, what didn’t work, what finally helped, my before-and-after photos, and my complete review of my favorite skincare brand, Epicutis. If you’re struggling with rosacea or persistent redness, I hope my story reminds you that healing takes time, everyone’s skin is different, and there is hope.

Disclaimer: Although I am a registered nurse, I am not a dermatologist or skincare specialist. This post is based on my personal experience and is not intended to provide medical advice or replace professional medical care. Every person’s skin is different, so your results may vary. If you have questions about your skin or a medical condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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My Rosacea Journey

I never imagined I would be sharing these photos online, but if they can help even one person who feels as hopeless as I once did, they’ll be worth it.

After having my second baby, my skin completely changed. I had two children under two, and what started as occasional redness gradually became severe inflammatory rosacea. My skin became incredibly sensitive, inflamed, and painful. Looking back, I still don’t know exactly what caused it.

During my first pregnancy, I switched to an entirely new skincare routine, and after my second pregnancy my hormones were changing while my body was still recovering. Whether it was postpartum hormones, new skincare products, or a combination of several factors, I may never know. What I do know is that my skin reached a point where I couldn’t even look in the mirror without crying.

I remember spending hours searching the internet, desperately hoping to find someone whose skin looked like mine and had actually gotten better. I wanted hope. I wanted to know that clear, healthy skin was still possible.

That’s why I’m sharing these photos today. They are some of the most vulnerable pictures I’ve ever taken, but if you’re struggling with rosacea, inflamed skin, or a damaged skin barrier, I hope my journey reminds you that healing is possible.

When I Finally Saw a Dermatologist

My dermatologist recommended gentle skincare products, including brands like CeraVe and La Roche-Posay. I used them consistently for several months, but my redness and irritation didn’t improve. Looking back, I don’t think those products were bad—they simply weren’t the right fit for my particular skin. That experience taught me that skincare is incredibly personal, and what works well for one person may not work for another.

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I Looked at My Diet

As my frustration grew, I started looking beyond skincare and took a closer look at my diet. At the time, I was eating eggs every morning for breakfast, so I decided to eliminate them for a while to see if it made a difference. I noticed some improvement in my skin, although it certainly wasn’t the complete answer.

Looking back, I believe my skin improved because of a combination of changes over time rather than any one thing alone.

Around this same time, I was also working as a registered nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic, wearing a mask for long shifts. I believe the constant friction and heat may have added to my skin irritation, although I can’t say for certain how much it contributed.

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The Breaking Point

By this point, I had been struggling with my skin for nearly three years. I had tried countless skincare products, different makeup, dermatologist recommendations, and dietary changes, spending thousands of dollars along the way hoping something would finally work.

I became incredibly self-conscious about my skin. I rarely left the house without makeup because I was embarrassed by the redness and inflammation. Every new product gave me hope, and every disappointment made me feel like I was starting over.

I wasn’t looking for perfect skin anymore—I just wanted my skin to feel calm again.

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How I Discovered Epicutis

By this point, I had been struggling with my skin for nearly three years. Although I had seen some improvement after simplifying my routine and making dietary changes, my skin still wasn’t where I wanted it to be.

Around that time, I reached out to one of my coworkers, who also works at a medical spa and has some of the healthiest, most radiant skin I’ve ever seen. I asked her what she used because I was desperate to find something that actually worked.

She told me about Epicutis.

I’ll admit, I was hesitant when I saw the price. After spending thousands of dollars over the years trying different skincare products, I wasn’t excited about investing in another routine. But I trusted her recommendation, and after everything I had tried, I decided it was worth giving Epicutis a chance.

Looking back, that conversation completely changed my life.

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My Honest Epicutis Review

Epicutis is a luxury, science-backed skincare brand focused on calming inflammation and supporting the skin barrier. As someone who has struggled with inflammatory rosacea for years, I was always searching for gentle, effective skincare that wouldn’t leave my skin feeling irritated. After using several Epicutis products, I wanted to share my honest experience, including what I loved, what surprised me, and whether I think these products are worth the investment.

Oil Cleanser

When I first heard the words oil cleanser, I was honestly nervous. After years of struggling with inflammatory rosacea, I had always been told to avoid putting oils on my face. The thought of cleansing with an oil seemed completely backwards.

To my surprise, it ended up becoming one of my favorite skincare products.

The Epicutis Oil Cleanser gently removed my makeup and cleansed my skin without leaving it feeling stripped, tight, or irritated. Instead, my skin felt calm, clean, and hydrated after every wash.

I’ll be honest—the first couple of weeks were an adjustment. I remember wondering if it was making my skin worse because I noticed a few small breakouts. Thankfully, I stuck with it and followed the directions carefully. Looking back, I’m so glad I gave my skin time to adjust.

Epicutis Lipid Serum

The second step in the Epicutis skincare routine is the Lipid Serum. I enjoyed using it, and it layered nicely between the Oil Cleanser and Hyvia Crème. While I thought it was a great addition to the routine, I eventually simplified my skincare regimen and now primarily use the Oil Cleanser and Hyvia Crème, which made the biggest difference for my skin.

Hyvia Crème

The final step in the Epicutis skincare routine is the Hyvia® Crème, and it has become my favorite product in the entire line. This lightweight moisturizer leaves my skin feeling incredibly hydrated without feeling heavy or greasy. As someone with inflammatory rosacea, I appreciate that it feels gentle on my skin and helps keep my skin barrier feeling healthy and supported.

After finishing my first jar, I knew this was a product I wanted to keep in my daily skincare routine. Today, the Oil Cleanser and Hyvia Crème are the two Epicutis products I continue to repurchase because they’ve made the biggest difference for my skin.

I’ll also be honest—Epicutis is definitely an investment. It’s considered medical-grade skincare, meaning it’s formulated with high-quality ingredients and is typically sold through healthcare professionals, medical spas, or authorized retailers rather than traditional drugstores. While it costs more than many skincare products, I put these products on my face every single day. After spending years and thousands of dollars trying products that didn’t work for me, I’ve come to see it as an investment in my skin and my confidence.

If you’re hesitant because of the price, I completely understand. Before investing in the full-size products, I recommend trying one of Epicutis’ travel-size kits! It allows you to experience the full routine at a lower cost before deciding which products are worth purchasing in full size. Just remember that skincare isn’t an overnight fix. Give your skin time to adjust and use the products consistently before deciding whether they’re right for you.

If you’re considering where to start, my personal recommendation would be the Epicutis Oil Cleanser and Hyvia® Crème. Those are the two products I continue to purchase and use every single day, and they’ve become staples in my skincare routine.

I truly never imagined I would feel comfortable sharing makeup-free photos of myself online, but today I’m proud of how far my skin has come. While everyone’s skin is different and what worked for me may not work for everyone, I hope my story gives you hope if you’re struggling with rosacea or chronically inflamed, sensitive skin.

My Rosacea Timeline

• 2021 (Age 31–32):
  Shortly after the birth of my second baby, my skin began changing dramatically. I developed persistent redness, inflammation, breakouts, and what I later realized was a damaged skin barrier.
• 2022 (Age 32–33):
  As my symptoms worsened, I made several appointments with a dermatologist. I tried multiple gentle skincare products and stayed consistent for months, but my skin continued to flare. Looking back, I don’t think those products were bad—they simply weren’t the right fit for my skin.
• 2023 (Age 33–34):
  My rosacea reached its worst point. My face was frequently red, inflamed, and uncomfortable. I struggled with my confidence and often couldn’t look in the mirror without crying.
• 2024 (Age 34–35):
  I began making broader lifestyle changes alongside simplifying my skincare routine. I cut eggs out of my diet, started taking a daily probiotic, focused on protecting my skin barrier, and became more mindful of things that seemed to trigger my rosacea flare-ups, including red wine, lack of sleep, and heat.
• 2025 (Age 35–36):
  I found a skincare routine that consistently worked well for me, including Epicutis products. With time and consistency, my skin gradually became calmer, healthier, and much less reactive.
• 2026 (Age 37):
  Today, my skin is healthier and calmer than it has been in years. While I still experience the occasional flare-up, my rosacea is far more manageable, and I finally feel confident in my skin again.

Final Thoughts

I hope this review gave you an honest look at my experience with Epicutis. While I’m a registered nurse, I’m not a dermatologist, and this post shouldn’t be taken as medical advice. I’m simply sharing my personal skincare journey, what has worked well for me, and the products I continue to enjoy using. If you’re struggling with rosacea or another skin condition, I always recommend working with your healthcare provider or dermatologist to find the best treatment plan for you.

Welcome to Mom Life with Kelsey

Hi! I’m Kelsey—a registered nurse, mom of three, marathon runner, and the creator behind Mom Life with Kelsey. I love sharing creative birthday parties, family adventures, Disney tips, and the little things that make life more memorable. If you’re new here, here are a few of my favorite posts:

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