The Day I Stopped Hiding My Face & How I Healed Cystic Acne & Hyperpigmentation With Plants (And Why Dermatology Failed Me)
💚 DIY? Save this page and start sourcing your herbs
💚 Ready now? Shop the Radiant Repair Collection
💚 Have questions? Email me—I read every message
Shop Radiant Repair Serum
Shop Radiant Repair Toner
Shop Radiant Repair Sunscreen Balm
Shop the Complete Care Bundle
Let me tell you about the moment I decided to harness nature’s power to heal my skin and regain my confidence !!
For 12 years, I wouldn't leave the house feeling beautiful in my own skin. Not for coffee. Not for the mailbox.
Cystic acne had colonized my cheeks. Deep, painful, the kind that throbs when you talk. The kind that leaves dark marks for months—hyperpigmentation so stubborn it felt permanent.
I did everything "right":
Dermatology prescriptions that stripped my skin raw
$200 serums that promised miracles, delivered irritation
Chemical peels that left me red and peeling for weeks
Actives, retinoids, acids—so many acids
My skin was exhausted. Reactive. Inflamed. And getting worse.
Then I remembered something from my biochemistry training:
The skin isn't broken. The approach is.
What Conventional Skincare Gets Wrong (And Why Your Skin Stays Inflamed)
Here's what they don't tell you at the dermatologist's office:
Your skin has a microbiome—billions of beneficial bacteria that protect you from pathogens, regulate oil production, and maintain your barrier function. Most acne treatments? They carpet-bomb that entire ecosystem. Benzoyl peroxide doesn't just kill acne bacteria—it kills everything, including the protective flora that keeps your skin balanced. Retinoids force cell turnover so aggressively that your barrier never gets to repair. Alcohol-based toners strip your acid mantle, triggering rebound oil production and more breakouts.
You're not healing. You're creating dependency. And your skin? It's screaming for help in the form of inflammation, sensitivity, and more acne.
The Moment Everything Changed
I was sitting in my apothecary one evening, formulating a nerve-calming oil for a client, when it hit me: If I can regulate the nervous system with plants, why am I trusting synthetic chemicals with my skin? That night, I pulled out my biochemistry notes and started cross-referencing phytochemical actions with skin physiology. What I discovered changed everything.
How Medicinal Plants Actually Heal Skin (The Science They Don't Teach You)
Forget "natural = gentle but ineffective." The right plants work at the cellular level—they communicate with your skin the way pharmaceutical actives try to, but without the collateral damage.
Here's what I mean:
Turmeric doesn't just "brighten"—it regulates melanocytes. Curcuminoids inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for hyperpigmentation. They also downregulate inflammatory cytokines (the chemical messengers that keep acne inflamed and angry).
Gotu kola doesn't just "soothe"—it stimulates fibroblasts. Fibroblasts produce collagen and elastin. More fibroblast activity = firmer skin, fewer fine lines, faster scar healing. This is what expensive peptide serums claim to do.
Calendula doesn't just "calm"—it modulates mast cells.Mast cells release histamine when triggered. Excess histamine = redness, reactivity, chronic inflammation. Calendula keeps them in check.
Rosehip oil doesn't just "hydrate"—it delivers vitamin A precursors.Your skin converts these into retinoic acid naturally, supporting cell turnover without the irritation of prescription retinoids.
This isn't folklore. This is biochemistry.And when you combine the right plants with the right oils in the right ratios?You don't just cover up symptoms. You rebuild the skin from the inside out.
The Radiant Repair System
After six months of formulating, testing on my own scarred skin, and adjusting ratios, I created something I'd never found in any skincare aisle:
A three-part herbal system that treats skin like the living, intelligent organ it is.Not cosmetic. Not a quick fix.Functional, medicinal skin therapy.
Here's how it works:
STEP 1: Radiant Repair Herbal Skin Serum
Barrier Repair | Scar Healing | Anti-Aging | Deep Glow/Skin Barrier Repair
This is where the magic happens.
Your skin is lipid-based. That means it needs the right fats and phytochemicals to repair itself—not water-based serums that evaporate in minutes.
I spent weeks infusing this oil with potent medicinal plants:
🌿 Turmeric + Ginger – fade hyperpigmentation, boost microcirculation, stimulate collagen
🌿 Calendula + Chamomile – calm redness, repair compromised barriers
🌿 Rose + Lemongrass – tone, brighten, antimicrobial protection
🌿 Cuban Oregano + Oregano – destroy acne-causing bacteria and fungal overgrowth
🌿 Gotu Kola – stimulate fibroblasts for collagen + elastin production
🌿 Rosehip – vitamin A precursors for scar healing and pigmentation repair
🌿 Chaga Mushroom – deep antioxidant protection, slows cellular aging
🌿 Saffron – radiance, pigmentation correction
🌿 Green Tea – EGCG protects against photoaging
🌿 Yarrow – tightens pores, refines texture
🌿 Rosemary – antioxidant, improves oxygenation, supports elasticity
🌿 Purple Echinacea – immune modulation at the skin level
The carrier oils matter just as much:
✨ Apricot seed oil – high in linoleic acid (the fatty acid acne-prone skin is often deficient in)
✨ Olive oil – polyphenol-rich, deeply reparative
✨ Rosehip seed oil – fades scars, evens tone, supports barrier repair
What this serum does:
Rebuilds your lipid barrier (the foundation of healthy skin)
Softens fine lines and improves elasticity
Fades acne scars and hyperpigmentation
Restores that lit-from-within glow
Controls breakouts without destroying your microbiome
How to Make the Radiant Repair Serum (DIY Instructions)
What you'll need:
Dried herbs:
1 tablespoon turmeric root (finely chopped or powdered)
1 tablespoon ginger root (dried, chopped)
2 tablespoons calendula flowers
2 tablespoons chamomile flowers
1 tablespoon rose petals
1 tablespoon lemongrass
1 tablespoon Cuban oregano (or regular oregano)
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon rosemary
1 tablespoon yarrow
1 tablespoon purple echinacea (root or flower)
1 tablespoon gotu kola
1 tablespoon green tea leaves
½ teaspoon saffron threads
1 tablespoon chaga mushroom powder
Oils:
8 oz apricot seed oil (primary carrier)
2 oz olive oil
3 oz safflower oil
2 oz rosehip seed oil (added after infusion)
Equipment:
Large glass jar (16 oz) with tight-fitting lid
Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
Dark amber glass bottle for storage
Funnel
The Process:
Step 1: Prepare your herbs
Mix all dried herbs together in a bowl
If any herbs are in large pieces, chop them finely (this increases surface area for better extraction)
Step 2: Fill your jar
Fill your glass jar about ½ to ⅔ full with the herb mixture
Don't pack it too tightly—you want the oil to circulate
Step 3: Add your oils
Combine apricot seed oil and olive oil
Pour over herbs until they're completely submerged with at least 1 inch of oil covering the top
Critical: No plant material should be exposed to air (this prevents mold)
Use a chopstick or wooden skewer to release any air bubbles
Step 4: Infuse
Traditional cold infusion (my preferred method):
Seal the jar tightly
Place in a cool, dark place (cupboard, closet)
Infuse for 6-8 weeks
Shake gently every few days
The oil will darken significantly—this is good
Faster warm infusion (if you can't wait):
Use a double boiler or slow cooker on the lowest setting
Keep temperature under 110°F (use a thermometer)
Infuse for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally
Let cool completely before straining
Step 5: Strain thoroughly
Line a mesh strainer with several layers of cheesecloth
Pour the infused oil through, letting gravity do the work
Let it drain for several hours
Don't squeeze the cloth—this can introduce plant particles that will shorten shelf life
You should have about 8-9 oz of beautifully infused oil
Step 6: Add rosehip oil
Measure your infused oil
Add rosehip seed oil at a ratio of 20% (so if you have 8 oz infused oil, add about 1.5-2 oz rosehip)
Mix gently
Step 7: Bottle and store
Pour into dark amber glass bottles (this protects from light degradation)
Label with date
Store in a cool, dark place
Shelf life: 6-12 months if stored properly
How to use:
Apply 2-3 drops to damp skin (morning)
Apply 3-5 drops to damp skin (evening)
Press gently into face and neck
Let absorb for 2-3 minutes before applying anything else
I know that's a lot of steps and preparation on your end. Sourcing 15+ organic herbs, waiting 6-8 weeks, proper straining technique, testing ratios—it's time-consuming and can be overwhelming if you're new to herbalism.
That's exactly why I offer Radiant Repair Serum already made fresh to order !
Every batch I create:
✨ Uses herbs from regenerative organic farms
✨ Is formulated with precise ratios I've refined over years
✨ Comes in UV-protective glass with a treatment pump
✨ Is ready to start healing your skin today
STEP 2: Radiant Repair Herbal Toner
Inflammation Control | Pore Tightening | Microbiome Balance / Skin Barrier Healing
Here's where most routines fail. Conventional toners are either:
Alcohol-heavy (destroys your acid mantle and microbiome)
Packed with fragrance and fillers (triggers sensitivity)
This toner does the opposite.
The base:
Rose hydrosol – anti-inflammatory, pH-balancing
Witch hazel (alcohol-free) – tightens pores without stripping
Cactus water – hydrating, rich in skin-protective polysaccharides
Infused with 11 medicinal herbs:
🌸 Clove, Calendula, Chamomile, Rose
🌸 Green Tea, Oregano, Rosemary, Lemongrass
🌸 Frankincense, Saffron, Aloe Vera
What this toner does:
Reduces redness and reactivity
Controls acne bacteria while supporting beneficial flora
Tightens pores and refines texture
Calms overactive sebaceous glands
Preps skin to absorb the serum deeply
Gives the skin the right nutrients to glow
Heals hyperpigminations
Evens out skin tone
This isn't a "refreshing mist." This is corrective therapy in a bottle.
How to Make the Radiant Repair Toner (DIY Instructions)
⚠️ Important note: Water-based products require proper preservation to prevent bacterial and mold growth. This is where many DIY skincare projects fail. Please take preservation seriously.
What you'll need:
Dried herbs:
1 tablespoon clove buds
2 tablespoons calendula flowers
2 tablespoons chamomile flowers
1 tablespoon rose petals
1 tablespoon green tea leaves
1 tablespoon oregano
1 tablespoon rosemary
1 tablespoon lemongrass
1 teaspoon frankincense resin (powdered)
½ teaspoon saffron threads
2 tablespoons dried aloe vera (or 2 tablespoons fresh aloe gel, added later)
Liquids:
4 oz distilled water
2 oz rose hydrosol
1 oz witch hazel (alcohol-free)
1 oz cactus water (or substitute aloe vera juice)
Preservative (choose one):
Leucidal Liquid SF (natural, beet root fermented broad-spectrum) – use at 3-4%
Equipment:
Small pot for decoction
Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Glass measuring cup
Dark glass spray bottle (8 oz)
pH test strips
The Process:
Step 1: Make the herbal decoction
Combine all dried herbs (except aloe if using fresh) in a pot
Add 6 oz distilled water
Bring to a gentle simmer
Reduce heat to lowest setting
Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes
Don't boil hard—you want to extract, not destroy the phytochemicals
Remove from heat and let steep as it cools (30-45 minutes)
Step 2: Strain thoroughly
Strain through fine mesh or multiple layers of cheesecloth
Squeeze gently to extract all liquid
You should have about 4 oz of dark, aromatic herbal infusion
Let cool to room temperature completely
Step 3: Combine liquids
In your glass measuring cup, combine:
4 oz herbal decoction
2 oz rose hydrosol
1 oz witch hazel
1 oz cactus water (or aloe juice)
If using fresh aloe gel, add 1-2 tablespoons now and whisk well
Step 4: Check and adjust pH
Test pH with strips—you want 4.5-5.5 (skin's natural pH)
This step is crucial for both preservation and skin health
Step 5: Add natural preservative
Calculate the amount based on your total volume (about 8 oz)
For Leucidal Liquid SF(Beet Root Fermination) : add about 0.3 oz (just under 2 teaspoons)
Whisk thoroughly to incorporate
Step 6: Bottle and test
Pour into dark glass spray bottle
Label with ingredients and date
Let sit for 24 hours
Check for cloudiness, separation, or off smell (signs of contamination)
Step 7: Storage
Keep refrigerated for longest shelf life (3-4 months)
OR store at room temperature if properly preserved (2-3 months)
Always use clean hands or spray (never dip fingers in)
Discard if you see any mold, smell anything off, or notice separation
How to use:
Spray onto clean face 2-3 times (or apply with cotton pad)
While skin is still damp, apply serum
Use morning and night
Can also be used throughout the day as a refreshing mist
Why This Is Tricky (And Why Many Choose to Purchase)
Water-based formulations are where DIY gets complicated:
❌ Wrong pH can disrupt your skin barrier
❌ Under-preserved products grow bacteria (can cause infections)
❌ Over-preserved products can be irritating
❌ Improper storage shortens shelf life dramatically
I've formulated this toner hundreds of times. I know exactly:
Which preservation system works best
The optimal pH for both efficacy and stability
How to prevent separation
How to maximize shelf life without refrigeration
If you're newer to herbalism or just want the confidence of a professionally formulated product, this is the one I most recommend purchasing.
STEP 3: Radiant Repair Mineral Sunscreen Balm
UV Protection + Healing in One
Let's be honest: most natural sunscreens are chalky, greasy disasters.This one is different. I took the Radiant Repair Serum formula—the same herbal-infused oil that's already healing your skin—and transformed it into a protective balm with:
☀️ Non-nano zinc oxide – physically reflects UV rays (no hormone disruption, no chemical filters)
☀️ Beeswax – creates a breathable, water-resistant barrier
☀️ Shea butter – nourishing, anti-inflammatory
What makes this sunscreen different:
It continues healing acne scars and pigmentation while you wear it
Prevents hyperpigmentation from darkening in the sun
No white cast when blended properly
Safe for sensitive, post-acne, rosacea-prone skin
Won't clog pores or disrupt your microbiome
This is the sunscreen I wish existed when I had active cystic acne.
How to Make the Radiant Repair Sunscreen Balm (DIY Instructions)
⚠️ Critical safety note: Homemade sunscreen is controversial in the skincare world, and for good reason. SPF requires precise formulation and testing to ensure adequate protection. If you make this at home, please understand:
You won't know the exact SPF without lab testing
Zinc oxide must be evenly dispersed or you'll have gaps in protection
This is best used as a supplementary barrier, not your sole UV protection
That said, here's how I make it:
What you'll need:
Base ingredients:
4 oz Radiant Repair Herbal Serum (or infused oil from recipe above)
1 oz non-nano zinc oxide powder (20-25% concentration)
0.5 oz beeswax pastilles
0.5 oz shea butter (unrefined)
Equipment:
Double boiler (or heat-safe glass bowl over pot of water)
Small whisk or milk frother
Thermometer
4 oz tin or jar
Mask (zinc powder can irritate lungs if inhaled)
The Process:
Step 1: Safety first
Put on your mask before opening zinc oxide
Work in a well-ventilated area
Zinc is safe on skin but should not be inhaled as powder
Step 2: Melt your base
In your double boiler, combine:
Radiant Repair infused oil (or apricot/olive/rosehip blend)
Beeswax
Shea butter
Heat gently until completely melted
Keep temperature under 175°F
Stir to combine
Step 3: Add zinc oxide (this is the tricky part)
Remove from heat
Let cool slightly to about 150°F
Slowly sprinkle zinc oxide powder into the oil mixture
Whisk constantly as you add it
This takes about 5-7 minutes of continuous whisking
You're looking for a smooth, evenly colored mixture with no clumps
Alternative method for better dispersion:
Pre-mix zinc oxide with 1 tablespoon of the infused oil
Create a smooth paste
Then add this paste to the melted oils and whisk thoroughly
Step 4: Check for even dispersion
Look for white streaks or settled powder (signs of uneven mixing)
Continue whisking if you see any separation
The mixture should be uniformly opaque and creamy
Step 5: Pour and set
While still liquid (but cooling), pour into your tin
Tap gently on counter to release air bubbles
Let sit undisturbed for 4-6 hours to set completely
Don't put the lid on until fully cooled
Step 6: Test the texture
Once set, the balm should be firm but scoopable
It should warm between your fingers and spread smoothly
If it's too hard: you used too much beeswax (remelt and add more oil)
If it's too soft: remelt and add a bit more beeswax
How to use:
Scoop out a pea-sized amount
Warm between palms for 10-15 seconds
Press onto face in sections (don't rub vigorously)
Let it sit for 1 minute, then gently pat/blend
Reapply every 2 hours in direct sun
Shelf life: 6-9 months stored in cool, dark place
When it comes to sun protection—especially if you're healing hyperpigmentation—precision matters.
Shop Radiant Repair Sunscreen Balm
My Skin Today (And Why I'm Sharing This)
I don't wear foundation anymore. I haven't had a cystic breakout in over a year.My hyperpigmentation? Faded by about 85%.My skin is calm. Glowing. Resilient. I finally have the confidence in my beauty that I never did in my 28 years of life.
And I want that for you. Because I know what it's like to hate your reflection. To cancel plans because of your skin. To spend thousands on treatments that make things worse. You deserve to understand what's actually happening in your skin. You deserve ingredients you can pronounce. You deserve to heal—not just manage symptoms forever.
Two Paths to Radiant Skin (Both Are Valid)
Path 1: Make It Yourself
I've given you complete formulation instructions for all three products.If you're a DIY soul who loves herbalism and formulation, I'm excited for you to try this.
Start with the serum—it's the most forgiving and where you'll see the most dramatic results.
My honest recommendations:
The serum: totally doable at home
The toner: manageable if you're careful with preservation
The sunscreen: challenging but not impossible
Path 2: Let Me Craft It For You
I also understand:
You're juggling a business, a family, a life.
You want the precision that comes from years of formulation experience.
You want to start healing now, not 8 weeks from now when your infusion is ready.
You need products you can trust when it comes to preservation and sun protection.
That's exactly why I offer Radiant Repair Skin Care pre-made.
Every batch is:
✨ Formulated with biochemical precision
✨ Made with herbs from regenerative organic farms
✨ Properly infused, preserved, and tested
✨ Backed by years of clinical herbalism and skin biology knowledge
✨ Ready to start working immediately
You can order:
Individual products (serum, toner, or sunscreen separately)
The complete Radiant Repair System (all three working synergistically)
Explore the Full Radiant Repair Collection
How to Use the Radiant Repair System
Morning:
Splash face with cool water
Apply toner while skin is still damp (spray )
3-5 drops of serum, pressed into skin (not rubbed)
Sunscreen balm (pea-sized amount, warmed between palms, pressed on)
Evening:
Cleanse (I personally use a cleansing oil)
Apply toner to damp skin
5-7 drops of serum
Let it absorb while you wind down for bed
Give it time. Real healing takes 4-6 weeks minimum. Your skin didn't break down overnight—it won't rebuild overnight either.
But when it does? You'll know what it feels like to trust your skin again.
Ready to Heal?
Whether you make this yourself or have me craft it for you, the goal is the same: Clear, glowing, resilient skin that doesn't need to hide.
💚 DIY? Save this page and start sourcing your herbs
💚 Ready now? Shop the Radiant Repair Collection
💚 Have questions? Email me—I read every message
Shop Radiant Repair Serum
Shop Radiant Repair Toner
Shop Radiant Repair Sunscreen Balm
Shop the Complete Care Bundle
Your skin is not broken. It's been waiting for the right support.
Let's give it that.
— Hannah
Biochemist, Natural Healer, Founder of WildSynergy Apothecary
P.S. Whether you make this or buy it, I want to hear about your results.
Tag me in your before/afters or DM me your progress.
This community is built on real healing, and I'm here for every step of your journey. 💚
