Eczema can be more than a skin condition – it can affect your self-image, lifestyle, and sense of belonging in your own body.
Danish-French Sarah has lived with eczema since childhood, but her journey has also been about self-discovery, setting boundaries, and finding peace.

We first met Sarah in 2021.
She was introduced to HERO pH Solution and went from loyal user and ambassador to becoming the face of our HERO campaign at Karmameju. Now, five years later, we sat down with Sarah to talk about her story, her insights – and finding her way back to something as simple as the joy of smiling.

Tell us about your history with eczema
“I was seven years old when I first noticed some redness and dry skin on my eyelids. My mum took me to the doctor, who said it looked like eczema and suggested a rich cream — nothing medicated. It worked well, and it didn’t feel frightening. Just apply the cream and everything would be fine.”

The eczema disappeared again, and Sarah lived most of her twenties without symptoms.

“Then it came back when I was around 27–28. It started on my eyelids again but spread to the rest of my face, my neck, and the classic eczema areas like the creases of my elbows. That’s when it really hit.”

How did you experience your eczema?
“It itched intensely, it stung, and when the skin became dry, it started to flake. It was very uncomfortable. At its worst, the itching was so severe that I couldn’t sleep at night.”

Having eczema on her face made it impossible to hide, affecting both her self-image and confidence.

“It’s the first thing people notice – the very red, dry skin. I also felt I looked much older back then. It definitely affected how I saw myself. That feeling that something is wrong with me. But I was actually more affected by people who didn’t understand my choices than by how I looked physically.”

It sounds like it affected you socially. What challenges did you face?

“It did. Especially at work, but also with friends and family. I had decided not to rely on steroid creams and wanted to find another solution. People didn’t understand it: ‘Why doesn’t she just do something about it?’

Even my father, who is a doctor, was sceptical – respectful, but sceptical. It can be difficult when the people around you don’t understand the decisions you make for yourself. It feels a bit lonely.”

Would you tell us more about your treatment?
“The first thing I did was see a dermatologist. I asked about allergies, diet, and lifestyle, but the response was mostly, ‘Just apply the cream and it will disappear.’ It helped — but as soon as I stopped, the eczema returned.”

Sarah, who runs her own practice as a doula and is training to become a body therapist, began looking for alternatives.

“I tried reflexology, Body SDS, various body therapies, clairvoyance, and reiki. Nothing stopped the eczema, and I had to accept that there is no quick fix — at least not without medication.”

Later, she consulted a doctor specialising in functional medicine.

“She took blood tests and reviewed my diet, and for the first time I got answers I could actually use. I had been vegetarian for many years but realised it didn’t work for me — I needed to reintroduce meat.”

But the insights didn’t stop with diet.

“As I got to know myself better, I realised my previous lifestyle didn’t suit me. I became more comfortable with being introverted and accepting my need to recharge. There have been many realisations along the way.”

How were you introduced to HERO?
“I was introduced to HERO in 2021 by a former Karmameju employee. She said it might not be a miracle product, but that I should try it because it protects the skin barrier – especially in connection with showering.

Showering had felt like torture when my eczema covered my body, so I was very open to anything that could make the experience better. Shortly after, I took part in my very first HERO campaign.”

How do you use HERO?
“I started using HERO just after becoming a mother, when I had chosen to stop using steroid creams. My skin reacted as expected – it became very red and itchy – so I used it after showering about three to four times a week.

HERO became a bit like my best friend during the time when my eczema was at its peak. It gave me a tool and a sense of control, and it made showering feel pleasant again. It feels very smooth on the skin and has definitely helped reduce the itching. It didn’t remove every symptom, but it made a difference.”

If you could share one piece of advice for someone struggling with eczema or challenged skin?
“It might sound a little spiritual, but when your skin hurts and itches, it can be an invitation to look inward as well. Perhaps it points to areas of life that need extra love, care, and action.”

How does it feel to be in your skin today?
“Today, it truly feels wonderful to be in my skin. I remember the time when it was at its worst – it actually hurt to smile. And that’s such a paradox. It shouldn’t hurt to smile. Now, it really feels good to smile.”

 The award-winning consumer favourite HERO pH Solution instantly restores the skin’s pH level. When pH is in balance, the skin barrier – your skin’s protective shield – is strengthened.

HERO is developed based on scientific studies showing the skin’s need for a stable pH – especially in cases of dry skin, eczema, rosacea, and wound healing.