Natalie’s Diagnoses
Navigating Chronic Skin Conditions
Diagnosed with vitiligo as a child, Natalie has faced a range of chronic skin conditions throughout her life. These experiences have shaped both her personal journey and her advocacy for people of colour living with skin conditions. Her journey with acne began in 2013, when she was a teenager. Initially believing it was a typical part of adolescence, she soon realized it was more severe and widespread. Through dermatology care, her condition improved, though the experience left a lasting impact on her self-image and understanding of skin health.
Not every step in her journey has been met with the same success . In one case, a complex skin condition took time to identify, the delay led to scarring that was emotionally difficult and persists to this day. Natalie emphasizes the importance of timely access, open communication, and treatment options that recognize how dermatological conditions can manifest differently, especially across diverse different skin tones.
Today, she continues to advocate for improvements in dermatological care—particularly for people of colour. She stresses the need for timely referrals, shorter wait times, and greater awareness among healthcare providers. With a long-term goal of becoming a dermatologist, Natalie is passionate about advancing equity in dermatology and ensuring that all patients feel seen, heard, and well cared for.