Former Pageant Queen Zoe Morgan opens up about severe acne journey

Zoe Morgan, 25, a Montreal-based content creator and former beauty pageant competitor, is sharing the raw realities of severe acne after experiencing a dramatic shift in her skin and self-image.

Morgan, who competed in Miss Teenage Nova Scotia 2017, tells PEOPLE her acne began as mild teenage breakouts but escalated in August 2025 to “cysts the size of grapes,” prompting her to start Accutane.

“I no longer knew who I was anymore,” Morgan said, reflecting on the sudden change and the challenges it brought to her identity as a former pageant queen.

The journey has not been purely physical. Morgan recalls a humiliating encounter at a corn maze in fall 2025, where a security officer mistook her inflamed skin for face paint, forcing her to explain her condition in front of a crowd.

“It was very humiliating,” she said, but praised her supportive date, who helped her through the moment.

By December 2025, Morgan decided to go public with her acne story on Instagram under skinselflovestory, sharing both her struggles and moments of joy.

She highlights the mental toll of severe acne, from constantly thinking about her inflamed skin to navigating social situations while on Accutane, which requires lifestyle adjustments such as limiting alcohol and undergoing monthly blood tests.

“Having my face break out in cysts the size of grapes was humbling,” Morgan explained.

“I realized how much of my identity was wrapped up in being ‘the pretty girl.’ People who didn’t know me would stare in contempt, but the people who mattered saw past it.”

Morgan also emphasizes the physical pain of severe acne, the challenges of long dermatology waitlists in Canada, and the emotional support she received after posting about her struggles online.

Messages of encouragement from followers, brands, and even therapists helped her feel less isolated.

Her experience has inspired a broader message of self-compassion and perspective. “Two months ago, I could barely get out of bed,” she said.

“Now I remind myself that my skin is healing every day and that being gentle with myself is powerful.”

Through her content, Morgan aims to normalize conversations about acne, mental health, and self-acceptance.

“Social media can connect people so they feel less alone,” she said. “A few pimples on my face do not define me, and focusing on positive energy helps me see challenges as opportunities to grow.”