Former pageant queen opens up about severe acne struggles: 'Cysts the size of grapes'

Morgan now focuses on self-compassion and gratitude, encouraging others to rethink their relationship with their skin

A former beauty pageant contestant is speaking out about the harsh realities of living with severe acne, revealing how the condition dramatically changed both her appearance and sense of identity.

Zoe Morgan, 25, who previously competed as Miss Teenage Nova Scotia, said her skin went from having only occasional breakouts to developing painful cystic acne almost overnight in August 2025. What began as “a few pimples” quickly escalated into uncontrollable nodular cysts across her face, leaving her both physically and emotionally overwhelmed.

Morgan described the condition as not only visible but intensely painful, explaining that the cysts felt as inflamed as they looked and were impossible to ignore throughout the day. The experience forced her to confront a side of acne that many people don’t often talk about, the constant discomfort and impact on daily life.

Beyond the physical toll, the emotional impact was equally significant. Once accustomed to receiving admiration during her pageant days, Morgan said she began noticing a stark shift in how people reacted to her appearance. She recalled feeling ashamed, avoiding eye contact and even making jokes about her skin as a defense mechanism.

One particularly difficult moment came during a visit to a haunted attraction, where she said a staff member mistakenly believed her acne was face paint and publicly questioned her, leaving her humiliated.

The experience led Morgan to reflect on how much of her identity had been tied to her appearance. “It was a humbling experience,” she shared, noting that she no longer recognized herself at the height of her breakouts.

Since going public with her journey in late 2025, Morgan has been documenting her experience online, aiming to normalize acne and challenge the stigma surrounding skin conditions. She is currently undergoing treatment, including Accutane and regular medical monitoring, while also adjusting aspects of her lifestyle.

Despite the challenges, Morgan says the experience has shifted her mindset. She now focuses on self-compassion and gratitude, encouraging others to rethink their relationship with their skin and embrace healing, both physically and emotionally.

Through her openness, Morgan hopes to create a more honest conversation about acne, highlighting that it is not just a cosmetic issue but one that can deeply affect confidence, identity and mental health.