Spotlight on Sophie — Bouncing back from burnout

Hello! We are back with a new "Spotlight" article! Today, we’d like you to meet Sophie. After a harrowing burnout, Sophie discovered natural cosmetics through the zero-waste movement. It was a real turning point for her, one that led her to live more serenely with her skin. Skin that, unfortunately, was showing visible signs of her anxiety and fatigue. Today, Sophie is bouncing back in her life. And as you will see, her skincare routine played no small part in that!

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Sophie, I live in Lille, and I’m 32 years old. I’m a nurse by profession. However, I went through a burnout phase over the last three years. The coronavirus crisis certainly didn't make things easier, as I was working as an intensive care nurse.

After that, I began a professional transition. I am still a nurse, but in clinical research. So, I’ve moved away from direct patient care, even though I still work at the hospital.

What was difficult was that I was already fragile from my burnout. I should have left the position I was in at the time well before COVID arrived… So it was a major earthquake in my professional life.

What is your background with cosmetics in general?

I think it goes back a long way; I don't necessarily have a precise date in mind. I used a lot of cosmetics when I was younger.

I went for certain brands because they were price-friendly. And besides, they were the brands my friends were using too.

I used to go to large perfume retail chains. Then, I switched to drugstore products, for both my skincare products and makeup.

It was convenient: I usually bought my makeup where I bought my face creams.

Then, at the start of my burnout phase, I began to think about my place on Earth. The zero-waste approach came to mind very quickly.

It seemed quite natural to take these steps for the planet, but also for myself. I was doing it to feel better and take care of myself.

How did that translate into action? Is that when you switched to natural cosmetics?

I started taking workshops to learn how to make my own cosmetics. Creams, micellar waters, pharmacy products... Whether due to hormones or anxiety, I’ve always had problematic skin, often with pimples and blemishes.

It was a vicious cycle: the more anxious I was, the more I picked at my skin, the more blemishes I had... which is exactly what you shouldn't do. With zero-waste, I shifted toward natural cosmetics.

But honestly: I admire people who continue to make their own products. It takes time, and you can't get the dosages wrong at the risk of worsening your skin problems…

So, I admit I wasn't very comfortable with that. Eventually, I started buying products in a few small shops near me, but I wasn't convinced.

How did you discover La Canopée?

A coworker once told me my skin reminded her of her daughter's. She explained that she had switched to La Canopée. Not knowing the brand, I asked her for more information.

She directed me to the website. That was around 2018. I started browsing the solutions, the manufacturing principles, the ingredients... I ended up signing up for the skin diagnostic, knowing there was a long wait.

I did, however, start following the brand on Instagram, and it started to play on my mind. A French brand, vegan, offering natural products…

The skin diagnostic came back, and I indeed have blemish-prone skin. I decided to treat myself to a kit to try out the products.

Big hit! I love the packaging, the way the products are wrapped, the little pouch, the samples… I tried the products and, once again, I was hooked. The scent of the products is present without being too overpowering.

Since then, I’ve been placing orders every 3 to 6 months. I only use them now. There’s only one cream I use for dark spots, which has SPF, that isn't from La Canopée.

Verdict?

Actually, I don't have the same relationship with cosmetics as I did before. It was a journey, but today I feel quite at peace when I apply these products to my skin.

I know I’m not harming myself, and I feel much less need to wear makeup, by the way!

One day, my doctor told me, "You know Sophie, skin is a reflection of your inner state." And yes, my skin was showing that things weren't right on the inside through its appearance on the outside.

Even today, when I’m feeling a bit anxious, it often shows up on my skin as a little pimple.

Of course, to be fair, it’s not a miracle cure. But it gave me hope because I really saw long-term improvement.

What would be your go-to La Canopée product?

The Perfection Lotion: if I could only keep one, this would be it, although I’m torn with the Black Cleansing Jelly.

The #1 remains the Perfection Lotion because I’d never seen anything like it from another brand before. The lotion is applied under the cream to treat this problematic skin with a tailored treatment.

I always keep one bottle in reserve to make sure I don't run out!

Any final words?

La Canopée helped me, beyond just my skin problems. Given that burnout period, which was very long and intense… It really played a role. This skincare routine was one of the crutches that allowed me to regain my self-confidence.

The burnout shook up my values, both mentally and physically. That’s also why I have such an emotional connection to this brand. When you’re not doing well, you tend to neglect yourself and stop paying attention.

On the contrary, you need to listen to yourself, read between the lines, and find what makes you feel good. Aesthetics are a part of that too. A big thank you to La Canopée!