From teenage breakouts to beauty school and beyond, this is the real story behind Iyvos — and why I poured my heart into every formula.
I still remember waking up as a teenager with a big, angry pimple on my cheek, and just like that, the day felt ruined. Instead of thinking about what to wear or which friends I’d see at school, I felt this heavy sense of dread. I’d stare into the mirror wondering why my skin seemed to hate me, praying the breakouts would magically disappear.
Acne wasn’t just a skin issue for me. It affected the way I saw myself and how I showed up in the world. I’d layer on foundation before school, hoping no one would notice the flakiness underneath and all the bumps. I styled my hair to hide my forehead, avoided cameras, and genuinely started to believe that I just wasn’t beautiful like my friends.
“My grandmother lovingly ordered me Proactiv on subscription, not knowing it was doing more harm than good.”
I tried everything. From supermarket cleansers and harsh toners to bizarre homemade remedies and then came Proactiv. My sweet grandmother had it delivered every month, hoping it would be the answer. But my skin only became more irritated and inflamed.
Eventually, I ended up at the doctor. I was just thirteen when I was prescribed antibiotics. When they didn’t work, he suggested contraception. Not for birth control, but to “regulate my hormones”. I remember sitting there thinking, why am I going on the pill when I’m not even sexually active?
Looking back now, as a mother and someone who’s spent years learning about skin and the body, I realise how many of those early "solutions" did more harm than good. Everyone is so quick to chase a fix, when the real answer is often about getting to the root cause.
Where Passion Found Me
I was lucky enough to have a friend who worked in the skincare industry after we left school. Every time we talked about skin, I was completely hooked. I hung onto every word she said. Something about it just clicked for me, I knew this was what I wanted to do.
So, I went to beauty school. From there, I worked in the industry, eventually running my own clinic. It was never just a job to me. Helping people with their skin felt deeply personal, because I had been through it myself.
But even after all that, I still couldn’t find one skincare brand that had everything I knew my skin needed. I was bouncing between three different brands just to create a routine that kind of worked. And I thought, if I’m not completely satisfied, how am I doing my clients justice?
The Moment, I Said It Out Loud
I’ll never forget the night I was sitting in a restaurant with my husband. Life was already a lot. I was running a clinic, raising three kids, being a wife, and my mum was unwell at the time. The thought of starting something new felt overwhelming.
But the idea had been sitting on my heart for so long, I couldn’t ignore it anymore.
So I said it:
“I want to create my own skincare line.”
“I expected a no. Instead, I got a yes — and that changed everything.”
I thought he’d tell me I had too much on my plate. Instead, he supported me without hesitation. That was all I needed to dive in.
Building the Brand I Always Needed
I spent months researching, learning, and working with labs to create skincare that was both gentle and effective. Every product had to meet a standard, not just for my skin, but for the people I knew would one day trust me with theirs.
I wanted to create skincare that felt like a soft reset. Not aggressive. Not overwhelming. Just restorative, empowering and supportive of your skin barrier and confidence.
Iyvos Is More Than Skincare
It’s a love letter to my younger self.
It’s a hug to the person hiding behind makeup.
It’s a reminder that you don’t have to choose between results and kindness — your skincare can give you both.
“Iyvos is the skincare I searched for as a teen, as a skin therapist, and as a mother balancing life’s chaos.”
Today, Iyvos is more than a brand. It’s a space for real stories, real skin, and real confidence. I show up with my scars, my journey, and my heart, because I never want anyone to feel like they’re in this alone.
A Note from Me……
If you’ve read this far, thank you.
This brand, this mission, this story — it’s all come from real life, real heartbreak, and a deep desire to create something meaningful.
Iyvos was born from pain, but it has grown into purpose. And I’m so grateful you’re here to be part of it.
If you’re in the middle of your own skin journey, just know this, you’re not broken. You’re not behind. And you absolutely deserve to feel confident in your skin.
With love,
Gabrielle Singh
Founder of Iyvos 💛
