When I was 16 years old, my health began to deteriorate in ways that would confound doctors for the next six years. What began as digestive issues and fatigue evolved into a constellation of symptoms that affected nearly every aspect of my life—and eventually led me to create Cake Face Soaping.

The Beginning: Dismissed and Doubted

Like many with chronic health conditions, my journey began with being dismissed. "Your blood work is perfect," doctors would say, despite my body clearly telling a different story. My pediatrician even suggested to my mother that perhaps I was making it up, or that it was "all in my head"—words that cut deeply when you're suffering and desperate for answers.

My symptoms were undeniable:

• Severe digestive issues where my body rejected many foods
• Menstrual problems that were dismissed as "normal"
• Debilitating fatigue that limited basic activities
• Skin that became nearly transparent with painful, deep blemishes
• Depression and anxiety that had been present since childhood

Through my teenage years, I sought alternative perspectives—seeing naturopaths and an iridologist who helped bring some balance with herbal supplements and dietary changes. I experimented with eliminating certain foods, tried veganism and vegetarianism, always searching for what might be triggering my body's distress.

The Crisis Point

October 2009 marked the moment I realized this wasn't just about discomfort—my life was potentially at risk. Without changing anything in my routine, I lost 15 pounds in just 10 days. At 22 years old, I couldn't walk to the mailbox without needing a three-hour nap afterward. My skin had so little color that it was almost transparent.

Desperate, I connected with naturopathic doctors who reviewed the same blood tests my conventional doctors had deemed "perfect." Their assessment was alarming: I was severely malnourished. My body wasn't absorbing nutrients properly, and years of dysfunction had left me in a precarious state.

Finding Answers: The MTHFR Connection

After beginning a protocol of herbal supplements and probiotics that started to restore my energy, I was ultimately diagnosed with a MTHFR gene mutation—specifically, one copy of C677T.

MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in processing amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. More importantly, it's involved in methylation—a chemical process that affects everything from detoxification to neurotransmitter production, immune function, and energy production.

When this gene has a mutation, as it does for approximately 30-40% of the population to varying degrees, it can impact:

• How effectively your body detoxifies harmful substances
• Your ability to convert certain nutrients (like folate) into forms your body can use
• Neurotransmitter balance, affecting mood and mental health
• Inflammatory responses throughout the body

In my case, the diagnosis explained so much—not just the physical symptoms, but the anxiety and depression I'd experienced since childhood. My body had been struggling to process toxins efficiently, leading to a gradual buildup that affected multiple systems.

The Transformation

Working with knowledgeable practitioners who understood MTHFR, I began a comprehensive protocol that included:

• Targeted supplementation to support methylation pathways
• Heavy metal detoxification (I discovered I had significant heavy metal poisoning)
• Specific dietary changes to support my genetic profile
• Elimination of toxins from my environment where possible

The results were nothing short of transformative. Within six months, I started feeling like myself again—or perhaps, like the self I'd never had the chance to be. My skin cleared completely—not just the painful cystic blemishes, but even minor whiteheads disappeared. My energy returned. My digestion normalized. Even my eyesight improved.

For the first time in almost a decade, I looked and felt vibrant and alive.

From Health Crisis to Clean Beauty Mission

My experience with MTHFR fundamentally changed how I view what goes into and onto my body. I realized that many conventional products—food, household cleaners, and especially skincare—contain ingredients that can add to the toxic burden of someone with compromised detoxification pathways.

Contrary to what some might assume, I didn't create Cake Face Soaping because I had particularly sensitive skin. I created it because I wanted complete transparency and control over ingredients. I was frustrated by misleading marketing that positioned products as "natural" when they contained synthetic preservatives, chemical fragrances, and potential endocrine disruptors.

If I made products myself, I could ensure they were truly clean.

This mission became especially important when I considered that:

• Skin absorbs a significant portion of what's applied to it
• The term "fragrance" can legally hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals
• Many preservatives and synthetic ingredients haven't been adequately tested for long-term health effects
• Those with MTHFR or other detoxification challenges may be more vulnerable to these compounds

Living with MTHFR Today

Today, I maintain my health through a balanced approach:

• Eating clean foods when possible
• Avoiding synthetic fragrances and unnecessary chemicals
• Regular detoxification support through practices like Epsom salt baths and occasional castor oil packs
• Creating and using truly clean skincare products

I'm not perfect about it, and I don't believe in extremism. There are times I eat foods I probably shouldn't. I recognize it's impossible to avoid all environmental toxins in today's world. The goal isn't perfection—it's awareness and making better choices where we can.

What This Means For You

Whether or not you have MTHFR, understanding the importance of what goes onto your skin matters. Your skin is your largest organ, and it doesn't just keep things out—it lets things in.

If you're struggling with unexplained health issues, consider:

• Trusting your intuition when something feels wrong with your body
• Seeking healthcare providers who take your concerns seriously
• Looking into methylation and detoxification pathways
• Examining not just your diet, but also your personal care products

For those already diagnosed with MTHFR or similar genetic variations, know that small changes can make a meaningful difference. Clean skincare isn't just about avoiding breakouts—it's about supporting your body's overall toxic burden.

Cake Face Soaping was born from my personal health journey, but it exists to serve anyone who values knowing exactly what they're putting on their skin. Because whether you have MTHFR or not, everyone deserves that transparency.

Have you experienced similar health struggles or been diagnosed with MTHFR? I'd love to hear your story in the comments below.