Melbourne-based Creator and founder Mamata Thapa shares about living with adult acne, building confidence online, and why she created The Patchly.
The first thing we noticed about Mamata Thapa was her incredible (and iconic) hair – long, dark red, and effortlessly bouncy. The second was her honesty.
Across her social channels, Mamata documents the realities of living with acne in a way that feels refreshingly candid and relatable to many of the women navigating the skin condition alone.
Research suggests around one in five women experience adult acne, with rates even higher among women in their 20s.
Across her page, there are no promises of miracle fixes or declarations that she’s finally “cracked the code”.
Instead, Mamata shares the ups and downs of navigating skin that doesn’t always cooperate and many of the lessons she’s learned along the way.
That experience ultimately inspired The Patchly, a skincare brand she founded in response to her own skin journey.
We spoke with Mamata about her experience with acne, building a business, navigating life online, and what she’s learned from sharing it all publicly.
On Starting Her Content Journey Online
What made you start creating content, and what has that journey looked like so far?
“I started creating content at one of the lowest points in my life. I was dealing with severe cystic acne, and at the same time I was struggling financially, mentally, emotionally, and physically. I felt like everything was falling apart, including my confidence in how I looked.
At that point, I felt like I had nothing to lose, so I showed up online exactly as I was, bare-faced, with active breakouts. What started as a vulnerable moment slowly turned into a journey of sharing my real skin, building a community, and learning to be seen without hiding.”
On Showing Up Online With Acne
How do you feel about showing up online with acne, and what have you learned about your skin throughout the process?
“Showing up online with acne hasn’t always been easy, especially in a space where perfect skin is often the standard. But over time, I’ve realised that being honest about it creates a much deeper connection with people who are going through the same thing.
My skin has taught me patience more than anything. It’s not something I can control overnight, and I’ve learned to focus more on supporting my skin rather than constantly trying to fix it.”
On Life Outside Of Content
Outside of skincare and content, what are some things in your life that you love and enjoy?
“Outside of content, I really value slow, simple moments. I enjoy spending time in nature, going on small trips, and doing things that help me reset mentally.
I also love quiet routines like journaling, having coffee, and spending time with my cats. Those small, grounding moments help me stay balanced.”
Why She Created The Patchly
You created The Patchly. What inspired you to start the brand?
“The Patchly came from a very personal habit I struggled with for years, which was constantly touching and picking my skin without even realising it. I noticed that most of my breakouts became worse because I couldn’t leave them alone.
I wanted to create something simple that could act as a physical barrier in that exact moment. It’s less about perfect skin and more about making the healing process a little easier and less stressful.”
On Separating Self-Worth From Skin
What would you tell someone currently going through a similar acne journey to you?
“I would say don’t build your entire self-worth around your skin, even though it can feel impossible not to. Acne can make you feel like it’s the only thing people see, but it’s not your identity.
Focus on small, consistent habits that support your skin, and try to avoid constantly switching products out of frustration. Most importantly, be gentle with yourself, both physically and mentally, because healing takes time.”
On What She Wishes She’d Known
What do you wish you’d known from the very beginning?
“I wish I knew that more products don’t equal better results. I spent a long time overcomplicating my routine and expecting quick fixes.
In reality, consistency and patience matter far more than trying every trending product. I also wish I understood earlier how much things like picking and irritation were actually prolonging my breakouts.”
On Her Current Routine
What are some of your go-to skincare products right now?
“Right now, I focus on a simple, consistent routine. Sunscreen is something I prioritise daily, especially living in Australia.
I also use vitamin C in the morning to help with dark spots, and adapalene at night as part of my long-term acne management. Hydrating and barrier-supporting products are also really important for me.”
For Australian-based readers, adapalene (sold as Differin) is available from pharmacies following a consultation with a pharmacist.
Like most retinoids, lots patience is key. Starting slowly and giving your skin time to adjust can make the experience much more comfortable, particularly if your skin is already feeling a little fragile.
Read: How to Use Vitamin A Like a Pro!
On Healing That Isn’t Linear
Is there anything else you’d love people to understand more deeply?
“One thing I’d love people to understand is that healing your skin isn’t always a straight line. There are good days, setbacks, and moments where it feels like nothing is working.
But that doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. Sometimes it’s just part of the process, and you’re still allowed to live your life and feel confident while your skin is healing.”
Final Thoughts
Mamata’s approach has never been to fix her skin first and share the result later.
From the start she’s documented the whole process, even while it’s still messy and uncertain, reminding people they’re allowed to live and feel confident while their skin is healing.
Her advice is refreshingly simple, too: strip back complicated routines, stay consistent, protect your skin from yourself when you need to and remember that setbacks aren’t failures.
You can find Mamata and The Patchly on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, or at thepatchly.com.
The Patchly range has multiple sizes, shop below:
- The Patchly Bundle The Duo, $43.00
- The Patchly The Original, $32.00
- The Patchly The Mini, $15.00
Note: This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. For anything specific to your skin, talk to a qualified healthcare provider.
Related Reading
- 9 Creators Share How They Feel About Having Adult Acne And Showing up Online
- Here’s 10 Things I Wish I Knew Earlier About my Adult Acne Prone Skin
- Krista Pecenka Opens up About Her Journey With Adult-Acne, Founding LOST & FOUND Skin Lab
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