More Than Skin Deep: Alopecia, Confidence and Finding a Skincare Brand I Trust

More Than Skin Deep: Alopecia, Confidence and Finding a Brand I Trust

Written by contributing writer and Birch Babe community member Tami Wong

Watch Tami's Video here

For the past few years, I've made the switch to non-toxic natural skincare. As someone whose alopecia was triggered by a medication when I was 15, I've become incredibly intentional about what I put on my skin. At 45, I'm also looking for products that actually make a difference when it comes to hydration, fine lines and age spots, while being safe for sensitive skin. Finding products that are both clean and effective has been harder than I expected.

When I discovered Birch Babe back in April, I was immediately drawn to the company. I loved that it was Canadian, woman and family owned, and built on a commitment to clean ingredients. Learning about their journey, including their appearance on Dragons' Den, only made me more excited to give their products a try.

I started with the Rejuvenating Face Cream and 100% Mineral Sunscreen, and after the very first use, I was hooked. I'd spent years searching for a facial sunscreen that didn't leave a white cast, felt lightweight, and worked beautifully under makeup. Birch Babe's sunscreen checked every box, while the Rejuvenating Face Cream quickly became my favourite nighttime moisturizer.

But this partnership has become about so much more than skincare.

When I was 15, I began losing my hair. I spent nearly 20 years hiding because I believed my thinning hair made me ugly. I felt completely alone. There was no social media where I could search for other women who looked like me, and I truly believed I was the only one experiencing hair loss.

A few years ago, I decided to change that.

I founded Hair Loss Pride to create the support I wish I'd had as a teenager. Today, I help women with hair loss through coaching, wig consultations, and an in-person community in Vancouver. I also educate hairstylists about alopecia and partner with brands that are committed to making beauty more inclusive for women with hair loss.

A few weeks after discovering Birch Babe, I met co-founder and CEO Kelsey at an event. As we talked, I shared my vision of improving representation for women with alopecia in the beauty industry. Without hesitation, she said, "I'd love to work with you."

To have someone I'd just met believe so wholeheartedly in my mission meant the world.

Since then, Birch Babe has become a staple in our home. The Botanical Body Bar is used by my whole family, Skin Food has become my go-to for dry skin and cuticles, and the Double Duty Face Oil gives me the benefits of a bio-retinol without irritating my sensitive skin. Months later, I'm still using my beloved sunscreen and face cream every single day, and my skin has never looked healthier.

What I appreciate most about Birch Babe isn't just that the products work. It's that the people behind the brand genuinely care about creating a more inclusive beauty industry.

A few years ago, I never could have imagined partnering with a company I admire because of the very thing that once caused me so much shame. Today, I see my baldness as beautiful. Instead of hiding it, I use my story to help other women believe they can feel beautiful, too.

Finding Birch Babe has been about more than discovering skincare I trust. It's been about finding a company whose values align so closely with my own, and I'm incredibly grateful our paths crossed.

Thank you, Tami