The Importance of Skincare: My Road to Recovery with 2nd-Degree Burns

When I was 17 years old, I severely burned my face with 2nd-degree burns. It wasn’t until I was paralyzed to face myself in the mirror that I learned the importance of skincare.

I had just won Miss Montreal and attended the Miss India Canada Pageant in Toronto, where I was 3^rd runner up. I was at home frying tortillas one afternoon when I thought I heard my baby brother in the kitchen behind me. Being the protective sister that I am, I took a pair of tongs to quickly remove the tortilla from the hot oil. Not realizing my abruptness, the tortilla struck my face, adhering to it.

Old-School Remedies

As a little girl, my grandmother always taught me to apply Ghee (clarified butter) should I ever have a kitchen mishap. After applying the entire container to my face and neck, I screamed for my family. I was rushed to the hospital immediately. As I had burned my bottom lip, I couldn’t speak. Luckily, an Indian doctor was on call and recognized the remedy I had slathered on my face. Once I was examined, the diagnosis was in—second degree burns to my face and neck.

Making a Plan

Instead of enjoying my summer vacation, every Friday was spent at the hospital, changing my dressing. Weeks went by, and I was crippled by my appearance. At last, the doctors had a plan. I would need a skin graft, using the viable tissue from my thighs. As it was the 80s, the results weren’t certain for a total recovery.

Back in the 80s, we had no clue if the hair would grow on my face from a thigh graft. I didn’t know what to expect. Three months later, at one of my last follow up appointments, they realized a graft wouldn’t be necessary after all. My face and neck were healing beautifully.

The Search for Self-Approval

After having my self-esteem and my self-confidence taken away at such a vulnerable age, my high school experience shifted. My nickname in school was Priti Ugly. It tormented me for years. I was the Indian girl that Bollywood danced on TV, won the pageant, and here I was, left helpless.

So, let me tell you what this journey has taught me. Before my trauma, I didn’t understand the importance of skincare. When guests walk in with their heads down and embarrassed, I understand the discomfort they feel. All you want to do is hide.

A Career in Skincare

I went into this industry to be an advocate for healthy skin. Everyone deserves to have the skin of his or her dreams, without feeling the need to hide it.

I have now been in this industry for 18 years and have learned so much. I am on this journey with you. Chin up everyone, we can do this together! It takes time, education, and the capacity to build a relationship together. It’s not about influencing, blogging, or pushing spa promotions—it’s about a lasting relationship. It’s about creating a skincare program that works for you. I have attended several trade shows, was invited to Paris for the International Conference of Esthetics, and sometimes I still don’t have the answers, but I make it my job to find out.

Come by Le Petit Spa and see how we can find a skincare plan to help you heal! Call us today or shop with us online for your go-to products.