Infertility, Acne and a New Beginning - Sian Lousie from Obvs Skincare

In this episode of The Fertility Podcast, Natalie sits down with Sian Louise, founder of OBVS Skincare, to explore how one woman turned personal loss, infertility, and cervical cancer into a mission to create safe, effective, and hormone-friendly skincare. 

Sian opens up about her fertility journey, including multiple miscarriages, the emotional impact of IVF, her cancer diagnosis, and how hormonal acne during treatment became the catalyst for OBVS Skincare. She also shares evidence-based insights into harmful skincare ingredients, like microplastics and endocrine disruptors, and how they may impact fertility. 

This conversation is part of the Meet the Makers series, celebrating founders whose lived experience with fertility has inspired impactful, purpose-driven businesses. 

What We Talk About 

• Sian’s IVF journey, miscarriages, and cancer diagnosis 
• How hormonal acne during IVF led to creating OBVS Skincare 
• The lack of awareness around skincare ingredients and fertility 
• What endocrine disruptors are and how they affect hormones 
• How Sian built her certified organic, vegan skincare line from scratch 
• Her passion for educating people on safe alternatives 
• The impact of OBVS products on real families and babies 
• Why advocating for yourself in medical settings is essential 
• Sian’s advice for managing skin health during fertility treatment 

Resources & Links 

• OBVS Skincare website: obvs-skincare.co.uk 
• OBVS on Instagram: @obvs_skincare 
• Sian’s ingredient call-outs on Instagram: @sian_louise_obvs 
• Beat the Microbead App: beatthemicrobead.org 
• Studies on skincare ingredients and fertility, including: 
• Parabens in breast tumors (Darbre et al., 2004) 
• Endocrine disruption from butylparaben (Boberg et al., 2010) 
• Prenatal phthalate exposure (Swan et al., 2005) 
• Benzophenone’s thyroid effects (Schmutzler et al., 2007) 
• Microplastics in cosmetics (TAUW & ECHA reports) 
• Campaign for Safe Cosmetics report: Not So Sexy 

Let’s Stay Connected 

• DM Natalie on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy 
• Follow Fertility Action: @fertility.action
• Email thoughts or guest ideas: [e-mail] 
• Subscribe on your podcast app to stay updated 

A Word From Our Sponsor – Proceive 

We’re delighted to be partnering with Proceive this season. Their high-strength fertility supplements for men and women are trusted by healthcare professionals and available in-store at Holland & Barrett or online. 

Use code FP20 for 20 percent off your order at www.proceive.com