Zithobe Macheli has carved a niche for herself in the online beauty market, boasting an impressive portfolio that includes winning the Best Beauty Influencer Award for Women & Home magazine in 2022, contributing to esteemed publications like BONA and GQ magazines, and hosting the award-winning Nivea podcast “Skin Out Loud.” Her journey from battling acne to becoming a trusted skincare authority is both inspiring and instructive.
In a candid interview with Previdar, Macheli shared, “My acne journey inspired me to venture into skincare content creation. I remember spending so much time trying to figure out how I could heal my skin when I was younger, from trying out different products, consulting dermatologists, and doing extensive research through reading medical journals on skin and skincare education.”
After years of trial and error, Macheli found the solution to her skin issues, a discovery she attributes to divine intervention. “In my matric year, I finally cracked the code and started seeing my skin transform through science-based skincare and applying the knowledge I had acquired throughout the years. That experience birthed my passion for skincare and, most importantly, skincare education,” she expressed.
Today, Macheli serves as a skin expert for the Eucerin South Africa Skin Squad 2024. She aims to empower individuals with informed skincare education and promote conscious consumerism. Reflecting on her new role, she said, “Being a Skin Expert for Eucerin’s Squad 2024 is truly a dream! I have worked with Eucerin on a few campaigns before this, and I have always been so happy with the creative freedom they allow and how they respect my opinion and time as a creator.”
Her role as host of Nivea’s “Skin Out Loud” podcast was another significant milestone. “Skin Out Loud was such a defining moment in my career! The opportunity came when I was praying for more in my career, and I couldn’t believe it when I got that call from Beiersdorf, Germany. The podcast, dedicated to skin diversity, touched on topics such as identity, skincare, confidence, age, and everyday life experiences. It was an honour to co-host with pioneers in their respective industries, and being the youngest and only black African host made me proud to raise the South African flag,” she said.
The podcast opened doors for a long-term relationship with Beiersdorf, Germany, leading to three global campaigns, including a shoot in Istanbul, Turkey. “More than anything, shooting the podcast had a huge impact on me as a person; the level of vulnerability we shared was empowering. I made life-long friends and left the three-day set feeling like there was nothing in the world I could not conquer,” she added.
As a skincare connoisseur, Macheli swears by maintaining a healthy skin barrier. “Many skin issues are caused by a damaged skin barrier, which is why maintaining its health is so important,” she advised. When choosing skincare products, particularly moisturizers, she looks for ingredients that restore what the skin naturally produces, such as ceramides, squalene, collagen, and hyaluronic acid.
Zithobe Macheli’s journey from personal struggles to professional triumphs continues to inspire and educate, proving that with perseverance and passion, one can conquer any challenge and shine brightly in their chosen field.
