Kate Ferdinand has shared a remarkably honest insight into her personal health journey, revealing she is actively "slowing down and listening to her body" while battling a breakout of acne. The former TOWIE star, aged 34, posted a series of candid photographs to her Instagram account on Sunday, including a make-up free snapshot that highlighted her skin concerns.
A Month of Reflection and Adjustment
In a lengthy caption accompanying the images, Kate detailed her January experience, which she described as not what she had "envisioned, but the one my body has needed." She wrote about a conscious shift in her routine, emphasising more rest, less time at the gym, increased food intake, and a greater focus on family moments. "Every now and then your body gives you signs that it’s time to listen & adjust & January has been full of that for me," she explained.
Prioritising Wellbeing Over Pressure
This revelation follows an earlier post this month where Kate confessed to feeling "fatigued and pressured to do everything." The mother-of-five, who relocated to Dubai last year with her husband, former footballer Rio Ferdinand, 46, and their children, has been open about the challenges of adjustment. She thanked her followers for their supportive messages, noting that "turns out lots of us are in this together" when it comes to navigating periods of low energy and overwhelm.
Her new regimen includes what she terms "deep self care," incorporating activities like yoga and therapy. She explicitly listed elements of her January, which included:
- Lots of self reflection
- Lots of saying 'No'
- Matching hairstyles with her daughter, Shae
- Less gym activity
- More food
- More listening to her body
- So much fatigue
- Less 'instagramable' moments
- Lots of acne
- Precious family time
Family Support and Fan Reaction
The post resonated deeply with her audience. Her stepdaughter, Tia, 14, commented with praise for her honesty, calling it a "very real, hard month" but affirming Kate's strength. Fans flooded the comments with messages of solidarity, with one noting, "Don’t underestimate that moving home has rocked your world!" and another appreciating the relatable content: "This is so much like my January, thank you for sharing and helping others."
Kate and Rio are parents to son Cree, four, and two-year-old daughter Shae. Kate is also stepmother to Rio's three older children from his late wife, Rebecca Ellison. The family spent Christmas in London before returning to their home in Dubai, a transition Kate admitted left her feeling "very emotional" and with an "emotional December hangover."
Rejecting the 'New Year, New Me' Narrative
In a further video update, Kate elaborated on her feelings, challenging the typical January pressure to reinvent oneself. "I don't have that kickstart January feeling like I normally do," she said, describing a sense of being overwhelmed from the festive season and family dynamics. She spoke about feeling the pressure to maintain a rigorous workout schedule but choosing to heed her body's signals instead. "My body is coming to a halt and I'm so fatigued," she admitted.
Kate's message was one of reassurance and normalisation. She emphasised that "it is ok not to be ok" and that January does not have to be a month of extreme reset. Instead, she is advocating for a period of rest, listening to physical cues, and engaging only in activities that bring genuine happiness. Her candid discussion about acne, fatigue, and emotional wellbeing marks a departure from often-curated social media feeds, offering a raw look at the realities of balancing family life, public perception, and personal health.
