The beauty world has faced rapid growth in the last couple of years, resulting in a billion-dollar-worth industry. Communication and networking, especially among women, are crucial to effectively navigating the clean beauty space. This gives way to sharing knowledge and learning new things.
Regarding that, Painted Pink Prevention talked to Eunice Cofie-Obeng, President and Chief Cosmetic Chemist of Nuekie, who stands out as a recognized expert in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. With a chemistry and molecular biology background, she addresses common skin disorders, particularly among people of color.
The clean beauty company Nuekie, a name inspired by Eunice’s Ghanaian heritage, focuses on skincare for people of color. The company will release nine new products targeting acne and hyperpigmentation, tailored to address specific demographic needs.
Understanding Ingredients and Preservatives
Eunice stresses the importance of understanding skincare ingredients. Parabens, often misunderstood, act as preservatives to prevent microbial growth in products. Despite studies suggesting they don’t directly cause breast cancer, Eunice advises consumers to explore natural alternatives and rely on reputable sources like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review for informed decisions.
She distinguishes between stable preservatives and carcinogens, emphasizing the role of UV rays as potential carcinogens leading to skin cancer.
Critical Ingredients and Considerations
Eunice recommends avoiding abrasive exfoliants in acne-prone skin and fragrance-heavy products for cancer patients with compromised immune systems. She draws attention to the potential impact of certain medications and highlights reputable sources like medical journals for accurate information.
Vitamin D deficiency, a recurring issue, leads Eunice to discuss sunscreen choices. She advocates for physical sunscreens over chemical ones, especially for people of color, as they tend to be less irritating.
Diet and Acne Breakouts
Diet plays a significant role in acne breakouts. Eunice suggests adopting a low glycemic diet and avoiding high-iodine foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol to maintain clear skin.
Hyperpigmentation and Exfoliation
Due to the higher concentration of melanin in people of color, hyperpigmentation can be a common concern. Eunice explains the importance of chemical exfoliants like glycolic and mandelic acids, particularly for skin of color, as they address skin issues without irritating, further calling for clean beauty.
Creating a Skincare Regimen
When creating a skincare regimen, Eunice emphasizes knowing your skin type to choose suitable products. She recommends a basic routine: “Many people like to do the Korean skincare that’s 12 steps, but you really don’t need all of that. I like to keep it simple – you just need a cleanser, a toner, a treatment serum, and a moisturizer.” Chemical exfoliants and gel-based cleansers are ideal for combination and oily skin, while cream-based cleansers suit dry skin.
Skincare through Different Ages
Eunice notes that skincare routines differ for different age groups. In the 20s, the focus is on acne prevention, transitioning to anti-aging in the 30s. Adjustments should be made based on hormonal shifts and seasonal changes, with specific recommendations for mask-wearing scenarios (like the COVID-19 pandemic). “You want to create a barrier, and using Vaseline actually protects the skin’s barrier from outside elements.”
Final Tips on Skincare from Eunice
- Double cleansing, a crucial step, is especially recommended for makeup wearers. It involves using an oil-based cleanser first to dissolve makeup, followed by a regular cleanser. This method effectively removes makeup, dirt, and debris, reducing the risk of breakouts. Aestheticians typically employ this technique during facials for thorough cleansing.
- “Tretinoin is a prescription drug, and it’s basically vitamin A or retinoid prescribed for those dealing with acne, and I highly recommend it.” However, it can cause dryness and mild scaling. It is crucial to use plenty of hydrating products alongside tretinoin to mitigate these effects and ensure optimal results in the skincare routine.
- Vitamin C is versatile and suitable for everyone. It particularly excels in addressing hyperpigmentation, making it highly recommended for those focusing on anti-aging or dealing with skin discoloration.
- “Why does the clean beauty industry recommend paraben-free products? “It’s all marketing, and unfortunately, most people in the industry haven’t researched parabens adequately. It’s just a marketing tactic to get consumers to buy their products.”
For more tips on clean beauty and breast cancer prevention, check out the rest of our blogs. If you need additional support, the team behind Painted Pink is always at your service.
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