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The quest for radiant, healthy skin knows no bounds. We caught up with one of the most sought-after and authoritative voices in the beauty and wellness sector - Kayla Greaves
Q: Is immaculate skin within reach?
Definitely, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Everyone’s skincare journey is unique, and there’s not a one-size-fits-all goal for what immaculate skin looks like. Also, healthy skin doesn’t necessarily mean skin that’s free of blemishes, scars, or discolouration—these are all a natural part of the skin’s healing process.
Q: Can you buy perfect skin?
Yes and no. On one hand, depending on what you’re looking for, there are a plethora of skincare products on the market to choose from which can give you brilliant results, or you can opt for in-office professional procedures—there are plenty to choose from. Just keep in mind if you choose the latter, be sure to look for a dermatologist or plastic surgeon who is well-versed in working with your skin type/tone. However, it is important to note—and I know no one wants to hear this—much of what our skin looks like comes down to genetics. But there are procedures you can look into that can combat our genes, like blepharoplasty, which can permanently reduce the look of eye bags, for example, or PicoSure laser that can safely diminish sun spots on skin of colour. It really just depends on what you feel is worth making an investment into, and that’s not just about the price, but also recovery, time, and upkeep.
Q: Is there a big difference in choosing products and caring for black skin?
Everyone’s skin is unique, but generally speaking Black consumers tend to be most concerned about discolouration and uneven tone. So you want to look for products that offer supreme moisture and also combat hyperpigmentation, like vitamin C, niacinamide, glycolic acid, etc. And always be sure to wear sunscreen.
Q: Are there any ingredients to avoid when choosing our skin care products?
If you start using a product and notice any type of irritation or redness—stop using it immediately. I also recommend speaking with a dermatologist or at the very least doing a spot test on a small area of skin before adding any new products to your regimen, especially exfoliants, if you have sensitive skin.
Q: What is the easiest way to supercharge your skincare?
By using nourishing ingredients that keep the skin moisturised, and not forgetting that skincare doesn’t just stop at your neck—you have to take care of the skin all over your body. For a face routine, I recommend a gentle face wash, vitamin C or niacinamide serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen for day time. At night, swap out the serum for a chemical exfoliant and omit the sunscreen. For the body, I suggest using an oil straight out of the shower while the skin is still damp. Brown Sugar Babe’s Nourishing Body Oils offer a gorgeous fragrance, along with a blend of avocado, castor, grapeseed, olive, and sweet almond oils to nourish and condition the skin to leave you with a brilliant glow. You can use it alone, or mix with a lotion if you want extra suppleness. My favourite is IT Girl, a scent I developed with the brand.
Q: When should I start using anti-aging products?
Generally speaking, people say around 25-years-old. But in my opinion, I think the best anti-aging product you can use is sunscreen. Excessive sun exposure can lead to premature aging and worsen discolouration.
Q: Is sunscreen essential for black skin?
Absolutely. On its own, melanated skin generally only gives you around SPF 13 protection, while dermatologists recommend using at least SPF 30 on a daily basis. There are plenty on the market to choose from these days, so it’s less about which one you actually use—so long as you use it.
Kayla Greaves previously held the title of Executive Beauty Editor at InStyle, with bylines at other prestigious publications such as Vogue, ELLE, and Allure. She can be seen as an expert commentator on HBO’s The Beauty of Blackness and Netflix’s The Black Beauty Effect. With her on-camera charm she has landed brand campaigns for major companies like SheaMoisture, Ulta, T.J.Maxx, and Maybelline.
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