Inclusivity In The Beauty Industry

Although we have come far, there is still a way to go. All brands within the beauty and skincare industry have a responsibility to educate and be inclusive and help to combat racism. 

Whilst inclusive beauty brands such as Fenty cater for all skin tones, and more and more beauty brands have started to do the same - there are still unresolved issues. For example, there are models who attend photoshoots where there is a lack of knowledge of how to style their natural hair, or apply the make-up that are suitable for their skin tone. 

Despite many skincare brands are making the effort to be inclusive, the importance of wearing sunscreen even if you have darker skin is still overlooked. A higher level of melatonin present in dark skin tones does offer some protection from the sun, however it is still vulnerable to sun damage, spots, wrinkles and developing skin cancer. A study showed that people with dark skin tone are actually more at risk of getting serious skin cancer because of this misconception. They are less likely to take precautions such as SPF and to get checked. Meaning often the skin cancer is diagnosed too late and is therefore more fatal amongst those with darker skin. As well as this, sunscreen often leaves a white cast because it has not been formulated with darker skin tones in mind. 

The impact of ethnic heritage and DNA has on your skin is also not talked about enough, showcasing the journey towards true inclusivity in the beauty industry.  For example, South Asians and Afro-Caribbeans are more prone to hyperpigmentation associated with under-eye puffiness and bags. Caucasians have a higher tendency in having dry skin than Afro-Caribbeans and South Asians. This is why our Skin Diagnostic analyses your ethnic heritage and why our products are suitable for all skin tones and characteristics. 

By opening up the conversation surrounding our needs and what makes us different, we can raise awareness and become a stronger community with mutual understanding rather than ignorance. Our uniqueness is what we all have in common. 

Below Are A Few Great Resources We Would Encourage You To Delve Into:

Funmi Fetto: “The Beauty Industry Is Still Failing Black Women - The Guardian

Bee Shapiro:  “How Skin-Care Companies Are Tackling Issues Faced by Women of Color.”  New York Times 

Priyankaa Joshi: ‘I wanted to be white’: Women of colour explain the damaging impact of western beauty standards - The Metro

We should all feel represented and catered for - it should be effortless and the norm. It starts with education, both unlearning and learning, and a commitment to inclusivity. Without being totally inclusive and challenging the status quo, we are just perpetuating a close minded beauty standard and feeding the idea that lighter skin is more desirable. An ideal we must push against.

We are all unique. We are all beautiful. 

Author: Sara Poidevin-Hill