A Multi-Cultural Skin Care Journey…

…as told by Crysten Curry


Let’s take it back to the 90’s when I was a little girl watching my mother apply her skincare products each morning. I was always in awe of her beautiful, brown shade with hues of gold that matched her shining personality. I would watch as she experimented with endless cleansers, toners and moisturizers—trying to find the perfect combination for her individual needs. Her bathroom cabinets quickly filled with products that were either too light, harsh or uncomfortable for her to use on a regular basis. As the years went by, she began seeking professional guidance to find products that contained ingredients that were gentle enough to preserve her pigment, yet effective enough to treat her concerns. The love she displayed for her pigment and dedication to finding the right products inspired me to go on a skin care journey of my own.
Since the 90’s, there has been an influx in skin care products geared towards the melanin-enriched consumer, but I wanted to know exactly what that meant. I wanted to know how my skincare needs differ from those with lighter pigment and how to identify products that support my skin’s natural tone. My skin is deep in color with hints of gold and yellow and I was looking for a brand that could simultaneously care for my specific needs without altering the vibrancy of my color. The most important part? I wanted a brand that prioritized the multi-cultural approach in the product development phase. I knew that COSMEDIX delivered clinical results with clean ingredients, so I enlisted their Regional Educator, Sonia Barrow-Conerly, to help answer a few questions along the way.
Having a skincare professional in your corner is a luxury that I would never trade. While many skincare concerns like acne, aging skin and dry spots transcend racial barriers, it’s important to consult with a professional that understands how different products and treatments can stimulate the melanocyte cells. Sonia helped identify key areas of concern and curated a regimen that’s customized for treating my needs. A 2016 study compiled by the Environmental Wellness Group (EWG) determined that only 25% of personal care products on the market today are considered safe for a person of color, which makes it imperative to seek a professional to guide you through this journey. To find a spa near you, visit https://www.cosmedix.com/store-locator.
While 24/7 access to the internet is amazing, there’s also a surplus of false information out there about skin health. When speaking with Sonia, I wanted to debunk some of the common misconceptions that I’ve heard about multi-cultural skin care, like the need to apply sun protectant.
One condition that’s common amongst people of color is hyperpigmentation, or excess melanin in the skin that produces dark spots and uneven tone. Unfortunately, many products in the market contain harsh, bleaching ingredients that are harmful to the skin and can compromise our beautiful melanin. Simply Brilliant and Pure C is a dynamic duo that helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and improve overall skin tone without the use of irritating ingredients, such as hydroquinone, that can damage the skin. These products are packed with natural botanicals and gentle actives for a brighter, healthier-looking complexion.
In addition to hyperpigmentation, I struggle with occasional breakouts that I wanted to treat without the extreme brightening chemicals. Sonia recommended Refine, a Refinishing Treatment that helps refine and visibly reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and blemishes for a smoother, clearer-looking complexion.

After taking the time to conduct my own research and go on a personal skin care journey, I found myself embracing my pigment even more. With COSMEDIX, I’m able to resolve some of my most troublesome concerns without harsh additives that could damage my pigment. In addition, the product line is 100% free of parabens, formaldehyde donors, mineral oil, petrolatum, PEGs, sodium lauryl sulfate, hydroquinone, and glycolic acid.
Thanks to COSMEDIX, I’ll be able to recommend a multi-cultural product line to my daughter someday.
Check out Crysten's IG and blog!