The Accidental Alchemist: How Our Skincare Line Was Born
The Accidental Alchemist: How Our Skincare Line Was Born
I didn't set out to become a skincare formulator. In fact, my journey began out of sheer frustration. As someone with extremely reactive skin—rosacea, sensitivity, larger pores, and persistent redness—I was all too familiar with the struggle of finding products that didn't exacerbate my conditions. My arms bore the brunt of keratosis pilaris (KP), a stubborn skin condition characterized by small, rough bumps, which, contrary to popular belief, doesn't always resolve on its own. So read on to see my findings and how I was able to improve one of my skin issues. I’ll dive into the other issues ( because i’m blessed with a few) in future posts!
The Breaking Point
After countless encounters with products that promised relief but delivered disappointment, I reached a turning point. My skin would react with flare-ups, leaving me feeling defeated. The final straw was a "gentle" cream that left my face resembling a greasy ripe tomato. It was then I decided to take matters into my own hands.
Diving into the World of Ingredients
I embarked on a mission to understand what I was putting on my skin. Hours turned into days of researching ingredients, their sources, and their effects. Deep diving into medical journals and other references, I discovered that many commercial products contained fillers and synthetic additives that offered little benefit and often aggravated sensitive skin. Most of what I found also led me to believe a lot of the good ingredients were so far down the list and so diluted I wasn’t even sure there was enough of it to have any benefits what so ever.
The Revelation of Cold-Pressed, Unrefined Oils
Through my research, I learned about the profound benefits of cold-pressed, unrefined oils. Unlike oils processed through high heat or chemical extraction, cold-pressed oils retain their natural vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients. This gentle extraction method ensures that the oils maintain their therapeutic properties, making them ideal for sensitive and reactive skin.
For instance:
- Jojoba Oil: Mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing hydration without clogging pores. It's also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe conditions like rosacea
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Coconut Oil: Rich in saturated fats, it offers deep moisturization. However, it's essential to use cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil to ensure the retention of its beneficial properties
The 'Mad Scientist' Phase
Armed with knowledge, I transformed my kitchen into a makeshift lab. I experimented with various oil combinations, meticulously noting how each blend affected my skin. There were moments of doubt, especially when a batch didn't turn out as expected. But with each trial, I inched closer to formulations that my skin not only tolerated but thrived on.
A Breakthrough with Keratosis Pilaris
One of my most significant challenges was addressing my keratosis pilaris. Traditional treatments often include topical exfoliants like lactic acid or salicylic acid
While these can be effective, they never worked long-term for me. Any store-bought cream I applied for hydration afterward would only congest my skin and cause further irritation.Talk about a vicious cycle. Determined to find a more natural solution, I experimented relentlessly. Through persistent testing, I developed a body oil blend that, with regular use, noticeably smoothed the rough texture on my arms. It wasn’t an overnight miracle, but consistent application led to gradual improvement. My first test was with hexane-free, cold-pressed castor oil applied directly to my arms—and the results astonished me. No cream or exfoliating agent had ever made my skin so smooth. When we created Kaviar, incorporating castor oil was essential—just enough to reap the benefits without making the formula too thick.
Sharing the Gift
Friends and family began noticing the transformation in my skin and inquired about my secret. Sharing my creations with them brought immense joy. Encouraged by their feedback, I took the leap to launch the skincare line, rooted in the principles of purity, simplicity, and efficacy. Kaviar body oil and Negligee ultra-hydrating and soothing face oil are now my pregnant sister's best friends!
A Commitment to Quality
Our products are crafted with unrefined, cold-pressed oils to ensure maximum benefit. This commitment to quality means our oils maintain their natural nutrient profile, offering your skin the nourishment it deserves. We steer clear of unnecessary additives, focusing instead on potent botanicals that deliver results.
A Journey of Passion
What started as a personal quest for relief has blossomed into a passion for helping others with similar skin challenges. I understand the emotional toll of skin issues and the impact they have on self-esteem. My hope is that our products not only provide physical relief but also restore confidence and a sense of control over one's skin health. I do not claim in any way to be able to treat conditions or cure any skin issues, what worked for me may not work for someone else, but I really do believe in the power of clean and pure natural ingredients.
Next week I’ll dive deeper into ingredients and their benefits.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Together, we're embracing the power of nature to achieve radiant, healthy skin.
🌿 Stay radiant, stay real. See you next week!
Steph
The Luxe Edit
P.S Some of the links to my findings are listed, these are but a few of the rabbit holes I went down, Knowledge is power!