Skin care for darker skin tones isn’t alway easy to find. While there are plenty of ranges on the market that address pigmentation, few are targeted specifically for naturally darker skin tones. Always Young is a range of skin care for darker skin tones, designed specifically to nurture and support those with Skin Types Three to Six.
Shonagh Walker chatted to founder, beauty therapist Chadette Walker, about her journey and the development of this groundbreaking skin care collection.
Chadette’s personal story sparked the idea for skin care for darker skin tones
Chadette has been immersed in the beauty industry for over 20 years. But it was an accident in a male grooming and hair care salon that started her journey to become a beauty entrepreneur.
“In 2019, I was working in a salon, focusing mostly on men’s skin care and hair,” Chadette reveals. “I had an accident that left me unable to do my job. My hand and elbow required surgery, but after that I was left with nerve damage and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
“My life fell apart for a bit, thinking I could never do my job again. At the same time, my skin was really suffering, as a side-effect of the medication I was on. I had pigmentation and issues with tone and texture. My doctor and other therapists couldn’t guide me in the right direction to get my skin back to health. So I took matters into my own hands. My passion and dedication to find solutions for melanin-rich skin types started then and there. Roughly 80 percent of the world’s population are people of colour. Being part of that percentage myself, I know all too well the skin struggles we face! There just wasn’t anything I could find that addressed skin care for darker skin.”
The intention behind Always Young skin care for darker skin tones
Chadette began the process in September of 2019, looking at hero ingredients. These included Green Tea, Licorice, and Alpha Arbutin, for their ability to lighten skin, inhibit melanin production and address uneven skin tones. After finding a solution that worked really well for her, she expanded to help others who were looking for skin care for darker skin.
“I found a compounding chemist and we explored countless formula iterations. We worked really hard to bring this vision to life – a comprehensive range of products specifically for skin types three to six.”
Empowering all skin tones
While Always Young is skin care for darker skin tones, Chadette has found that all skin types actually benefit.
“Always Young skin care is for anybody with a skin type three to six, but I have many clients with pigmentation who’ve found the range really helpful. The range addresses so many concerns, including pigmentation, post-inflammatory pigmentation, acne scars, and melasma – issues that impact a significant portion of the global population. “Every person is different, seeing different results,” explains Chadette. “Ninety five percent of people have seen results within a few days or up to four weeks of consistent use,” says Chadette. “Long-term benefits can be seen within 12 weeks, provided they are consistent. The collection works, because at the heart of Always Young skin care is a dedication to education, innovation, and inclusivity.”
Always Young skincare for darker skin hero products
Cleansing
Daily Cleansing Gel is an oil-free foaming cleanser that is great for oily and combination skin types. It contains aloe vera to soothe stressed skin. It also has a mild exfoliating action, as well as hydration, so it really balances out troubled complexions.
Glycolic Acid Cream Cleanser is an exfoliating, soap-free formula enriched with vitamins B3, B5 and Hyaluronic Acid. It also has an exfoliating action, shifting dry, dead cells.
Black Tea Cleansing Crème is great for more sensitive skin types. It’s fragrance-free and has barrier-repairing ingredients to help prevent moisture loss.
Chadette’s cleansing tip:
“I love cleansing with a gauze – it’s antibacterial and provides gentle exfoliation. It’s been a game changer for my clients, a hidden tip to glowing skin that most households have in their first aid kits,”
Exfoliating
Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scrub 4% is a gentle formula that combines the exfoliating effects of glycolic acid with natural pumice granules. It provides a mild sloughing of dead skin cells and debris from the upper layer of the skin.
Chadette’s Exfoliating Tip: “Don’t massage your exfoliating products into the skin too firmly, or scrub too hard. They already have the pumice granules that will work their magic with a very light massage. If you scrub too hard, you risk damaging skin.”
Serum
Peptide Firming Serum is an all-in-one serum that all skin types can use. It addresses the signs of ageing, such as lines and wrinkles, sagging and dehydration.
Chadette’s Serum Tip: “Layer your serum lightly after cleaning and exfoliating. Allow a few seconds to a minute for it to absorb, before applying regular moisturiser.”
Oils
Orange Non Greasy Facial Oil is great for all skin types, this luxe oil combines hydrating and balancing rose and orange oil with the anti-aging benefits of vitamins A and C.
Blue Ocean Soothing and Repairing Night Oil; this beautiful oil calms and hydrates the skin while you sleep. It contains chamomile, olive and Centella Asiatica, which soothe, nourish and balance. help to soothe the skin whilst keeping it well nourished and balanced. It also contains squalene which has naturally anti-inflammatory properties.
Chadette’s Oil Tips: “Apply your oils after your serums, but before moisturiser. It will help enhance the effects of the rest of your skincare and keep your skin well hydrated.”
Moisturiser
Niacinamide Cream is an oil-free, vitamin B3-rich cream that supports hydration as it targets pigmentation, scars, freckles and the visible signs of ageing. It can be applied twice daily.
Chadette’s Moisturising tip: “By incorporating a potent ingredient like Niacinamide (vitamin B3) into your hydration, you are ticking so many skin concern boxes. Apply this lovely cream twice daily, after your skin routine. Finish with sunscreen in the morning, of course.”
For more information on the range visit alwaysyoung.com.au
