The Science Behind Your Skincare

Okay girl, let me put my formulator hat on for a second.

Because once you start learning how skincare is actually made, you realize there is A LOT going on in that little bottle.

And some of it had me like...

“Wait...WHAT?”

We see words like “detox,” “brightening,” “clean,” “natural,” and “viral,” and automatically think, Okay, this must be good.

But what is actually in it?

And why?

Let Me Give You an Example

One ingredient that sent me down a rabbit hole was activated charcoal.

You know charcoal. Those black masks, cleansers, soaps...everything was charcoal for a minute.

But I wanted to know:

What does charcoal actually DO?

Activated charcoal can bind to certain substances. That's why it has medical uses in certain poisonings and overdoses.

Researchers have also looked at whether charcoal can affect the absorption of certain oral medications, including birth control.

Now, before you throw your charcoal cleanser away:

I'm not saying your face wash is going to cancel your birth control.

That's not what the research shows.

What it did make me think about was how important formulation actually is.

How much of an ingredient is being used matters.

How it's being used matters.

What it's mixed with matters.

It ain't just what's in the bottle. It's how the whole thing is formulated.

Your Skin Ain't Her Skin

This part is important.

Your skin is not everybody else's skin.

Different melanin.

Different sensitivity.

Different oil production.

Different hormones.

Different reactions.

And yes, skin of color matters.

For women with melanin-rich skin, irritation can sometimes leave behind hyperpigmentation.

So that viral product that worked beautifully for somebody else might leave you with a dark mark that hangs around way longer than you wanted.

And please stop believing:

“If it burns, it's working.”

Girl, no.

Your skin does not need to suffer to improve.

Now Let's Talk About Hormones

You've probably heard the term endocrine disruptors thrown around when people talk about skincare and personal care products.

Basically, these are substances researchers study because they may interact with the body's hormone system.

And this is where I want us to be informed without getting scared.

Because the conversation isn't always simply:

“Bad ingredient!”

We have to look at the evidence, how much is being used, how we're exposed to it, and what the research actually says.

And if you've ever dealt with PCOS, then you already know hormones can have your body acting brand new.

One minute you're like:

“Why is my skin breaking out?”

“Why am I growing hair THERE?”

“Why is my body doing this?”

Which is exactly why I think women should understand that skincare isn't completely separate from the rest of what's happening with our bodies.

And Girl...Stop Buying Everything You See

Now, I haven't used another skincare brand since I started Radimaè, but girl...

I see the trends too.

And I understand the temptation.

Everybody is using it.

Everybody's skin looks amazing.

The video has 2 million views.

But TikTok doesn't know your skin.

That influencer may have completely different skin, hormones, medications, climate, and routine than you.

So before you hit “add to cart,” ask:

What is this supposed to do?

Do I actually need it?

What's in it?

That's it.

You don't need 15 products because somebody online said you do.

This Is Why I Love Formulating

I don't want skincare to feel complicated.

I want it to make sense.

You don't need a chemistry degree.

You just need to be willing to ask questions.

Because skincare isn't magic.

It's science.

And once you understand a little of the science, you stop buying things just because they're trending.

You start asking:

“Is this actually right for me?”

And honestly?

That's the kind of skincare conversation I want Radimaè to have.

Scripture for the Journey

“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”
— Proverbs 18:15

Keep asking questions.

Keep learning.

And when you see that ingredient list, don't be afraid to say:

“Hold up. What is this actually doing?”

That's not being difficult.

That's being informed.