What is Melanin?
Melanin is a large group of molecules responsible for our hair, eye, and skin pigmentation. All skin contains it, ranging from smaller amounts in those with fair skin to larger amounts in people of color. Melanin protects the skin, but as the cells are very sensitive, many factors can overstimulate melanin production, causing dark spots and uneven coloration, known as hyperpigmentation, dryness, inflammation, and scarring.
From Healing to USTAWI
Former model Natacha Paugam was fed up. After her melanin-rich skin began experiencing issues, she embarked on a journey for a clean skincare product designed to tackle the overstimulation of melanin production. She kept running into the same problem. Where were these clean beauty products? Determined to resolve this naturally, Paugam returned to her homeland of Angola, Africa, where she “reconnected with old family recipes kept by her mother,” many of which contained a key ingredient, the African super fruit baobab fruit. And just like that, her skin issues began to reverse. After returning home to France, “she was inspired to re-create some of the benefits she had experienced during her stay in Africa – for herself and others. She surrounded herself with a team of Board-certified dermatologists, scientists, and researchers,” who, in conjunction with science, harnessed the power of the baobab fruit, along with other local natural ingredients, to create USTAWI.
USTAWI (Swahili for well-being) cares about the well-being of all skin. USTAWI benefits all shades of people of many colors, as it “aims to protect and sublime every skin tone.” Therefore, unlike other skincare lines, “ALL formulations have been tested on darker skin tones (phototypes 4-6) to achieve the best results without compromising the well-being of your beautiful skin!”
Products (100% CLEAN, Vegan and Cruelty-Free)
Firstly, the line consists of 100% CLEAN, vegan and cruelty-free products designed to clean, protect, treat, and moisturize. As each of our skin is unique, USTAWI has designated products specifically for normal to dry skin and products specifically for those with oily and combination skin.
- Myrtle Leaf Natural Cleansing Balm
- Niacinamide Dark Spot Corrector
- Baobab Fruit Ultra-Nourishing Moisturizer
- Red Clay Clarifying Mask
- Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum
- Bamboo Water Protective Mist
I’m an African-American woman with dark skin dealing with hyperpigmentation. I started using USTAWI four weeks ago, and guess what…? My pesky dark marks are fading! My skin is visibly brighter and so soft to the touch. In fact, I’ve been approached by several people while wearing no makeup, who told me that my skin was glowing. And you know what, it is! Thanks for the Glow Up USTAWI and for giving me that Black Girl Magic! $27+; Available online at USTAWI, Bergdorf Goodman’s, and Nordstrom
