Dr. Ewoma Ukeleghe from SKN/TALK

I can’t recall how I was introduced to SKN/TALK. It was either from a tag in Glossier’s IG story from their UK launch dinner or Instagram’s explore page. Pretty sure it was Glossier’s Sunday roast dinner, and of course anytime I see gorgeous, black women in the personal care space I become intrigued. Whatever I clicked led me to SKN/TALK. From there I went to the blog and learned that SKN/TALK was created to profile behind-the-scenes figures in beauty and I immediately became obsessed. I read every article she had published at that time (now there are a couple I need to catch up on), looking for nuggets as I craft my career trajectory in the beauty and personal care space. Who is this @skndoctor and can we be friends? Until we’re able to meet in person and indulge in the finest charcuterie at somebody’s happy hour, this feature and Instagram DM’s will have to do.

Tell us about yourself.

I’m a 25-year-old medical, cosmetic doctor and now beauty blogger based in London, UK. I have oily to combination and blemish-prone skin.

Your website is beautiful. I also work behind the scenes in beauty industry, so I’m loving your interviews with the faces behind the scenes. What inspired you to start SKN/TALK?

Thank you! A few things inspired me. Firstly, I own a brand called SKNDOCTOR – which specialises in offering non-surgical beauty treatments. I would occasionally post pictures of myself or my skincare routine on the SKNDOCTOR instagram – and I realised that people were always super interested in such posts. So I wanted to create a separate online space in which I would post such personal content. Also, my friends have been telling me for the longest time that I should have a blog!

I’m majorly influenced by blogs such as Into The Gloss – like most millennials. I wanted SKN/TALK to be just as informative, but to have an intelligent and curious twist.

As a physician, how has your formal education influenced the way you approach your beauty rituals and shopping for skin care?

Massively! I look at the ingredients of the product before anything else. I don’t follow trends when it comes to skincare. I actually get put off by products that are plastered all over social media, if that makes any sense. I prefer products that are cosmeceutical or medical grade – as I know they have a scientific basis and will give my skin results! I only really buy non-medical grade products because I genuinely enjoy trying out products, and I believe it’s important for me to have a good knowledge of products in the market for my business and clients.

How has your skin changed over the years?

My skin was oily and acneic as a teenager. I tried various antibiotics, prescribed creams and skincare fads to help combat it. Now, I would say I get fewer breakouts, and my skin has become less oily.

Walk us through your morning and nighttime regimens with your favorite products.

It varies slightly, but it looks something like this:

Morning

Face Wash – Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser
Tone – ZO Skin Health Oil Control Pads
Treat – ZO Glycogent Exfoliant Accelerator and Obagi Clear Cream
Moisturise – Biologique Recherche Creme Placenta
SPF – SkinCueticals Protect Brightening UV Defense SPF 30

Night

Remove makeup/the day – Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water
Face Wash – Biologique Recherche Lait VIP O₂
Toner – ZO Skin Health Oil Control Pads
Treat – 0.1% Tretinoin

Body

Wash – Le Labo Shower Oil
Moisturize – Pure glycerine and Epara Comforting Body Cream
Perfume – I have a selection of perfumes depending on my mood to where I’m going. I often gravitate towards Philosykos by Diptyque.

If you had to pick one product, what can you not live without?

Retinol! It’s my ride or die, and I will be using it until the day I die!

What’s your favorite skin care brand and why?

ZO Skin Health. If I had to use only one brand for the rest of my life, it would be this. Dr Zein Obagi, who is behind the brand, is a legend in the dermatology community. The products are quite potent, combatting my skin issues such as hyperpigmentation and breakouts.

What is your favorite black-owned skin care brand?

Epara! They have an amazing natural yet luxurious line for face and body.

Are there tips you can share that forever changed your skin?

Regular SPF use.
Use 4% hydroquinone to help get rid of my hyperpigmentation.
Use retinol religiously.
Regularly use glycolic acid or some kind of AHA.

Where do you shop for skin care products?

Liberty! It’s a high-end department store in London. I love the beauty hall there; it’s such an experience. I never leave there empty-handed. I get my cosmeceuticals and medical grade products from online pharmacies.

How do you pamper yourself?

Get a facial and then sleep! Sleep is a secret hobby of mine. I’m constantly working in some shape or form, so a nap is a daily must!

Who is your skin crush?

Jorja Smith. She’s so stunning, it’s disgusting! Her skin is poreless and has that inner luminosity that I’m always trying to achieve with my skin.

Who or what do you attribute your beauty to?

Spending a substantial amount per month on my skin! haha. But also just getting to the point of understanding my skin – which has taken most of my life to figure out.

What would you like to see on Melanglow?

Features about super cool melanin sisters across the world, killing it in whatever they do.

Fill in the blanks

Excessive dairy is what’s causing your skin to break out.
I would describe the perfect product as a fountain of eternal youth.
The beauty industry is missing knowledgable beauty influencers.
You should always wear SPF.
The worst skin care tip I’ve ever heard was the oil cleansing method. Sorry! I’ve tried it and it was awful. It gave me a breakout.