Christine Esposito, Managing Editor03.30.21
Urban Skin Rx has created The Melanin Experts network, billed as an evergreen initiative that will provide skin care education, virtual consultations, and a network of services to “Glowgetters” seeking expert information and advice on how to tackle skin care concerns most seen in skin of color. Led by Urban Skin Rx Founder Rachel Roff and a team of in-house licensed aestheticians who specialize in skin of color, the Melanin Experts will provide awareness and advocacy across the US, working toward the brand's fundamental goal of firm, consistent allyship to the BIPOC community.
"When I began my career as an aesthetician, I noticed a lack of education, services and products that addressed common concerns seen in deeper skin tones," said CEO and Roff. "I founded Urban Skin Rx in 2010 to provide solutions to specific issues for women and men with melanin-rich skin. As part, I've dedicated the last 15 years to overcoming disparities in clinical skin care for diverse skin tones and am proud to unveil an extension to these efforts with The Melanin Expert Network, a free online service that connects consumers with licensed aestheticians with extensive experience in the industry, allowing glowgetters to easily address their unique skin concerns without leaving their homes."
Joining Roff as part of the Melanin Expert Network is Dr. Alexis Stephens, founder and lead board-certified dermatologist at Parkland Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in Coral Springs, FL. Dr. Stephens will serve as an ambassador for the program and share her knowledge to uplift communities of color.
"In an industry where less than 3% of dermatologists in the US are Black, I'm proud to be part of this initiative and represent my community," she said. "I fully support and believe in the Urban Skin Rx mission towards creating an ethical, unprejudiced skincare industry and I look forward to providing accessible education and advocating for BIPOC men & women through various resources during this partnership."
Additionally, to further promote more inclusion in the skincare industry, Urban Skin Rx is collaborating with The Academy of Goal Achievers to award scholarships for Aestheticians at The Academy of Nails and Aesthetics. The brand is also working with the Skin of Color Society for an upcoming collaboration that will be impactful to the melanin community and those who focus on Skin of Color. These initiatives will serve as the foundation for change within the beauty industry by funding opportunities for future Melanin Experts.
"When I began my career as an aesthetician, I noticed a lack of education, services and products that addressed common concerns seen in deeper skin tones," said CEO and Roff. "I founded Urban Skin Rx in 2010 to provide solutions to specific issues for women and men with melanin-rich skin. As part, I've dedicated the last 15 years to overcoming disparities in clinical skin care for diverse skin tones and am proud to unveil an extension to these efforts with The Melanin Expert Network, a free online service that connects consumers with licensed aestheticians with extensive experience in the industry, allowing glowgetters to easily address their unique skin concerns without leaving their homes."
Joining Roff as part of the Melanin Expert Network is Dr. Alexis Stephens, founder and lead board-certified dermatologist at Parkland Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in Coral Springs, FL. Dr. Stephens will serve as an ambassador for the program and share her knowledge to uplift communities of color.
"In an industry where less than 3% of dermatologists in the US are Black, I'm proud to be part of this initiative and represent my community," she said. "I fully support and believe in the Urban Skin Rx mission towards creating an ethical, unprejudiced skincare industry and I look forward to providing accessible education and advocating for BIPOC men & women through various resources during this partnership."
Additionally, to further promote more inclusion in the skincare industry, Urban Skin Rx is collaborating with The Academy of Goal Achievers to award scholarships for Aestheticians at The Academy of Nails and Aesthetics. The brand is also working with the Skin of Color Society for an upcoming collaboration that will be impactful to the melanin community and those who focus on Skin of Color. These initiatives will serve as the foundation for change within the beauty industry by funding opportunities for future Melanin Experts.