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Back-In-Black Series 1
Did you know that rashes on the skin and toes can be a symptom of Covid-19? Neither did I. Black patients can go to their dermatologist for treatment and leave with the same knowledge acquired from Google. The negative impact of COVID-19 on Black communities, and modicum amount of images displaying rash-like symptoms on dark skin-tones are recent examples of underrepresentation in dermatology research. Post George Floyd, Black Lives Matter enforced healthcare organizations to be open about health disparities in Black communities to foster solutions in making the healthcare system inclusive. Research studies show that Black skin is more reactive than White skin and tends to be more sensitive than White counterparts.
Unfortunately, artificial intelligence makes matters worse by the machine algorithm only preserving the ability to identify datasets primarily consisting of fair-skin images. As engineers advance artificial intelligence, it shifts dermatologists away from manually recognizing skin conditions in POC, and makes it challenging for skincare brands to be inclusive."Premier Passion's brand looks deeper than societal norms into something that we all have in common, and that is our humanity. Although we have a slightly different makeup, our bodies operate via the same mechanisms for the most part. By catering to the common ground, we all have a chance to grow and move forward,” said Jai'Kir, the business owner of the family-owned skincare brand, Premier Passion.
Jai'Kir also added,"Further research on this topic needs to be conducted, by taking a closer look at irritants and analyzing their modes of action. By observing these mechanisms, we can understand how and why some substances cause unfavorable conditions on the skin".The lack of in-depth research on darker skin-tones increases the chances of POC communities being misdiagnosed or left untreated. Vitiligo, a common skin disease identified in POC, obtains a limited amount of research and no cure. Individuals suffering from vitiligo are believed to have an autoimmune disorder and are more likely to suffer from alopecia areata, autoimmune thyroid disorders, Addison's disease, pernicious anemia, and diabetes mellitus. "While some chemicals can exacerbate symptoms caused by vitiligo, they are not customary to the body care market and certainly not to our products. There are also some claims of things like citrus complicating issues caused by vitiligo. These individuals are encouraged to avoid our citrus fruit lotions. Alcohols are also a possible trigger. Although Premier Passion's products do not have things like isopropyl alcohol, we do use Cetearyl alcohol with a wholesome natural ingredient derived from coconuts,"Jai'Kir stated.
For Black skin to receive the nourishment it needs, Black-owned skincare businesses must exist to address issues dealing with the epidermis. Jai'Kir saw this as an opportunity to declare independence with inspiration from the DIY Movement and start his skincare line. "I was enamored by the idea of being able to custom craft care products that would serve a unique purpose. Our mission is to discover, preserve, and improve health in its natural state. In 2020, we saw success at the grassroots level. Customers across the country have used our products, and they speak highly of them," said Jai'Kir.
Society supporting Black-owned businesses may have been a summer 2020 trend, but instead of the Black community persuading mega wholesale stores to sell more Afro-friendly products; the community will find it more beneficial to invest in Black family-owned eCommerce and flagship stores. "Our philosophies are what set us apart from the competition. By investing in us you are investing in a better tomorrow! Responsibly sourced ingredients and packaging are a few measures we have taken to lessen our burden and increase our impact on individuals around the world. In 2021, we are continuing to grow while learning from our mistakes as well as successes. One of our largest goals this year is to zero in on our target market. As we learn more about ourselves, we come to know just what type of people would be most interested in our products. In five years or sooner, we look forward to becoming more than just a body care business. We aim to be a whole vibe; a feel as well as a look."
After a year full of unfortunate events, Jai'Kir encourages future entrepreneurs to create a thorough business plan, get moving, and avoid analysis paralysis! For Premier Passion, trial-and-error has been their main method of development thus far. Jai'Kir said,"Lots of blood, sweat, and tears go into making each package. Aside from that, we rely on customer reviews and constructive criticism to fine-tune our products. We value their input when it comes to this."
As a consumer, consider companies ethos, representation of other races, and their progress when purchasing items. This wealth of information will encourage consumers to shop with intention and integrity when making a final decision on a product. Black Lives Matter is a prime example of how Black consumers have the power to enforce companies to assess their shortcomings and make impactful changes to their brand. However, as it was briefly mentioned in this article, do not depend on non-Black-owned businesses to change the narrative, change it yourself.
If you are interested, feel free to reach out to Premier Passion with any questions on how to start your own skincare brand.
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About Premier Passion
Premiere Passion is discovering health in its natural state while preventing unnecessary troubles and preserving the well being of humans and their integumentary systems. Keeping humanity first since 1994.
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Sources:
@ushamcfarling, Usha Lee McFarling, et al. "Lack of Darker Skin in Textbooks, Journals Harms Patients of Color." STAT, 20 July 2020, www.statnews.com/2020/07/21/dermatology-faces-reckoning-lack-of-darker-skin-in-textbooks-journals-harms-patients-of-color/.
"African American Spending Path Demands Marketers Show More Love, Support of Culture." Nielsen, 9 Dec. 2019, www.nielsen.com/us/en/press-releases/2019/african-american-spending-power-demands-that-marketers-show-more-love-and-support-for-black-culture/.
Lester, J.C., et al. "Absence of Images of Skin of Colour in Publications of COVID‐19 Skin Manifestations." Wiley Online Library, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 16 July 2020, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bjd.19258.
Premiere Passion, premierepassion.world.
Vitiligo - American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD). www.aocd.org/page/Vitiligo.
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