Everyone desires healthy skin. But what slows a lot of people down on their skincare journey is believing a lot of fictional tales around good skin. Apart from how meticulously you follow a cleansing routine or how much you spend on products, there are some key factors that should be considered; from skin type, weather conditions, and especially the ingredients of the products you apply to your skin
For our latest exclusive, we catch up with the Founder of leading Nigerian skincare brand Emmaus Beauty – Amina Sagoe. She started off as a financial analyst before starting an upscale hair and beauty supplies boutique in Nigeria, where she was allowed to pursue her true calling. Aminah founded Emmaus Beauty after becoming an expert in skincare products but was dissatisfied with the absence of efficient, all-natural solutions.
We discuss more about her journey so far, the Emmaus beauty brand, and the skincare myths that should be disregarded.
BNS: Can you tell us about the latest Emmaus Range and the inspiration behind it?
Aminah: I struggled with acne and hyperpigmentation in the past, but all the products I tried failed to deliver on their claims. I was spending hundreds of dollars just searching for the One that would cure my skin woes. Some were too strong, some not strong enough, some just sat on top of my face, and some made me break out even more.
This was when I set out to start educating myself about the different ingredients used in skincare products – some active and beneficial, while others are straight out harmful. My search led me to the discovery of how each ingredient works on different skin types and concerns along with how to safely incorporate them into formulations to produce effective results and ensure their efficacy. Long story short, I’ve been able to create skincare products with high concentrations of natural and active ingredients that produce effective and lasting results.
BNS: What is a good morning or nighttime skincare for a woman of colour?
Aminah: A good skin care regimen for women of color should include a cleanser, an exfoliant, repair serum, a moisturizer, and SPF.
Dry skin – morning routine:
Gentle cleanser
Emmaus Vitamin C Serum
Emmaus Protective nourishing moisturizer
Dry skin – nighttime routine:
Gentle cleanser
Emmaus Alpha Arbutin Brightening Serum
Emmaus Alpha Arbutin Brightening Cream
Oily Skin – morning routine:
Emmaus AHA Brightening + Exfoliating Cleanser
Emmaus Vitamin C Serum
Emmaus Protective nourishing moisturizer
Oily Skin – nighttime routine:
Emmaus AHA Brightening + Exfoliating Cleanser
Emmaus Resurfacing Gel + Kojic Acid
Emmaus Alpha Arbutin Brightening Serum
Emmaus Alpha Arbutin Brightening Cream
BNS: What are your all-time favourite Emmaus skincare products and why?
Aminah: All of them actually, but if I had to narrow them down, I’ll choose the following:
Emmaus AHA Brightening + Exfoliating Cleanser
A powerful combination of AHA’s with a variety of nourishing, resurfacing, brightening, and moisturizing ingredients makes this cleanser a holy grail for virtually all types of skincare woes. A high concentration of glycolic acid in the cleanser aids in the removal and restoration of damaged skin cells. Antioxidants in marine seaweed extract detoxify the skin, soothe inflammation, and deeply hydrate the cells. An abundance of essential oils moisturizes and soothes the skin.
Emmaus Resurfacing Gel + Kojic Acid
The secret behind the effectiveness of our 7.5% Fruit Acid Resurfacing Gel + Kojic Acid lies in the rich and potent formula that blends the goodness of various skin-renewing and rejuvenating ingredients that work to gently slough away dead skin cell buildup, leaving your skin smooth, clear, and radiant.
Emmaus Vitamin C Serum
The synergy of essential skin-loving vitamins with ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid provides this serum its outstanding protective, rejuvenating, hydrating, and brightening properties. If you’re struggling with skin discoloration, dullness, dryness, or lack of firmness, this wonder tonic is your best shot. The serum goes deep into the skin to alleviate all your annoying skincare troubles, leaving radiant and plump skin behind.
Emmaus Alpha Arbutin Brightening Serum
Our blend fuses Alpha Arbutin with Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and moisturizes the skin leaving you with a soft, bright, even-toned complexion.
BNS: Having spent a long time in Nigeria, what are some skincare tips you may have for people who live in the warmer and more humid regions in Africa?
Aminah: 1. Sun protection is extremely important so make sure you incorporate an SPF into your morning routine. 2. Moisturizing your skin is very important, even in hot climates, so use a moisturizer that’s suited to your skin type. 3. Regular exfoliation is a must due to the increase in sweat which can clog pores. 4. It is important to wash your face twice a day even if you don’t wear makeup. 5. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
BNS: What are some skincare myths that you think should be avoided?
- Black skin doesn’t need sun protection.
- People with oily skin don’t need a moisturizer.
- You can permanently shrink your pores.
- If it burns, it means it’s working (burning and tingling are two different sensations)
- Higher percentages of exfoliating acids are better.