I don’t know how to deal with having no pigment.
Every day, more of my brown skin disappears and I’m forced to face the fact that I’m a white black person.
While the psychological and identity-related implications of this change are overwhelming and difficult, the relatively superficial effects associated with this change are a bit easier to cope with—
Though it too has been a trial-and-error learning process.
UPDATE 1/4/17: Jesi was recently interviewed by Allure about how living with vitiligo has made her stronger, and even helped her overcome all her beauty hangups.
Check it out!
Life with vitiligo is a daily struggle for various reasons but the one thing I can control is my skincare regimen.
Related: Skincare Regimen – 2015
I’ve experimented with hundreds of dollars worth of makeup, moisturizers, cleansers, and sunscreens in the effort to keep my skin healthy and account for my two-toned, combination, ever-changing skin.
Below I’ll list my must have “beauty” products that keep my skin soft, glowing, clear of acne and free of sunburn despite the hostile environment in New York City.
Vitiligo Sun Protection – Eminence Organics Tropical Vanilla Day Cream
Great for all skin types, the Tropical Vanilla Day Cream by Eminence Organics
Worth the price, mainly because it’s highly concentrated and only a dollop the size of corn kernel is enough for coverage, this product is my go-to for a sunscreen to toss in my purse and reapply every hour or so.
It’s not greasy or cakey so it’s a comfortable application that leaves my skin feeling ever so soft.
It is, however, only SPF 32 so this combined with my next must-have product are coupled to create the perfect sunscreen team for the pale and pigment-less!
Vitiligo Makeup – Eminence Sun Defense Minerals
Lightly tinted and easy to use, this subtly fragranced sunscreen powder is a must-have for anyone who has an uneven complexion, needs a powerful sunscreen, and loves organic products.
Water-resistant and hypo-allergenic, this is my staple.
Not only does it smell incredible and blend perfectly, but when paired with the Vanilla Day Cream and applied every hour, I have zero burning on my face and neck (or wherever I’ve applied them together.)
Since it is a bit pricey, I do stick to only applying it on my face and neck.
Luckily, it’s more than worth it and lasts for several months.
I haven’t had to replace my most recent one, in shade Honey Apple, for over six months now!
Which is a big deal because I use it multiple times a day.
Vitiligo Lip Care – Dr. Hauschka Lip Care Stick
Free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and preservatives, this lip balm keeps my lips soft and protected from the sun and any chapping.
It’s the only lip balm that keeps my lips protected during New York City winters and makes the best foundation for lipsticks.
It’s great for sensitive skin and is certified to NATRUE and/or BDIH standards for natural and organic cosmetics.
Shea butter, rose petals, rose hip, carrot extract, and carnauba wax combined forces to create what I’d call the most perfect lip balm you could ever ask for.
Vitiligo Skincare – Eminence Coconut Milk Cleanser
I’m sure you’ve noticed an Eminence trend here.
No, I don’t work for them and no—
I don’t get anything free from them to advertise their products.
As someone with a skin disorder that makes my appearance already stand out in a crowd, the last thing I want to deal with are blemishes and dry skin.
I’m already two skin colors; I don’t need any other skin problems!
Eminence Coconut Milk Cleanser goes on soft and keeps my skin even softer upon washing.
I prefer to apply it in a hot shower so that the steam serves as added heated moisture that softens my surface layer of dead skin cells to make them easier to remove along with the dirt.
The antioxidant-rich and soothing Calendula Oil, moisturizing Virgin Coconut Oil, softening and nourishing Coconut Milk, and wrinkle-reducing Alpha Lipoic Acid make for a nice smelling and beneficial face wash.
Since it’s concentrated, all you need is a small pump that can be mixed with warm water to make it last even longer.
Vitiligo Eye Care – Ajara Tulsi Mint Eye Gel
As a narcoleptic, obsessive-compulsive research student (and worker,) I’m always busy and never rested enough.
Once upon a time this meant daily puffy eyes and dark circles.
That was until I discovered the magic of Ajara Ayurvedic Beauty.
Using only natural and Ayurvedic herbs, Ajara’s products treat and protect the skin according to one’s “dosha”:
One of three biological energies that govern mental and physical processes.
Anyways, research more of that yourself to find out your own dosha but, luckily, the Tulsi Mint Eye Gel is for everyone.
Specifically for tired and puffy eyes, it rescues swelling and puffiness while nourishing and rebalancing the sensitive skin around the eyes.
I usually just apply a small amount under and around my eyes before I’ve applied sunscreen but after I’ve applied my moisturizer.
Which brings me to…
Vitiligo Moisturizer – Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
As basic as it gets but it can’t be beat.
I have extremely sensitive, combination skin and this is the only lotion (for face or body) that makes my face feel soft and healthy.
To me, this moisturizer (and brand in general) is classic.
Nourishing and non-greasy, this moisturizer is perfect because it really does last all day as advertised—
So I apply it just after I wash and dry my face but before I apply anything else to my face.
Simple, affordable, no frills:
This will always be my go-to moisturizer for my face.
Related: Online Dermatologist Review – YoDerm & Retin-A Micro & Aczone Together – Getting Clear in 2016
There you have it.
While I’m dodging ignorant racists and curious strangers I’m doing so with glowing, healthy, radiant skin.
It may be polychromatic but it’s probably healthier than most.
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2 replies on “Vitiligo Beauty – Jesi Taylor’s 6 Favorite Natural Skincare Products”
Ihave had vitaligo gor over 20 years and it is very jard to deal with 5 mins of sun and my skin scorches i need.no sun without sunblock .My eye lashes and eye brows are now white and am concerned that my hair will eventually go white not grey .I have had people ask have my eyelashes been bleached. Ihave them dyed only last less than 2 weeks can anyone suggest anything Judy
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