Urban Skin Rx has announced its latest initiative: The Melanin Experts Network.
The Melanin Experts Network will provide skin care education, virtual consultations and other services to address the most common skin care concerns for patients with skin of color.
"When I began my career as an esthetician, I noticed a lack of education, services and products that addressed common concerns seen in deeper skin tones," says Rachel Roff, founder and CEO of Urban Rx. "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 estheticians with extensive experience in the industry, allowing glow-getters to easily address their unique skin concerns without leaving their homes."
Joining Roff as part of The Melanin Expert Network is Alexis Stephens, DO, FAOCD, FAAD. As the founder and lead board-certified dermatologist at Parkland Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in Coral Springs, Florida, Dr. Stephens has devoted her career to creating an accepting and welcoming environment for a diverse group of patients. As a Melanin Expert, she 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 U.S. are Black, I'm proud to be part of this initiative and represent my community," says Dr. Stephens. "I fully support and believe in the Urban Skin Rx mission towards creating an ethical, unprejudiced skin care industry and I look forward to providing accessible education and advocating for BIPOC men & women through various resources during this partnership."
To further support these ongoing efforts, the brand will utilize its social media platforms to feature BIPOC tastemakers, skin specialists and competing brands, aiming a spotlight on and providing key insights from those outside the Urban Skin Rx network.
Additionally, Urban Skin Rx is collaborating with The Academy of Goal Achievers to award scholarships for estheticians and the Skin of Color Society to support those who focus on skin of color.