Dermatologist Dr. Sharon Belmo x Melyon Products
"If I could choose just one Melyon product forever, it would be the Detox Serum. It’s packed with antioxidants and designed to give your skin exactly what it needs. This well-crafted formula targets dark spots, damage, and uneven tone while giving that healthy, radiant glow. It’s an all-in-one product."
At Melyon, understanding all skin types is a priority, with a special focus on melanin-rich skin. Learning from experts in the field is essential, and the team had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Sharon Belmo, a UK-trained consultant dermatologist with over 13 years of experience. Today, she runs her own clinic on Harley Street and specializes in helping patients feel confident in their skin and hair.
Dr. Sharon Belmo has a deep expertise in skin of color and hair loss, particularly Afro-textured hair, having trained further in Paris and the US. She co-founded and leads the Centre of Evidence-Based Dermatology Skin of Colour Resource, launched in 2016, and is a medical advisor to the Scarring Alopecia Foundation UK CCCA support group. With many other great accomplishments in the industry, Melyon is proud to showcase Dr. Belmo at the Journal.
Growing up in Scotland, Dr. Belmo didn’t have access to skincare tailored for melanin-rich skin—there simply weren’t many options, and no one was talking about it. She kept things simple, focusing on antioxidants, hydration, and a balanced lifestyle, which aligns with Melyon’s values. Over time, she learned that less is more, and good skincare is about consistency, not excess.
In this conversation, she shares her insights on melanin-rich skin, common misconceptions, and the best ways to care for it:
Q1: What challenges do you frequently treat in patients with darker skin?
Hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone are common concerns, often occurring alone or alongside conditions like acne, eczema, or ingrown hairs—especially in male patients.
Q2: What are common misconceptions in skincare for Black communities?
One major misconception is that Black people cannot use acids like glycolic acid. This is untrue—when used in moderation, glycolic acid and other acids can be highly beneficial. However, overuse can irritate any skin type and, in darker skin, may lead to hyperpigmentation.
Q3: Are there particular ingredients in Melyon’s products that effectively combat dryness or other common issues in melanin-rich skin?
Yes. Melyon’s products are designed to nourish melanin-rich skin while addressing common concerns like dryness and uneven tone. For example, the Milk Cleanser has salicylic acid, which can sometimes be drying, but its rich, creamy texture—thanks to baobab oil—keeps the skin feeling soft. The Detox Serum contains broccoli extract and hyaluronic acid, which help lock in hydration and maintain skin balance and a healthy glow. For pigmentation concerns, the Day Cream includes Vitamin C and niacinamide—powerhouse ingredients known for brightening the skin and maintaining an even complexion.
Q4: How does sun exposure impact darker skin tones, especially regarding hyperpigmentation or uneven tone?
UV exposure can cause skin cancer (though rarer in darker skin, it can still occur), premature aging (later onset but still present), and most commonly, hyperpigmentation. Darker skin often shows aging through pigmentation before wrinkles. Daily sunscreen use can prevent or reduce this and protect against worsening hyperpigmentation caused by melasma or acne.
Q5: What general skincare advice would you offer for Black skin?
Skincare should always be tailored to individual concerns, but here’s my advice:
- Cleanse twice daily – Choose a cleanser based on your skin type.
- Moisturize morning and night – Select a formula suited to your skin’s needs, an essential being Melyon Day / Night Cream.
- Daily sunscreen – Mineral-based tinted sunscreens are ideal for darker skin as they also protect against indoor (visible) light, which can worsen hyperpigmentation.
- Antioxidant serum – A daily serum like Melyon Detox Serum with Vitamin C, Vitamin E, or a blend of antioxidants helps prevent oxidative damage, evens skin tone, and enhances the skin’s natural glow.
- Nighttime retinoid – The type, strength, and frequency should be adjusted based on age, skin type, and specific concerns.
As skincare continues to evolve, so does the conversation around inclusivity and the unique needs of darker skin tones. Melyon is grateful to Dr. Sharon Belmo for her valuable knowledge and technical contributions, which were discussed in this conversation.
