Why Inclusivity in Aesthetics is a Responsibility (not a trend!)

By Kelly Saynor, Aesthetic Nurse & Clinical Director

There’s a moment I remember vividly: standing in the skincare aisle of Superdrug as a young girl, confused and frustrated. Every product was not quite right. I didn’t have the words for it then, but I knew what it felt like to be left out of beauty.

Fast forward to today, and while the industry has come a long way, my work as an aesthetic nurse and formulator reminds me daily: inclusivity isn’t a marketing angle—it’s

The Melanin Factor: Why One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Work

Black and brown skin is physiologically different. Our melanocytes (the cells that produce pigment) are larger and more active, which is why pigmentation issues like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are more common after certain treatments. Historically, this made many aesthetic procedures risky for people with darker skin, especially aggressive peels and laser treatments.

But we’ve moved forward. Safely formulated peels like The Perfect Peel® Superblend were designed to deliver results while protecting melanin-rich skin. My clinic sees daily proof that effective doesn’t have to mean abrasive—and that treating pigmentation, texture, and tone in deeper skin tones is entirely possible when you choose the right tools.

What Clients Are Asking For (And Why It Matters)

When clients of colour walk through the doors of my Cheshire clinic, they’re not always looking for filler or wrinkle relaxers. Often, it’s about clarity: hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, uneven tone. It’s about feeling seen by a practitioner who understands not just the science, but the lived experience behind the skin.

That’s why our treatments lean toward regenerative approaches and ingredients like Glutathione, an antioxidant powerhouse known for calming inflammation and supporting skin recovery. And it’s also why education is at the heart of what I do, both for clients and the professionals I train.

The Rise of Representation and Why it Can’t be Performative

Yes, the industry is becoming more inclusive. Yes, we’re seeing more faces of colour on skincare campaigns and aesthetic clinic brochures. But inclusivity can’t stop at the surface. It's not just about marketing—it’s about formulation, practitioner education, and creating safer spaces where patients can ask, “Is this right for my skin?”

As someone who entered the cosmetic space at a time when I was the only Black face in the room, I know what it takes to change that reality. It starts with speaking up, building products and protocols with diversity in mind, and training the next generation of practitioners to do the same.

What I Want Every Practitioner to Know

If you’re a clinician or business owner reading this, know that treating diverse skin tones isn’t niche. It’s not optional. It’s the future of not inclusive aesthetics but just aesthetics.

Don’t just wait for patients of colour to ask if something is safe. Proactively understand how melanin impacts healing. Don’t default to trends and educate yourself on how a product interacts with skin that hasn’t historically been included in clinical trials.

And above all: listen. Your patient might be walking in with years of beauty trauma and you have the power to make them feel seen.

Want More?

Follow me on Instagram @aestheticsnursepost or explore The Perfect Peel® range formulated with every skin tone in mind at theperfectpeel.co.uk