Hey Blumers!
We are so excited to introduce our newest squad member and exclusive partner - Dr. Leela Athalye, a board certified dermatologist.
We admire Dr. Athalye for so many reasons - she’s passionate about the link between healthy skin and mental health and saving lives through education about skin cancer. These are some of the reasons she became involved in dermatology and when we met her, we were so moved and blown away by her care and passion for the work she does.
In this Q&A session, we asked Dr. Athalye some Bluming questions so you could all get to know her a little better!
Q: Can you explain the science behind the “skin barrier” and why it’s important to protect it and nourish it?
A: Your skin is a natural barrier and the first line of defense for the immune system. It is made up of skin cells called keratinocytes and lipids that seal in those cells. When the lipids are depleted, the barrier is compromised, which can lead to infections and inflammatory conditions of the skin. Protecting the skin barrier is crucial to fight against pathogens and avoid chemicals that can cause problems for the skin!
Q: What do you think makes Blume unique compared to other skincare brands?
A: There are so many skincare products on the market, but what makes Blume unique is that Blume genuinely cares about sustainable, cruelty-free and vegan ingredients that are boosted by naturally occurring moisturizers. Often, a barrier to achieving skin goals is compliance. Patients may give up on a product that has good active ingredients in it merely because it is too harsh for the skin. However, Blume products focus on hydration to protect the skin barrier, yet also deliver gentle active ingredients to benefit the skin. The more hydration, the more the product can penetrate into the skin and the better the results. Blume's emphasis on moisturizing ingredients and gentle actives means you get the most out of each product.
Q: What are 2 Blume products you would recommend to a sensitive skin customer?
A: I would recommend Blume Buds for patients with sensitive skin, as it prevents picking and is great at targeting active blemishes while soothing the redness.
Milky Fade is very well tolerated and helps with pigmentation without using hydroquinone. Although hydroquinone is an effective ingredient, long-term use of products that include hydroquinone can have adverse consequences for all skin types. Milky Fade contains niacinamide which is a great alternative to hydroquinone as it is much better tolerated for all skin types, gentler on the skin, while still being effective.
Q: What is the importance of exfoliation in a skincare routine and how often should I do it?
A: Exfoliation is an essential step in your skincare routine. Your skin cells naturally shed, however sometimes the shedded skin can build up on your skin leading to a dull appearance. Exfoliation can help slough these dull cells off to give the skin a glowy and brighter appearance.
Using fruit enzymes is an excellent way to exfoliate the skin gently. Fruits contain antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, and can brighten dull skin and provide numerous benefits. In addition, chemical peels that use fruit and milk derivatives can help the skin look more youthful and rejuvenated.
A message from Dr. Leela Athalye:
Mental health and skin are closely linked, and that's why I'm passionate about being involved in social media and dermatology. For me, being a dermatologist is about more than just treating skin problems - it's about promoting mental health, diversity, and acceptance. I believe that love and acceptance are key to improving overall well-being, and that's what I strive for in my work.
As my daughter says “doctors fix booboos” and as dermatologists, we try to heal booboos both inside and out! When we treat the skin, we can raise a person's spirit and hopefully that has a positive impact on the world. Let's spread some love and kindness every day!
