Supermodel Winnie Harlow has been working on a skin, sun, and body care line for over 2 years. With her vitiligo skin condition, it is important that she keeps her skin protected from the sun. Winnie wanted to make a product that was gentle on the skin, lightweight, and breathable.
It begins on the set of a photoshoot back in 2018. Although from Jamaica, Winnie found herself in the scorching Bahamian sun. Considering her vitiligo, sunscreen is important to keep the skin moisturized and protected from the sun. In an interview with Essence, Winnie shares “By the end of the second day, I was so scorched because on set nobody really wanted me to reapply sunscreen because it didn’t look good. There were blue casts, silver casts, and purple casts that just left a bad tone on my skin, and so I left with horrible sunburn that doctors had to treat.” In that moment, Winnie had a plan for skin care. “I was disappointed in myself for not applying sunscreen, but also disappointed that there was nothing out there that gave me that look that I wanted and the protection that I wanted, so I decided to take it into my own hands and create CAY.”
The CAY SKIN brand consists of four products inspired by the Caribbean; Isle Glow Face Lotion SPF 45, Isle Body Oil SPF 30, Universal Mineral Face Lotion SPF 55, and Isle Lip Balm SPF 30. The products come in neutral colors and uses island-based ingredients like sea moss and hydrating nectar representing her upbriging. “I just wanted a brand that I created represent me and be something that I could be proud of.”
CAY SKIN brings something new to the skin care industry. With its lightweight and vegan formulas, this line sets a standard that offers more comfortability and inclusivity. “I wanted to make sure it was good use for people who have sensitive skin, who have vitiligo, who are light, dark, any color under the sun. I wanted it to be beneficial for everyone because everyone needs sun care and protection from the sun.” Winnie Harlow has turned something tragic into a business that will benefit many who either have her same skin condition or just need a more efficient product that truly protects.
Find more information about CAY SKIN here.