From Heritage to High Performance
CLEANSE — Respect the Skin Barrier First
In beauty, the skin barrier is everything. It protects us, balances moisture, and determines how the skin responds to the world. Yet it’s often the first thing to be disrupted by harsh cleansers or unnecessary exfoliation.
Melanin-rich skin naturally has a thicker stratum corneum and higher lipid content, which makes it robust — but also uniquely prone to inflammation and hyperpigmentation when irritated. This is why cleansing must be gentle, hydrating, and barrier-supporting.
A proper cleanser should:
- remove impurities without stripping oils
- help maintain an even tone
- soothe inflammation
- prepare the skin for nourishment
This first step is the foundation. A calm skin barrier is the key to preventing the most common concerns in melanin-rich skin: post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, dryness that mimics oiliness, and sensitivity triggered by environmental stress.
TREAT — Focus on One Effective Active, Not Ten
Most people don’t need an entire shelf of serums. They need one product that aligns with their true skin need.
For melanin-rich and sensitive skin, the primary concerns are usually:
- uneven tone
- Dehydration
- Dullness
- inflammation
What matters is using actives that work with the skin, not against it. Ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C derivatives, allantoin, and botanical extracts rooted in African heritage deliver results without triggering irritation.
This is where science and culture meet. Many West African ingredients — from plant oils to botanicals — carry centuries of wisdom. They soothe, repair, and support skin integrity in gentle but powerful ways. Combined with Scandinavian purity and clinical testing, they create a modern balance of tradition and innovation.
A well-chosen treatment serum is the quiet hero of the routine. It doesn’t need fanfare, trends, or a ten-step process. It just needs to work.
MOISTURIZE — Seal, Protect, and Restore
A moisturizer is not simply for comfort — it is the final architectural layer that locks in hydration, strengthens the barrier, and protects the skin from external triggers.
For melanin-rich skin, moisture management is essential because:
- dry skin can falsely appear oily, leading to harsh over-correction
- dehydration makes hyperpigmentation more pronounced
- a compromised barrier increases inflammation and uneven tone
A great moisturizer should:
- hydrate deeply
- support long-term skin renewal
- create luminosity without heaviness
- protect the skin from stress, pollution, and weather
This final step is what gives the skin its glow — not a superficial shine, but a healthy, balanced radiance that comes from within.
WHY LESS IS MORE — AND WHY IT MATTERS
A minimalist routine is not a trend. It is a movement toward mindful care — one that honors how skin naturally functions.
For melanin-rich and sensitive skin, less product means:
- fewer opportunities for irritation
- reduced risk of hyperpigmentation
- more consistent results
- a healthier, more resilient barrier
It also reduces waste, unnecessary consumption, and the pressure to constantly chase the next thing. Beauty becomes intentional again — a ritual instead of a race.
The future of skincare is not maximalism. It is respect.
THE INDUSTRY GAP — AND WHY REPRESENTATION STILL MATTERS
Underrepresented communities have long been told that their skin needs to adapt to the industry, when in reality, the industry should adapt to them.
We do not need products that merely “include” us — we need products conceived with us from the beginning. Products that understand:
- how melanin responds to inflammation
- the nuances of environmental stress in different geographies
- cultural approaches to healing and care
- the emotional experience of being overlooked in beauty spaces
When we speak about inclusivity at Melyon, it is not a tagline. It is the foundation of how we design, formulate, and communicate. It means acknowledging history, expanding representation, and building a beauty house where every element — from scent to science — reflects the world we live in.
LOOKING AHEAD — A NEW ERA OF BEAUTY
As the industry moves forward, I see a shift happening — a return to authenticity, storytelling, and cultural intelligence. The next chapter of beauty will not be written by the biggest brands or the loudest voices, but by those who understand identity, heritage, and the responsibility of shaping how people see themselves.
Less is more is not just a routine. It is a philosophy that respects the skin, the consumer, and the cultures that inform who we are.
Every person deserves skincare that honours their story.
About the Author
Roger Dupé is the founder and CEO of Melyon, a Stockholm-based luxury beauty house rooted in West African heritage and refined through Scandinavian minimalism. Before entering entrepreneurship, Roger Dupé built an international career as one of Sweden’s first Black male supermodels, fronting global campaigns for iconic brands such as Rolls-Royce, Kenzo, H&M, and Acne Studios. His experience moving through spaces where representation was scarce shaped his understanding of identity, culture, and the human need to feel seen.
With Melyon, Roger Dupé set out to redefine modern luxury by placing inclusivity, authenticity, and storytelling at the center of skincare. His approach blends science-backed formulations with meaningful cultural narratives, highlighting ingredients and rituals shaped by his heritage. Roger’s work has positioned Melyon as a leading voice in a new era of beauty — one where design, diversity, craftsmanship, and emotional resonance coexist. Today, he continues to push the industry forward through thoughtful innovation, cross-cultural dialogue, and a commitment to elevating underrepresented communities through high-end skincare.
