The epiphany of folliculitis
Published:Monday | May 28, 2018 | 12:00 AMJody-Anne Lawrence
Imagine living on this beautiful island but prefer not to go to the beach because you are uncomfortable with your skin's folliculitis. Well, this was Marsha-Lee Hutchinson's fear, but instead of staying indoors, she created a business that transformed her skin and her life.
From as early as 16 years old, Hutchinson struggled with folliculitis.
"Folliculitis is a common skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed. It's usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. At first, it may look like small, red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles - the tiny pockets from which each hair grows," Hutchinson said, in describing her skin condition.
It was something that she was not proud of. In fact, she was embarrassed by it. She did everything to cover her legs, so as to avoid unkind remarks from people who did not have or could not begin to understand her struggle. But she was tired of hiding. Second-guessing everything she wore, to ensure that her skin condition was not obvious, was no way to live.
RESEARCH
Hutchinson had been wary about prescription antibiotics because the condition always came back. She needed a more natural option. She did her research and learnt about the antibacterial properties of the neem plant; she started to include neem oil in her skin regimen. To her surprise, she started to see improvement.
"I started seeing the marked improvement in my skin in about a month, with consistent use," she told Outlook.
"Since then, I have added other natural ingredients that work well along with the neem plant to improve my skin," she said.
That was the beginning of the skin-soothing body oil. She mentions that it is a great moisturizer, as it goes on light. Hutchinson also said she learnt the importance of exfoliating once or twice per week, depending on skin sensitivity.
"This rids the skin of dead cells, which improves the appearance of dark spots," and since she had successes with the oil, she decided to create a scrub.
There is the Island Cocoa, which is a cocoa powder body scrub with sea salt, and the Cocoa Mocha, which is a cocoa powder body scrub with coffee. She added that both scrubs include bentonite clay, neem and peppermint herbs, and are great for removing dead cells.
Hutchinson decided that folliculitis was not going to be her story. Instead, it had become her business. She has seen a 180 turnaround in her skin and she does admit that some things are also due to lifestyle changes, like fighting the impulse to pop little pimples, and scratching. But all in all, she now dresses comfortably, bearing her legs without shame.
The products can be ordered via social media platforms:
- Facebook: The Epiphany: Beyond Body
- Instagram: theepiphany_beyond body.
- Call/text/WhatsApp: (876) 899-4055.
Islandwide delivery can be arranged.