Article by Kirsty, Founder of K A Naturals – as featured in Issue 7 of Beauty Folio Magazine
When I first noticed the small white patches appearing on my left thumb, I had no idea how much they would change the way I looked at beauty, health and myself. I was diagnosed with vitiligo in 2017 and it has now spread all over my body.
Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition where pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) stop working, causing patches of skin to lose their colour and appear white or pale. My skin quickly became a canvas of contrast and the changing areas became sensitive and reactive.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of people being diagnosed with vitiligo, yet there is still so little awareness about it. In the UK, diagnosis cases nearly doubled from 0.21% in 2010 to 0.38% in 2021.
It is still not a very well known condition and this can have an emotional impact on those who have it. From my own experience, I have often had to explain that it is not contagious; that they are not burn marks or that it is not a bad fake tan job. All whilst trying to navigate my own feelings about my changing skin.
When my condition first started, I really struggled to find products that did not sting, irritate or dry out the lighter patches of skin. The areas where the pigment had gone completely white were so sensitive. I knew I needed something gentle, nourishing and 100% natural.
I started experimenting with plant oils and botanicals in my kitchen, blending ingredients that my sensitive areas of skin could actually tolerate. I discovered that my skin responded beautifully to the healing power of nature. This was a part of my journey to creating the products that I do for my company, K A Naturals.
I wanted to ensure that the products I created were 100% natural and contained ingredients such as Rosehip for healing; Oat and Moringa for soothing; Chia Seed for calming inflammation and Avocado for deep hydration. Those white patches that used to be so dry, sore and inflamed, started to finally feel calm and healthy again thanks to creams I had created.
I also use natural cleaning and household products to reduce exposure to harsh chemicals as I would find that would trigger irritation. My love for natural products became even stronger.
Creating skincare has always been my therapy. The Rose Face Cream gave my skin back its glow without irritation. The Unscented Skin Relief Cream – For All Ages, became a saviour for the most sensitive parts of my face and body. The Lavender Night Face Cream helped deeply moisturise my face while I slept and the Coffee Face Exfoliator gently renewed my skin.
K A Naturals was created to help anyone looking for 100% natural, vegan and dermatologically tested handmade skincare whilst also helping those with sensitive, reactive, dry skin including skin conditions such as vitiligo.
My vitiligo taught me that beauty does not come from having “perfect” skin; it comes from caring for it with love, patience and nature. So, whilst I cannot legally tell you that these creams will help your vitiligo, I can tell you that I have spent the past few years finding ingredients that worked for me… and I am the living proof.
Beauty Folio 