A science-backed skincare brand that has garnered five star reviews for its innovative approach to creating customized skincare, 4.5.6 Skin is addressing the unique needs of melanin-rich skin. Founded by Noelly Michoux in 2020, the France-based company aims to eliminate the "one-size-fits-all" mentality prevalent in the skincare industry. Michoux, along with co-founders Imen Jerbi Azaiez, Ph.D., and Carlos A. Charles, MD, established the first skincare lab dedicated to studying the needs of darker skin (scientifically known as skin phototypes IV, V, VI) and developed a range of thoughtful products tailored to individual concerns.
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The brand offers six customizable products, including an exfoliant mask and a brightening serum, made with high-performance, biodynamic ingredients. Customers can take a skin quiz and submit selfies, allowing Michoux's team to adjust the core formulas based on their specific needs. This personalized approach has earned 4.5.6 Skin numerous positive reviews on platforms like Judge.me, where users praise the products for their effectiveness and gentleness on sensitive skin.
4.5.6 Skin addresses the foundational needs of darker skin tones that fall within phototypes IV, V and VI that are not being addressed by the skincare industry. The Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype classification system is a crucial tool in understanding the unique characteristics and needs of different skin tones. Developed by Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick in 1975, this system grades ultraviolet sensitivity into six categories, ranging from lighter to darker skin tones.
The Phototypes IV, V, and VI represent the darker end of the spectrum:
Understanding one's Skin Phototype is essential for determining the appropriate skincare regimen and addressing specific concerns related to melanin-rich skin. For instance, darker phototypes have an extra four layers of skin cells compared to their lighter counterparts, which means that skincare actives need to work harder to penetrate the skin barrier effectively.
Phototype IV (scores 21-27) is characterized by minimal burning and always tanning well, resulting in a moderate brown complexion. People with this phototype typically have olive skin tones.
Phototype V (scores 28-34) very rarely burns and tans very easily, leading to a dark brown complexion. Individuals with this phototype usually have dark hair and dark eyes.
Lastly, Phototype VI (scores 35-36) never burns and has a deeply pigmented dark brown to the darkest brown complexion. Deeper skin tones also shed skin cells 2.5 times more rapidly than lighter phototypes, causing dullness when dead cells remain on the skin's surface. Additionally, natural oils and sebum are often over-produced to counteract the effects of dehydration, leading to acne-prone skin.
Some of the common skin concerns for phototypes IV, V, and VI include dehydration and dryness, inflammation and a weakened skin barrier, and cell renewal and desquamation. To address these concerns, it is essential to use skincare products specifically formulated for melanin-rich skin, such as those offered by 4.5.6 Skin. These products are designed to gently exfoliate, maintain a stable microbiome, regulate excessive melanin production, and promote healthy skin cell renewal.
"I tried the most popular 4.5.6 Skin Smooth & Clear Kit, a double cleansing system, featuring the water-based Green Bae Clearing Gel Cleanser cleanser, followed by the best-selling To Be Clear resurfacing exfoliating mask and finishing off with a Hydrating Come Clean Cleaning Oil. After, I noticed my skin didn't feel dry or tight, instead it felt well hydrated and super smooth." said Retail Expert, Jeanel Alvarado (Phototype V Skin). "Another thing that stood out is the texture of products, both the cleanser and the oil were very light weight and not thick or sticky, and the exfoliator mask was both gentle and enjoyable."
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In addition to its customized approach, 4.5.6 Skin stands out for its commitment to addressing the inequity in skincare science. Michoux discovered that products like SPF only require testing on fairer skin types, and marketing claims like "for all shades and types" can often be misleading. By focusing on the physiology of melanin-rich skin, 4.5.6 Skin is making a significant impact on the skincare industry and providing effective solutions for those with deeper complexions.
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For us, 4.5.6 Skin glowing reviews are accurate, and we enjoy the dedication to creating custom skincare products specifically designed for darker skin tones. With its research-driven approach and commitment to understanding the unique needs of melanin-rich skin, the brand is revolutionizing the way people with deeper complexions care for their skin.
