Desi Perkins on Creating Dezi Skin and the Skincare Tips Passed Down Through Her Family

How has your career as an influencer helped you transition into your role as a brand founder? Have you utilized the power of social media to inform decisions about Dezi Skin?

Being an influencer has definitely helped me transition into my role as a founder. I really understand the importance of transparency and ‘realness.’ As an influencer, I never took a brand deal with products I didn’t love and use regularly. Most of my collaborations came to fruition because I was using the products organically. People can always tell when influencers are not being genuine. 

As a founder, I never want to release products until they’re absolutely perfect. My team and I are very conscious that there are certain stigmas to overcome when you’re an influencer turned founder. People are highly critical and suspicious of the formulas. But I can guarantee that every product we release is extremely efficacious!

The power of social media is a double-edged sword. On the positive side, we definitely listen to our customers and implement their feedback. However, we are very cautious not to fall into the ‘trend trap.’ There is a lot of misinformation on social media, and we never want to participate in anything that is not thoroughly vetted or proven. 

How has your skincare routine changed since creating your own brand? What skincare dos or don'ts have you learned through the process?

My skincare routine has changed mostly because I’m testing potential products all the time. We are constantly searching for powerful ingredients and formulas, and it takes a lot of time to test! 

I have learned that if you’re trying a new (powerful) formula, make sure it’s the only thing you are using on your skin. Sometimes formulas can react with each other and cause irritation. You might think that irritation is from the new product because you’ve always used the other product and it couldn’t possibly be the problem. However, it might not be the new formula. It could be the reaction of the products together, which doesn’t mean either product is ‘bad’ on their own. 

What advice do you have for someone who's struggling with their skin? 

That’s such a hard question because it depends on why they feel like they’re struggling. But overall, my advice would be to make sure you’re cleansing well and hydrating (inner and outer hydration). Don’t skip cleansing at night because you’re too tired, and don’t drink coffee all day and pretend you’re hydrated! 

What's next for Dezi Skin? Give us a preview of what's to come!

We have so many great projects in the works. I don’t want to give too much away, but I can tell you that skincare isn’t just for your face! 

Photos Courtesy of Desi Perkins, Design: Juliana Campisi