Skincare is not just for adults. It’s for children too, so Wash Your “T” and Close Your Eyes.
A young boy starts his school day with a morning routine of washing his face and brushing his teeth, but soon realizes that using generic soap and water and his mom’s lotion will not be enough for his adolescent skin. Visited by the Magical MelanFairy, Bron learns the importance of proper skincare, starting with washing the T-zone of his face. The MelanFairy comes to teach all children, primarily Black and brown children to love the skin that they have and how to take care of it, too.
Written by the co-founders of MelanBrand Skin, Patrice Tartt Chappelle and Bron Echols, Wash Your “T” and Close Your Eyes shows kids that taking care of their skin is important at every age, especially during the pre-teen years. The practical tips can help keep your child’s skin healthy and hydrated year-round.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Did you know that your skin is your body’s largest organ? It’s true! That’s why good skin care is important at any age! Like our heart, lungs, and other vital organs, we must take steps to keep our skin healthy. Bron, the shining star of Wash Your “T” and Close Your Eyes: Skincare for BIPOC Children, demonstrates the importance of proper skin care all year long!
Bron has a morning routine: brush, floss, wash his face, and then lotion up before getting dressed and heading downstairs for breakfast. Typically, his beauty regimen worked, but not today. His mom noticed her son’s face looking dry and attributed it to the winter weather. Many kids understand how the hot sun can affect their skin during the summer months but might not realize that cold months affect our skin, too. Kids will learn that skincare products are not universal. This means that what works for your parents, siblings, or friends might not work the best for you. Bron’s mother explains they need to find the right blend of products that effectively tones, cleanses, and moisturizes his particular skin.
Bron didn’t have only his mother looking out for his skin’s needs; he also had a darling melanated fairy watching out for them. The Magical MelanFairy didn’t clearly explain what melanated means; they did state that melanated people came in different shades (skin tones). She announces “her mission as the Magical MeanFairy is to teach all children, primarily Black and brown children with melanated skin, to love the skin that they have and how to take care of it, too.” She says, “…we must adequately cleanse our face and ensure it is properly hydrated and moisturized.” This is what we refer to as healthy hygiene.
The Magical MelanFairy gives Bron Fresh Facial Cleanser from MelanBrand Skin, a natural skincare company for Black and brown people—a company Bron and his mother co-founded in real life! The fairy instructs the young boy to wash his T-zone, which is his forehead, nose, and chin. His magical guest gave Bron more than one skincare gift and also explained why each one should be used. Bron passed on his knowledge to his class during his Black History Month presentation.
Bron and his mom provided step-by-step visual and written instructions on how to wash your “T.” The duo also included their web address, three images of their products, and a couple of paragraphs discussing the company’s mission. Bron, his mother, and the Magical MelanFairy want you and your family to have the best skin possible, and so do I. I recommend sharing this story with your family and checking out MelanBrand Skin’s product line!
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Meet the Authors
Meet Bron Echols, the 13-year-old Co-CEO and co-founder of MelanBrand Skin, LLC. At the age of 11, Bron’s mother recognized the need for a more tailored skincare routine beyond basic soap and lotion for him. Despite regular use, Bron struggled with dryness and ineffectiveness, prompting his mother to take action.
In a pivotal moment before his 12th birthday, Bron’s mother diverted funds from a traditional celebration, investing $1,200 into kickstarting his skincare venture. She imparted the significance of building a lasting legacy and generational wealth. Bron embraced the opportunity, and thus began his journey.
Established in 2023, MelanKids Skin emerged as a testament to Bron’s vision. Offering an all-natural skincare range suitable for various skin types, it specifically caters to the unique needs of young melanated skin. MelanBrand products address sensitivities including eczema, psoriasis, and acne-prone skin.
Traditionally, discussions on hygiene with children often overlook the importance of a structured skincare routine. While oral care and bathing take precedence, facial skincare remains neglected. MelanBrand Skin seeks to change this narrative, providing a dedicated line for children with melanated skin, ensuring proper care from the very first glance.
