Skin Alchemists founder Theresa Edward on why it's important to just give yourself three minutes

Female founder Theresa Edward tells us about the origins of her natural beauty brand Skin Alchemists, whose Aromatherapy Pulse Point Oil is featured in the Female Founders Edit - inspired by beneficial plants of her home country of Saint Lucia…

What is the story behind Skin Alchemists?

As a Caribbean islander, I drew inspiration from traditional herbalist practices in St Lucia. Herbs and natural minerals found in our natural environment are the first point of call for ailments and selfcare. After relocating to London, I observed the negative effects of deviating from these wellbeing traditions on my skin and overall wellbeing. I realised that I was making a conscious effort to feed my body with fresh, organic, nutrient-dense food but not my skin. 

Believing in the efficacy of quality plant-based skincare, I founded Skin Alchemists from a need to feed my skin as I was feeding my body, and there wasn't a brand I could trust to deliver that at the time. Skin Alchemists transports you to an era of wholesome, natural skincare, free from mass production.

Tell us about Skin Alchemists’ Aromatherapy Pulse Point Oil?
After the first COVID-19 lockdown, the first time I had to take the train travelling to central London I had a massive panic attack and couldn't understand why. I had lived in London for 18 years and travelled underground almost daily. I also noticed I had developed anxiety whenever I had to leave the house. 

And so I did what a herbalist does best – I went to my arsenal of essential oils to create an aromatherapy blend to balance my senses. This blend includes plants from my childhood medicine cabinet including West Indian bay, blue tansy, fragonia, vetiver and patchouli.

Why did you choose this particular product to go into the Female Founders Edit?
As a woman and a mum I know how much of everyone else's needs we take on, and so I wanted to share a tool which can be used to balance our senses when we may be fighting internal battles.

When recommending this product to your best friend, what would you tell them?
I tell them to use this as a moment of pause: inhale deeply because it smells amazing, and exhale. I say even if you don't believe in the power of aromatherapy then that's okay, at least you just gave yourself three minutes. 

What are your top beauty tips?
Don't sacrifice your sleep, always wash your face and use moisturiser every single night – your skin will thank you in the morning. 

How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day this year?
I'll be working that day, however I will be sure to remind myself of my achievements and thank myself, and I will also celebrate all the other women I know. 

Why was it important to you to be included in this all-female beauty box?
Skin Alchemists is a small brand, it is my passion project and our only funders are our customers. I view being selected to participate in this beauty box, with all these deserving female-founded brands, as an honour. It's motivation for me to carry on formulating.

Who is your female role model?

I can't identify one person – there are so many epic women out there – however I have every respect for single mothers and the enormous responsibility they shoulder daily. 

What wellness practices do you enjoy doing?

I believe deeply in the healing power of touch, and I have a 90-minute massage every month. I also take half a day or a day, once a month, to switch off my phone, totally disconnect and spend that time in nature or doing something for myself, by myself. 

Find the Skin Alchemists Aromatherapy Pulse Point Oil – plus nine other brilliant products, worth over £270 in total – in the Female Founders Edit for £60.

Want to read more about the Skin Alchemists Aromatherapy Pulse Point Oil? Click here to see the full reveal >