As a young Asian girl with brown skin facing the challenges of a skin disorder that caused inflammation, my journey navigating beauty standards has been a profound and transformative one. Growing up in an era where supermodels dominated the definition of beauty, I felt alienated by the narrow confines of those standards.
The ideal beauty portrayed in media was a far cry from my reality—tall, skinny, fair-skinned, straight-haired individuals adorned magazine covers and screens, setting the benchmark for attractiveness. Those standards felt unattainable, I was the brown skinned curvy girl with imperfect skin, leaving me feeling inferior and unseen. My skin condition was a blow to my confidence, hindering my self-esteem and progress in life.
Sadly, this struggle is still a reality for many girls and women today. Social media bombards us with AI-generated images of flawlessness, masquerading as reality. These unrealistic standards continue to erode self-worth and negatively impact mental health, perpetuating the belief that unless we fit into this narrow mould, we are not beautiful.
My turning point came when I began to prioritise self-care and embraced my true self. Shifting my perspective, I started using positive language towards myself and celebrated my uniqueness. I realised that beauty isn't confined to superficial traits but encompasses my personality, energy, skills, life experiences, and values. Embracing these aspects empowered me to redefine my self-worth and break free from the suffocating grip of societal norms.
Through this journey, I learned a valuable lesson: owning your wisdom and self-worth forms the bedrock of personal empowerment. This realisation became the ethos of SAIRA, my skincare brand. Instead of promoting unattainable perfection, we advocate for loving and caring for your skin, nurturing its health and resilience.
SAIRA encourages individuals to define themselves, stand out, and embrace their entirety because true beauty transcends trends and seasons. You are always in style when you authentically own who you are. The key is to redefine beauty on our terms, embracing our unique qualities, being grateful, staying present, and shunning comparisons. It's about continual growth, connection with nature, and cherishing what truly matters.
Remember, true beauty lies in embracing our individuality, nurturing our uniqueness, and standing tall in our authenticity. So, let's celebrate ourselves, own our worth, and rewrite the narrative of beauty—one that includes and uplifts everyone.
Because at SAIRA, and in life, YOU are the epitome of beauty, always, so seize the day and OWN YOUR MOMENT.
In our modern world, skin is under siege:
Harsh cleansers strip away protective oils.
Foaming face washes over-exfoliate.
Toners and scrubs destroy the skin’s microbiome.
And “oil-free” marketing convinces us hydration and nourishment are dangerous.
This daily stress adds up. And what starts as a bit of oiliness or the odd breakout can become chronic sensitivity, congestion, and barrier breakdown, a term scientists call epidermal dysfunction.
Fact: Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which overstimulates oil glands causing excess sebum and worsening acne and inflammation. (International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2020)
So if your skin feels tight but greasy, dehydrated but breaking out, or just never quite right it’s not just “problem skin.” It’s stressed skin.
Let’s stop the cycle.
Myth #1: “Facial oils clog pores and make acne worse.”
Why this myth persists:
Oily skin = more oil = more breakouts, right? So adding facial oil must be a disaster. That’s the logic.
The Real Science:
Many acne-prone skins are actually lacking linoleic acid, a key fatty acid that keeps sebum soft and flowing. When sebum becomes thick and sticky, it traps dead skin and bacteria creating the perfect storm for breakouts.
Fact: About 80-90% of teenagers experience acne due to hormonal surges that cause excessive sebum production – leading to clogged pores and breakouts. (American Academy of Dermatology)
The SAIRA Solution:
Our Balancing Face Wash gently cleanses oily, acne-prone skin without stripping it. It includes:
Salicylic acid to gently exfoliate inside pores and reduce blackheads.
Aloe vera to soothe and hydrate.
Plant-derived surfactants that clean without disrupting the skin barrier.
This balance is key because over-cleansing can cause the skin to overproduce oil, worsening acne.
Fact: Frequent use of alkaline cleansers can increase water loss, disturb skin pH, and lead to barrier dysfunction. (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020)
Myth #2: “Oily skin doesn’t need hydration.”
The Real Issue:
When oily skin gets dehydrated – through over-cleansing, stripping acids, or skipping moisturiser it fights back by producing even more oil. This leads to a confusing skin type that’s oily on the surface and dry underneath – a recipe for breakouts, irritation, and enlarged pores.
The SAIRA Solution:
Our Hyaluronic Boosting Drops hydrate oily, acne-prone skin with:
Tremella mushroom (snow fungus), nature’s hyaluronic acid.
Hydrolyzed pea protein and oat extract to calm irritation.
Hemp and flax extracts rich in omega-3s to reduce inflammation.
Layering hydration under facial oil locks in moisture, helping skin feel balanced, not greasy.
Myth #3: “Facial oils are too heavy for sensitive or large-pored skin.”
Why people believe it:
Facial oils get lumped into one category – greasy, thick, pore-blocking. But that’s like saying all fabrics feel the same.
The Science:
Some oils like coconut are comedogenic, but others such as jojoba, grapeseed, and rosehip are light, absorb fast, and mimic your skin’s own lipids.
The SAIRA Solution:
Our Hydrating Facial Oil is:
Rich in linoleic acid, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory oils like rosehip and black cumin.
Non-greasy and quickly absorbed.
Designed to improve elasticity and smooth the look of large pores over time.
The SAIRA Pore Purity Set: Your 3-Step Ritual for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
Consistency is everything. Skin thrives on a morning and night ritual using the same supportive ingredients to build strength and balance over time.
Our Pore Purity Set is a certified organic, sustainable, vegan, and biodegradable skincare solution designed specifically for oily, acne-prone skin. This routine helps your skin microbiome thrive, reducing skin stress and resulting in a stronger, brighter, and smoother complexion – boosting your confidence and self-esteem.
Step 1: Balancing Face WashGentle cleansing with salicylic acid and aloe vera that removes excess oil and impurities without stripping or damaging your skin barrier.
Step 2: Hyaluronic Boosting DropsLightweight hydration that calms irritation and replenishes moisture without adding oiliness.
Step 3: Hydrating Facial OilNon-comedogenic botanical oils rich in linoleic acid and antioxidants that support skin barrier repair and reduce inflammation.
By nourishing your skin properly with clean, certified organic ingredients, you reduce inflammation and restore natural balance essential for healthy, glowing skin.
Why Choose Certified Organic and Sustainable Skincare?
Our products are made with certified organic, sustainable, vegan, and biodegradable ingredients that respect both your skin and the planet. This means no harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, or irritants that can worsen oily, acne-prone skin or damage your skin’s microbiome.
Final Word: Don’t Fear the Oil – Embrace the Balance
If you’ve ever been told that oils are the enemy of oily or acne-prone skin, you’re not alone. The myths run deep – that oils clog pores, make breakouts worse, and should be avoided at all costs. But the truth is: when you choose the right oils in a balanced routine, they can become your skin’s biggest ally.
We’ve debunked the biggest misconceptions:
That oily skin doesn’t need hydration.
That facial oils suffocate pores.
That gentle, plant-based routines aren’t “active” enough.
Now, we’ve shown the science – and the solution.
The Real-life Results
Real Results: From Skin Struggles to Skin Confidence
This before-and-after photo says it all.
This male customer came to SAIRA after years of battling oily, acne-prone skin. He had tried countless high street products – harsh foaming cleansers, drying spot treatments, and “oil-free” moisturisers – but his skin only became more inflamed, imbalanced, and dry. His confidence was at an all-time low.
What changed everything? A simpler, skin-supportive approach grounded in nature and nourishment.
By switching to our gentle oil + cloth cleansing method, followed by our light yet deeply nourishing Hydrating Facial Oil, used morning and night, his skin began to heal. The breakouts lessened, the redness calmed, and the oiliness balanced out – without stripping or stressing the skin.
He now enjoys a smoother, brighter, more resilient complexion – and, most importantly, the confidence that comes with feeling good in your own skin.
Why Not Try the 3-Step Pore Purity Routine For Yourself
Step 1: CleanseBalancing Face Wash – a non-stripping serum cleanser that gently purifies, calms inflammation, and respects the skin barrier.
Step 2: HydrateHyaluronic Boosting Drops – lightweight, hydration using snow mushroom, pea protein and oat extract to calm and plump oily, congested skin.
Step 3: NourishHydrating Facial Oil – a fast-absorbing blend of botanical oils rich in linoleic acid, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits to rebalance sebum and soothe blemishes.
Used daily, morning and night, this routine will help restore skin microbiome, reduce inflammation, and bring skin – and confidence – back to life.
Now you know better – and so does your skin.
Summer is here and so is Wimbledon – time for sunshine, strawberries & cream, and a skincare routine that plays to win. In this blog, we introduce SAIRA’s Glow-Guarding Trio: our Hyaluronic Boosting Drops, Brightening Vitamin C Powder, and NEW Mineral SPF 25 Moisturiser. Discover how this winning skincare set keeps your skin hydrated, radiant, and protected – no matter how long you're out in the sun. Game. Set. Protect.
