Redefining skin health for the Caribbean

For Dr Keren-Marie St Clair, skin health is more than aesthetics — it is deeply connected to confidence, mental well-being, and quality of life. As the founder of The Skin Lab Jamaica and creator of The Skin Lab, a medical-grade skincare line designed specifically for Caribbean skin, her work represents a shift towards evidence-based, regionally relevant dermatologic care. Dr St Clair’s journey into skin health began with her own experience. “My interest in skin health began with my own struggles with acne as a teenager and young adult,” she said.

As she progressed through medical training, she became increasingly aware of how profoundly skin conditions affect patients, not just physically, but emotionally. “I realised how deeply skin conditions can affect confidence, mental health, and overall quality of life,” Dr St Clair said. That realisation became the foundation for The Skin Lab Jamaica, a practice rooted in education, medical expertise, and long-term skin health management.

Born in Trinidad and Tobago and now practising in Jamaica, Dr St Clair says working across the Caribbean has sharpened her understanding of regional skin needs. “While our islands differ culturally, our skin challenges are very similar. It reinforced the need for region-specific approaches rather than one-size-fits-all solutions,” Dr Clair said.

This cross-island experience highlighted the shortcomings of relying on imported skincare solutions that do not account for Caribbean climate, skin tones, genetics, or access to care.

Rather than one defining moment, Dr St. Clair describes a gradual realisation shaped by international training and clinical practice.

“Advanced skincare was never one-size-fits-all. There was not enough emphasis on education, proper aftercare, sun protection, or long-term maintenance,” she said, recalling her early training in Florida.

She observed that while other regions emphasised personalised, medically guided care, skincare in the Caribbean was often fragmented. She also noted the confusion among patients about when to seek spa services versus medical care.

“That is when I realised the Caribbean needed a more holistic and medically guided approach to skin health,” she said. This insight led her to pursue extensive local andinternational training and to implement global standards adapted to Caribbean realities.

Dr St Clair is particularly concerned about misinformation circulating on social media.

“Unverified advice from influencers promoting unsafe products or procedures concerns me the most. These were neither evidence-based nor medically supervised,” she said. She has treated patients suffering from burns, scarring, and long-term damage caused by trends lacking medical oversight.

The most common concerns are acne, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and premature ageing related to sun exposure. Many patients also have overlapping conditions, such as eczema, which complicates treatment when not properly diagnosed.

“Our tropical climate increases sun exposure, heat, and humidity, which exacerbate pigmentation disorders and inflammatory skin conditions. Genetics influence how our skin reacts to injury and inflammation, while lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, and inconsistent skin routines also play a significant role,” Dr St Clair said.Through The Skin Lab Jamaica and The Skin Lab skincare line, Dr St Clair continues to advocate for a model that blends science, education, and cultural understanding. Her mission is clear - to empower Caribbean patients with accurate information, personalized care, and solutions designed specifically for their skin.

“Skin health is not about trends. It is about understanding your skin, protecting it, and caring for it properly for life,” Dr St Clair said.

A major part of Dr St Clair’s work involves correcting misconceptions that can do more harm than good. Among the most common myths:

· Oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser

Skipping moisturiser can increase oil production and worsen acne.

· Black people do not need sunscreen

While darker skin has more natural protection, it is still vulnerable to sun damage, hyperpigmentation, premature ageing, and skin cancer, especially in the Caribbean’s intense UV climate.

· Spa treatments and medical clinics offer the same care

There is a critical difference between cosmetic services and medically guided skincare.

· Natural remedies are always safer

Ingredients like lemon, baking soda, toothpaste, and raw oils often damage the skin barrier and worsen pigmentation.

· One product works for everyone

Skin care must account for ethnicity, climate, lifestyle, and skin type.

· Facials alone fix skin problems

Without proper home care, sun protection, and sometimes medical treatment, facials are not enough.