For decades, the dominant portrayal of beauty has been through the lens of white and lighter skin tones. Beauty editorials, advertising and marketing - and of course product formulation - has typically failed to represent, let alone understand the needs of Black and darker skin.

Well-intentioned and long overdue conversations are going on in the industry about diversity and inclusivity. And there are some breakthroughs with product ranges such as Rihanna's Fenty Beauty which caters to all skin tones.

However, women of colour are still facing the daily challenge of finding beauty products, information and salon practitioners who understand their skin's needs. Behind the words and celebrity product lines lies the reality of beauty counters and salons that are lagging behind and unable to cater to those with darker skin tones.

Podcast guest Dija Ayodele has made it her life's work to educate the industry and advocate for all types of beauty products to be accessible and relevant to women of colour. Simply put, Dija Ayodele is making Black skincare matter.

A successful practising aesthetician, Dija is a champion and pioneer of black and darker skincare and beauty and she has plenty to say about the gaps in beauty industry education when it comes to understanding the needs of women of colour.

Formula Botanica CEO and podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier talks to Dija about her work and her book 'Black Skin: The Definitive Skincare Guide' which was published in late 2021 and is already receiving international acclaim.