In a world flooded with trending ingredients and 10-step routines, Real Skin Retinue was born with a different purpose—to create effective, intelligent skincare for real life. This is the story of our founder, Marzia Rahmani, and how her personal journey through PCOS, motherhood, and professional beauty therapy inspired a skincare solution that truly protects and empowers.

The Reality Behind the Routine

Marzia Rahmani is not just a beauty expert—she’s a woman who understands what it means to struggle with hormonal skin, minimal sleep, and limited time for self-care. As a mum of three and someone living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Marzia experienced firsthand how hormonal imbalances affect skin texture, pigmentation, inflammation, and resilience.

Her mission was clear: develop a skincare solution that supports the skin’s natural rhythm—without causing further sensitivity or long-term damage.

The Clock in Our Logo Has Meaning

Take a closer look at the Real Skin Retinue logo, and you’ll notice a subtle but significant symbol: a clock. This clock isn’t just design—it’s a philosophy.

Marzia integrated the concept of intermittent fasting (16–20 hours if you’re healthy, not pregnant or nursing) into her lifestyle and her skincare beliefs. Fasting supports autophagy—a natural cellular repair process that benefits not only internal health but also skin clarity and resilience. She believed skincare should complement this process, not compete with it.

Why We Said No to Hydroquinone and Harsh Acids

One of the pillars of Real Skin Retinue is the deliberate exclusion of popular yet problematic ingredients:

• ❌ No Hydroquinone: Banned in countries like the UK, EU nations, Japan, and Australia due to its link to rebound pigmentation, irritation, and long-term skin sensitivity—especially for skin of colour.

• ❌ No Excessive Glycolic Acid: Quick results come with hidden costs. As Marzia puts it, “It’s like plucking chin hairs—it just gets worse unless you address the root cause.”

Photosensitivity: The Overlooked Risk in Skincare

Many people unknowingly amplify the effects of harsh ingredients through common lifestyle factors such as:

• 🩺 Prescription medications

• 🍷 Alcohol consumption

• 🌞 Inconsistent or incorrect SPF use

These combinations can intensify photosensitivity, leading to unexpected pigmentation, burning, and skin barrier breakdown—particularly in melanin-rich and hormonally sensitive skin. Yet, this connection is rarely addressed by mainstream skincare brands.

At Real Skin Retinue, we prioritise prevention over correction. Every formulation or product is designed with this in mind—avoiding photosensitising actives and focusing instead on photoprotective antioxidants, ceramides, and peptides that fortify the skin while respecting the user’s broader lifestyle.

Skincare That Respects the Whole Person

Real Skin Retinue is not about chasing unrealistic perfection. It's about creating functional, nutrient-rich skincare that supports women through every stage of life—from PCOS to postnatal depletion to professional burnout.

Marzia created this brand for the women who need results without irritation, who want fewer steps but better outcomes, and who deserve a product that works with their skin—not against it.

✨ Real Skin Retinue: Where science meets empathy, and prevention is the most powerful treatment.

Ready to discover skin that thrives under pressure, just like you?
Explore our Essential Face Serum now.