Inspiring Conversations with Dominique Cross of UNSKINXD

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Cross.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a proud Black woman and registered nurse with 17 years of experience in healthcare. Over the years, I’ve cared for people from all walks of life, but I’ve always been especially attuned to the disparities that exist when it comes to how Black people-especially Black women- are treated, not just in healthcare but in wellness and beauty as a whole.
What really pushed me into starting my own skincare line, UNSKINXD, was a mix of personal frustration and professional insight. As a nurse, I saw firsthand how overlooked the specific needs of Black skin were- whether is was a lack of education among professionals or the lack of products formulated with our skin in mind. As a consumer, I was constantly disappointed by the lack of representation and options that actually worked for us, not just included us as an afterthought. So, I decided to do something about it.
UNSKINXD was born out of a desire to reclaim the narrative around black skin- its beauty, its strength and its unique needs. I wanted to create a line that’s not only backed by science and my clinical background but also rooted in love, culture and visibility.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Finding guidance through the process of starting and structuring my business was difficult but I’m grateful that God placed the right people in my life. Shoutout to Marcia J Glenn, MD, my mentor, medical director, colleague and friend.

Getting to this point hasn’t been easy. I had to learn the business side of things, overcome fear and step outside of the “safe” path I’d known for nearly two decades. I heavily suffer from imposter syndrome and struggle with perfectionism and procrastination. This has been the most fulfilling leap of my life. Today, I’m not just a nurse- I’m a founder, formulator and advocate for radical self-care and skin health.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about UNSKINXD?
I am a family nurse practitioner and I specialize in Dermatology. I currently practice in Inglewood, Ca under Dr. Marcia Glenn. We run a full service dermatology clinic that includes medical dermatology, aesthetics and clinical trials. Persons of color make up the majority of our patient population. Often we see patients of color with uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, acne, moles, keloids, hair loss and they’ve tried everything marketed to people of color with no resolution. They come to the office frustrated in search of answers and leave with options that fit their goals, lifestyle and budget.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is honoring purpose and walking in alignment with what God placed on my heart. I believe we’re all here for a reason and when we tune in and listen to that inner calling, we find the work we were meant to do.

My purpose is rooted in service. Whether it’s been through nursing or now through skincare, my mission has always been about healing-physically, emotionally and spiritually. I believe that Black skin, Black beauty and Black wellness are sacred. It’s about
representation with intention- making sure that Black people, especially Black women are seen, heard and genuinely cared for in spaces that have historically ignored or underserved us.

As a nurse, I’ve seen how disparities in healthcare can literally cost lives. As a consumer, I’ve experienced how the beauty industry often markets to us without truly understanding or serving us. That disconnect drives me. I want to be part of the solution, to help close the gap between care and culture.

That’s why UNSKINXD exists. it’s not just about skincare- it’s about affirming that our skin is worthy of products that honor its needs, our stories and our beauty. It matters to me because I want the next generation to grow up knowing they don’t have to settle for being an afterthought. They deserve to be centered, celebrated and cared for every step of the way.

Creating UNSKINXD wasn’t just a business decision, it was a spiritual assignment. It was about answering the call to stand in the gap, to be a vessel and to offer something that uplifts our community is a real and lasting way.

Pricing:

• Green Tea Gentle Cleanser $39.99
• Sheer Mineral Repair Sunscreen spf 45 $44.99
• Brightening Even Skin Tone Pads $79.99
• Resurface RX Retinol Serum $119.99
• Radiant Glow Essentials Bundle $249.99

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.UNSKINXD.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_unskinxd_/profilecard/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==