CHICAGO (AP) Leahlae-Skincare is opening its first storefront in the heart of Chicago, a city where the skin care industry is struggling to recover from the devastating pandemic.
The Chicago-based company, which has been in business for more than 40 years, has opened a storefront at a shopping center near the city’s main train station.
Its first product, a skin care cream, is a $9.99-a-month subscription for a six-month period.
It is a more affordable alternative to traditional face masks and facial creams that are widely available.
The cream is a non-toxic cleanser and is non-irritating and mild.
“This is the beginning of something really exciting,” said the company’s founder, Laelani Skocie.
“The skincares that I use on a daily basis are very simple to use, gentle and effective, and that is really important for my patients.”
In addition to the cream, the company sells a lotion, lip balm, facial oil and creams.
It’s the first of many skin care stores, most of which are under construction, but the company is hoping to expand its market nationwide.
The skancare industry is also facing challenges in the U.S. and abroad.
The pandemic has been a boon for companies that make face masks that can be used in combination with other products to combat the virus.
The companies that produce the masks are also struggling to sell the products as people rush to find alternatives.
“I think that we are in a really good place with the skincARE,” said Skocia, who is based in the northern German city of Freiburg.
“But I think there are some very important things that are still to be worked out.”
Skocie, who graduated from a U.K. medical school in 2012, said she decided to open her company in the middle of the pandemic to give patients the choice of a product that is safe, effective and inexpensive.
“We can provide a product which is very safe and effective and which is cheap, yet which also can be effective for a longer period of time,” she said.
“We hope to continue to provide products for people who need them.”