Understanding The Importance Of Skincare As Healthcare With Keenan Davis

This interview with Keenan Davis is part of the TEDxFolsom Reimagine Series, showcasing global changemakers, innovators, and thought-leaders who will speak at the upcoming TEDxFolsom event.   

Share with us a little bit about your background and what inspired you to apply to speak at TEDxFolsom?

I was inspired to apply to TEDxFolsom because it is a fantastic opportunity to speak publicly about something I am passionate about. Speaking at this event will also help me to grow as a young adult as I end high school and prepare for university. 

Without giving away too much – Can you provide a short summary of what your topic for Reimagine is about? 

My talk will be about reimagining skincare as healthcare. Skin cancer is extremely common in the United States, and I want to bring awareness to this issue as well as healthcare equity.

What was your inspiration or reflection point to generate this idea worth spreading? 

Early in the pandemic, I began struggling with really severe acne. In the process of learning how to care for my skin, I discovered how common skin cancer is and why it is essential to prevent it. As a result, I became passionate about skincare and skin health. I realized that not everybody has access to the same information or resources and many people only consider skincare as a luxury.  

A commonly held assumption is that skincare is only for women and teenage girls.  This is false, it is for people of all genders, ages, races, and backgrounds. I want to destigmatize that myth because everybody has skin and everybody’s skin deserves protection.

Skincare is a necessity, not a luxury; it should be for everybody. Sun protection is a public health concern. UV exposure creates damage, regardless of skin color, that can cause dangerous skin cancers. Over time, this sun damage starts to add up. Most people are not aware of how daily sun protection saves lives. Using sunscreen every day can help protect you from skin cancer and skin changes.

What are you looking forward to most with your talk? 

I look forward to working with and getting to know the other TEDxFolsom speakers. They are all brilliant, and it has been fun sharing my idea with them and learning about theirs.

How do you foresee your TEDxFolsom talk impacting viewers both locally and globally? 

I want my talk to inspire viewers to better understand skin health and advocate for others.

If there is one nugget of information you want someone to walk away with that views your TEDx Talk, what would that be?

I want people to understand that skincare is healthcare. It is not just a luxury. Everyone has skin and deserves to protect it.

What’s the best way for people to reach out to you to learn more about your TEDx talk topic? 

The best way for people to connect with me is by connecting with me on LinkedIn.