Marula The Leakey Collection Co-Founder Dr. Kaidi

Behind the Bottle A Q&A with the insiders behind your favorite brands. Dr. Ashton Kaidi, MD, FACS Co-Founder, Marula The Leakey Collection Marula The Leakey Collection Dr. Ashton Kaidi is a Board certified plastic surgeon and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He has clinically tested the healing benefits of natural, anti-oxidant rich Marula Oil on the skin of patients who underwent radiation treatment for breast cancer surgery. Astounded by the results and improved healing, Dr. Kaidi worked with the Leakeys to bring Marula Oil to American women. Now, in harmony with all Leakey Collection products the production of Marula Oil provides rural women an essential sustainable source of income with which they feed, clothe, and educate their families.

1). How did you get started in this industry?

As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, I am constantly dealing with anti-aging products. Currently the skin market is saturated with lotions and creams. In my opinion, natural oils are more bio-compatible and provide a superior and longer lasting hydration. I felt there was a need for an oil alternative in the moisturizing market.

2). What is your star product or biggest breakthrough?

Marula Oil, it's 100% natural, wild-harvested and revolutionary in the skin care moisturizing market. It contains higher levels of Oleic, Palmitic and Stearic fatty acids critical for rapid skin absorbency, hydration and moisture retention. It traps moisture and provides prolonged hydration, penetrating quickly without leaving a residue or greasy feeling.

3). Who/What inspires you?

The word "plastic" in plastic surgery derives from the Greek plastikos, and means literally "to change or mold." I carry this into my daily life, and hope to change the lives of others for the better. As a fair trade company, we are also helping improve the lives of women and children in Africa.

4). Be honest, what beauty products do you use regularly other than your own?

As a male, I use a gentle a skin cleanser from SkinCeuticals. I use Marula Oil after shaving as a moisturizer and Phoenix SPF 30 as a sunscreen.

5). Imagine the future of the beauty industry and give us your prediction of what's to come.

Skin care is a very dynamic segment of cosmetic market and is perpetually evolving. I see a major growth in the natural skin care product with emergence of new organic peptides that will improve anti-aging. I also believe the oil products will become a permanent and relevant skincare category.

6). Give our customers a beauty insider tip:

Stretch marks are often the result of the rapid stretching of the skin associated with weight gain or pregnancy. In some people, the skin elasticity in cannot keep up with the rapid stretching. Use of oils with higher levels of oleic acids (Omega 9) is important in reducing stretch marks during pregnancy. Higher levels of oleic acid allows for rapid penetration into deeper skin layers. Improved moisture and elasticity helps to prevent stretch marks. Marula Oil contains 70-80% oleic acid (twice that of Argan oil).

6.5). In 140 characters or less, give us a beauty tip to Tweet and tell us where to follow you.

Marula - The Leakey Collection is the new beauty nut with the antioxidant muscle to combat free radicals. Our twitter name is @marulabeauty.

7). Extra Credit: Write personal reviews for some of the individual products in your line.

Marula Oil from Marula The Leakey Collection is 100% natural and contains no chemicals or preservatives. It is very soothing when applied to sun damaged or sun-burned skin. It is also effective at fighting free radicals that lead to premature aging. It's light lavender and citrus scent makes the application experience delightful.