Exclusive interview with Cátia Vilas Boas - author of "What the Skin Wants"

At Inouïe, we believe that skincare goes far beyond the products we use; it's also about self-knowledge and consistency. That's exactly what we discussed with Cátia Vilas Boas , author of the book "What the Skin Wants," a simple and inspiring guide to better understanding your skin and creating a routine adapted to your needs.

In this conversation, Cátia shares her personal journey with acne, the challenges of writing the book, and powerful messages about self-esteem and self-love.

When did the idea for writing 'What the Skin Wants' come about, and what motivated you to move forward with this project?

The idea stemmed from something very personal: sharing my struggle with acne on social media at age 25. When I started showing this more vulnerable side, I realized I wasn't alone. My community grew significantly, and many women began messaging me saying they were in the exact same situation. Then I began to understand the impact I had by telling my story—which, ultimately, is also the story of so many others. Everything seemed to align so perfectly that a few months later I received an invitation from the publisher to write a book.

What kind of content and tips will readers find in the book?

The book begins with a kind of "diary of my skin," where I recount all my experiences and learnings over more than a year. It then unfolds in a direct, simple, and straightforward way, covering the basics of skincare, from discovering your skin type to creating a complete dermocosmetic routine that meets the individual needs of each reader. Readers will also find debunkings of claims, ingredient lists, challenges, questions and answers, and a final chapter entirely dedicated to self-love.

How did your experience with skincare and lifestyle influence the development of the book?

Knowing the most frequently asked questions from my community helped me understand their biggest challenges when it came to skincare. This gave me clarity on what really needed to be in the book. Furthermore, having tested so many products gave me a much more practical and realistic perspective. This allowed me to not only talk about theory, but also about what works (or doesn't work) in practice when there's consistency, strategy, and patience (without miracles or shortcuts).

What were the biggest challenges during the process of writing and creating the book?

The biggest challenge was simplifying the text without sacrificing scientific rigor and, above all, the book's practicality. The field of cosmetics and dermatology is complex, full of technical terms, and I wanted anyone to be able to read and understand it, even without prior knowledge. Another challenge was organizing its structure in a way that would make sense to the reader. And of course, balancing deadlines with writing my doctoral thesis.

Is there a story or experience that has marked you and that you've decided to share in the pages of the book?

Yes, there was something that really struck me and that I couldn't leave out of the book: the negative comments that many of my followers heard about their skin, and which I myself also dealt with. I know very well how those words stay ingrained and how they can shake our self-esteem. That's why I felt it was important to give voice to this issue and even wrote a poem dedicated to those I call "the skin police." For me, skincare goes far beyond the products we use. Of course, a proper cosmetic routine is fundamental, but we also need patience, empathy, and love not only for our skin but for ourselves. This emotional balance is an essential part of the healing and acceptance process.

What are the main lessons or messages you would like readers to take away from the book?

More than just copying steps from a routine, I want readers to feel that skincare can be simple, accessible, and even quite logical when we finally understand our skin's needs. It's not about having ten different products or spending a fortune; the essential thing is consistency and having enough understanding to make conscious choices. Above all, I want them to realize that our skin doesn't define us. Having pimples, blemishes, or marks doesn't diminish us in any way. True transformation happens when we can look in the mirror with more empathy and less criticism. If each person who reads this book leaves it with a healthier and more loving relationship with their skin (and with themselves), then I feel I have fulfilled my purpose.

What are your ambitions for the future, both in writing and in the world of beauty and skincare?

I see the future as an opportunity to continue sharing knowledge, but in an even more diverse way. I really enjoyed exploring the field of education, creating training programs aimed not only at healthcare professionals, but also at those who work in beauty, because I believe that clear and well-founded information can truly transform the way we care for our skin. And, if the universe allows me, I would love to bring my own cosmetics brand to life. A brand that reflects my values, that brings innovative and effective ingredients, but that, above all, conveys authenticity, exactly as I sought to convey in the pages of the book WHAT THE SKIN WANTS . It would be the natural continuation of this path that I began with so much passion.