For decades, Sonal Keay battled a rare and debilitating skin condition that made her allergic to sunlight, a struggle that ultimately led her to develop an innovative line of silk-based skincare. The condition, diagnosed as chronic actinic dermatitis, is a severe overreaction of the immune system to ultraviolet light.
Keay’s symptoms began in childhood with severe asthma and eczema, but in 1997, at age 17, she developed a new, painful condition where her skin would become red, swollen, and blistered upon exposure to sunlight. It took a year for specialists to diagnose her allergy to both UVA and UVB rays. At the time of her diagnosis, only six other people in the UK had the condition.
The severity of her reaction meant that even brief periods outdoors could result in a painful, burn-like rash. "My severe allergic reaction looked like a horrendous burn – my face would swell and I’d feel so much pain and itchiness, I’d want to claw it off," Keay described. This reaction led to a profound fear of light, causing her to isolate herself in darkened rooms for days after exposure.
Despite the challenges, Keay pursued higher education, studying German literature at King's College London and later completing a law conversion course to become a criminal barrister. She found that the dimly lit courtrooms were often suitable environments for her work, though she remained vigilant about sun exposure during commutes. Her career as a barrister spanned 15 years.
Her personal life was also impacted. Keay was hesitant about physical affection for fear of sunscreen being rubbed off. She married in 2013, with an indoor ceremony to minimize sun exposure. The condition presented new challenges during her pregnancies, with increased hypersensitivity noted, though it resolved after childbirth. Caring for young children also proved difficult due to the limitations on close physical contact when outdoors.
During her first pregnancy, Keay’s research into the properties of silk, which had previously offered her some relief, led her to discover its wound-healing and skin-regenerating qualities. This discovery prompted a career change from law to skincare. She founded her award-winning brand, This Is Silk, focusing on the therapeutic benefits of silk proteins.
Keay collaborated with scientists to develop SF-VII®, a proprietary silk peptide ingredient designed to promote collagen synthesis and improve skin density. Rigorous trials showed significant improvements in skin texture and firmness for users. While acknowledging that her allergy is likely lifelong, Keay stated that her products help maintain her skin's health and believe they can benefit others with sensitive skin concerns. Maze
