For decades, Sonal Keay struggled with severe skin irritation and pain, a condition doctors were unable to diagnose until she was 17. She was eventually diagnosed with chronic actinic dermatitis, a rare and life-altering skin condition characterized by a severe overreaction of the immune system to sunlight and ultraviolet light.

"When I was diagnosed, only six other people in the UK had it," Keay stated. The condition, which causes skin to become red, swollen, and blistered upon exposure to daylight, led to intense fear and isolation.

"Most sufferers never leave the house," Keay was told by her specialist dermatologist. "They’re so beset by depression they don’t even try to live a normal life." For years, Keay experienced a terror of going outside, even fearing artificial light. She would retreat to darkened rooms for days to recover from even minor exposure. She recalled feeling "existentially depressed and profoundly despairing."

Despite the challenges, Keay pursued higher education and a career. After completing a law conversion course, she became a criminal barrister at age 25, a profession that suited her condition as courtrooms are typically dimly lit with few windows. She practiced for 15 years, carefully managing her exposure during commutes.

Managing the Condition

Keay's management strategy involves strict sun avoidance, consistent use of high-factor sunscreen even in winter, and wearing protective clothing. She has also installed anti-UV film on her home windows, as she can burn through glass.

Personal relationships and family life have also been impacted. Keay recalled early in her dating life needing to explain to her husband that spontaneous affection like kissing or hugging was risky. Her wedding in 2013 was held indoors, and she ensured her home was always covered during family holidays.

Pregnancy presented new challenges. During her first pregnancy, her usual sunscreens became ineffective, and her hypersensitivity increased, likely due to hormonal changes. This period of heightened anxiety about her condition worsening was resolved after she gave birth. She also noted the difficulty of comforting young children with the physical closeness other parents could offer.

Discovering Silk's Benefits

A turning point came when Keay researched the healing properties of silk. She discovered its historical use as a wound-healing agent and its structural and chemical similarity to human skin, which allows the body to recognize it.

This research inspired a career change. Keay founded her skincare brand, This Is Silk, an endeavor she described as nerve-wracking but driven by a desire to find alternatives to conventional anti-aging ingredients that could irritate sensitive skin. She collaborated with scientists to develop SF-VII®, a proprietary silk peptide ingredient designed to promote collagen synthesis and improve skin density. Rigorous independent trials of her product line, which includes a face oil, cream cleanser, concentrate, and rich cream, showed positive results for skin smoothness, reduction of fine lines, and increased skin density.

While Keay anticipates living with her allergy for life, she believes her products can help maintain skin health for others, just as silk has been instrumental in her own journey. "I’ve been told it’s very likely I’ll have my allergy for life. But my products help maintain the health of my skin – and I truly believe they can do the same for anyone," she said.