Fashion Forward Sun Protection Ft. WATSKIN — E.794
On this special Fashion Friday episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with actress-turned-entrepreneur Lois Robbins, founder of WATSKIN, to discuss how necessity led her to create a fashion brand that merges sun safety with sophisticated style.
From Health Scare to Innovation
Lois never set out to become a fashion designer. But after being diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma and learning of her predisposition to melanoma, her dermatologist advised her to stay out of the sun. Like many women, Lois wanted to enjoy the outdoors without compromising her health — or her sense of style. Frustrated by the lack of chic, sun-protective clothing, she designed her own catsuits and skirts using UPF fabric. The response was overwhelming. Strangers stopped her daily asking where they could buy what she was wearing. With encouragement and support from friends in fashion, WATSKIN was born.
Fashion Meets Function
WATSKIN is more than swimwear — it’s a lifestyle brand built for versatility. Pieces are designed to be worn in and out of the water, seamlessly transitioning from day to night. Robbins describes the brand as the sun-protective counterpart to activewear giants like Lululemon and Alo: flattering, functional, and fashion-forward. Customers love that WATSKIN pieces are body-inclusive, stylish, and comfortable — garments that “suck you in” while still feeling luxe and effortless.
The Fabric That Changed Everything
Central to WATSKIN’s identity is its UPF 50+ fabric, which Lois says feels like a “second skin.” After initial experimentation, the brand now uses a carefully sourced material available in flat, ribbed, and pique textures. The fabric balances softness, durability, and protection, offering customers long-lasting wear without the flimsy feel common in many light fabrics.
Breaking Through as a Category Creator
Launching a niche brand in a saturated market came with challenges. Retailers weren’t sure whether to categorize WATSKIN as swimwear, activewear, or fashion. But Robbins and her team embraced the opportunity to educate consumers about a new category: stylish sun-protective lifestyle wear. Today, customers use Watskin for everything from yoga and tennis to swimming and dinner out. As Lois notes, the versatility justifies the investment — you’re not buying a swimsuit, you’re buying a multi-use wardrobe essential.
A Shift in Culture and Skin Health Awareness
While tanning once dominated beauty standards, Lois observes a cultural shift. Younger generations, including her own children, are more aware of the dangers of UV exposure and prioritize sun safety. Watskin offers a solution that aligns with this awareness, giving people options beyond sunscreen or traditional swimwear. For Lois, the brand is both personal and purposeful: a way to reclaim her lifestyle while empowering others to protect their skin with confidence.
Lessons in Entrepreneurship
As an actor stepping into fashion entrepreneurship, Lois admits it’s been a steep learning curve. Her advice for other founders? Surround yourself with people who know what you don’t, collaborate openly, and never take no for an answer. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, curiosity, and asking the right questions — even if that means looking up industry jargon mid-meeting.
WATSKIN is carving out a new category in fashion — where sun protection meets everyday sophistication. For anyone who loves the outdoors but refuses to compromise on health or style, Watskin offers a future where we can live fully, safely, and beautifully.
To learn more about WATSKIN, visit their website and social media. Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Reach out to us through email with any questions.
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