Written by Eric Irby
When it comes to men’s grooming and self-care, Jerome Pearce is building more than routines—he’s building a movement. Brooklyn-born and DMV-based, Jerome is the creator of It’s Me, The Skin & The Beard, a platform that began as his personal journey and has grown into a space for men—especially Black men—to embrace skincare, beard care, and radical self-love. With honesty, humor, and intention, Jerome is shifting the narrative of what it means to show up for yourself.
Can you introduce yourself for our readers?
What’s up beautiful people! I’m Jerome Pearce—Brooklyn-born, DMV-based—and the proud creator of It’s Me, The Skin & The Beard. What started as a personal journey quickly grew into a platform dedicated to helping men—especially Black men—embrace skincare, beard care, and radical self-love. It’s Me, The Skin & The Beard is more than a brand—it’s a movement, a mindset, and a reminder that taking care of yourself is powerful, not optional. I’m here to help folks glow up from the inside out, beard first.
Where did the name “It’s Me, The Skin & The Beard” come from—and what does it represent to you personally?
I was on the phone with one of my friends just talking out loud about how I wanted to focus more on men’s beard and skincare. I said something along the lines of, “It’s really all about the skin, the beard… and me.” The words just came out naturally—and I stopped mid-convo like, Wait… that’s it. It felt like a declaration, like I was claiming my space in this world. It’s Me, The Skin & The Beard represents identity, care, and confidence. It’s me showing up fully—beard moisturized, skin glowing, spirit aligned.
Your grooming and skincare content feels very intentional. What got you into skincare and beard care seriously?
It really kicked off after I had gastric sleeve surgery. What they don’t tell you is that along with the weight loss comes unexpected side effects—like breakouts and hair loss. I’ve always rocked a bald head by choice, but when my beard—aka Barry, yes, he’s got a name—started thinning and looking real disrespected, I was like nah, we not doing this.
Barry’s been with me since I was 10 years old. He’s more than facial hair—he’s legacy. I got serious about skincare, learned what ingredients actually meant, leaned into organic products, and consulted my dermatologist. Once I saw the results—skin glowing, beard thriving—I knew I had to share what I’d learned.
Let’s talk beard game—what are your non-negotiables when it comes to maintaining your beard?
Hydration is a must. You need a solid beard oil, a quality leave-in conditioner, and a balm to lock in the moisture. A wooden comb is also essential—it glides through without snagging or pulling. And let me be crystal clear: stay the hell away from beard straighteners. That heat damage will have your beard looking dry and confused. We’re not here for fried follicles. The goal is healthy, full, and thriving—not flat-ironed into submission.
What’s a common skincare myth or mistake you wish more men—especially Black men—understood?
That we don’t need sunscreen. Big myth. Melanin is beautiful, but it’s not a shield. Sun damage, dark spots, and aging will catch up with you. Also—just soap and water? That’s not a routine, that’s a red flag. Your skin deserves better.
It’s been a real journey. Before my weight loss, I didn’t feel confident in my body. After the gastric sleeve, I had to relearn how to show up for myself—physically and emotionally. Skincare and beard care helped me reconnect. They gave me structure, healing, and confidence. Whether I’m 300 pounds or 200, I’m still Jerome. Still that dude.
Let’s talk identity—how do your background, queerness (if applicable), or personal history influence the way you move online?
My journey is the core of everything I do. I grew up during a time when being openly gay—especially as a Black man—wasn’t accepted. I was raised in a Caribbean household in Brooklyn where I had to pretend to be someone I wasn’t. On top of that, I was always a big boy—so I was often overlooked or told I had to change.
What would you say to your younger self when it comes to skin, self-love, or showing up in your body?
I’d tell him: You are worthy—just as you are. You don’t have to hide who you are or pretend to be someone else to be accepted. One day you’ll understand that the very things you were made to feel ashamed of—your queerness, your softness, your size—are the things that make you powerful, unique, and beautiful.
I know it’s hard right now. I know you feel overlooked and misunderstood. But keep showing up. Keep being you. Your body, no matter the size, is not a limitation. Your skin deserves love. Your voice deserves to be heard. And your presence? It matters.
What’s next for It’s Me, The Skin & The Beard—any new projects, ideas, or goals you’re dreaming up?
I’m building It’s Me, The Skin & The Beard into more than content—it’s becoming a lifestyle brand. I’m launching a grooming kit and digital guide, and planning events, pop-ups, and partnerships that make self-care accessible and celebrated. What started as my story is now a movement—and I’m just getting started.
Leave a Reply