BE COMFORTABLE IN YOUR OWN SKIN

One thing great about the world, is that we all come into different skin shades from very fair to very dark. Wouldn’t it be a boring world, if we were all the same skin tone? It saddens me however, when I hear stories of young girls who dont like the complexion they were blessed with because they are dark skin and it also saddens me when they are called names by adults like teachers who should know better. I decided to write this article to appeal to every girl to love her own skin.

Colonial Days

The idea of fair skin being better started from colonial days when the slave master would divide and rule. They informed the lighter skin slaves who were mainly mixed race (having been at most times a product of rape) that they were superior to darker slaves. This colonial mentality of light skin being better does not only affect Africans but also affect Asians. The bleaching industries in both continents are booming because the perceived majority view is that being fair skin for a woman is better.

Does Fair Equal Better?

There is no proof to my knowledge that being light skin will make your life better or happier. Some argue that it open doors faster. Even if that is the case, you still need talent and competence in professional jobs or in business. I can speak for here in Lagos and say that companies want to see increased revenue and profit, not the colour of one’s skin. When I think of successful black women such as Michelle Obama, Oprah, Chimamanda, Genevieve Nnaji,  just to mention a few, they are not all fair skin, which goes to show that you don’t need to be fair skin to be successful.

Health Risks

Many skin lighteners have dangerous chemicals in them and until one under goes a serious operation you may not realise what damage they can cause to the skin. Other risks include skin cancer. From what I have read, if you ever need an operation and you have been bleaching, it can be fatal because of the thinning of the skin caused by using dangerous products.

Seek Inner Confidence

God doesn’t make mistakes and the complexion he gave you wasn’t a mistake. Be comfortable and confident in your own skin. Accept who you are including the colour of your skin. If you have skin problems, seek a specialist to help you but be careful of products that contain dangerous ingredients. There are all types of beautiful girls and women and we all come in different shades.

Advice To Parents

Be cautious of relatives that make insensitive statements about your daughter’s skin tone. Build your daughter’s confidence by affirming her and reminding her of her uniqueness. Dont show disgust if your child’s complexion changes or gets darker. Fathers, give your daughters attention, especially if this is an issue for her. Let her know that she is the apple of God’s eye and the apple of your eye too. Build her self esteem not based on how she looks but who she in Christ.

Finally, from someone who is darker skin, I absolutely love my chocolate skin tone. It is soft and smooth and when I am out and about, it glows in the sun (So I am told lol). It’s advisable to always use sunscreen when in the sun whatever your skin shade. Accept yourself and accept your skin tone and treat it with care.

You are valuable.