In love with your Melanin rich skin? There is nothing more beautiful than a person who is confident and comfortable in their own skin. But for many of you, this is easier said than done.
For centuries, society has told us that we should aspire to have lighter skin. What an impact this has had on our self-esteem.
Did you know that there was a time when the lighter your complexion, you would be placed in the front of the classroom? The darker you were, you'd be placed in the back. This was very prevelant in states from Virginia south.
And this was in the Black school system.
Although I was never directly told that my complexion was too dark, there was always this underlying feeling that I was just making the cut. The paper bag test. Yes, there used to be a paper bag test. What? If your complexion was the color of or lighter than a paper bag, you were deemed acceptable.
Whether it was through the media, or comments from family members and friends, I always got the message that darker skin wasn't as good as it could be.
My grandmother's weren't having it. They were a fair-skinned and what was referred to as redboned women and told us that if they ever got wind that any of us were slighting the darker-skinned of us, they'd take a switch to our behinds. Yes, they did not spare the rod, the switch, or the belt.
We, their grandchildren, ranged in the lightest of lights, to darker than 12 midnights. They taught us that we were all beautiful.
Although James Brown created the anthem: "Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud" in 1968, there are still situations in the 21st Century where we're being made to feel that our melanin rich skin isn't beautiful. The song made a lot of us fall in love with our melanin rich skin.
Balls in our court. Is it possible to love our skin, no matter what society tells us? Yes! Stop waiting on others to validate your beauty.
Here are some tips:
1. Surround Yourself With Positive Images of People With Skin Like Yours.
Whether it's through social media, magazines, or TV, make an effort to seek out positive images of people with skin tones like yours. This will help you to see that beauty comes in all shades.
2. Talk Back To The Negative Voices In Your Head.
This might be the biggest challenge of them all. We all have that little voice inside us that tells us we're not good enough. When you find yourself thinking negative thoughts about your skin, talk back to that voice. Find yourself a mirror and have a conversation with your image. Remind yourself of all the things you love about yourself, including your beautiful black skin.
3. Find A Role Model Who Loves Their Skin.
Look for someone in your life who embraces their beautiful complexion and let them be a source of inspiration for you. Seeing someone else who loves their skin can help you to see the beauty in your own.
4. Practice Self-care.
Treating yourself with kindness and respect is a crucial part of learning to love yourself. This includes taking care of your skin by using products that are gentle and effective.
5. Be Patient With Yourself.
Loving yourself is a journey, and it might take some time to get there. Be patient with yourself and focus on making progress, not perfection.
Remember, part of loving your melanin rich skin includes taking care of it. Be sure to use products that are specifically designed for black skin. This will help you to achieve and maintain clear, healthy, and beautiful skin.
What type of products should you use?
When it comes to skin care, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best way to find out what works for you is to experiment until you find a routine that makes your skin look and feel its best.
That said, there are some general guidelines you can follow when choosing natural skin care products for black skin.
Look for products that:
1. Are devoid of harmful chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and phthalates
2. Contain ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or mango butter to moisturize and nourish your skin
3. Are non-comedogenic, meaning they won't clog your pores.
4. Are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free to avoid irritation. An exception would be the use of essential oils. They are often known to enhance the benefits of your skin care products.
5. Have been tested on people with skin like yours.
With a little trial and error, you should be able to find a skin care routine that works for you.
And once you do, you'll be on your way to loving your beautiful black skin.
If you're struggling to love your skin, know that you're not alone. But also know that it's possible to develop a healthy relationship with the skin you're in.
Loving your melanin rich skin is possible, despite the messages society sends about dark skin tones. By surrounding yourself with positive images of people with skin like yours, talking back to the negative voices in your head, and practicing self-care, you can learn to love your beautiful melanin rich skin.
That's it for this week. Like this article? Share it with your friends. As always ...
Dedicated to Your Beauty,
Juliette Samuel,
Esthetician/Author/Publisher,