Contemporary events are causing us to rethink the whole concept of Skin Pigmentation or Color. We watched with bated breath as Harry, Prince of what must be the most influential Royal family in modern history, wed Meghan Markle. This was particularly significant as Meghan who is American has Negro blood and is thus darker than the traditional Caucasian.
Skin colour has long been a sensitive issue in society.
To varying degrees, there have been assumptions of supremacy, racial slurs, stereotypical profiling and lots more all based on the colour of skin one has. Colour – wise there is red skin, black skin, white, yellow skin etc. Professional artists have broadened the spectrum, presenting us with a whole new array of skin color, employing body -painting techniques to create fictitious sci-fi characters for the movie industry. At the mall or drugstore, we are constantly being bombarded with some new miracle product guaranteed do wonders for our skin. New and vigorous economies have evolved to cater to erstwhile neglected skin types. There are skin- lightening products, tanning products, contouring products etc.
The concept of skin has even worked its way into language use, we have coined phrases such as ‘skin- deep’, ‘tough-hide’, all descriptive of certain individual qualities.
Still, since most of us are stuck with the skin our mothers presented us at birth let’s go beyond the surface and delve in for a closer look.
According to science, our skin is the largest body organ and a barometer of some sorts, documenting our sojourn on earth. Baby skin connotes newness and freshness; we suffer through puberty with faces plagued by acne. In our thirties we begin to mourn the loss of elasticity and with old age the wrinkles and crow’s feet we have desperately tried to hide in middle-age forcefully assert themselves.
Our skin mirrors what lies beneath. Chapped or dry skin, discolorations, patches, rashes and growths are sometimes indicators of diabetes, heart disease, cancers and other grave internal conditions. Often stressful circumstances we go through as individuals show up on the skin as bumps, roughness etc.
In the pursuit of good health and skincare one might be interested in these facts:
- In general, darker skin holds up better under the harsh UV rays which can cause skin cancer or melanoma. So for those with fairer skin, sunscreens and other relevant protection are especially important.
- What we put into our bodies via nutrition is sometimes more important than what we apply on it. Proper dietary routines can slow down the aging process.
So there you have it! Whatever color your skin may be, take care of it, walk with confidence and make the most out of life
Writer’s Bio: Korede Ojelade is passionate about creativity and lifestyle. She employs design skills garnered from her background in Architecture, crafting unique interior products from individual silk threads. She resides in Lagos, Nigeria.
IG Handle: @beaversedge
Add comment