Have you ever been approached by a stranger under the sun, who kindly advises you, “You should really apply some sunscreen”? Do you find yourself gravitating towards the “Ivory” foundation shade, only to realize it looks more like a tan on you than a match? Have your pictures in daylight turned out to be nothing more than frames and a cozy sweater?
THEN YOU’RE ONE OF US!
This season, while many are eager to flaunt skin that has been tucked away during the chilly months, they ponder the relevance of tights and rush to beauty stores for the fanciest self-tanners available. But here’s my proposition: let’s embrace a summer without tan, fake tan, or bronzer.
You see, I’m a delightful mix from a dad with a farmer’s tan that resembled chocolate milk by August and a fiery-haired mom whose freckles practically ignited at the sound of “summer solstice.” Sure, I can tan a bit, but it’s not something I’m keen on. I’ve grown comfortable in my naturally pale skin, hair, and eyes, regardless of how many people insist I could use a little color.
Over the years, I tried to master the art of looking less ghostly, but it was always a disaster. My self-tanner turned me into a patchy mess that looked like I’d rolled in rusty paint, and bronzers? Let’s just say they left me resembling a box of chocolate cake mix after a sneeze. Why bother trying to be someone I’m not when it was just painful and costly?
Sure, I could opt for a lower SPF and gradually achieve some color, but with a family history of skin cancers, including melanoma, it’s a risk I’m not willing to take. Plus, sunburns are no joke—ouch!
I’ve grown accustomed to people thinking my paleness is a sign of illness, mistaking my glow for a health issue rather than a personal choice. The nicknames like “Casper” and “Powder,” along with the endless vampire jokes—thanks a lot, “Twilight”—don’t bother me anymore.
It’s utterly ridiculous that anyone, regardless of their skin tone, feels pressured to conform to societal beauty standards. Just recently, I had a chat with a friend who is my photo negative, and we realized how similarly we were teased about our opposite skin tones growing up. It’s time to stop this nonsense!
Instead, I’ve learned to celebrate what many consider unattractive since the 1920s. Here’s why I adore my pale skin:
- No worries about tan lines when picking out tank tops.
- I never accidentally resemble an Oompa Loompa.
- My foundation color stays the same all year, so no seasonal changes needed.
- Thanks to my diligent sunscreen use, I sometimes get carded when buying alcohol!
- Have you ever seen someone sweating off their bronzer? It’s like a Dali painting gone wrong, and I’m not here for it.
- I’ve embraced my true self, and honestly, what could be better than that?
So, if you’re someone who pokes fun at others’ paleness or suggests they “fix it,” how about you take a step back? Appreciate that they have accepted their natural skin and maybe even find inspiration in their confidence to do the same for yourself. Now, that’s a beautiful perspective!
Oh, and just so we’re clear? I’m not simply “pale.” I’m porcelain.
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In summary, this summer, let’s celebrate our natural beauty without the need for bronzers or tanning. Embrace your skin the way it is and let’s uplift each other instead of judging.