April 23, 2023
Beyond Skin.. A journey of skin colour and culture..
Different countries have different beauty standards, and these standards are often dependent on cultural, historical, and environmental factors. For example, in some Western countries, tanned skin is often seen as a sign of health, wealth and beauty, whereas in many Asian countries, pale or white skin is seen as a sign of beauty and femininity.
In Europe, having a tanned skin tone is often associated with desirable qualities like youth and vitality. The tanned skin trend took off in the 1920s after Coco Chanel popularised it after returning from a vacation in the French Riviera with a golden tan. Since then, people in European countries strived for the look, which is seen as fashionable and attractive.
In contrast, many Asian countries view pale skin as a sign of beauty and prestige. In fact, traditional standards in these countries have long favoured a lighter, more translucent skin tone, which is considered a symbol of purity and beauty.
Regardless of cultural beauty standards, it’s important to celebrate the beauty within all of us, whilst prioritising health, happiness, and self-love over conformity to any one beauty ideal. Knowing that skin colour doesn’t define beauty at all but it’s what’s beyond the skin that shows the depths of true beauty.
At the end of the day, true beauty is about being comfortable in your own skin, confidently owning the unique features that make you who you are, and recognising that true beauty lies in a good heart, kindness, and other positive traits alike. By embracing our unique qualities and celebrating the beauty within ourselves and others, we can create a more inclusive and accepting world – one that celebrates and uplifts our individual and collective strengths.
