Focusing on bettering yourself through accomplishments rather than physical attributes can be helpful. Instead of basing your value on the color of your skin, base it on how good of a person you are. Work on being a good person, not just a beautiful one.
Rather than assuming your skin is a negative aspect of your physical appearance, remind yourself daily that your skin color is just another special part of what makes you unique and diverse.
Instead of thinking or saying something like “I wish my skin were lighter” or “My skin is unattractive,” say something like “My dark skin makes me different from others and that makes me special. ” Tell yourself: “My dark skin is beautiful. I am more than my outward appearance. ”
Take the time to get to know yourself on a deeper level. Rather than simply staring into the mirror, take an inventory of the qualities you possess that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
When you want to say or think something negative about yourself, including anything negative about your dark skin, consider this: would you say it to a loved one? Would you put down a loved one in the same way? Loving yourself means treating yourself better, starting from the inside out. Try to speak to yourself the way you would a dear friend or a loved one.
Lupita Nyong’o said that until she found other dark skinned women to look up to, such as Oprah and Whoopi Goldberg, she never imagined being an actress was possible. [4] X Research source By looking up to successful people with dark skin, you may be inspired to believe better, more positive things about yourself.
Colorism is different from racism in that it addresses the color of one’s skin, rather than their racial background. Still, colorism can be just as damaging and problematic.
If you notice this behavior in yourself, or in someone close to you, acknowledge it. Remind yourself—and others—that people are more than stereotypes.
Accepting yourself is the first step to loving yourself exactly as you are. If you are focused on your dark skin as something you cannot accept about yourself, you will have trouble loving your skin, and in turn, yourself.
Using your social media outlets to promote self-love and the idea that all skin colors are beautiful is another way to get involved with the issue. Many campaigns like Dark is Beautiful have social media pages you can follow and promote. Follow and post with the hashtag #IWillNotApologizeForBeingDarkSkin to show your support for the cause, and to engage with a growing social media movement. [7] X Research source
Read labels on skincare products. Look for products that cater to your skin’s specific needs. If you have especially oily skin, you might want to get a cleanser that is oil-free. Or, if you have especially dry skin, you might want to look for a gentle moisturizer.
There are even many daily moisturizing creams you can wear that are lightweight and oil-free while carrying a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Try to stick with at least this level of protection or higher.
There are exfoliating products for your face that are a bit more gentle than those for use all over your body. Look for face washes that have exfoliating beads, and body scrubs that also contain moisturizers for a one-step process.
