Have you ever ran into someone you haven’t seen in years and noticed that they looked a little different? Or maybe you’ve seen an old photo of a public figure and thought, their skin tone seemed lighter or darker than before? In today’s world, where accusations of skin bleaching are thrown around casually, it’s important to take a step back and consider the many natural reasons why black skin may change over time.
This is Personal to Me
I’ve been asked before if I bleached my skin, and to be honest, the question offends me. Where I grew up, people assumed that any noticeable lightening of one’s complexion meant they were using skin-lightening products. Even my own mother once asked how I became so much lighter than I was as a child. But the truth is, I have never, and would never, bleach my skin.
In fact, if anything, I wish my skin were darker than it is now. As I read Revelation 1:14-15 and Jeremiah 14:2, which describe the true complexion of Christ and God’s people, I feel an even greater sense of pride in melanated skin. My change in skin tone over the years is not a result of any artificial process but a natural shift caused by age, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Black Skin Is Dynamic and Ever-Changing
Unlike what many assume, black skin is highly responsive to environmental, biological, and lifestyle factors. It can darken, lighten, and even take on different undertones due to a variety of influences. Some of the key factors include:
1. Age and Genetic Influence
As we grow older, our skin naturally changes. Many people begin to resemble one parent or close relative more distinctly as they mature. This can alter the overall tone and texture of the skin. Some develop lighter or darker patches, while others find their complexion shifting in subtle ways that reflect their lineage.
2. Climate and Temperature
The melanin in black skin reacts to exposure. In colder climates, skin may appear lighter because of reduced sun exposure. On the other hand, warmer climates encourage melanin production, leading to darker skin. People who frequently travel between different climates might experience noticeable shifts in their skin tones.
3. Diet and Lifestyle Choices
What we eat and how we live significantly impact our skin. Hydration, nutrition, and overall health play a crucial role in skin clarity and pigmentation. People who improve their diets by consuming more fruits, vegetables, and water often notice a brighter complexion. Additionally, stress, lack of sleep, and alcohol consumption can all affect skin appearance.
4. Weight Loss or Gain
A dramatic change in weight can lead to noticeable differences in a person’s facial features, including skin tone. Losing weight may make skin appear lighter due to reduced fat layers beneath the skin, while gaining weight can sometimes deepen the natural shade of the complexion.
5. Medical Conditions and Skin Disorders
Certain conditions like vitiligo, hyperpigmentation, and anemia can alter skin color. Hormonal changes, medications, or even autoimmune diseases may contribute to unexpected shifts in skin tone. Unfortunately, many people are quick to accuse others of bleaching without considering possible health-related factors.
Bleaching Is Self-Hate
While many cases of skin tone changes are natural, let’s be clear – there are those who deliberately bleach their skin, and I have zero respect for such individuals. To bleach one’s skin is to reject the beauty and identity that the Most High has given. It is a statement, whether conscious or subconscious, that one hates themselves and their own people.
I firmly believe that anyone who willingly alters their skin to appear closer to a Eurocentric standard of beauty is suffering from a deep-rooted identity crisis. It is a betrayal of our ancestors, our heritage, and the way the Almighty created us. I could never consider such a person my friend, nor would I entertain any association with them other than being cordial in a compulsory environment.
That being said, we must also be careful not to wrongly accuse people of bleaching. Not every skin tone change is a result of skin-lightening products. We must differentiate between natural complexion shifts and intentional bleaching.
At the same time, we must not be afraid to highlight the damaging effects of bleaching and the mindset behind it. Self-hate is a disease that must be confronted. We, as a people, must reject the idea that lighter skin is superior and instead embrace the richness of our melanin in all its shades and hues.
A Call for Awareness, Self-Love, and Truth
Before pointing fingers at someone whose skin appears different, let’s pause and consider the many factors at play. But if someone has indeed bleached their skin, let’s not sugarcoat the truth – such a person has rejected their own identity. We must encourage self-love, pride in our natural beauty, and an understanding that the skin we were born in is already perfect as God intended.
What are your thoughts? Have you noticed changes in your own skin tone over time? And how do you feel about skin bleaching? Share your experience in the comments below!
Mordecai Amon Israel
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