Accepting and believing that you are enough, beautiful, healthy, smart, and capable is not as easy as it may seem, especially when external forces or societal pressures convince you otherwise. I started questioning what a perfect body image is and who gets to decide that notion. Of course, the answers to these questions will vary based on individual perceptions and can be debated. When I asked some of my friends for their thoughts on the same question, I was intrigued by the responses from two individuals: a 23-year-old female and a 25-year-old male.

The female mentioned that being slim did not align with her idea of a perfect body image. When she was slim, people often commented on her weight, making her feel insecure. Initially, she disliked her body, but over time, she worked on embracing and loving it, which improved her confidence. The male friend expressed that a perfect body image enhances self-confidence, self-esteem, and overall well-being.

Research suggests that body image insecurities are more prevalent among women, particularly the youth, compared to men. Although men also face pressure to have a certain physique or to date women who fit a particular ideal body shape, women tend to experience higher levels of body image dissatisfaction. Many women’s responses about body image revolve around more than just their external appearance or comparisons with others. The concept of body image is complex, encompassing one’s individual perception, beliefs, and emotions about their body. Some women may feel negative emotions, believing they are overweight when they are not, often influenced by cultural and social norms as well as media portrayal.

The belief that thinness equates to beauty has led many young women to experience depression, anxiety, and eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Negative body image is not a new issue, but the rise of social media has exacerbated its impact, making it easy for one to be swayed away by the social trends. It is important to recognize your uniqueness and purpose, and to understand that you have the power to choose what to focus on and believe, as well as how to respond to criticism. What you frequently focus on, believe, and internalize can shape your reality.

If you are considering changes for someone else rather than for personal growth, it may be beneficial to step back and engage in self-reflection. True beauty is rooted in confidence and emanates from within, transcending various forms, shapes, and shades. Embrace it.

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A hue that’s rich and divine,

Blessed with beauty that’s truly one of a kind,

A shade that’s kissed by the sun,

A complexion that’s second to none.

Made with melanin, a pigment so fine,

A tapestry of shades, a true work of art,

A complexion that radiates from within,

A beauty that’s deeper than just the surface skin.

Embrace your melanin, wear it with pride,

For your skin is a blessing, a gift from inside,

A unique and stunning work of art,

A beauty that’s reflected in your heart.

With melanin, you are a force to be reckoned with,

A beauty that’s bold, and undeniably rich,

A complexion that tells a story of strength and pride,

A beauty that cannot be denied.

So love your melanin, and let your beauty shine,

For you are a masterpiece, a true one of a kind,

A beauty that’s beyond compare,

A radiance that’s truly rare.

Embrace your skin, and let your light glow,

For your melanin is a gift, a beauty to show,

A beauty that’s timeless, a beauty that’s true,

A beauty that’s undeniably you.

Facebook: Ramollo Pretty (Chronicle)
Instagram: Ramollopretty

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I woke up in the morning like, ‘Hey, What’s wrong?’ It was not normal. My face was itchy, and my skin was with irritations. It developed into acne. So I went to the doctor, who gave me medication to treat it. It was a lot of pills, and I had to take them over three months. I took them for one week, then stopped because I would wake up every morning and see that my skin was getting worse. I went to see another doctor who was also a pharmacist, and she said I should continue with the medication. She put me on a skin routine. I had to do it morning and evening. I was like, ‘Oh my God, what’s this?’ I had no idea about skin. I would just wake up and apply my oil. But I wanted my skin to clear. She gave me a product to apply once a week, but I had no patience and applied it daily. My skin just got worse and worse. I didn’t want to look in the mirror or take pictures of myself and was like; this is not my skin. Everybody at college was like, ‘Oh Julieth, what happened to your face?’ Everyone was questioning me, and it hurt me a lot. Girls would pass me by, and I would feel inferior. I felt so bad, and I didn’t know what to do. I stopped going out as I didn’t want to bump into people. I couldn’t accept myself, which was not helpful. I thought I couldn’t see people with how I looked. When I was with people, I wondered if they would silently question my face even without asking.

Finally, I realized that if I am confident and let people ask me the questions, they will see that there is more to me than my skin problems, and it will no longer hurt me. It took a long time to accept my situation. I realized when you accept yourself; you can overcome anything. I couldn’t sleep without worrying, and I always touched my face. It took almost two years to find the answer. When I went back to the doctor, she said I was overusing the product, which is why my skin was reacting so badly. Then, at the skin clinic, they discovered my problems were caused by too much Sulphur in my system. This was from the medication I had taken previously for malaria. By this time, I had started researching what was going on with my skin. Finally, I found a product with many positive reviews, and after three months of trying it, my skin was back to normal.

Skin needs patience. It’s not something you put on a product now and tomorrow; it will be clear. I learnt the hard way, but I always tell people if the doctor recommends you a product, use it appropriately. Diet is also essential and has a big impact on our skin. I have a lot of followers because of how my skin got better. I tell them to be patient, that everyone’s skin is different, and what helped me may not be the answer for them. I advise them to research the products they use to check the ingredients and their effect on the skin. To look at their diet and, most of all, not let their confidence slip because, with time, it will heal.

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In the early 2000s, I met a girl (Nandi) from a neighbouring village whose skin looked different from almost all other kids we’d play with. The first time I was in close vicinity with her, I feared so much to touch her because I thought she would feel pain from a slight poke or touch. Years later I found out that she had a skin condition called eczema.

I recently did some research on eczema, and Nandi was the first person that came to mind. I then reached out to her, and I was extremely honoured as she decided to share her remarkable story with me. What was even more remarkable was the fact that she was also willing to have her story stared with the rest of the world. Here is how it goes:

My name is Nandi and this is my story:

“When I asked my mother, she told me, I might have been about three years old when the skin on my forehead, cheeks, and forearms started to scale up. And of course, I don’t remember that. But what I do remember is those first days when I started junior primary school and began interacting with other kids from all kinds of backgrounds.

As someone from a poor background, my peers and even older people assumed that I was just a dirty, smelly pig. Some people thought that because I was lacking, I ate too much-tinned food. It was heartbreaking. In playgrounds, I was that kid that no one wanted to play with. I was called names like frog face, crocodile skin, among other hurtful insults.

At first, as the condition flared up all over my body, I would try to scrub the dry and dead scaly skin from my face and limbs, thinking that it would improve my appearance. I remember vividly, one time on a Sunday morning around the age of seven, I scrapped out a big chunk of dry skin from my upper lip. I bled so much I thought I was going to die, and I couldn’t tell my mother because she had told me multiple times not to do it. So that day, we went to church and back with my hand on my lips the whole time – and nobody even noticed.

To minimize the pain, itching, and the worsening of the condition as a whole, I had to be careful with almost everything I did and the places I visited, from the environmental temperature to the temperature of the water I used to bathe. Cool and cold days were better than hot days, and lukewarm water was better than hot and cold water for bathing. In addition, using unscented soaps and lotion such as sunlight original bar soap and aqueous cream brought a little bit of relief to my general skin health.

Now, at the age of 26, my advice to someone who is currently struggling with eczema or has a child with eczema is that it gets better. Be patient with the management and treatment process because that will be part of your whole life. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Follow all the advice and instructions that the doctors, dermatologists, and pharmacists give you on how to take care of your skin and how to avoid triggers and other things that can make the condition worse.”

(Disclaimer: The display picture is not a picture of Nandi)

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As someone who had sangomas (traditional healer) as grandparents, the idea of natural and alternative medicine has never been entirely new to me. The older I become, the more confident I am about traditional, natural and alternative routes for healing. My upbringing in Pretoria, South Africa gave me a sense of confidence, comfort and peace, knowing that these healing styles are valid and that, when done correctly with proper knowledge, they can have fantastic results.

As a self-proclaimed alternative medicine lover and pseudo practitioner, I have many alternative medicines, lotions, potions and gadgets. After years of learning and expanding my knowledge on this subject, I am further convinced of its powers and capabilities. The same can be said for auto (or self) massage, which falls, at least for me, under the realm of alternative medicine as it helps with several ailments.

My journey with self-massage began when I was introduced to the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice of gua sha. Gua sha, which means to scrape, is the process of using a flat stone tool with various nooks and crannies to use upward motions on your skin to allow better blood flow, its heals sore muscles and sculpt facial muscles when used on the face. For a while, I did it religiously before bedtime. I found it relaxing and effective in helping to heal sore joints and muscles.

Nowadays, I still do it, especially after walking a lot or after working out and feeling a bit stiff. But apart from healing sore aches and pains in the body, I have found gua sha and other auto massage practices to be very effective. Especially when it comes to healing my chronic Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which I have struggled with for as long as I can remember.

Now instead of reaching for the medicine cabinet, I find a comfortable spot to lie down and use my hands to massage my abdomen. I use a form of auto massage that focuses on helping to move any trapped gas and food from the large intestine, helping it to move easily to the small intestine and then out of the body. Through this practice, I have gained instant release and comfort, which I had previously only found through the use of western or conventional medicines for IBS. And whilst this form of massage can feel intimidating at first it. After a few tries, I realized how simple and effective it is to try and follow and can also be used on loved ones or children. Just the other day, I used this massage technique to help move my daughter’s bowels after she complained of stomach aches. I was both silently amazed but also happy to see that with just my hands and gentle pressure, I could help ease her discomfort and, in her case, help her go to the bathroom easier.

I also love to use auto massage as a form of pain relief during my period. Because as many of you know, that time of the month can lead to hormonal changes that can cause bloating, trapped gas, diarrhoea and even constipation. All of which I have found to be eased by 5 minutes of auto massage. Hopefully, if you are like me and struggle with bowel issues, this simple technique can significantly help you. Following the massage, I like to load up on water and let my body do the rest and usually find relief within 30 minutes. So grab your hands and get massaging and if your loved one or little one also finds themselves with constipation or gas issues, feel free to try this on them too, the way I like.

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My name is Fatima-Zahra, I am Moroccan and the owner of FACEPALM Studio.

I was born and raised on the northwest side of the Continent. Growing up, like most Moroccan girls, I’ve been taught to take care of my body by going to the hammam every other week to exfoliate and release any cumulated tension. But most of all, we’ve been taught to care for our hair. We mask, we “patcha”, we brush and braid.

When it comes to face and skin care, the approach has always been a problem solving one. We’re big on masking to treat a concern (acne, eczema, dullness, etc.), waxing to avoid showing the “abomination” that is facial hair. And unfortunately, as many on the continent, bleaching to appear “whiter”. Skincare has never been transmitted to me as a caring or a maintaining act. I feel like moisturizing my face has become a habit in my 20s, only because I started having skin issues such as patchiness and a few pimples.

My love (should I say obsession) with skincare began three years ago when the pandemic hit.

I was struggling with hormonal acne that manifested itself after I stopped taking the pill. It was sudden, painful and raging. Since I quit taking hormones, I’ve decided that there was no way I was going to put my body through another round of medication, so I wiped off my tears (softly so I wouldn’t enrage the existing cysts on my cheeks), and decided to treat the acne naturally.

A new reality had started for me.

I first adopted a new diet. No more hormonally charged foods, which include any type of meat, eggs, soy and cheese (the cheese lover in me is still grieving). Once I started noticing the reduction of inflammations all over my face and body, I dived deeply into a skincare solutions – so I started watching hours of facials and face massage videos. March to May 2020 has been tough on all of us, mentally, emotionally and physically, but I somehow found solace on Skincare Youtube.

My journey brought me to two main conclusions:

1. what you eat is what you show
2. taking care of your face with love, softness and patience is the key to better skin and a calmer soul

So for a year and a half, I’ve diligently followed my custom made protocol. And slowly got rid of inflammation, acne, and thanks to face massages, acne scars are slowly fading away. As a result, I’ve decided to get into a face massage program and take my self-taught practice to the next level. And so FACEPALM Studio was created. At FACEPALM you can get a KOBIDO massage, considered one the most ancestral and effective face lifting massages. The results on the skin and face as a whole is incredible. As mentioned before, a face massages is also a skin massage, but I can’t dissociate them from the soul and the impact they can have on our inner selves. After their massage, some clients have told me that this moment spent being FACEPALM’ed, has shown them parts of their bodies that was hurting. Whilst others felt the need to talk about their feelings or doubts.

Given the amazing results on my clients and the deep peace it brings me, I’ve decided to take FACEPALM to the next level and include Gua Sha face sculpting for a more sharp and defined face, as well as palm reflexology to target the causes of our skin issues through the right meridians. What’s happening within is what shows on your skin. And how you treat your face daily, skin issues or not, will improve your life as a whole. Skincare isn’t always taught or considered essential, but it’s time for us to do better, care better and transmit our ancestral or newfound knowledge. Bring your best to the surface. Face, Palm and Soul.

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It is a long standing misconception that people of color do not need sunscreen. And whilst our parents and grandparents may not have been avid sunscreen wearers. The idea that our melanin is enough to protect us from the harmful effects of the sun are not true. At least not entirely. Whilst melanin is known to reduce the amount of UVA and UVB rays absorbed by the skin. This does not mean our skin protects us entirely. Which is when and why using and wearing sunscreen is important.

As someone who came to the everyday ritual of wearing sunscreen pretty early on in life. I can tell you now that the facts are hard to ignore. Not only is my skin supple and younger looking than my peers. I have also had aestheticians comment on the overall health of my skin. This is large part thanks to being adopted by a white mother who insisted that I wear sunscreen at all times. This simple act has saved me thousands on beauty treatments and overall skincare requirements even now into my 30’s. And it is also the reason why when anyone asks me for skin care advice, I almost always recommend sunscreen usage followed by a good  eating habits.

But how much sunscreen is enough? Depending on the day and how much time you will spend outside.  The amount varies. I always suggest using sunscreen on daily as part of your morning skincare routine. And applying a pea size amount on top of your face cream and serums. Personally I use SPF30 as I work indoors. However on occasion when I am outdoors, I use SPF50 and tend to apply it not just on my face but also on my body. I also like to apply it at least twice (especially when I am at the beach or am outside for longer than 4 hours).

Sunscreen is not only great for protecting your skin against prelature aging. But in preventing sun spots, skin cancer and sunburn. So what ever your stance on sunscreen. It is a good idea to educate yourself and try it before you completely discount its effectiveness.

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Difference between vitiligo and albinism

Whilst our fashion and beauty discussions, usually centre around darker complexions such as those found in black, mixed race and other race groups. There is another subset that is often left out of the skincare discussion. That is skincare for people with vitiligo and albinism. Whilst albinism and vitiligo are different. They do share some similarities. In people with albinism, pigment cells called melanocytes are present but do not function properly. In contrast, vitiligo also has to do with melanocytes. However in the case of vitiligo, the melanocytes die for unknown reasons.

Vitiligo treatment and key aspects to know

In this article we will focus on vitiligo. As previously stated, vitiligo occurs when melanocytes die. Which results in the lack of pigment production which is when one starts to develop white spots or patches on the skin. Vitiligo is also often accompanied by some sort of auto immune and inflammatory  disease. Known accompanying diseases include Hashimoto’s Addison’s disease, celiac disease and pernicious anemia among others.  Unlike albinism, vitiligo can occur at any time. Usually appearing before one’s 20’s due to a health trigger that makes the cells pigment producing melanocytes.

Once this happens, there are some treatment options. But none that are long lasting or seen as a cure. It is thus important to get all the information possible. As well as test for any autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, it is recommended that people with vitiligo take care to protect themselves from the sun by wearing high SPF sunscreen and protective clothing.

This is because pigmentation is one of the bodies natural barriers against sun damage and in turn skin cancers. Other treatment options include the use of ultraviolet light treatment and steroids. What ever method of treatment you choose to use. It is important to be vigilant with your skincare and skin protection.

Over the counter treatment options

Apart from what your doctor or dermatologist recommends there are some over the counter options one can also try. These include vitamin A (retinol), vitamin C and folic acid. Just make sure to ask your dermatologist or doctor for advice on which products would work best for you. As each case is unique. Some people with vitiligo also opt to cover the white spots on their body with make up depending on the severity. Thankfully there are a number of great makeup brands and products to cover and protect the skin.

However it is important to note that vitiligo does not make you ugly or undesirable. You need only look at well know top model Winnie Harlow for inspiration. As a famous face living with vitiligo. Winnie often struts runways with her vitiligo on show.

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You know that feeling you get when you feel like you can take over the world? Well thats the feeling I get after getting a facial. As a self-proclaimed beauty junkie, I love nothing more than having soft glowing skin. Which is why I have come up with a gfool proof at home facial that anyone can follow and that will give you that salon feeling without leaving the comfort of your home. Follow along and check out our instagram @sheevolves.world for a step by step video on how to give yourself a facial.

1. Cleanse: No facial is worth it unless you cleanse. I like to start off by using the biodern mecilla water to wipe off any dirt and grime from my face. I follow that up with an oil cleanser that I leave on to really melt off any residue dirt and ensure my skin is squeaky clean but also supple and soft.
2. Exfoliate: To remove my oil cleanser I like to use exfoliate my skin before rinsing everything off.
3. Steam: After ensuring my skin is well prepped I turn to my trusty facial steamer where I steam my face for at least 10 minutes. At this point I like to listen to some music and let the steam do its job of opening my pores.
4. Mask: Once I am doing with the steam, I turn to one of 3 different masks. depending on my skin needs, I like to either use an at home chemical peel, lather on a detoxifying clay mask or put on a sheet mask. Again depending on which mask I use I then either have a bath or watch some TV as the mask does its job.
5. Moisturize: After the mask of choice has done its job I like to moisturize my skin. Ensuring I massage my oils and creams on  my neck too.

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If you are a mother with a non-white child, it can seem impossible to find books that not only show different skin tones and features. But also that teach diversity and the beauty in being a person of colour. Which is why before I even gave birth to my daughter, one of the first things I did was stock up o a few books that talk about and teach diversity, the beauty of various skin tones, races, and cultures. But that could also help my daughter feel proud and beautiful inside and out. Here are some of the books I am reading to my daughter and loving.

1. Wanda: Having a friend that is an author is one thing. But having a friend who is a children’s book author of a book that teaches pride in various hair textures is another. I first bought this book out of support but the more I read it to my daughter, the more I love it and recommend it to anyone who will listen. The book is a true depiction of the hair struggles many people of colour face. Especially in a world that would have us believe that one type of hair looks neat or nice.
2. Hair love: This children’s book, turned short film has been talked about all over the world after it got an Oscar win. Similar to Wanda, the book teaches about hair love and acceptance.
3. Elmer: One of my favorite books to read has to be Elmer. This book about a multicolored elephant who struggles with being different is page turner and a great lesson in acceptance. Not only do all the other elephants love Elmers different colours. But they celebrate them too by having a day where they all paint themselves different colours to look like Elmer.
4. The counting book of kindness: When I first came across this book I was struck by the fact that it not only taught kindness, but numbers too. Whilst my daughter is nowhere near counting age. Having this book as a starting point for her learning to count seems appropriate. The book is a about a family who have to leave their home due to conflict. They travel through troubled and difficult waters to a new home where they make a life. Throughout the book, their interaction with the new people they meat. And the small gestures shown towards them is used as an opportunity to count. Starting at one and finish at 10. Another great thing about this book is that the proceeds support young children in conflict countries. So not only do you get to teach your little one about kindness. But also get to show them kindness in action by buying the book and supporting the cause.
5. Sulwe: I was stunned when I first learnt that academy winning actress Lupita Ngongo was also a children’s book author. But it should also come as no surprise that the woman who helped show the world that dark skin is indeed beautiful. Would also write a book to that effect. In the book Sulwe, struggles with her complexion trying everything to become lighter. That is until she learns to love her dark skin and all manner of skin tones.

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