I have always been a pale lil’ person. You know, the one in the group that, when on holiday, can always be found reading a book in the shade rather than sprawled out soaking up the rays on the sun lounger. For a long time I felt that it was unfair that I was SO pale. I constantly wondered why I have to spend my life slathered in factor 50 suncream or put up with being compared to a ghost, or even a piece of A4 paper (yes, that has happened multiple times), whilst others only have to sit for a few minutes in the sun to become as golden brown as a perfect loaf of artisan bread. Not fair, right? Actually wrong! Over time I have come to realise that having such pale skin is a part of who I am and I have gone from wishing I was a bronzed goddess to embracing my inner A4 piece of paper.
I feel like there is a lot of pressure if you are pale – not to say that if you have a luscious tan that it is a bad thing, you do you girl – but just remember that being white as a feather is just as gorgeous! So, whether you are comfortable getting your pins out, or not, just know that you deserve to feel confident all year round & it is important that you allow yourself to be. That may mean you get out your favourite bikini & wear it with pride, or maybe you just buy yourself some cropped jeans and let those ankles be free. Just remember there is nothing to be afraid of, bar a bit of sunburn, and that not having a tan doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy summer!
There are a few things that have helped me become proud of the skin I’m in & so today I thought I’d share a bit of my journey with you…
1. There was one summer, a few years ago, where I went away a LOT and did some good ol’ British camping too. And guess what, I sort of tanned! At first I remember being absolutely thrilled, but as time went on I felt less and less like myself, which is when it dawned on me that I missed my trademark ghosty skin. This was a real turning point for me, actually realising that my pale skin suited me & was part of who I was. You gotta accept it before you can embrace it, right!
2. I found inspiration in people like Emma Watson, Zooey Deschanel and Anna Kendrick, who have all over time grown to embrace their beautiful pale skin & rock it without fake tan on the red carpet. You go girls! Alongside Ann Hathaway and Emma Stone, finding inspiration in these people helped me to discover that it can be cool to have fair skin. Maybe it is time for you to get some inspiration!
3. I learnt that too much sun is actually really bad for me, especially because my skin is so sensitive & I burn so easily. I’d 100% rather be a whiter shade of pale than cause harm to my health by trying to tan when it just isn’t mean to be. Anyway, it is super hard to read a good book in direct sunlight, so who needs it!
Whatever your skin type or colour, I hope you can feel good in it this summer (and always). Be kind to yourselves and get that suncream out, you’ll thank me one day. Happy Summer!
