Sunkissed

My mom always told me my freckles were “sun kisses.” We all have cells in our skin called melanocytes. These specialized cells are designed to protect us from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. They do so by producing a pigmented protein called melanin. Melanin acts like a pair of sunglasses for your skin by making it darker. In many people, these melanocytes are spread out evenly throughout the body, but in others they are not. They get bunched up together, resulting in freckles.

At younger age, I was shy of my freckles. I thought that I am really different from others, but it’s good to be different! They are one of my defining traits. They give me an extra pinch of character, and they add to my quirky personality. Having freckles is a trademark for unconventional beauty, and we all know I am about that life.

For centuries, beauty was sought in “flawless” skin, perfectly porcelain complexions glorified by highbrow fashion magazines.These unreasonable standards of beauty caused women with unconventional features to hide in the shadows or behind veils of makeup, shaming them into covering their skin.

No more! Natural beauty is coming around, as for now, freckles have become the must-have beauty essential. Girls with freckles are finally getting the street cred they deserve. Having freckles is no longer just something you have to live with; it’s something to be desired. Not just anyone is lucky enough to have freckles. They literally make you more of an individual than other people.

A person with freckles is automatically fiercely confident. We know who we are, and we’re not going to shy away from being ourselves. We are the bravest of the bunch, never afraid to stand out.

I love myself and every single one of my freckles, too. Please love and accept yourself because you are beautiful!