Sadly this is still being perpetuated in families and in communities by the attitudes of the older generation.” FRESH: Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong'o is a welcome role model for black beauty Phinnah Ikeji, who founded Black Role Models UK, agreed that the solution to the problem lies in the family experience.
A 2013 study by the University of Cape Town found that one woman in three in South Africa bleaches her skin.“I also think parents are beginning to get the message and are buying the black dolls that are available today and are doing more positive image reinforcements with their children.” Reynolds offered that having darker-skinned role models such as 12 Years A Slave star Lupita Nyong’o - who is celebrated for both her talent, beauty and style - was a massive help in promoting the idea that black is beautiful.The beauty specialist also highlighted the importance of raising awareness of the health dangers of using skin bleaches.In the post - which attracted significant support - Whitman wrote: “My face is much darker than my body and back in my late teens, I wanted an even look.” However, beauty specialist and entrepreneur Teresa Reynolds, founder of Incredible Brilliant Youth, which works to ‘raise generations of confident, self assured girls' and young women’, believes this is a damaging legacy.PERCEPTION The 27-year-old said: “You can’t ignore the self-esteem issues and this perception that having black skin is a bad thing.
If people understand the biological benefit of having melanin in your skin they might appreciate themselves more.” Reynolds added: “[Black people] need to celebrate who we are and how we look.