9|23|24Greetings, Gem. I pray you’re well, and I hope you’ve been relishing all your hard work and progress.
Let’s get into it!
Embracing Your Skin x Shanice
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Our skin tells the stories of our lives. Each mark, freckle, or scar is a testament to the journeys we’ve taken, the battles we’ve faced, and the beauty of our unique experiences. But when it comes to keloids—those raised, sometimes painful scars—many women feel self-conscious or struggle with how they affect their appearance.
Gem, let’s get real and talk openly about keloids, how they form, and, most importantly, how we can embrace and celebrate our beauty despite them.
What Are Keloids?
Keloids are raised scars that develop where the skin has healed after an injury. Unlike typical scars, keloids grow beyond the boundary of the original wound and can become quite extensive over time. Depending on skin tone, they are generally shiny and firm and can vary from pink and red to dark brown. Keloids can appear on any body part but are commonly found on the chest, shoulders, earlobes, back, and cheeks.
How Do Keloids Form?
Keloids form as a result of an overgrowth of scar tissue. When the skin is injured—whether through cuts, burns, acne, piercings, surgery, or even something as minor as a scratch—fibrous tissues (collagen) form to repair the damage and create a scar. For some, particularly those with darker skin tones, the healing process can go into overdrive, producing excess collagen that results in a keloid.
While the exact reason why some people develop keloids and others do not is still unclear, researchers have found that genetics play a significant role. If keloids run in your family, you may be more prone to developing them. Additionally, women of African, Hispanic, and Asian descent are more likely to develop keloids, with estimates suggesting that between 5% to 15% of darker-skinned individuals may grow them.
For many women, keloids can be a source of insecurity or discomfort, especially when they appear in visible areas. Society often tells us that our skin must be flawless to be beautiful, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Embracing keloids—or any scars, for that matter—begins with a shift in perspective. I’m not saying it’s easy, but screw the beauty standards that society tries to force us to live up to. Beauty is so much more and goes beyond flawless skin.
The truth is: —> keloids are a testament to your body’s resilience and incredible healing ability. Rather than viewing them as imperfections, see them as unique markers of strength.
Your skin is yours, and it has its own story to tell.
Explore Scar Treatments If You Choose: Some women feel more comfortable pursuing treatments to reduce the appearance of keloids. Options range from corticosteroid injections and silicone sheets to cryotherapy (freezing) and laser treatments. It’s crucial to consult with a dermatologist to understand what might work best for you, as treatment results can vary widely.
Find Beauty in Your Uniqueness: Remember that true & pure beauty lies in our differences. Celebrate what makes you unique. Your keloids are part of you, but they don’t define you. Experiment with clothing, makeup, or accessories that make you feel confident.
Gem, you’re perfectly imperfect as you are, but remember, you always have options to help yourself feel more beautiful—whether exploring meaningful treatments, embracing self-care routines, or simply celebrating your unique beauty just as it is.
Connect with Others Who Understand: Sometimes, knowing you’re not alone can be incredibly powerful. There are support groups and communities where women share their experiences with keloids, providing empathy and encouragement. Sharing your story can help others feel seen and inspire them to embrace their skin.
Practice Positive Affirmations: Remind yourself daily that you are beautiful as you are because you are! A simple affirmation like “I am beautiful, strong, and unique, and I love my skin” can reshape how you see yourself. Don’t sleep on the cliche affirmations; they remain powerful for our minds.
Recent studies have shown that body positivity and self-love movements have empowered women to embrace their skin in all its forms. Research published in the Journal of Dermatological Science highlights that psychological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and self-compassion training, can significantly improve self-esteem and body image for individuals with skin conditions.
Listen, Gem, I’m not trying to turn this into a motivational speech or downplay any hardships or emotions that come with the journey of enduring keloids. But I want you to know that you are not alone—and you are beautiful, just as you are. Your scars are healing symbols that never detract from your worth or beauty. I challenge you to try harder than ever to value your skin, appreciate your journey, and remember that every part of you is a testament to your strength and resilience.
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Gem, share this blog with someone who needs the reminder that beauty goes beyond the surface and that embracing our scars is a powerful act of self-love.
Until next time, remember you’re never alone on this journey, and your beauty radiates far beyond what you recognize in yourself. -Shanice
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This blog was inspired by my dear friend, Bianca, whose resilience and undeniable beauty inspire me every day in ways words can never fully capture. Thank you for sharing the most vulnerable parts of your life with me. Xo.
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