5 inspiring female celebrities embracing their vitiligo

Life

by Sarah Joseph

41 mins ago

Proving that vitiligo is no barrier to success, several celebrities have broken the shackles against it.

The condition is caused due to lack of melanin resulting in skin pigment. While some treatments have been developed, there’s no long-term solution.

Affecting approximately 70 million people worldwide, many celebrities are known to have the condition.

However, instead of trying to hide the condition, they proudly embrace it, becoming inspirations for many around the globe.

Salama Mohammed

One of the most vocal high-profile personalities to embrace her vitiligo is Emirati content creator Salama Mohamed. In a previous interview with Emirates Woman, she admitted it was difficult growing up with the condition. “It was a struggle growing up, when you feel you are different and don’t fit in it is easier to think there is something wrong with you,” she admitted. But today, she embraces her vitiligo “every inch” of her being, and even has the words “Blessed with vitiligo” in her Instagram bio. Through her journey, she was motivated to launch her own skincare brand, Peacefull.

Winnie Harlow

Winnie Harlow rose to stardom after appearing on America’s Next Top Model in 2014. As a strong advocate for breaking down conventional beauty standards, Harlow has used her platform to raise awareness for skin positivity. Having appeared in campaigns for big labels such as Nike, Victoria’s Secret, Marc Jacobs and more, she has broken the boundaries surrounding vitiligo. The supermodel was diagnosed with this chronic skin condition at the age of four and ever since a young age has been vocal about how this shouldn’t define her.

Karen Wazen

Content creator and Dubai-based entrepreneur Karen Wazen shared her journey with vitiligo back in June 2021. Opening up about her experience and her diagnosis, the mum-of-three encouraged everyone to accept themselves for who they are. “Accepting ourselves and bodies and differences is the biggest strength we can have, once we are in this state of mind nothing will affect the way we see ourselves,” she said.

Shahad Salman

Saudi fashion model Shahad Salman is breaking barriers in the modelling industry. The 25-year-old model embraces her vitiligo and continues to be motivated by her ambition to succeed in the industry. Born to challenge stereotypes, the model projects self-confidence in every project she takes on, including her latest role as an ambassador for Pantene.