
As mothers, we strive to protect our children from the harsh realities of the world. Yet, one of the most pervasive and damaging issues that many teenage girls face today is colorism.

Colorism, the preference for lighter skin tones, has deep roots in history and culture, particularly in countries like India. As an experienced mother and someone who has faced similar challenges, I feel compelled to address this issue, particularly how it affects our daughters and what we can do to help them navigate this difficult terrain.
The Impact of Colorism on Teenage Girls
Teenage years are already fraught with insecurities and self-doubt. The pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty only adds to this burden. In many cultures, fair skin is often equated with beauty, success, and social acceptance. This bias is perpetuated by media, advertising, and, unfortunately, sometimes even by family members.

In India, the fairness cream market is a multi-billion-dollar industry. According to a report by Statista, the market for fairness creams and skin-lightening products in India was valued at over 450 million USD in 2023, and it continues to grow. The marketing of these products is often targeted at young girls, promising them a brighter future if only their skin were a few shades lighter. This exposure at such a young age makes them extremely conscious of their skin color, leading to low self-esteem and a distorted self-image.
The influence of social media and the beauty industry further exacerbates this issue. The rise of makeup products that promise to lighten and brighten the skin, coupled with the glorification of fair skin by influencers, creates an environment where dark-skinned girls feel inadequate. The constant bombardment of these messages can lead to a lifetime of insecurity and the belief that their natural skin color is something to be ashamed of.
How Mothers Can Help Their Daughters Combat Colorism

As mothers, we play a crucial role in shaping our daughters’ perceptions of beauty and self-worth. Here are three tips to help your teenage daughter feel comfortable in her skin:
- Promote Positive Self-Image at Home
The first and most important step is to create an environment at home where your daughter feels valued for who she is, not for how she looks. Compliment her on her intelligence, kindness, creativity, and other qualities that have nothing to do with her appearance. Encourage her to pursue hobbies and interests that build her confidence and self-esteem.In Islam, beauty is seen as more than skin deep. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of inner beauty, saying, “Allah does not look at your appearance or your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds” (Sahih Muslim). Teach your daughter that her worth is not defined by her skin color but by her character and actions. - Educate Her About Media Literacy
Help your daughter understand the difference between reality and the often unrealistic portrayals of beauty in the media. Discuss how images in advertisements and on social media are often heavily edited and do not reflect real life. Teach her to critically evaluate the messages she receives from the media and to recognize the harmful impact of colorism.Encourage her to follow influencers and public figures who celebrate diversity and promote body positivity. Show her that beauty comes in all shades, and that she should be proud of her unique features. - Encourage Open Conversations
Keep the lines of communication open with your daughter. Encourage her to talk about her feelings and experiences related to her appearance. Listen to her without judgment and offer your support and guidance. Share your own experiences with colorism, and let her know that she is not alone in facing these challenges.Use this opportunity to discuss Islamic teachings on self-acceptance and gratitude. Remind her of the verse in the Quran where Allah says, “We have certainly created man in the best of stature” (Quran 95:4). Encourage her to appreciate the way Allah has created her and to focus on cultivating her inner beauty.
A Personal Commitment to Combatting Colorism
As a mother who has witnessed the damaging effects of colorism, I have made it my mission to combat this issue, not just within my own family, but in society at large. I recently authored my first children’s book, which is a step towards promoting self-acceptance and challenging the harmful standards of beauty that many young girls face. The book is designed to help children, especially girls, embrace their unique features and to understand that true beauty lies within.
In conclusion, combating colorism is a journey that requires both personal commitment and collective effort. As mothers, we have the power to influence our daughters’ perceptions of beauty and to help them grow into confident, self-assured young women who are proud of their heritage and their skin. Let us lead by example and raise a generation of girls who know that they are beautiful just the way they are.
