Oct
Harlow was the first person with vitiligo to walk the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
In 2018, the fashion world witnessed a groundbreaking moment when Winnie Harlow, a stunning fashion model with vitiligo, graced the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. This momentous occasion marked a significant step towards inclusivity and diversity in the fashion industry, as Harlow became the first person with vitiligo to achieve this remarkable feat.
Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the loss of pigmentation in certain areas of the skin, resulting in patches that are noticeably lighter than the surrounding skin. While there is currently no cure for vitiligo, various treatment options are available to help restore color to the affected skin.
Since her debut at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Winnie Harlow has made it her mission to represent individuals with skin conditions in the media, challenging traditional beauty norms and advocating for acceptance and diversity. In this article, we delve deeper into the world of vitiligo, exploring its causes, types, treatment options, and the inspiring journey of Winnie Harlow.
Understanding Vitiligo: Causes and Types
Vitiligo is a skin disorder characterized by the appearance of depigmented patches of skin that can manifest randomly on the body. This condition occurs when the melanocytes, the cells responsible for imparting natural color to the skin, come under attack and are gradually destroyed. The end result is the emergence of milky white patches of skin that contrast with the person’s natural skin tone.
One noteworthy aspect of vitiligo is that it can affect individuals of any age. However, it most commonly develops before the age of 20. The condition can be categorized into two primary types:
1. Non-Segmental Vitiligo: In this form, lighter-than-normal patches of skin slowly appear and disappear throughout various parts of the body.
2. Segmental Vitiligo: Also known as unilateral vitiligo, this type is characterized by the appearance of depigmented patches on only one side of the body, such as one leg or one side of the face.
Furthermore, non-segmental vitiligo can be divided into three subtypes:
- Localized: This subtype occurs when only a few spots or patches develop in specific areas of the skin.
- Generalized: In this variant, white patches are scattered across the skin, affecting multiple areas.
- Universal: This rare subtype involves the loss of most, if not all, of a person’s natural skin color.
While the exact cause of vitiligo remains elusive, it is believed to be an autoimmune disease. This means that the body’s immune system erroneously targets and attacks the melanocytes, leading to their destruction. The underlying triggers for this autoimmune response are still under investigation, and research in this area continues to evolve.
Treatment Options for Vitiligo
Although a definitive cure for vitiligo has not yet been discovered, there are several treatment options available to manage and mitigate the condition’s effects. It is essential to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating vitiligo, as the choice of treatment depends on various factors, including the individual’s age, overall health, the type and location of vitiligo, its progression, and its impact on the person’s quality of life.
Some of the treatment options for vitiligo include:
- Coverup or “Camouflage” Makeup: Specialized makeup products can be used to conceal depigmented areas and create a more uniform skin tone.
- Medications Applied to the Skin: Topical medications may be prescribed to restore skin color or prevent the development of new vitiligo patches.
- Light Therapy: Phototherapy, or light therapy, is a treatment method that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate the production of melanin in the skin, helping to restore its natural color.
- Skin Graft Surgery: This surgical procedure involves the removal of pigmented skin from one area of the body and its transplantation to the depigmented areas.
- Cell Transplant Surgery: In this procedure, melanocytes from pigmented skin are extracted and transplanted into the areas affected by vitiligo.
- Diet and Supplements: Some individuals may benefit from dietary modifications and the use of supplements to replenish any lost nutrients that could support skin health.
- Depigmentation: In cases where vitiligo has extensively affected the skin, some individuals may opt for depigmentation, a process that involves the complete removal of pigmentation from the remaining skin to achieve a uniform, pale appearance.
However, it’s important to emphasize that treatment is not mandatory for vitiligo. Many individuals, like Winnie Harlow, choose not to conceal or treat their condition, opting instead to embrace their unique appearance. The decision to pursue treatment should be based on personal preferences and individual circumstances.
Living With Vitiligo: Challenges and Inspirations
Living with a skin condition such as vitiligo can be a deeply personal journey filled with both challenges and moments of self-discovery. People with vitiligo may experience low self-esteem or a negative self-image due to the visible nature of their condition. The societal pressure to conform to conventional beauty standards can further exacerbate these feelings.
However, individuals like Winnie Harlow serve as powerful sources of inspiration and resilience for those navigating life with vitiligo. Harlow, a native of Toronto, Canada, burst onto the fashion scene in 2014 through her participation in “America’s Next Top Model.” Since then, she has made a significant impact on the fashion industry, gracing countless runways, appearing in Beyoncé’s visual album “Lemonade,” and amassing a massive following on Instagram, where she serves as a role model for her 10.1 million followers.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, a lifelong dream for Harlow, was a defining moment in her career. In a 2018 interview with Vogue, she expressed the significance of this achievement, stating, “It’s the pinnacle of my career.” Harlow used this platform not only to showcase her talent but also to challenge prevailing cultural beauty standards. She posed a thought-provoking question: “Why is there a stigma around being different when we’re all different?”
It’s important to note that vitiligo may increase an individual’s risk of developing other medical conditions, such as thyroid disease, alopecia (an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss), and certain sensory impairments affecting hearing or vision. Therefore, individuals with vitiligo should remain vigilant about their overall health and seek medical attention if they notice any concerning symptoms.
A Quick Recap: Understanding Vitiligo and Its Impact
In summary, vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the development of depigmented patches on the skin, which can occur at any age. Although there is currently no cure for vitiligo, several treatment options are available, with the choice of treatment tailored to the individual’s unique circumstances. Importantly, the decision to pursue treatment or embrace one’s natural appearance is a personal choice.
Individuals like Winnie Harlow serve as powerful symbols of empowerment and self-acceptance for those living with vitiligo. Their resilience and determination encourage others to embrace their uniqueness and challenge societal beauty standards.
