You constantly see people on social media portraying the newest beauty trends; there’s a new brow style every other day, new hair coloring techniques, makeup techniques, makeup brands, and so on. Despite these trends changing regularly, one thing that people seem to stay consistent about is tanning.

People can jump back and forth between the spray tans, regular tanning beds, or simply tanning in the backyard. While I don’t think any of these are necessarily bad, it does raise some questions for me. Since when does only tan = beautiful?

Disclaimer: I don’t intend to shame those who do choose to tan. I applaud those who are naturally dark or can get darker without any issues.

Now, if you’re like me (as well as many other people, I’m sure), tanning just isn’t in your vocabulary. I’m about as white as you can get, and honestly, it can be super annoying sometimes. Most “porcelain” foundations are three-shades darker than you and give you the aura of an oompa-loompa orange if you even think about trying it. People also tend to think you’re sick. They tend wonder why you never try to get darker (but they never seem to ask if you can get darker).

Guess what? I can’t.

Quite frankly, I am proud of my pale skin. I have never once felt the need to conform my skin tone to mainstream beauty standards. No, I don’t feel like I need to be a social justice warrior about it, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being confident in your own skin. I’ve also got a lot of older people in my family who basically ruined their skin when they were younger. Granted, at the time they were growing up, no one really knew any better. But I can’t even begin to tell you how often older adults, including my own grandparents, have told me to take care of my skin.

Don’t get me wrong, you need to take care of your skin regardless of how light or dark you are. But for us pale ladies, especially for the ones who have skin cancer in the family, need to take extra caution: use sunscreen, moisturize, wear hats, cover your skin outside. No, you don’t have to completely cover yourself from head to toe. No, you won’t hurt yourself if you do tan (or try to tan) once in awhile.

Be true to you and love the skin you were blessed with. You’re one of a kind, and you should be proud to flaunt your beauty the way it is.