Vitiligo beauties
photo: Instagram/amandadeannaa_ and barbarhatsueyassu

For children of the '90s, vitiligo conjures up one image: Michael Jackson. Questions about the pop star's rapidly lightening skin color led him to reveal that he lived with the rare skin disorder, which causes white patches of skin to appear on various parts of the body.

While Jackson may be the most notable case of vitiligo, he is not the only one. It’s estimated that between 2 and 5 million Americans currently live with the disorder. While vitiligo may cause many people to feel self-conscious, it is also a source of pride for others.

Vitiligo appears when the cells that make skin pigment are destroyed, leaving white patches in their place.

No makeup kind of day ???????????? #vitiligopride #vitiligobabe #mua

A photo posted by Monique Ortiz ???? (@_makeupbymonique) on

It can occur anywhere on the body, but is most common in areas frequently exposed to the sun: the hands, feet, arms, face, and lips.

A photo posted by Manna ???? (@amandadeannaa_) on

Some people may even see white patches form in their hair, inside their mouths, or in their eyes.

It can effect people of all skin tones, although it is more noticeable on darker skin.

Hello, it is June 25th which is national vitiligo day. If you do not know what vitiligo is, it makes my skin in certain places lose pigment/color. I did one of these last year and I'm doing it again and judge me all you want I'm very passionate about this. I gotten this 2/3 years ago in November of 2013 I think. Majority of my friends know about it and they accept me and don't look at me any differently because my skin has discoloration. But do I like it? Honest truth nope. I hate looking at tan people and be jealous because I use to have skin like that. I hate beaches and pools because I have the embarrassment of putting sunblock on every hour and wearing a hat or sitting in the shade 24/7. It's not a fun thing to have but I have learned to accept it. I have learned to love it. Having this condition changed me and my views in multiple ways. I have learned to love and accept myself for who I am and I never let it bring me down. I still look at myself in the mirror and think "damn". Also it taught me to not look at someone any differently, if they have something different about their body then I have learned not to judge them because of that flaw. And I hope people read this and learn a bit from this. Everyone is beautiful no matter what ☺️Happy vitiligo day!!???? #InMySkinIWin #NoCureDontCare (feel free to ask any questions if you like????????)

A photo posted by Jø (@jordan.n.thomas) on

The cause of vitiligo is still unknown, though many believe it to be an autoimmune disorder.

"At the end of the day, you were born with you and you're gonna die with you. So you need to love you."

A photo posted by Raaaaadddddiccaalll???????? (@justcallmepeachy) on

People with other autoimmune disorders, like hypothyroidism, are more likely to develop it.


Children of parents with vitiligo are also more likely to develop the disorder.

Ein Junge der sein Mädchen wie eine Prinzessin behandelt,zeigt,dass er von einer Königin aufgezogen wurde.

A photo posted by Leonie//Crimemember (@leo_lolipop) on

But that doesn't necessarily mean that they will be born with the condition.

Most people with vitiligo develop it in their mid-twenties, though it can occur at any age.

????????✨ #wednesday

A photo posted by Jaqueline Mtszwsk (@jaccy_matusz) on

It is impossible to predict whether the patches will spread to other parts of the body. The rate of spread also varies from person to person.

Some people report developing more patches in times of physical or emotional stress.


Topical creams, light treatment, or depigmentation of surrounding skin can all help reduce the appearance of vitiligo.

So here's my declaration : I Love myself!!! ???????? Okay, bye! ✌♌✔

A photo posted by Deleen Singh (@vitiligo_deleen) on

But a growing number of people are learning to embrace their vitiligo — and celebrate their uniqueness.

Polish photographer Julia Kaczorowska, for example, takes striking black-and-white portraits of those with the condition.

Model Winnie Harlow skyrocketed to fame in part because of her unique skin coloring.

@graziauk ✨✨✨

A photo posted by ♔Don Pablo♔ (@winnieharlow) on

The Canadian model once dropped out of high school because of relentless teasing, and now appears on the cover of Elle and Marie Claire.

Others have spoken out about the condition through videos and op-eds.

O cabelo é de fogo, mas o signo é de água ????????

A photo posted by Barbarhat Sueyassu (@barbarhatsueyassu) on

"To others, my condition may be seen as an unfortunate abnormality, but it isn't up to me to prove them wrong," India Garcia wrote in Teen Vogue. "It is up to me to accept myself, spotted or not."


Keep shining, ladies. You look great.