According to Punch Newspaper, a Lagos-based makeup artist, Titilola Aderinsola, has shared her emotional journey of living with Vitiligo, revealing how the condition altered her life and shaped her identity within Nigeria’s beauty industry.
Speaking in an interview, Aderinsola recounted how she first noticed unusual changes in her skin in her early twenties, a period she described as one of deep emotional distress following the loss of her mother in 2019.
According to her, the inability to process grief at the time triggered internal changes that eventually affected her skin pigmentation.
“I lost my mum, and I was emotionally triggered. I couldn’t properly process the grief, and it started affecting my skin,” she explained.
Vitiligo is a condition that causes patches of skin to lose pigment due to the destruction of melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin colour. While the exact cause remains unclear, experts often link it to autoimmune and emotional stress-related factors.
Aderinsola said the early stage of her condition was confusing, as she struggled to understand what was happening to her body. Over time, however, the changes became more visible, attracting public attention and reactions from people around her.
She recalled a particular experience at a local market where some traders referred to her as a “deity” because of her appearance.
“Market women called me a deity. At first, it was strange and overwhelming, but I have learned to embrace who I am,” she said.
Despite the social reactions, Aderinsola has continued to build her beauty brand, offering makeup and skincare services in Ajah, Lagos. She noted that her journey has strengthened her confidence and helped her connect more deeply with clients who struggle with self-image.
The makeup artist, who studied French Language Education at Adeyemi College of Education, said her experience has also influenced her approach to beauty, emphasising self-acceptance over societal standards.
She acknowledged that living with vitiligo in a society with limited awareness can be challenging, particularly due to misconceptions and stigma.
However, Aderinsola believes that increased conversations around skin conditions and mental health are gradually changing perceptions.
She encouraged individuals facing similar conditions to embrace their uniqueness and seek support when needed.
“Your difference does not make you less. It makes you unique,” she said.
Aderinsola added that her story is not just about living with vitiligo but about resilience, healing, and rediscovering self-worth after loss.
Her journey highlights the intersection between emotional well-being and physical health, underscoring the need for greater awareness and acceptance in society…See More
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