In many cultures, blending in is often seen as a way to avoid bullying. If you look a little different, you’re more likely to face ridicule, which can lead to deeper insecurities. This was certainly the case for Chinedu, who grew up with freckles on his face.

What was it like growing up with freckles on your face?

“I didn’t even know I had them until I was in primary school, around Primary 1. A group of kids kept making fun of me, saying I had dirt on my face. That’s when I actually looked closely and noticed them. It was certainly very strange, and I felt very different. I was the only one out of my siblings with freckles, and I wasn’t albino. I later found out it’s a genetic mutation, and then I was told my great-grandmother also had freckles.”

Did you like having freckles when you were younger?

“I didn’t like them at all. One time, I actually thought I could wash them away with water. I just kept scrubbing, but they wouldn’t come off, so I gave up. Luckily, I didn’t try to scratch them off; that would have been very dangerous.”

Credit: Meta AI

Do you like them now?

“Well, I like them because other people like them! I receive many compliments when I go out. People often tell me they wish they had freckles.”

Do you know freckles are now a makeup trend, with some women even using eyeliner to create them?

“Oh, really? That’s certainly very funny! Beauty trends truly can be wild.”

What would you say to your younger self about having freckles?

“I’d tell him not to worry or stress himself over it. When he gets older, he’ll grow to love them.”