Winnie Harlow: Defining Beauty, Vitiligo Advocacy, and Building Cay Skin
Supermodel Winnie Harlow on self-acceptance, activism, and the journey from overcoming vitiligo’s stigma to launching her inclusive skincare brand.
Winnie Harlow: Beyond Vitiligo—A New Definition of Beauty
Winnie Harlow has become a force in fashion and beauty, known not just for her striking looks but for how she challenges conventions and breaks boundaries. As a supermodel with vitiligo—a skin condition marked by patches of depigmentation—her rise to fame brought unique pressures and scrutiny. Yet, Harlow’s journey is, at its heart, about self-acceptance, advocacy, and forging a new path as an entrepreneur dedicated to inclusive skincare.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Life Before Stardom
- Facing Vitiligo & Growing Up
- The Rise: Modeling, Representation, and Activism
- Breaking the Mold: More than a Label
- The Origins of Cay Skin: Beauty & Protection for All
- Building an Inclusive Skincare Brand
- Life Lessons & Ongoing Advocacy
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction: Life Before Stardom
Before her global fame, Winnie Harlow—born in Toronto, Canada—dreamed of sharing her story, first through platforms like YouTube. She immersed herself in learning how to perfect makeup and hair, finding community and inspiration. Modeling was not her initial goal or a clear path to fame; it was a door that opened unexpectedly and transformed her trajectory forever.
Facing Vitiligo & Growing Up
Diagnosed with vitiligo at age four, Harlow’s formative years were shaped by struggles with bullying, isolation, and misunderstanding. The visible difference in her skin often attracted cruel attention from peers—names like “zebra” and “cow” were common taunts. There was a lack of public understanding about vitiligo, and Harlow sometimes found herself excluded by children whose parents feared the condition was contagious.
Still, with unwavering support from her mother, Harlow was instilled with the belief that, “You are so much more than just your cover. You are so much more than your vitiligo.” This message became her inner compass.
- Vitiligo prevalence: Affects roughly 1 in 100 people worldwide.
- Early passions: Community, creativity, beauty, and learning from digital platforms.
The Rise: Modeling, Representation, and Activism
Winnie’s modeling story began almost by accident. A friend snapped her photos and encouraged her to try modeling. The journey escalated rapidly when she appeared on the 2014 cycle of America’s Next Top Model. Her visibility skyrocketed, making her a symbol for those living with visible skin differences.
Key milestones and representation moments:
- 2018: First model with vitiligo to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.
- Featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, on global magazine covers, and as a global brand ambassador for Puma.
- Became a vocal advocate for better representation, inspiring others facing body image and self-esteem challenges.
What others are reading
Harlow always made clear: her successes were about more than appearance—her modeling achievements helped her support herself and her loved ones and brought the joy of traveling the world.
Breaking the Mold: More than a Label
With growing fame, Harlow was often cast by the media and public as “the model with vitiligo.” Interviews reliably focused on her skin, childhood bullying, and her perceived role as a symbol or spokesperson. While these are facts of her story, Harlow has publicly expressed frustration about being boxed in.
Her core message:
- She is an adult with a multifaceted life—her story does not begin or end with vitiligo.
- She has faced traumas far beyond her skin, and limiting her identity to a single narrative erases her full humanity.
Today, Harlow wants conversations to also encompass her growth as an entrepreneur, activist, and public figure navigating complex dimensions beyond just her diagnosis or appearance.
The Origins of Cay Skin: Beauty & Protection for All
In 2018, an event on a photo shoot in the Bahamas became the catalyst for a new chapter. During the intense shoot under the tropical sun, Harlow was advised not to reapply sunscreen. Supervisors worried that the white cast left by traditional SPF would wreck the photos. Prioritizing the “perfect shot,” she skipped reapplication. The consequences were severe: by the end of the shoot, she suffered a serious sunburn, with pain and inflammation so intense she required intervention from medical professionals.
This trauma profoundly affected her:
- The physical pain was matched by emotional scars—her unique skin needed protection that didn’t compromise aesthetics or inclusivity.
- This gap in the market—suncare products that work for all skin tones without leaving residue—became her passion project.
After nearly three years of painstaking research, development, and personal oversight, Cay Skin launched in March. Harlow took part in every step, obsessing over textures, shades, application, and results, ensuring products worked for every complexion, especially for people who, like her, had been overlooked by traditional skincare.
Features of Cay Skin Products
- No white cast: Formulated to avoid the white residue often visible on deeper complexions in traditional sunscreens.
- Universal protection: Broad spectrum SPF suitable for all skin tones and types.
- Lightweight and comfortable: Designed for daily wear without heaviness or greasiness.
Table: Cay Skin vs. Traditional SPF
| Feature | Cay Skin SPF | Traditional SPF |
|---|---|---|
| No White Cast | ✔️ | Often leaves a visible residue |
| Inclusive for All Skin Tones | ✔️ | Frequently limited |
| Lightweight Formula | ✔️ | Can feel heavy |
| Daily Wear | ✔️ | Sometimes only for beach/pool |
Building an Inclusive Skincare Brand
As Cay Skin’s founder, Harlow is redefining more than just sun-care. The brand is a platform for her activism and evolving self-image—proof she’s not confined by media labels. Cay Skin’s mission is rooted in accessibility, diversity, and empowerment:
- Testing: All product shades and formulas are tested by people with varying skin tones and types to ensure true universality.
- Transparency: Cay Skin shares ingredient sourcing, efficacy data, and founder involvement with customers.
- Community: Harlow collaborates with advocates, shares customer stories, and supports others navigating skin-related stigma.
Harlow’s focus extends beyond business:
- She pushes for increased beauty industry representation of people with different skin conditions, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
- She wants to inspire younger generations to embrace their differences as unique strengths rather than obstacles.
Life Lessons & Ongoing Advocacy
Winnie Harlow’s message to the world is rooted in lived experience. She has endured public misconceptions, isolation, and severe health challenges—yet used them as the engine for reinvention and purpose. She believes that no one should feel diminished or boxed in because of their skin or looks. Harlow’s ongoing activism and business pursuits serve as a reminder that identity is complex, and confidence is built from embracing one’s whole story.
- Advice for others: Don’t let society’s judgments dictate your ambitions or spirit; instead, let adversity fuel your determination and growth.
- On being a role model: Harlow appreciates her influence, but ultimately wants to move the conversation to new dimensions, showing she is a multidimensional individual beyond her skin condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is vitiligo?
A: Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition in which patches of skin lose their pigment due to the destruction or malfunction of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes). It can appear at any age and is found worldwide.
Q: How did vitiligo shape Winnie Harlow’s career?
A: While her vitiligo brought unique visibility, Harlow emphasizes her achievements go beyond just her skin condition. She faced adversity but used her platform to advocate for inclusivity and redefine beauty standards.
Q: What inspired the creation of Cay Skin?
A: After a sunburn incident during a fashion shoot—where she couldn’t use regular sunscreen due to visible “white cast”—Harlow recognized the lack of sun-care options for people of color. This led to the creation of Cay Skin, offering effective, inclusive sun protection.
Q: What makes Cay Skin unique in the skincare market?
A: Products are formulated without white residue, are rigorously tested on various skin tones, and prioritize comfort and efficacy. The brand stems from Harlow’s personal experiences and commitment to genuine inclusivity.
Q: How does Harlow hope to impact public perception?
A: She wants society to see beyond surface labels—using her journey to empower those facing challenges, disrupt stereotypes, and celebrate diversity in all forms.
Key Takeaways
- Winnie Harlow turned a diagnosis into a platform for change, using modeling and activism to transform industry norms and public perceptions.
- Cay Skin is not just a beauty line—it’s a response to exclusion and a blueprint for more inclusive, responsible beauty standards.
- Self-acceptance and resilience are at the center of Harlow’s legacy, proving identity is never one-dimensional.
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEMpNOfT-Wg
- https://www.aspenideas.org/speakers/winnie-harlow
- https://www.myvitiligoteam.com/resources/how-winnie-harlow-learned-to-embrace-her-vitiligo
- https://cayskin.com/blogs/news/womens-health
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a40458553/winnie-harlow-vitiligo-skincare/
- https://www.advancedderm.com/about-us/news/newer-treatments-for-vitiligo-showing-promising-results
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmxhy4aXOSQ
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