The natural color, texture, and appearance of a person's skin, especially on the face, or the general character or nature of something.
From Latin 'complexio' meaning 'combination, connection,' from 'complecti' (to embrace, encircle). Originally referred to the medieval theory of bodily humors; the skin-color meaning developed as these physical traits were thought to reflect internal temperament.
The word 'complexion' carries ancient medical wisdom about the connection between inner health and outer appearance. Medieval doctors believed your skin literally reflected the balance of your internal humors - blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile - a concept that surprisingly aligns with modern understanding of how internal health affects skin.
18th-19th centuries: 'complexion' became central to beauty standards enforced on women; skin tone hierarchies were weaponized to rank women's worth. Marketing and beauty industries solidified this gendered lens.
Use descriptively (e.g., 'skin tone') when discussing identity; avoid linking appearance to quality or value. Recognize complexion as morally neutral.
["skin tone","appearance","coloration"]
Women dermatologists (e.g., Dr. Susan Taylor) have led research centering darker skin tones historically excluded from medical study, reclaiming this domain.
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