(Cover) - EN Fashion - Tyra Banks has begged her fans to “embrace their skin” rather than wishing they could change themselves.

The model is famously outspoken about body confidence issues, and has been open about her own struggle with her weight. She was criticised after she was pictured with a fuller figure while sunbathing, and recently embarked on a new diet and exercise plan to shed the pounds.

She has also discussed the lengths some women go to to change their hair, and appeared on her talk show without her hair weave to encourage other females to embrace their natural style.

Tyra has now urged her fans to stop trying to alter their skin tone, insisting it’s time for women the world over to be happy with their unique looks.

“You all know that I’m a big believer that feeling beautiful on the outside starts with feeling beautiful on the inside. Lots of people have insecurities about the colour of their skin. Whether you are a dark skinned duchess or a pale skinned princess (or any colour in between!), I bet there has been a time when you have wished that you could change the colour of your skin,” she wrote on her website tyra.com.

“Instead of wishing that you could change, let’s celebrate all the unique qualities that make you, you! Too dark? Too pale? Let’s shout out that there is no such thing as too much of anything!! I’m asking all of my fams (that’s my new world for “fans” because I think of you more like family!) to embrace the skin you’re in!”

Tyra also asked women to take active steps to be more positive about the lives and body shapes. She advises looking on the bright side, or putting on “rose coloured glasses”.

“It’s supposed to mean that you think things are more pleasant than they really are,” she wrote. “To me though, it means staying positive no matter what life throws at you!” (C) Cover Media