Can't change skin color.

The appearance menu isn't letting me change the skin color of my avatar. When I click on the skin tab it says I don't have permission to modify it. I'm using the default body type that came with my avatar when I made the account.

Body appearance is a function of two separate things: the shape and the skin.

Ability to modify your skin color will be based upon the permissions set on the skin you are wearing. If the skin permission is set to "no-modify," then you can't modify it.

Linden Lab has been adding new shapes and skins available to newbies. They were all purchased from content creators who sell such things in Second Life. I don't know what the permissions are on some of these new items, but it wouldn't surprise me that some are "no-modify."

You may need to acquire a new skin to change the appearance of your skin. There are free skins available from freebie areas; you could also buy one. When you buy one, though, be careful to check the permissions before you buy; if it's "no-modify," you're in the same situation as with your current skin, you'll need to be happy with it as-is.

Edited to add: It's been a long time since I've had to look at skins, but I bet you'll find that most are going to be no-modify. There are exceptions, but you'll have to do some digging to find them, most likely.

There were some new default avatars added recently. If any of their parts are no-mod, it's probably a mistake. I can't imagine they'd give out the same stuff to everyone for free while somehow thinking that not granting full perms on it could make any sense.

Thanks for the help. I'll find some new skin then.

Somewhere along the line, the original poster apparently put on a no-mid skin, replacing her newbie skin.

I just checked, and none of the skins in the Library (in the Clothing folder) have restricted permissions. So if you are seeking a free replacement, you may want to look there first.

Changing skin tone with the sliders is a hit-or-miss proposition.

Some skins, especially the LL-provided newbie skins, are fairly transparent, and you can change them readily with the appearance sliders. Those can go to almost any color.

Most commercial skins have a lesser degree of transparency, but you can still make them a bit darker or lighter with slider settings.

High end skins are often completely opaque, so you can not change what the artist designed them to look like.

ALWAYS try a demo version of a skin before you buy the real thing. Then you can see if it is adjustable in the ways that you need, and you can be sure the facial features and other body shading look right on your body shape.