While dark skin is better protected from ultraviolet radiation, it does absorb more of the energy in visible light than light skin. But most of the sun's heat comes in invisible infrared radiation. Dark and light skin are the same color in that range. Dark skin absorbs no more heat than light skin does.
Well, to make this interesting, let's look at it from a thermoregulatory point of view. Generally speaking, darker skin complexions contain more eumelanin, which absorbs much more UV radiation, and since that radiation would otherwise be converted to heat, that aids in temperature management.
Unfortunately, darker skins may absorb more infrared (IR) radiation and this can increase the heat responses in the skin. New scientific research shows one third of infrared radiation can penetrate the deepest layers of the skin and may increase the risk of pigmentation and even cancer.
“Work in our lab has shown that darkly pigmented skin has far better function, including a better barrier to water loss, stronger cohesion, and better antimicrobial defense, and we began to ponder the possible evolutionary significance of that,” said Peter Elias, MD, professor of dermatology.
Lighter- skin was perceived as being more attractive, and associated with four themes about dating: (a) positive personality traits, (b) increased value in dating contexts, and (c) sexual appeal to men.
Eumelanin, on the other hand, is dark brown or black. The ratio between these two types of pigment is what makes the difference in each person's ability to tan. The skin of people with a higher amount of eumelanin will darken faster when exposed to the sun and so they will be more protected from burns.
Average skin colors are seen as most attractive. Typically, tan is the average skin color, making it very attractive to most people. However, the most attractive skin color varies on preference, culture, and sex. A healthy skin complexion and rosy “glow” is always considered attractive.
Because of melanin's ability to defend against UV damage and sunburn, it also protects darker skin tones against the signs of ageing like wrinkles, brown spots, and visible blood vessels. So in most cases, dark skin shows wrinkles and age spots a lot later in life.
From the origin of hairlessness and exposure to UV-radiation to less than 100,000 years ago, archaic humans, including archaic Homo sapiens, were dark-skinned.
Although the high degree of melanin in dark skin can reduce the risk of skin damage from UV radiation such as skin cancer, melanoma, etc., it also greatly increases the risk of developing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, chronic dermatitis, and keloids.
Topping the list is South Sudan, where some of the world's darkest skin tones can be found. The South Sudanese, particularly the Dinka and Nuer ethnic groups, are known for their exceptionally deep, dark complexions. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 and has since been building its national identity.
This study observed differences in the change of erythema across skin tones but did not observe differences in temperature across skin tones.
Black coloured fabrics are a better radiator of heat – meaning they absorb heat emanating from the body – so this can also play a role in cooling your body down. The Bedouin's secret is wearing loose-fitting black clothing, especially if it's windy.
“The optimum environmental temperature for skin (and for the human body) is around 64.4°F – 71.6°F. This allows for optimum heat exchange between the body (at 98.6°F) and the outside. “Dry skin is an issue related more to humidity (and dew point) rather than temperature itself.
Findings indicated that non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics have accelerated aging, and non-Hispanic Whites have decelerated aging.
Humans with dark skin pigmentation have skin naturally rich in melanin, especially eumelanin, and have more melanosomes which provide superior protection against the deleterious effects of ultraviolet radiation. This helps the body to retain its folate reserves and protects against damage to DNA.
Skin barrier function is reportedly stronger in darker skin tones (the stratum corneum is the skin barrier). Asian skin is reported to have similarities with Caucasian skin in terms of water loss and has the weakest barrier function.
From previous research, it has confirmed that people are more interested in brighter irises than darker ones, and it seems that the stereotype of blue and green eyes being the most amazing does exist, as the recent research shows that the most scientifically attractive eye color is either blue and green.
An oval face is considered one of the best attractive face shapes for women, but unfortunately not for men. Though, for hair cuts it is a good face shape to have, because many look will look good on you. Men with an oval face can pull off different shapes and lengths because the face is well balanced.
Natalie Portman is known for her perfectly clear and radiant complexion, her skin seems to glow so naturally. The star insists on the importance of drinking a lot of water every day to keep the skin moisturized and fresh.
Type IV – Brown skin color, brown hair, and brown eyes, tans more than average, rarely burns, and rarely freckles. Common ethnic background: the Mediterranean, Southern European, Hispanic.
The fact that darker skin ages at a much slower rate has actually been demonstrated: signs of skin aging become visible around 10 years later compared to lighter skinned people of Northern European or North American ancestry.
Both physicians agree that sun exposure is the best way to get more vitamin D, though expert recommendations for how long you should sit in the sun without sunscreen do vary. Perkins suggests at least 20 minutes of sunlight without sunscreen for everyone, and up to 30 or 40 minutes for Black and brown people.