Those with darker skin are genetically predisposed to produce more eumelanin, the type that provides at least some protection against ultraviolet (UV) damage. Those with light skin typically have more pheomelanin, which doesn't offer UV protection.
Darker skin provides more natural protection against the harmful effects of UV radiation, reducing the risk of skin cancers and premature aging. It also tends to have a higher level of melanin, which can contribute to a more even skin tone and potentially greater resilience to environmental damage.
The preference for more golden or 'yellow-toned' skin as healthier might be explained by the 'carotenoid pigments' that we get from the fruit and vegetables in our diet. These plant pigments are powerful antioxidants that soak up dangerous compounds produced when the body combats disease.
Dark or tanned skin often has higher melanin content, which provides better natural protection against UV radiation, reducing the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Additionally, darker skin may have advantages in certain environments, as it can help retain moisture and reduce signs of aging.
Dark skin tends to age slower than light skin due to the higher melanin content, which provides better protection against UV radiation and environmental damage. Melanin acts as a natural sunscreen, helping to prevent wrinkles, sunspots, and other signs of aging.
Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks and US-born Hispanics were found to have accelerated biological aging, which is in line with other work in the HRS that has found greater biological risk among racial/ethnic minorities (Boen, 2020; Brown et al., 2017).
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.
According to a study called “Shades of beauty,” light brown skin tones are often the most physically attractive skin color (Frisby et al., 2006). They used four models for that study. They did not change the skin tone, but they imaged each model to three different skin tones: light, medium, and dark.
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.
Since strong sun exposure damages the body, the solution was to evolve skin that was permanently dark so as to protect against the sun's more damaging rays. Melanin, the skin's brown pigment, is a natural sunscreen that protects tropical peoples from the many harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Discolored skin
Color changes to the skin can sometimes indicate underlying illness. "Skin sometimes looks gray, sallower, in people with underlying chronic illness," says Dr. Brod. Yellowish- or orangish-looking skin can be a sign of kidney or liver disease.
Normal skin: The best of all, it is balanced, not too oily or dry, with smooth skin texture. Sensitive skin: Gets easily irritated, and prone to redness, burning, or itching.
Eat a healthy diet
A balanced diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Fresh fruits and vegetables may be especially helpful at preventing damage that can lead to early skin aging. Drink plenty of water to help keep your skin hydrated too.
High quantities of melanin and melanogenic substances are typically accepted in darker skin to protect against UV radiation-induced molecular damage.
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.
Aging. Skin discolorations often occur in those over age 50. Just as other systems in your body experience wear-and-tear, your skin becomes thinner and drier as you age and is more prone to develop scaly patches and discolorations.
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.
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.
ˈlīt-ˈskind. variants or less commonly light skinned. 1. : having a light olive to medium brown complexion. especially : being a Black, Latinx, Indigenous, mixed-race, or other person of color with such a complexion.
We found that green is the most popular lens colour, with brown coming in a close second, despite it being one of the most common eye colours. Although blue and hazel are seen as the most attractive eye colours for men and women they are surprisingly the least popular.
Some research suggested that among African American males, dark-skinned men may be idealized as “alpha” males, possessing heightened masculine characteristics, such as dominance (Hall, 1995), strength, virility and confidence in their physical attractiveness (Wade, 1996).
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.
“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.
Today, having a tan is associated with people that have an active, outdoor lifestyle. A tan therefore makes people look healthier and fit. Pale skin is often associated with sickness (e.g. anaemia) which is another, indirect reason why a tan makes people seem healthier.
Dark skin tone
Vivid reds and pinks are your go-to classics, but mauve pink, fiery red-orange, deep purple, blacks, bronze, green, almond, mocha and caramel based neutrals are all going to look terrific. As will bold, bright colours. And even yellow. The world is your nail bar, you lucky thing!