Opinion: Pale is Interesting this Summer
It’s official, summer is here and the “taps aff” weather has arrived! With the appearance of sunshine comes a wide array of fake bake products and beauty articles titled "how to get your legs ready for summer". Each year many pale Scots are faced with the question: to tan or not to tan? Do you risk the sunbeds, fake it or embrace being pale and interesting? With a “peely walley” complexion I have experienced the inevitable slagging that comes with a pale skin tone: my first school nickname was Casper, my legs have been referred to as pasty, and on foundation free days I have been asked if I am well. As a result, I have faked it many times but this summer I have decided to embrace my natural milk bottle shade for many reasons so here is my case for the pale and interesting look!
Sunbeds can Shorten Lifespans
In today’s modern world we are no strangers to the dangers of the sun, yet the number of people who dodge the sunscreen and use sunbeds astounds me! A couple of years ago I was scolded and suffered a second degree burn. During recovery, my nurse advised “no sunbeds for you”. After studying some rather scary facts I would instead advise no sunbeds for anyone, ever! Yes, that may sound extreme but bear with me.
Sunbeds are no safer than exposure to the sun itself and, in some cases, can actually be more dangerous! The
that many sunbeds give out greater doses of UV rays than the midday tropical sun.
Sunbeds are particularly dangerous for young people, who do not always display obvious signs of skin damage. Indeed, research by the BMJ found that first exposure to sunbeds before the age of 35 increases the risk of malignant melanoma by 75 per cent. Such research has disproved popular myths about “safely building a gradual tan.”
Despite this, sunbeds are ever popular in Scotland. The increase in use of sunbeds over the last decade has impacted dramatically upon the health of the nation with cases of malignant melanoma rising by a third between 2003 and 2013! My first top tip for the summer would be to embrace your natural colour, slap on the sun cream and avoid sunbeds and the risks of ageing and skin cancer that go with them.
Faking Bake takes Press “Tanning”
Whilst a tan is currently desirable in the west, it is not so fashionable in eastern cultures. In Asia a tan is, traditionally, considered to be a sign of poverty amongst field workers as those with wealth covered up and stayed indoors. Today women in Asian cultures still desire pale skin because skin that is less effected by sun exposure presents fewer signs of ageing.
As a result, Asia’s anti-ageing market is awash with skin “lightening” and “bleaching” products, rather than tanning products. It is popular to be pale.
Arguably there is a case to say that no one is truly happy in their own skin. We are always looking for ways to further improve and modify our appearance to meet cultural standards. Why not learn from this cultural lesson, ignore what might be considered “cool” at present and set your own style rules.
Pale can be Interesting
Lastly, who is to say that pale is not interesting?! If anything the last point proves that what is cool or beautiful is in the eye of the beholder. Tanning is just another trend and, in this instance, I have chosen not to be a dedicated follower of fashion. With the lifespan of fashion trends in jeopardy, why not make a statement with your beauty regime by simply bearing those pretty, pasty pins!
Many celebrities including Anne Hathaway, Emma Stone and Dita Von Teese rock the pale and interesting look so you will not be alone and you can choose a wardrobe to match that compliments your Scottish Bitch skin tone. Style note: the colours that best compliment my complexion are navy blue and red.
The Case for the Pale and Interesting
In today’s modern world there are many ways to change your appearance. A preference for fake tan or a pale skin tone is down to personal choice but the most important decision you can make this summer is to stay safe in the sun!
What are your thoughts on tanning? Will you be making a case for the pale and interesting this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments below or click here to read our other beauty posts.
