Is Tan Skin a Turn Off?

You know the old saying "All the curly haired girls wanna be straight...?" Apparently the same kind of 'want what you don't have' mentality applies to tanned skin. Even with the fashion world buzzing about deep, tanned skin, some men and women are trying to do everything possible to keep from getting tanned because they think that pale is beautiful. So is this outlook gaining momentum and could tan skin be losing it's appeal? Could a tanned bod soon be considered... unattractive? Before you jump into soapy water to try and scrub off your brand new spray tan, take a moment to consider the following.

The History
Tans are virtually an accessory. This means that just like last year's Kenneth Jay Lane necklace, by next season it could be so 'old news.' The idea that a tan is beautiful is actually very new. Throughout history, the influences of the western world have brought on the assumption that pale, almost translucent skin is the highest achievement. Women used to wear white makeup and even paint blue lines on their faces to simulate veins. Fashion helped dictate and fuel this mentality by designing pirouette umbrellas, long and covered clothing, gloves, and hats for centuries.

In Vogue
Although tanned skin has been fashionable only for about half a century, the phenomenon around it doesn't look like it's stopping anytime soon. Fueled again by fashion and trends, tan skin has come to symbolize the sophisticated, outgoing, and put-together person of the modern era.

Reality
Even though tans are 'in' in the western world, some cultures view dark skin as an unattractive feature. If you've got dark skin and don't want to get any darker, wear high SPF sunscreen, 50 or higher, that blocks a wide range of UV light everyday. If you've got light skin and are getting frustrated with your inability to tan, take it slow. A good tan is developed in many layers. Protect and hydrate your skin throughout the process to ensure your safety.

The reason that tan skin is more attractive to the opposite sex these days is because it's trendy and tends to imply a healthy and energetic personality. If you tan to the point where you look burnt and unhealthy, it becomes unattractive and unsightly. Going more than 4 shades darker than your natural skin color is not recommended.

Don't get discouraged. Remember that beauty comes from attitude and that your skin is an accessory; whether it's in fashion or not depends on the times. Just be who you are and be proud of it. No skin color in the world can compete with a glowing light of self confidence shining from within.