A person’s skin colour is determined by the pigment ‘melanin’. It is produced by specialised skin cells, the melanocytes, and is the natural UV protector for the skin. The different skin types all have the same melanin pigment, but also the same number of melanocytes. Skin colour is determined purely by the activity of the melanocytes. This activity is predetermined by genetic factors and can be additionally stimulated by external factors (e.g. sunlight).

Skin colour in the course of time In Asia, an immaculate white skin has been the quintessence of beauty and femininity for centuries. An old Chinese proverb says: “White skin conceals three blemishes in the face”. The ladies of the Chinese court therefore ground pearls and powdered their face with it to appear more dignified and aristocratic.

Anyone who had white skin was and is considered to be wealthy, because he or she did not have to work out in the field exposed to the sun. In Europe, fashion changed. Noble paleness was the latest thing during the Baroque period. The trendsetters of the day attached great importance to an immaculately clear and white skin. Powder and white lead were used as make-up, and even blood-letting ensured a refined paleness.

Coco Chanel turned the tide in 1923 when she became the first to promote the suntan as the beauty ideal. In the Western world, tanned skin was long considered a symbol of beauty, health and success. Today we know about the harmful effects of UV radiation and its influence on skin ageing. Sunbed tanning is out, because we know: The tanned Venus of today is the baked apple of tomorrow.

Read less