Have you ever been approached by well-meaning strangers on bright days who say, “You really should apply some sunscreen”? Do you often find yourself reaching for the “Ivory” foundation in the makeup aisle, only to discover it’s too dark for your fair complexion? Have you ever looked like merely a pair of glasses and a sweater in photos taken outdoors?
THEN YOU’RE IN GOOD COMPANY.
As summer rolls around, many people around us become fixated on the idea of showing off skin that’s been hidden away during the chilly months. They ponder whether pantyhose are still in vogue and rush to beauty stores for the fanciest self-tanners available. While they can do what they please, I’m here to advocate for a summer free from tanning, bronzing, and fake tans.
You see, I’m a product of a genetic mix: my father had a farmer’s tan that was as rich as milk chocolate by August, while my mother was a redhead whose freckles ignited at the mere mention of “summer solstice.” Though I can tan a little, I simply choose not to. I’m content with my naturally low pigmentation in skin, hair, and eyes, regardless of how many people urge me to add some color.
Over the years, I’ve attempted to master the art of achieving a less ghostly appearance, but it often went awry. Self-tanner turned my skin into a patchy mess, resembling rusty high-fives rather than the golden glow promised on the bottle. Bronzer? Let’s just say I ended up looking like I sneezed into a box of chocolate cake mix. Why keep trying to be someone else when it just leads to embarrassment and expense?
Sure, I could lower my SPF and gradually develop a tan, but with a family history that includes various skin cancers, including melanoma, it’s simply not worth it. Plus, sunburns are incredibly painful—no thanks!
I’ve grown accustomed to people mistaking my paleness for illness, assuming it stems from some ailment rather than a natural choice. I no longer take offense at comments about my translucence or the endless “Casper” and “vampire” jokes. Seriously, thanks a lot, “Twilight.”
To me, it’s utterly absurd that anyone, regardless of where they fall on the skin color spectrum, should be told they need to change or feel ashamed of their natural appearance. I once discussed this with a friend who is my complete opposite in terms of pigmentation, and we found our experiences with similar comments strikingly alike. It’s just ridiculous, and I’ve decided to stop listening to that noise.
In fact, I’ve grown to appreciate what many consider undesirable in me. Here are some perks of my natural paleness:
- No tan lines to worry about when choosing a tank top.
- I save money by never accidentally looking like an Oompa Loompa.
- My makeup stays consistent all year round since my skin tone doesn’t change with the seasons.
- My diligent sunscreen use might be why I still get carded when buying alcohol.
- Ever seen someone sweating off their bronzer? It’s like a sad Salvador Dali painting—and not in a good way.
- I’ve fully accepted who I am. What could be better than that?
So if you’re someone who tends to poke fun at a person’s light skin or suggests they should “fix it,” consider appreciating their embrace of their natural self instead. Recognizing the beauty in someone’s no-tan, no-bronzer look might just inspire you to appreciate your own uniqueness too. Now, that would be truly beautiful.
And just to clarify? I’m not merely “pasty.” I’m porcelain.
If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, check out this informative piece at Intracervical Insemination. You can also find great resources at CCRM IVF for pregnancy and home insemination, and for a comprehensive guide, visit Make A Mom.