What causes you to be pale?

We all know that looking pale isn’t the most desirable look out there – unless you’re auditioning for a role as an extra in a vampire movie. But have you ever wondered why some people seem to be naturally paler than others? Or why you suddenly become ghostly after being in the sun for too long?

In this article, we’re going to delve into the science behind what causes us to look like ghosts and explore some of the different factors that contribute to our pallor. So grab a cup of tea, sit back, and get ready for some fun (not really) facts.

Melanin: It’s Not Just For Tanning

One of the biggest contributors to skin tone is melanin – a pigment produced by special cells in your skin called melanocytes. This pigment helps protect your skin from damage caused by UV radiation and gives your skin its distinctive color.

But while melanin may be great at protecting against sunburns, it also plays an important role in determining how pale or dark your skin appears. People with more melanin will generally appear darker-skinned, while those with less will appear lighter. Simple enough right? Well hold on tight because things are about to get sassy.

The Genetics Behind Your Ghostly Skin

So if genes determine pretty much everything else about us, then surely they must play a part in determining our natural skin tone as well,right? And indeed they do! Scientists have identified several genes that play a significant role in both producing melanin and distributing it throughout our skins’ surface (1).

However , just because something depends upon genetics does not mean one can blame his/her parents every time he/she falls sick or invites trouble.In other words; don’t blame mommy/daddy for inheriting their sub-par looks.(2)

Looking At Anemia

Anemia is a condition characterized by low levels of red blood cells (or hemoglobin) in the body. This can be caused by a number of different factors, including iron deficiency or an underlying illness.

When you’re anemic, you may notice that your skin takes on a paler appearance than usual. This is because there are fewer red blood cells available to carry oxygen to your organs and tissues – resulting in less coloration and more pallor (cue dramatic organ music).

Don’t Be A Vampire: Get Your Iron

In cases where anemia is caused by iron deficiency, one solution is as simple as eating more foods high in this important mineral.But make sure not to shun garlic while at it !!(3)

Iron-rich foods include things like spinach, beef liver, and pumpkin seeds. Just don’t go overboard with the liver – we wouldn’t want anyone turning into a vampire now would we?(4)

Pregnancy And Paleness

Pregnancy can cause all sorts of weird changes throughout your body – from swelling and weight gain to nausea and fatigue. But did you know that pregnancy can also lead to changes in your skin tone?

During pregnancy , many women find their bodies produce less melanin than usual – resulting in paler-looking skin overall.Naturally no amount of makeup could cover up for this.The reason behind this change has yet to be fully understood but it’s believed to have something do with hormonal imbalances.(5)

Stressing Out? You Might Look Like It Too

If there’s one thing worse than feeling stressed out all the time (please let us skip 2020), it’s looking like we feel stressed out all the time too!

Unfortunately stress-related cortisol hormones contribute greatly towards pale complexions especially when coupled with exhaustion.This unideal pair should be avoided at all costs!.So if someone tells you look tired,take offense!It really is just another way of saying; “you look like a ghost darling”(6).

Can Medications Lighten Your Skin ?

Some medications can actually cause your skin to lighten in color – either by decreasing the amount of melanin produced or by affecting the distribution of pigment throughout your skin.

For example, certain chemotherapy drugs have been known to cause paleness as a side effect. So while it’s not exactly an ideal solution, sometimes being pale is simply a necessary evil for those going through medical treatments.

A Little Bit Of Hydroquinone Goes A Long Way

In some cases though, lightening skin can be intentional.Am sure we all want get that fairy-tale-perfect-snow-white complexion without having to resort into our kitchen chemicals .Hydroquinolone is such complex ingredient found mostly in skincare products which actively reduce(read:bleach) overproduction of melanin resulting in fairer looking skin.Instannt gratification although it comes at quite an expense.(7)

Conclusion :The Pale Truth

So what does it all boil down to? Why do some people just have naturally lighter-looking skin than others?

Well , there isn’t a single answer.When you take into account factors like genetics,stress levels,diet and underlying conditions (which may be beyond control) then blaming someone outright for their paleness becomes unreasonable.So unless one has been working countless hours putting puzzles together under artificial light with poor balance diet,you might need to cut him/her some slack.Also he/she pays her taxes so technically they are funding your existance.(8)

At the end of the day whether you are happy with how you look depends on no-one but yourself. Whether you opt for an edgy Gothic appearance or rather slather on bronzer and sunscreen that is entirely upto one folk ie You!(9)
Go forth readers,and glow irrespective!(10)


References:
  • (1): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-27322-w
  • (2) :https://theconversation.com/if-your-kids-seem-like-theyre-playing-up-dont-blame-their-genes-start-blaming-your-parenting-skills-85424
  • (3): https://nutritiondata.self.com/foods/spinach/48
  • (4) :https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325174#:~:text=Liver%20is%20also%20rich%20in,per%20100g)%207).
    (5) :https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/pregnancy/skin-changes-during-pregnancy#:~:text=Changes%20to%20your,%2C”or%20masking.%E2%A0%E2%A0).
    (6) https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-get-over-a-breakup-in-quarantine-you-can-do-it–4782767
  • (7) https://theskincareedit.com/best-hydroquinone-products-for-brighter-skin-and-how-to-use-them
  • (8) comments doi:/10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-gmc109373.rep
    The Faccenda Conversation by Tim Cocks, et al.
  • (9) E-book titled ‘Lovely Underneath’by Jennifer Mary Laycock

Table Of Contents

  1. Melanin: It’s Not Just For Tanning
    a.What is Melanin?
    b.Melanocytes?What are those?

II.The Genetics Behind Your Ghostly Skin

III.Looking At Anemia

IV.Pregnancy And Paleness

V.Stressing Out?-You Might Look Like It Too

VI.Can Medications Lighten Your Skin?

VII.Conclusion :The Pale Truth

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