They say that on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish. If only that were true! Chances are, if you are one of the 11.9% of the US population who comes from the emerald isle, you have that gorgeous porcelain skin that makes the rest of us green with envy. However, as beautiful as it can be, a fair complexion calls for some additional TLC; it also predisposes you towards certain conditions. Here’s some info and guidelines that I hope will be your lucky charm.
How is fair skin different?
All skin is not created equal. It’s true that everyone, regardless of race and ethnic background, has the same amount of melanocyte skin cells. However, within those cells are structures known as melanosomes, and the reason that fair skin appears lighter is that melanocytes in people with lighter skin tones contain fewer — and smaller — melanosomes than those in darker skin; these melanosomes produce less melanin, the pigment that colors the skin. Light skin also has fewer and smaller sebaceous glands, and a thinner stratum corneum than other skin tones. So what does all this dermatologic mumbo-jumbo mean? With beauty, can come a price: fair skin is less protected from the sun, more prone to dryness and irritation, and is the skin tone most likely to show signs of pre-mature aging—such as age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Fair skin care:
With fair skin, as with any skin type or tone, it’s important to follow a regular skin care regimen— including cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing and protecting. Since fair skin tends to be drier, more sensitive, and prone to irritation, choose cleansing and moisturizing products with gentle ingredients such as shea butter, vitamin E and coconut oil. Be careful with potential irritants like glycolic acid, alcohol, benzoyl acid, and Vitamin C; and avoid fragrances and dyes. Fair skin tends to show signs of aging before other skin tones, so make sure you exfoliate (this will slough away dead skin cells and help with cell turnover)—and avoid harsh abrasives.
Fair-skinned folks sunburn more easily—and therefore have a higher incidence of skin cancer. All skin tones must practice careful sun protection, but with a light complexion you must diligently apply and reapply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 year-round. Protective clothing (including a wide-brimmed hat) adds additional layers of defense. Schedule annual skin exams and mole checks without fail — and alert your dermatologist ASAP if you notice any changes in your skin.
If fair skin starts showing signs of premature aging, aesthetic procedures may help. Lasers and other in-office treatments can stimulate collagen production, tighten skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, even tone, and help skin look more glowing and youthful. Ask your dermatologist what choices might work with your skin.
Other conditions:
Lighter complexions have a greater genetic disposition to certain skin issues. In addition to a higher incidence of skin cancer, watch out for:
· Actinic Keratosis—Those with lighter skin tones have a greater tendency to develop this precancerous condition. These scaly, crusty bumps usually show up on the parts of the body that receive the most sun exposure — the face, ears, neck, forearms, and backs of the hands — beginning around age 30 and increasing with age. Peeling or cracking lips after sun exposure, especially the lower lip, can also be symptomatic; and the condition is also common on the scalps of bald men. Actinic keratosis patches can itch, burn, or sting and should be looked at by a dermatologist. How to avoid it? Wear your sunscreen!
· Rosacea–This skin disease causes redness and pimples on your nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead); and sometimes burning and soreness in the eyes and eyelids. Though rosacea can affect any skin type, experts believe that people with fair skin have a genetic predisposition toward the condition and that those who are 30 to 50 years old with light skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes are the most likely to develop it. Rosacea often flares up when something triggers the blood vessels in the face to expand, which in turn causes redness. Common triggers include exercise, sun and wind exposure, hot weather, stress, spicy foods, alcohol, and hot baths. Swings in temperature from hot to cold or cold to hot can also cause a flare-up. Sometimes just the act of caring for your skin can irritate it, so gentle skin care is a must. Anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as caffeine, sulfur, some antibiotics, chamomile, green tea, and licorice extract, can reduce inflammation; as can topical prescription creams. See your dermatologist for a program of care.
To learn more about rosacea treatment, visit WebMD.com.
Fair skin may require a bit more care, but the results can be breathtaking. Take the precautions necessary, and you’ll turn heads not only on St. Patrick’s Day–but on every day of the year.