I am – and always have been – pale white. For most of my life, I have considered this to be a negative part of me. I wanted to achieve the classic golden, sun-kissed tan during summertime. After my dad developed skin cancer, though, I started changing my way of thinking. Being healthy – mentally and physically – is more important than how you look. I stopped criticizing myself and putting myself down. I began to accept the way I was made. I often make jokes. If you're ghostly pale like me, you can relate to my struggles below. Remember, although you may get frustrated with your skin tone sometimes (I still do), just remember that every shade – including pale – is beautiful!
1. The threat of skin cancer is serious.
People with fair skin and light hair/eyes are at the highest risk of developing skin cancer (lol me). Unfortunately, many young adults aren't aware of this threat or just ignore it.
2. You wear sunscreen daily.
Protecting yourself from sun exposure is a must in order to fight skin damage and aging. Thankfully, many skincare and beauty products are already made with sunscreen, so it's easy to wear every day without putting any thought into it. A little prevention goes a long way!
3. SPF in the range of 75-100 is a must on hot days.
Anything less just doesn't work.
4. Buying makeup is nearly impossible.
You just can't seem to find a foundation shade that's a perfect match; everything is either too dark or too light.
5. You often get asked if you're sick.
"Are you feeling okay? You look kind of pale." I'm fine, and yeah, I know.
6. Tanning just doesn't happen.
I burn ("fry" is actually a better word), then my skin sheds like a reptile, only to return to the same color it was before. Repeat. I've only been "tan" three or four times in my life.
7. People will make comments.
"Oh my god, you're so pale!" "Are you, like, albino?" "Don't wear a swimsuit at the beach, you'll blind me!" "Hahaha you're like Casper the friendly ghost!"
8. You're used to dealing with skin allergies, irritations, acne, and, or scars.
Pale skin is sensitive skin. I'm allergic to latex, nickel, and certain body washes. I also have eczema.
9. Your face turns red a lot.
This may be caused by exercising, blushing, or just standing around. You may or may not look like a tomato.
10. Winter is your favorite season.
The time of year when it's socially acceptable to be ghostly pale and nobody comments on it.
11. You never wear white.
It washes you out too much. You may have even considered wearing a colored wedding dress in the future.
12. You've come to embrace your paleness.
It may have taken some time, but you've accepted your paleness as one of your unique qualities.
