Centuries ago, one of the hottest fashion trends was having light white skin. Today, thanks to the cool factor now associated with Vampires, pale skin is back in.

But it’s not just Twilight star Robert Pattinson that has us considering ditching our tanning beds for bite-worthy pale skin. At the 2009 Fall/Winter fashion shows, many models donned the porcelain chic look and we are seeing more and more milky white celebs on the red carpet. With so much focus on the damage the suns UV rays can have on our skin, it’s no wonder many of us are opting to go back to the classic and delicate look of sunless pale skin.

To get porcelain pale skin, first avoid the sun as much as possible and be sure to apply the proper amount of Sunscreen 15-20 minutes before heading outdoors. Dr. Jensen Yeung, MD, Medical Director of the Dermatology Department at Women’s College Hospital, University of Toronto, explains.

“Dermatologists recommend using two tablespoons of sunscreen over the entire body. An SPF of 30 allows 3.3% of UVB rays to penetrate the skin, while an SPF of 70 allows (only) 1.7% penetration to your skin. This means that an SPF of 70 provides you with 50% more protection from harmful UVB rays.”


(1) Lise Watier Sun Smart, (2) Neutrogena UltraSheer, (3) Neutrogena Sensitive

Before applying any make-up, be sure to try a broad spectrum sunscreen like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen available in SPF 70 and 85. This lightweight lotion won’t clog pores and leaves a matte finish great for body and face.  Lise Watier's Sun Smart received high marks in ChickAdvisor reviews as an ultra-light facial sunscreen, and for those with sensitive skin, try the new formulation from Neutrogena with SPF 60.

Leaving behind a beauty regime consisting of bronzing and tanning product can be a bit daunting since they are very good at hiding flaws, whereas a paler complexion makes imperfections more noticeable. Overcome this obstacle with a foundation that helps even out skin tone like Flirt! Act Natural Light & Sheer Foundation SPF 15. Skip the blush (your natural flush will give you just enough “oomph”) and brush on a light powder like Laura Mercier's Secret Brightening Powder to your face, neck, and décolletage for a natural glow. Keep eye makeup to a minimum with brown or black liner and mascara. Try a nude gloss for day wear and try MAC’s Lady Bug lipstick in tomato red for night time. It’ll add major drama by contrasting the paleness of your skin with the intensity of your rouge lips creating the impression of even lighter skin.


(1) Act Natural Foundation, (2) Laura Mercier Brightening Powder, (3) MAC LadyBug lipstick

“Skin lightening creams are probably the most commonly used skin products in Asia and the Middle East. If you look at all the major skin care product brands, they all have a line of products that helps reduce pigmentation and these products are usually the best sellers of the brand”, says Dr. Yeung.

If you’re considering a skin lightening cream, stick to a reputable product line. If your skin is not naturally light to begin with, don’t try to lighten it with black market products which can cause discoloration, scarring, cancer, or death. Consult a physician or dermatologist first and make sure your reasons to aren’t to adhere to one ideal of what “beautiful” is. Like the slogan says, “Love the skin you’re in.”

What’s your take on the pale skin trend?

by Kyla Morgan