Summary
For men, non-pigmented skin (i.e., uniformity and intensity of skin color) is more attractive than pigmented skin. Friedman (2005) suggests that pigmentation indicates aging, leading to the perception that less pigmented skin, which shows fewer signs of aging, is more youthful and attractive. Fink et al. (2012) build on this by demonstrating that for men, uniformly colored skin without visible pigmentation is associated with youth, health, and enhanced attractiveness. They note that the even distribution of melanin and hemoglobin is crucial in forming these perceptions. Additionally, Stephen et al. (2012) confirm that homogenous skin color increases attractiveness ratings, emphasizing that even skin tone, devoid of pigmentation variations, is preferred. These studies collectively underline the aesthetic value placed on less pigmented, more uniform skin in the context of male attractiveness.
Research
An article published in Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America by Friedman (2005) suggests that pigmentation is a sign of both intrinsic and extrinsic aging, indicating that as skin ages, it undergoes changes such as increased pigmentation, wrinkles (rhytids), and textural irregularities. This association between pigmentation and aging implies that less pigmented or non-pigmented skin, which lacks these signs of aging, is typically perceived as more youthful. Consequently, non-pigmented skin, being free from these age-related changes, is often viewed as more attractive and appealing.
The study by Fink et al. (2012) indicates that for men, non-pigmented skin, characterized by uniformity and intensity of skin color, is perceived as more attractive than pigmented skin. The results of the study specifically highlight that “Perception of age, health, and attractiveness was strongly related to melanin and hemoglobin distribution, whereby more even distributions led to perception of younger age and greater health and attractiveness.” This finding suggests that evenness in skin color, which means less visible pigmentation and more balanced skin tones, is associated with positive attributes such as youth and health, which in turn enhances attractiveness. The study concludes that the homogeneity of male skin color, influenced by how evenly melanin and hemoglobin are distributed, plays a crucial role in how their age, health, and attractiveness are perceived. This supports the notion that in men, a more uniform skin coloration, typically indicative of less pigmentation, is considered more appealing.
Additionally, the study Stephen et al. (2012) underscores that for men, non-pigmented or uniformly colored skin is perceived as more attractive. It states, “with more homogenous skin color and chromophore distribution associated with higher-rated attractiveness.” This indicates that when the skin color is even and without significant pigmentation variations, it contributes positively to perceptions of attractiveness.
Reference
Friedman, O., 2005. Changes associated with the aging face. Facial plastic surgery clinics of North America, 13(3), pp.371-380. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsc.2005.04.004
Fink, B., Matts, P. J., D’Emiliano, D., Bunse, L., Weege, B., & Röder, S. (2012). Colour homogeneity and visual perception of age, health and attractiveness of male facial skin. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 26(12), 1486-1492. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-3083.2011.04316.x
Stephen, I. D., Scott, I. M., Coetzee, V., Pound, N., Perrett, D. I., & Penton-Voak, I. S. (2012). Cross-cultural effects of color, but not morphological masculinity, on perceived attractiveness of men’s faces. Evolution and Human Behavior, 33(4), 260-267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2011.10.003