I’ve noticed that older Caucasian people frequently seem to have somewhat darker-colored skin than younger Caucasian people, who tend to be more pale. Why is this often the case?
To me this seems counter-intuitive, as younger people tend to sunbathe and spend more of their time outdoors, whereas older people might try to avoid the sun for fear of cancer.
So why do many old people look so tan? Is there some sort of cumulative effect to tanning, or is it just that aging makes your skin appear darker??
I dunno, but I’ve seen plenty of old white ladies (primarily ladies) with white white white skin that is nearly transparent - veins prominent in the head and neck, etc…
It’s accumulated sun damage. The little old ladies with pale skin are those who didn’t go out in the sun much. Remember, at one time it was considered a signifier of class to NOT be suntanned, since it meant you did not have to go to work. Now, of course, it’s more the other way around. Ladies used to never go outdoors in the sun without a hat or bonnet to shield their delicate complexions. You’ll probably notice that these ladies have far fewer wrinkles for their age, too.
It’s accumilated sun exposure - my mother’s legs are the nearest to marble white you’re ever likely to see but then of course you’re not likely to see them, no one ever does, least of all the sun. Hands, upper chest/neck and face all show signs of sun damage over time (never a sun bather these areas are naturally exposed) her legs are as white as the day she was born. She’s in her seventies for what it’s worth.