by Dalila Jimenez

Created on: March 27, 2009   Last Updated: March 29, 2009

Contrary to previous articles written on this topic, I will not write so much as to the history why pale skin is so highly prized or as to why older women have that tendency to cover their faces in white powder. Instead, I will explore a little as to why teenagers and some young adults, overwhelmingly of the female persuasion strive to get their faces to that beautiful and mystifying pale shade. Let us delve a little into some of the subcultures that are ever growing in popularity.

I'll mention first the obvious 'goth' subculture of pale skin and dark contrast. But growing more popular still are the 'emo' and 'scene' subcultures. If you are in the 13-20 age group, you'll no doubt know what I mean. 'Members' of this subcultures often sport crazy-colored hair (or very dark, jet-black dyed hair), tight pants, colorful shirts, black eyeliner with bright colored eyeshadow, and of course, pale skin. But why? Maybe it's the beautiful contrast that it creates - the black eyeliner and dark clothing against pale skin looks elegant and lovely. Or maybe its that latest desire to want to look like a vampire, gorgeous faces, dark makeup and yes, pale skin.

The whole desire to want to look like a vampire in teen girls, I blame on the insanely popular Twilight books by Stephanie Meyer which, depicts a world of beautiful vampires, all strikingly beautiful with pale, white skin and the relationship between average-looking teenager Bella and the gorgeous, pale, vampire Edward. The books also explore Bella's ardent desire to become one of these gorgeous, pale-skinned vampires. Of course, it is not just small children that copy everything they see or read, teenagers do it too. Teenagers have that need to fit in, and if having pale white skin is what is necessary to fit in, then of course you know that they will do it. A teenage girl may feel self-conscious of herself and may employ a pale foundation and dark eye makeup in order to feel pretty, and of course, she will keep doing this if it continues to make her feel beautiful, until the next fashion trend, of course.

However, it is essential to recognize that this is not meant to be seen as a generalization, not all teens desire that pale shade, no, only a select group. But all in all, if it is a popular look and if it makes a girl think she is pretty, it will be followed by a good number of teens. Trends do come and go, so if you are a parent disapproving of this trend, it will have to change eventually and so don't worry too much about how your teens are looking, so long as they remain good people.

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