While I am only Southern geographically, I do know a whole lot about being pale, in the South especially. It seems everywhere you look, everyone looks like they spend all of their time lying out by a pool. But for some of us, that "golden glow" isn't so easy to grasp.
1. Tan for you is normal for everyone else
No matter how long I lay out in the sun, it almost always goes unnoticed. Unless I burn, of course. Everyone loves pointing out sunburn.
2. You have to avoid the sun, to avoid burning
I don't want skin cancer, and that won't be changing. So no, I don't really feel too bad about being pale if it means I'm taking care of myself.
3. You don't have enough time to tan
If I want to get tan, it takes short bursts of tanning over the course of a few days. I don't have time to do that all year long, and the sun certainly isn't waiting around for me either.
4. Spray Tans are so damn expensive
So it's a $20 tan right? But then they sell you a primer and a setting spray and eventually, you've got a $70 tan, you can't shower, the color never ends up right, etc. If you're willing to take care of it, go for it. But I won't be doing it all year round.
5. Tanning beds aren't an option
Skin cancer just isn't worth it, ya know? Especially if it's only going to take me from pale to a normal skin tone. To each their own, of course.
6. Makeup is a disaster
It takes forever to find makeup that comes in light enough shades, but if you do manage to get some color, you have to start all over again.
7. Prolonged sun exposure turns you into a tomato
I think I would rather look like a tomato than a cheeto, but I would also rather avoid that all together. No one wants to look like a literal snack.
8. You blend in with the background in photos
We've all had those unfortunate moments. White girl, white wall...it just looks like a floating swimsuit sometimes.
9. You can't win.
You either wear SPF 100, or you burn. There aren't any good, healthy options other than to lie in the sun for short bursts of time with healthy sun protection. It sucks. But it's better than skin cancer.
