The Effect of Dark Circles

Leading behavioural biologists, Dr. Karl Grammer and Dr. Bernhard Fink, conducted a study to determine the impact of facial skin colour distribution on the perception of female beauty.

The study examined the role that skin tone plays in signalling the age, health and attractiveness of women independent of their face shape and skin surface topography.

The scientists created 169 different skin tone maps taken from images of women aged 10-70. Potential age-defining features such as folds, lines and wrinkles at the mouth, nose and eye area were removed – leaving skin tone as the only variable.

Participants were asked to estimate the age of 10 randomly selected 'faces' and asked to rate general attractiveness as well as health and skin attributes.

Based on the responses of 430 participants, Dr. Karl Grammer and Dr. Bernhard Fink concluded that:

• Facial luminosity and even skin tone are vital components in defining youthful and healthy beauty.
• Whether a woman is 17 or 70, contrast of skin tone plays a significant role in the way her age, beauty and health are perceived.

Source: Fink B et al. Visible skin colour distribution plays a role in the perception of age, attractiveness and health in female faces. Evolution of Human Behaviour 2006;27:433-442