Study: Tan People Appear More Attractive
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- For years people have been warned about the risks associated with excessive sun exposure but new research shows those who appear tanner may have an advantage after all.
Researchers at Emory University found that the majority of people find someone with a tanner complexion more attractive and healthier looking. Some say that's reason enough to soak up some rays.
"I just like looking tan" said one Lake Calhoun tanner.
"You look skinnier when you're tan," added another.
The researchers used Photoshop to alter pictures of women to make them appear tanner. Then both the original and the doctored photos were uploaded to a popular attractiveness-rating website. The darker version of the photos was twice as likely to be rated as more attractive.
Some sunbathers at Lake Calhoun said they use sun block occasionally, but probably not as much as they should.
Spending an entire day on the beach with no sun block is the same as spending just 20 minutes in a tanning bed.
