Abstract
Colorful carotenoid ornaments are sexually selected signals of health in
many species. In humans too, carotenoids could provide a perceptible
cue to health as they impart an attractive yellow-orange color to skin.
Increasing carotenoid pigmentation and skin yellowness is associated
with increased fruit and vegetable intake, but whether other aspects of
human health benefit skin color is unknown. Carotenoids, as
antioxidants, help maintain oxidative balance but are expended in this
role. Therefore, any health factor affecting oxidative balance could
alter the quantity of carotenoids available to color skin. Exercise
increases endogenous antioxidant capacity and consequently may decrease
expenditure of carotenoids. Fitness could also raise skin carotenoids by
lowering body fat (a source of oxidative stress). Here we investigate
the relationship between skin color (measured spectrophotometrically),
aerobic fitness (measured by estimating the maximum volume of oxygen
that a person can use per unit of time, VO2 max), and body
fat. In a cross-sectional design, we find that both higher aerobic
fitness and lower body fat are predictors of skin yellowness,
independent of each other and dietary fruit and vegetable intake. In a
longitudinal design over 8 weeks, we found that increase in fitness and
decrease in body fat were independently associated with an increase in
skin yellowness. Change in self-reported stress and sleep were further
predictors of skin yellowness indicating a more general relation between
health and skin tone. Simulations of the skin color associated with
higher fitness were found to appear healthier. Hence, our results
suggest that increasing cardiovascular fitness and decreasing fat levels
produce a healthier skin color. Such findings have repercussions for
public health because improved attractiveness can provide an incentive
for a healthier lifestyle, including exercise and weight regulation.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 392 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Frontiers in Psychology |
Volume | 11 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 11 Mar 2020 |
Keywords
- Health
- Skin color
- Carotenoids
- Fitness
- Body fat
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David Ian Perrett
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience - Bishop Wardlaw Professor
- Institute of Behavioural and Neural Sciences
- Centre for Social Learning & Cognitive Evolution
Person: Academic