What Is Porcelain Skin?

Beauty trends come and go throughout the years, but one feature that is always considered desirable is beautiful skin. People with flawless skin are often said to have porcelain skin. This term can be applied to anyone who has flawless skin, regardless of color.

Porcelain is a type of ceramic material that first came into use in China sometime between the years of 600 to 900 A.D. Artists in several Asian and European countries refined the material as its use spread through the world over several centuries. During this time, artificial porcelain and bone china, variations of the natural porcelain used in China, were developed. The different types of porcelain are commonly used in dishes, vases and dolls.

One of the most common features of porcelain is its light color. Many dolls have porcelain skin that is stark white or nearly white, but artificial porcelain tends to have a slightly darker shade, closer to a cream than a true white. Regardless of the type used, other colors can be achieved in the final product by painting the porcelain before glazing, applying a colored glaze for a quicker finish or painting the glazed and fired piece with enamel paints. As a finished china piece may come in many colors, so may porcelain skin in people.

Heredity plays a large part in whether or not someone has skin like porcelain. Skin conditions that may mar the appearance of the skin, acne in particular, may be inherited from one's parents. Both pimples caused by an active breakout of acne and scarring from especially bad cases of acne can prevent a person from having smooth skin.

Environmental factors can also affect the appearance of the skin. People who live in sunny areas may show the effects of sun exposure on their skin. Those with pale skin may become freckled, interrupting the consistent color of their skin. Sunburn and the resulting damage are possible for anyone regardless of skin tone. For this reason, people who want to achieve porcelain skin should always use sunblock whenever they will be in the sun for extended periods of time.

Proper use of makeup can lead to the appearance of porcelain skin even in people whose skin is not quite flawless. By using concealer to cover up dark circles under the eyes or blemishes on any part of the face, along with a light foundation and powder, nearly anyone can get the look of flawless skin. For best results, the product should be carefully chosen to match natural skin tone, in sunlight rather than artificial light if possible.