Masks have had many positive aspects during the pandemic, but British academics have discovered another one: people look more attractive with protective masks.
Researchers at Cardiff University were surprised to find that both men and women were judged to look better with protective masks against Covid. The researchers found that faces covered with surgical masks were likely to be considered more attractive.
Participants said those who wore a fabric mask were significantly more attractive than those without masks. But the simple surgical mask made people look even better.
This can happen because we are used to healthcare workers wearing masks and now we associate masks with people working in the medical field. At a time when we feel vulnerable, wearing medical masks may seem soothing to us and thus make us feel more positive towards the wearer.
"The pandemic has changed our psychology in the way we perceive mask holders. "When we see someone with a mask, we no longer think 'that person has a disease, I have to stay away,'" said Dr. Michael Lewis, a facial expert.
Lewis said it was also possible for masks to make people more attractive because they direct attention to the eyes. He said other studies have found that covering the left or right half of the face also makes people look more attractive, in part because the brain fills in the missing gaps and exaggerates the overall impression.
Also masked people look more attractive, because what is sexier than someone who cares about the health of others ?!
