What do Marilyn Monroe, Bradley Cooper, and Angelina Jolie have in common? Beyond their impressive careers and undeniable star power, they all share a charming little feature that instantly catches the eye: dimples. These small indentations that appear when someone smiles have fascinated and enchanted people for centuries.
But what exactly are dimples? Dimples are small indentations that form in the skin — usually on the cheeks or chin — when a person smiles or laughs. Aside from being an appealing aesthetic trait, they also come with intriguing stories and biological mysteries.
Here are 10 facts about dimples that may surprise even the best-informed!
1 Around 20–30% of the world’s population has dimples…
Approximately 20–30% of the global population has dimples. These small indentations in the skin are a genetic trait and appear more frequently in certain geographic regions or ethnic groups. Dimples are the result of a hereditary dominant gene, and their frequency varies across different populations around the world. [source]
2 And it’s not really accurate to call dimples a “genetic defect”…
Dimples are not a disease or defect, but rather a natural anatomical variation found in some people. They result from differences in facial muscles and underlying facial structures.
Dimples typically form when a person has a shorter or bifurcated (split) zygomaticus major muscle, a facial muscle involved in smiling. When this muscle contracts, it creates a small indentation or dimple in the skin.
So calling dimples a “defect” isn’t quite accurate, because there is no medical problem associated with them. Many people consider dimples to be attractive or charming, and their presence is simply part of the natural anatomical variations in humans. [source]
3 Some dimples in babies are caused by baby fat (which is why they disappear as they grow older)…
There are cases where dimples disappear as children grow up. In infants, dimples often occur because of fat accumulation in the cheeks. When the baby smiles, this extra fat can create small indentations or dimples.
As the child grows and develops, they naturally lose what’s known as “baby fat“, and the face changes as the muscles and skin stretch and mature. This can cause dimples to become less visible or even disappear entirely in some individuals as they get older. [source]
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4 Some people also have “Venus dimples” — often called the cousin of facial dimples…
Venus dimples, also known as Dimples of Venus, are small indentations found on the lower back or lumbar region of certain individuals. These dimples are considered an aesthetic feature and are named after Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty.
Venus dimples are a natural anatomical trait that occur because the skin over the sacrum is thinner and the underlying muscles attach closely to the skin, much like facial dimples. If you’ve never seen a Venus dimple before, you can spot one in the photo below. [source]
5 In Chinese culture, dimples are believed to bring luck or good fortune…
In certain cultures — including Chinese culture — dimples are associated with positive qualities such as luck and good fortune. Many cultures view dimples as attractive, and they are often believed to enhance a person’s charm and appeal, which can positively influence social interactions. [source]
6 Dimples are a natural feature in both men and women…
Dimples are not specific to any gender. Both men and women can develop dimples while forming in the womb. In other words, they are equally common regardless of sex. [source]
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7 There is no standard for the depth of dimples…
The size and depth of dimples vary from person to person and are not connected to any kind of standardized measurements. Likewise, it is only a myth that the shape of a person’s skull or skeleton affects how their dimples look. [source]
8 And of course, people with dimples have their own special holiday…
People with dimples even have their own little celebration day, held every year on July 9. It was founded by Graceful Grady, a graduate of Demple University with a major in Dimpleology, in 2022. In other words, it’s a very new holiday — but anything that can be celebrated should be celebrated, right? [source]
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9 A number of celebrities have become iconic for their dimples…
The list of celebrities who are partly known for their dimples includes Harry Styles, Gabrielle Union, Mario Lopez, Jennifer Garner, Matthew McConaughey, Cheryl Cole, Miranda Kerr, and Rachel Weisz, to name just a few. The historic and iconic figure Marilyn Monroe was also famous for her charming smile, accentuated by her dimples. You can find an image of her below. [source]
10 Dimples can also appear in places other than the cheeks…
These types of indentations can appear in other areas of the face, such as the chin. Just like cheek dimples, chin dimples are often considered attractive as well. These indentations arise due to a specific anatomical structure in which the muscles pull the skin inward when a person smiles or uses facial expressions, creating a natural and aesthetically appreciated effect.
Or, as some people jokingly call it: “a b*tthole on the face“. [source]
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5 Common Questions About Dimples
Dimples are caused by variations in facial muscle structure, most commonly a shorter or split zygomaticus major muscle. When this muscle contracts, it pulls the skin inward, creating the familiar indentation.
Yes — dimples are often inherited through a dominant gene, meaning only one parent needs to carry the trait for a child to potentially have dimples. However, genetics are not the only factor; baby fat can also create temporary dimples in infants.
As children lose baby fat and their facial muscles and skin mature, dimples may become less visible or disappear completely. Others retain them for life, depending on muscle structure and facial development.
In many cultures, yes. Dimples are often associated with charm, beauty, and friendliness. Some cultures even believe they bring luck or good fortune.
Naturally, no — dimples that appear in adulthood are rare unless caused by injury, weight changes, or cosmetic procedures. True anatomical dimples are typically present from birth or childhood.
