The constitution and skin type of individuals are influenced by various factors. Recently, the influence of genetic predispositions on these has been emphasized. To date, genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have shown several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that affect individual's constitution and skin type. However, these studies have mainly focused on the Caucasian population, and only a few association analyses with the constitution and skin type of individuals involving a Japanese population have been conducted. In this study, we conducted a GWAS analysis of 9 phenotypes regarding the constitution or skin type of 1108 Japanese women based on a questionnaire. As a result, in addition to SNPs known to be involved in phenotypes in the past, we discovered new SNPs and genetic regions related to darkness of pigmented spots, skin flushing, frequency of rough skin and responsiveness to cosmetics.

In the field of beauty, wrinkles and sagging are the most prominent phenotypes of aging phenomena on the face, and effective methods for their prevention and improvement are desired. Wrinkles and sagging are primarily caused by external factors, such as ultraviolet rays, as well as the age-related disintegration of collagen fibres, 1,2 decreased collagen production by dermal fibroblasts, 3,4 and the increased production of matrix metalloproteinases. [5][6][7] Genomewide association studies (GWAS) on skin aging have recently been conducted, and the findings obtained clearly showed that some individuals were genetically predisposed to more rapid skin aging.Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with a number of skin properties, including wrinkles, eyelid sagging, skin colour, the type of sunburn, and skin barrier function. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14] The relationships between these phenotypes and SNPs markedly differ

Background Stress may have various effects on our bodies. In particular, the skin may be readily influenced by stress. In addition, there are individual differences in the way we feel stress, suggesting the involvement of genetic factors in such individual differences. Objectives In this study, we analysed the influence of stress on skin condition and ageing involving Japanese females, and investigated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that influence perceived stress of an individual. Methods We collected genotype data from 1200 Japanese females. At the same time, a questionnaire was conducted on the degree of stress that each subject feels on a daily basis and the current skin condition. We analysed the effects of stress on skin condition and searched for SNPs related to individual stress susceptibility by genome‐wide association studies. Results Our data suggested that stress influences skin condition and ageing, as previously reported. And, we found rs74548608 as a SNP that affects perceived stress of an individual. This SNP is located on the upstream of Patched‐1, which is a gene that functions as a sonic hedgehog receptor. Conclusions Our study has identified new genetic factors for perceived stress of an individual in the Japanese female. The SNP found in this study may be a candidate factor important for understanding the perceived stress of an individual of Japanese.