A cross-sectional study of Chinese women facial skin status with environmental factors and individual lifestyles

Abstract

Geographical, environmental and pollution conditions affect facial skin health, but their effects on skin appearance have not been elucidated. This study aimed to describe the skin barrier and skin tone characteristics of Chinese subjects according to lifestyle and environmental conditions using in vitro measurements. In total, 1092 women aged 22–42 years were recruited from 7 representative Chinese cities. Eight skin parameters (hydration, sebum, pH, transdermal water loss, individual type angle, melanin index, erythema index, yellowness) were measured using noninvasive instruments; individual lifestyle data were also collected. Data on four meteorological factors (air temperature, relative humidity, sunshine duration, wind speed) and seven air pollution indicators (air quality index, fine particulate matter, breathable particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and ozone) were collected in each city from the China Meteorological Administration. Facial skin characteristics differed significantly between cities. Facial skin barrier characteristics and skin tones showed regional differences, with a better skin barrier associated with the western region, as indicated by high skin hydration and sebum secretion and a low pH value. According to the value of transdermal water loss, lighter and darker skin tones were found in the western and southern regions, respectively. Environmental conditions affected facial skin status. Air pollution induced facial skin issues, with fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide contributing the most. Individual lifestyles affected the facial skin barrier and skin tone.

Pencil-on-Paper Humidity Sensor Treated with NaCl Solution for Health Monitoring and Skin Characterization

“…The skin humidity is nonuniform across the face, with higher values in areas with less body fat (e.g., forehead, nose, and chin) and lower values in areas with more body fat, such as the cheeks . The results are consistent with the mixed, oily skin type with high humidity in the T-shaped area (i.e., forehead and nose) and low humidity in the U-shaped area (i.e., cheeks and chin). , The sensor is also applicable to other human subjects (Table S2) for monitoring humidity changes during the day (Figure S14).…”

“…41 The results are consistent with the mixed, oily skin type with high humidity in the T-shaped area (i.e., forehead and nose) and low humidity in the U-shaped area (i.e., cheeks and chin). 42,43 The sensor is also applicable to other human subjects (Table S2) for monitoring humidity changes during the day (Figure S14).…”

Awareness of sun exposure risks and photoprotection for preventing pigmentary disorders in Asian populations: Survey results from three Asian countries and expert panel recommendations

“…41 Furthermore, a cross-sectional study of 1092 women (aged 22-42) from seven cities across China, observed that women from more highly polluted cities had impaired barrier function and darker skin tone. 42 Finally, very briefly, other factors that may contribute to pigmentation issues in Asian patients include smoking, 43 hormones, 33 skin inflammation, medication, and surgical procedures. 44…”

“…Similarly, men living in Baoding had more severe aging signs and were perceived as being older compared to men living in Dalian 41 . Furthermore, a cross‐sectional study of 1092 women (aged 22–42) from seven cities across China, observed that women from more highly polluted cities had impaired barrier function and darker skin tone 42 …”

The Relationship of Facial Skin Biophysical Properties to Age and the Potential Role of Lifestyles in Chinese Rural and Urban Females

“…Diets high in salt, spices and extremely vegetarian diets are also considered harmful to skin health [13]. The use of cosmetic products also affects skin biophysical parameters [14].…”