Mapping the face of young population in China: Influence of anatomical sites and gender on biophysical properties of facial skin

Abstract

Background Facial skin exhibits unique biophysical properties, which are influenced by anatomical regions and genders. The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess the regional and gender differences in facial skin biophysical parameters among Chinese population. Materials and Methods The 12 skin biophysical parameters at four distinct facial skin sites (forehead, cheek, canthus and chin) were measured in a normal population (n = 212) with 42 males and 141 females aged 18‐29 years living in Beijing. These parameters consisted of skin hydration, transepidermal water loss, sebum content, erythema/melanin indices, L*a*b* color, skin gloss and elasticity, all quantifying with non‐invasive instruments. Results The results demonstrated that the characteristics of the facial skin were significantly different between the regions and genders. The forehead had weaker skin barrier function but secreted the most sebum content, while the cheek was the driest and brightest region on the face. The canthus was the most hydrated area and the chin displayed higher sebum secretion, darker skin color and less elastic. The females showed more hydrated, less oil, lighter and more elastic facial skin compared with males. Conclusion This study indicates that the young Chinese facial skin significantly varies with face anatomical regions and differs between genders.

<p>The Interaction of Age and Anatomical Region Influenced Skin Biophysical Characteristics of Chinese Women</p>

“…21,22 The cheek was the brightest and lightest area on the face, while the chin was the opposite, representing the least brightness together with the most pigmentation (Table 2). This facial skin color diversity was shown in our previous work 23 but not in a Caucasian population owing to the ethnic difference. 9 Interestingly, the skin color parameters of the forearm were quite close to those of the cheek (Table 2), which has also been reported by other scientists.…”

“Normal” TEWL‐how can it be defined? A systematic review

“…Gender and its effect on skin integrity was also re‐examined by two sets of researchers. Song et al 32 recruited 212 Chinese volunteers (female, n = 170 and male, n = 42) from 18–27 years old. TEWL values were measured using the Tewameter TM300 on the forehead, cheek, canthus and chin 32 .…”

“…32 However, at the forehead specifically, males had a higher mean TEWL compared with females. 32 Hon et al 33 recruited 252 children, 131 boys and 121 girls.…”

An objective skin‐type classification based on non‐invasive biophysical parameters

“…For example, patients with dermatologic diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD), 2,3 psoriasis, 4 acne, 5 rosacea, 6 and allergic contact dermatitis, 7 are compared with normal subjects for differences in their biophysical measurements. Groups divided by sex, 8 age, 9 ethnicity, 10 and lifestyle 11 are explored for statistical differences. Individual body sites, ranging from interfacial areas to the whole body, have been mapped for numerous variations.…”