Mapping the human face: biophysical properties

Abstract

Background: Facial skin exhibits unique biophysical properties that are distinct from skin belonging to other areas of the body. Small to large regional differences in biophysical properties between facial sites are observed. Technological advances in dermatological research allow a quantitative study of the biophysical qualities of the face and its relation to skin elsewhere. However, comprehensive studies examining inter-regional variations using each of the six standard biophysical parameters have been few. We summarize findings on the biophysical parameters used to explore the human face as well as regional differences in skin reactivity to chemical irritants. Methods: We performed a literature search using Pubmed, Embase, Science Citations Index, and the UCSF's dermatological library on biophysical parameters and skin physiology pertaining to the human face. Results: Distinct regional differences in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), capacitance, blood flow, sebum, pH, and temperature were demonstrated in facial skin. However, studies cannot be compared with each other because each uses different anatomical sites, skin conditions, and measurement techniques. Intraregional differences in TEWL, sebum, and temperatures were observed

Full-Body Skin Mapping for Six Biophysical Parameters: Baseline Values at 16 Anatomical Sites in 125 Human Subjects

“…In addition, cutaneous microcirculation and subcutaneous and abdominal fat distribution play an important role in thermoregulation and skin surface temperature as reported previously [45,46] . There is no established explanation for the right-to-left difference in the temperature found in all measured sites.…”

“…In addition, the cheek and the forehead skin showed the highest erythema indices. Beyond UV exposure, the more intense redness at these sites can be the result of the denser networks of blood vessels [44,45] .…”

Age-Related Changes in Male Skin: Quantitative Evaluation of One Hundred and Fifty Male Subjects

“…Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum (SC) hydration, sebum content and pH values were assessed using worldwide-accepted biophysical measuring methods. Due to the variability of the skin at different body sites [9], all factors were assessed at the forehead, cheek, neck, volar forearm and dorsum of the hand.…”

Effectiveness of Cerium Nitrate–Silver Sulfadiazine in the Treatment of Facial Burns

“…The face has unique biophysical properties 37 and is a difficult area for wound dressing. Consequently, the impact of thermal energy and treatment are not the same as in other body parts.…”