Ann Dermatol.  2019 Apr;31(2):175-185. 10.5021/ad.2019.31.2.175.

Different Cosmetic Habits Can Affect the Biophysical Profile of Facial Skin: A Study of Korean and Chinese Women

• Lee JS
• Ha J
• Shin K
• Kim H
• Cho S

• KMID: 2439063
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2019.31.2.175

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Previous studies on the age-, climate, and skin care habit-related changes of biophysical parameters have mainly focused on Caucasians, and studies on Asians are in paucity.
OBJECTIVE
This study was aimed to investigate the variations of cutaneous biophysical parameters in Chinese and Korean women (northeast Asians) and to assess the association between those parameters and age, climate, and cosmetic habits.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study included 361 healthy Chinese and Korean women between 18 and 49 years of age in 4 cities (Guangzhou, Nanjing, and Shijiazhuang in China, and Suwon in Korea). We measured skin surface temperature, hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum, elasticity, skin pore, wrinkle, and skin tone (brightness) using non-invasive instruments. Demographic profiles and cosmetic habits were assessed using a questionnaire.
RESULTS
Skin elasticity and tone decreased, and pore size and wrinkle increased with age. Subjects in Suwon (Korean) showed higher hydration level, lower TEWL and lower sebum, less severe wrinkle and brighter skin than those in the 3 cities in China. After adjusting for age and region, using sunscreen everyday, wearing base makeup daily, and using moisturizers improved hydration, TEWL, and elasticity significantly.
CONCLUSION
Women in Suwon (Korea) were found to have a better profile of biophysical parameters than women in the 3 Chinese cities, which might be attributed to cosmetic habits, besides age and climatic factors. The fact that appropriate cosmetic habits are associated with favorable skin biophysical parameters underscores the importance of daily skin care routine in preserving skin functions.

Keyword

Aging; Asian; Biophysical parameters; Climate; Cosmetics

MeSH Terms

Aging
Asian Continental Ancestry Group*
China
Climate
Cross-Sectional Studies
Elasticity
Female
Gyeonggi-do
Humans
Sebum
Skin Care
Skin Pigmentation
Skin*
Water
Water

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The location of 4 cities on the map.

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  Fig. 2 Variation of biophysical parameters according to age. (A~D) Skin surface temperature, hydration level, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and sebum excretion showed very weak strength of determination coefficient (R-squared, R2). (E, F, and H) Skin elasticity and skin tone decreased and skin pore increased with age, and they showed weak strength of determination coefficient. (G) Wrinkle incresed with age and showed moderate strength of determination coefficient.

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  Fig. 3 Variation of biophysical parameters according to geographical region. (A, C) Skin surface temperature of the cheek and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were lowest in Suwon compared to the 3 cities in China. (B) Hydration level was higher in warm cities (Guangzhou and Nanjing) than cold cities (Shijiazhuang and Suwon); in each city group, Nanjing and Suwon, cities which are more humid, demonstrated much higher hydration level. (D) Sebum excretion was higher in warm cities than cold cities. (E, F) Skin elasticity and pore size were not significantly different among the 4 cities. (G, H) The severity of wrinkle was the mildest and skin tone brightest in Suwon compared to the 3 cities in China. **p<0.01, ***p<0.001. Error bar indicates a 95% confidence interval.

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  Fig. 4 Cosmetic habits according to geographical region. (A~C) Subjects in Suwon had the greatest tendency to use sunscreen everyday and to use sunscreen with high SPF and PA index. (D) A majority of the subjects were shown to wear base makeup daily, with the highest percentage in Suwon. (E) Subjects in Suwon tended to use heavier moisturizers than the 3 cities of China, such as a combined use of toner and cream, or toner, lotion, and cream. T: toner, C: cream, L: lotion. SPF: sun protection factor, PA: protection grade of ultraviolet A.

• 

  Fig. 5 Variations of biophysical parameters according to cosmetic habit. (A) Use of sunscreen either sometimes or everyday was associated with low sebum excretion. Use of sunscreen everyday was related to high elasticity. (B) Wearing base makeup daily was linked to high hydration level and low transepidermal water loss (TEWL). (C) Either use of light or heavy moisturizers was associated with high hydration level and low TEWL, with no significant difference between the two types of moisturizers. (D) Use of heavy moisturizers was related to high elasticity. *p<0.05, **p<0.01, †Include use of lotion only, and a combined use of toner and lotion, ‡Include use of cream only, and a combined use of toner and cream, lotion and cream, and toner, lotion, and cream. Error bar indicates a 95% confidence interval.

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