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

Abstract

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. 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 18-29years 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. 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. This study indicates that the young Chinese facial skin significantly varies with face anatomical regions and differs between genders.