Skin characteristics following repeated exposure to simulated outdoor and indoor summer temperatures in South Korea and Southeast Asia.

Abstract

Although changes in skin depend on the external environment, researchers have performed only a few studies on effect of the actual environment. Most studies have researched skin characterization based on changes in the humidity or temperature. This study aimed to evaluate changes in the skin based on the difference in indoor and outdoor temperatures and humidity during summer in South Korea and Southeast Asia. Twenty-two female participants aged 25-39years were included. Skin hydration, sebum (cheek, forehead), colour, transparency and pores of the participants were measured after a 30-min exposure to high temperature and high humidity (HTHH) environment and a 30-min exposure to low temperature and low humidity (LTLH) environment. Subsequently, exposure to HTHH environment for 30min +LTLH environment for 30min was performed after a total of 1h and repeated. Repeated exposure to HTHH and LTLH environments increased the skin's sebum content and haemoglobin index. Additionally, skin elasticity was significantly reduced, with patients in their 30s showing greater changes than those in their 20s. Repeated differences in temperature and humidity cause skin ageing, loosen skin vessels and reduce skin elasticity, thereby leading to skin ageing.