In vivo evaluation of some biophysical parameters of the facial skin of Indian subjects living in Mumbai. Part II: Variability with age and gender

Abstract

Background

A previously published work explored the diversity of some biophysical parameters (colour, elasticity, sebum production, skin micro relief….) of the skin of 1204 Indian women, differently aged, living in 4 Indian cities (Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai). The present work aimed at completing such research by focusing on possible gender-related differences in the same skin parameters, between Indian men and women living in the same Indian city (Mumbai).

Methods

297 Indian men, differently aged (18-70y) were recruited in Mumbai, completing the panel of 303 women who were previously recruited in this same city. The same instrumental measurements of facial skin colour and its homogeneity, its mechanical properties, the sebum production, skin pores size, skin relief etc.. as in the previous work, were conducted.

Results

Overall, the facial skin colour shows a darker complexion in men as compared to women, on forehead, ocular region, lips, chin and cheek. The skin colour unevenness, which increases with age, was found higher in men, as compared to women. At comparable age, women and men present a same density of skin pores, whereas those of men appear larger, up to 55y. The deepness of Crow's feet wrinkles does not significantly differ between genders. A lesser extensibility was found on then cheeks of men. In men, the sebum production was found significantly higher than that of women at ages above 40y.

Conclusions

This work indicates some commonly shared age-related skin features between women and men from Mumbai, despite slight different characteristics such as skin pigmentation, forehead/cheek colour contrast, mechanical properties and sebum production.

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