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Introduction: Periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH) is among the commonest esthetic and dermatological complaints. Despite its frequency, there are inadequate information detailing its incidence and prevalence. This subsequently leads to lack of comprehensive POH classification and stratification of impact on an individual's general well-being. Malaysia, a multiracial country with an expansive expatriate population, provides a unique opportunity to identify demographics of POH and subsequently attempts to group this esthetic and dermatological entity. Objective: This study aims to develop a new and clinically relevant POH classification system and to measure impact on quality of life of POH individuals. Methods: One hundred patients with POH were enrolled, of which all underwent clinical assessment by a clinician. Objective assessment with mexameter and digital analysis were performed. All recruited patients also completed a questionnaire based on dermatology life quality index (DLQI). Results: Assessments noted the commonest type of POH among the subjects was vascular (51%) with the least being pigmentary (6%). The location of POH majority involved both the upper and lower eyelids (65%). DLQI scoring shows that a majority (58%) did not disrupt their quality of life. Conclusion: Vascular type POH was the frequent most form observed, and involvement tends to occur on both eyelids. A majority of noted that POH does not affect they QOL, but the due consideration must be given in those whom are moderately and minimally affected. A thorough and comprehensive holistic approach is required in managing POH despite its focal presentation as it does affect a patient's quality of life.

Ceramides plays a crucial role in maintaining skin barrier function. Although foregoing evidence supported beneficial effects of topical ceramides for restoration of the skin barrier, studies on oral ceramides are extremely scarce, with most published data collected from in vivo and in vitro models. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of rice ceramides (RC) supplementation to improve skin barrier function and as a depigmenting agent through comprehensive clinical assessments. This study investigated the beneficial effects of orally administered RC supplementation in 50 voluntary participants. Skin hydration, firmness and elasticity, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), melanin index (MI), erythema index (EI), sebum production, pH, and wrinkle severity were assessed at baseline and during monthly follow-up visits. RC supplementation was found to significantly (p < 0.01) improve skin hydration, sebum production, firmness and elasticity, and wrinkle severity for three assessed areas, namely the left cheek, dorsal neck, and right inner forearm. Additionally, RC significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the rates of TEWL, levels of MI and EI. Analyses of data indicated that participants at older age were more responsive towards the effect of RC supplementation. Our findings suggest that RC supplementation can effectively improve skin barrier function, reduce wrinkle severity, and reduce pigmentation.

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