Comparison of skin color between two Asian populations: according to latitude and UV exposure

Abstract

Subjective phototype self-assessment showed similar results in Korean and Cantonese. However, objective skin color parameters differed between the two populations. Koreans, who live at a higher latitude and get relatively little sun exposure, have lighter skin color than the Cantonese and burn easily upon UV exposure.

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

“…Measurements were obtained in CIE XYZ coordinates and then converted to CIE LAB space to extract the three perceptual attributes L*, a*, b*: L* expresses color brightness, a* represents the changes along a green‐red axis (redness), and b* indicates the changes from blue to yellow (yellowness) . The individual typology angle ITA was defined as the degree of skin pigmentation calculated using L* and b* . The mean values of the L*, a*, b* and ITA were 60.85, 11.53, 14.52 and 36.4°, respectively, and female participants had higher brightness and ITA values and lower redness value than male participants (Table ).…”

“…We used another type of skin reflectance instrument for the determination of skin color: a tristimulus colorimeter (Colorimeter CL 400) individual typology angle ITA was defined as the degree of skin pigmentation calculated using L* and b*. 15 The mean values of the L*, a*, b* and ITA were 60.85, 11.53, 14.52 and 36.4°, respectively, and female participants had higher brightness and ITA values and lower redness value than male participants (Table 1). The characterizations of these four parameters diversified on different facial areas.…”

Hydrochlorothiazide use and the risk of skin cancer in patients with hypertensive disorder: a nationwide retrospective cohort study from Korea

“…Ultraviolet (UV) exposure is an established risk factor for skin cancer. The incidence rate of skin cancer highly depends on skin phenotype and geographic variations, which determine the amount of UV reaching the papillary dermis and is much lower in Asians compared to Caucasians [3][4][5][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. Therefore, several factors, including ethnic and geographic variation, must be considered when interpreting data associated with skin cancer.…”

Investigation of suitable starting doses of narrowband UVB in Asian vitiligo patients: a pilot study

“…Fitzpatrick SPT is a grading system based on white Caucasian skin . While a diverse range of SPT can be observed in Koreans, the majority of Koreans fall within SPT II‐V . MED values in Koreans are also distributed over a wide range, as low as 223 mJ/cm 2 to 600–900 mJ/cm …”

“…4 While a diverse range of SPT can be observed in Koreans, the majority of Koreans fall within SPT II-V. [5][6][7][8] MED values in Koreans are also distributed over a wide range, as low as 223 mJ/cm 2 to 600-900 mJ/cm. [6][7][8] Currently, there is no optimal starting dose for Asian patients in vitiligo treatment. Nevertheless, a guideline for phototherapy is crucial to prevent treatment prolongation or long-term adverse effects from phototherapy.…”