Facial Skin Biophysical Profile of Women in Malaysia: Significance of Facial Skincare Product Use

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> At present, there is a lack of baseline data on the facial skin biophysical profile of women in Malaysia. The implications related to the daily habits and facial skincare product use on the skin biophysical condition are, thus, unknown. In this study, we aim to evaluate facial skin biophysical parameters of Malaysian women and examine the influence of demographic characteristics, daily habits, and facial skincare product use on these parameters. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Four skin biophysical parameters – transepidermal water loss (TEWL), melanin content, elasticity, and collagen intensity – were assessed on the cheek of the subjects (20–60 years). Demographic background, daily habits, and skincare product use were gauged through a survey. Only 197 from the 213 subjects recruited initially were used for analysis after the data were screened for normality. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The biophysical parameters were similar in different races, except a higher melanin content in Indian female individuals. Elasticity and collagen intensity reduced with age, while melanin content increased in the older age-groups. But no difference was observed in TEWL at different ages. Evaluating the influence of daily habits, we observed that exercise significantly lowered TEWL and increased melanin content, which may be associated with UV radiation exposure. Facial skincare products are popular among the female subjects (>85% users). Products with moisturizing, sunscreening, and other skincare functions (astringent, antiaging, and anti-wrinkle) were preferred by subjects of all ages. These product functions significantly improve skin elasticity and reduce melanin content in the young adults. While aged women recognized the importance of having an additional skin-lightening function in their skincare routine. Although the influence of individual skincare function on skin biophysical parameters was mostly positive, the alteration of these parameters varied at different ages. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This is the first report of facial skin biophysical profile of Malaysian women. There is no difference among 3 major races saved for melanin content. This work demonstrated age-dependent influences on the biophysical parameters, except TEWL. The significance of skincare product use is well reflected in the improvement of these parameters at different age-groups based on individual skincare functions.

Diversity of Asian skin: A review on skin biophysical properties

“…Recently, Goh et al 74 . reported that Malaysian women have higher elasticity on the facial cheek than the females in the nearby countries as reported by Lee et al 73 .…”

“…reported a drop in elasticity and an increase in wrinkles with aging which are similar for all Asian subjects. Likewise, Goh et al 74 . also observed a reduced facial cheek elasticity and collagen with an increase in melanin content among elder Malaysian women.…”

“…Bae et al 60 reported a drop in elasticity and an increase in wrinkles with aging which are similar for all Asian subjects. Likewise, Goh et al 74 Apart from these, the influence of cosmetic habits and daily activities on the skin biophysical properties have also been reported.…”

“…Recently, Goh et al 74 reported that Malaysian women have higher elasticity on the facial cheek than the females in the nearby countries as reported by Lee et al 73 These Southeast Asian countries share a lot of similarities in terms of ethnicity and races, especially Malaysia and Singapore (was part of Malaysia before gaining independence in 1965). The populations in these two countries are majority Chinese, Malay and Indian.…”

“…that no difference was found in the skin water vapour loss (similar to TEWL) among different races in Singapore at the scapular region but the value was lower in females than males. Nevertheless, the study by Goh et al 74 . showed that the skin elasticity are still higher among Chinese women in Malaysia than Singapore (Lee et al 73 …”