Classification and influencing factors analysis of facial skin color in Chinese population

Background Subjective evaluation and quantitative analysis of skin color are very important both in dermatology and in cosmetology, but results of existing objective classifications tend to be incompatible to visual perception of skin color among females and males in China. Methods Skin color at four facial skin sites was measured in 409 volunteers with 219 males and 190 females aged 20-79 years. Ten observers with normal color vision assessed facial skin color of 205 subjects. The relationship between visual scores and Chardon's individual typology angle (ITA degrees) values was investigated. Then, the variations of color in different sub-groups were comprehensively discussed by skin color data of 409 volunteers. Results In order to better characterize Chinese skin color, the redness parameter must be added into the ITA formula. By comparing skin color of Chinese living in different environments or with different lifestyles, some factors not conducive to brightening skin have been identified. Conclusion This study indicated the different influence of skin color components on perceived brightness between Caucasian and Chinese. And skin color was significantly affected by related variables such as gender, age, working environment, and lifestyles. Therefore, this study suggests how to brighten skin color in daily life.