Research article summary (published 20 Aug 2009):

Lifestyle factors and visible skin aging in a population of Japanese elders.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND: The number of studies that use objective and quantitative methods to evaluate facial skin aging in elderly people is extremely limited, especially in Japan. Therefore, in this cross-sectional study we attempted to characterize the condition of facial skin (hyperpigmentation, pores, texture, and wrinkling) in Japanese adults aged 65 years or older by using objective and quantitative imaging methods. In addition, we aimed to identify lifestyle factors significantly associated with these visible signs of aging. METHODS: The study subjects were 802 community-dwelling Japanese men and women aged at least 65 years and living in the town of Kurabuchi (Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan), a mountain community with a population of approximately 4800. The facial skin condition of subjects was assessed quantitatively using a standardized facial imaging system and subsequent computer image analysis. Lifestyle information was collected using a structured questionnaire. The association between skin condition and lifestyle factors was examined using multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS: Among women, the mean values for facial texture, hyperpigmentation, and pores were generally lower than those among age-matched men. There was no significant difference between sexes in the severity of facial wrinkling. Older age was associated with worse skin condition among women only. After adjusting for age, smoking status and topical sun protection were significantly associated with skin condition among both men and women. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed significant differences between sexes in the severity of hyperpigmentation, texture, and pores, but not wrinkling. Smoking status and topical sun protection were significantly associated with signs of visible skin aging in this study population.

Author information

Author/s: Asakura, Keiko (K); Nishiwaki, Yuji (Y); Milojevic, Ai (A); Michikawa, Takehiro (T); Kikuchi, Yuriko (Y); Nakano, Makiko (M); Iwasawa, Satoko (S); Hillebrand, Greg (G); Miyamoto, Kukizo (K); Ono, Masaji (M); Kinjo, Yoshihide (Y); Akiba, Suminori (S); Takebayashi, Toru (T);

Affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan. JZF01334(-atsign-)nifty.ne.jp

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Journal of epidemiology / Japan Epidemiological Association (J Epidemiol), published in Japan. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-; vol 19 (issue 5) : pp 251-9

Dates: Created 2009/09/07; Completed 2009/09/30;

PMID: 19700917, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 9/30/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Aged Aged, 80 and over Demography Esthetics Female Humans

Japan - epidemiology Life Style Male Questionnaires Risk Factors Skin Aging

Related articles

These are the highest related articles currently in the database:

• Intrinsic and extrinsic factors in skin ageing: a review. 30 Mar 2008
• Influence of chronic UV exposure and lifestyle on facial skin photo-aging--results from a pilot study. 29 Nov 1999
• Relative contribution of intrinsic vs extrinsic factors to skin aging as determined by a validated skin age score. 30 Oct 2002
• Risk factors of non-melanoma skin cancer in United States veterans patients: a pilot study and review of literature. 27 Feb 1999
• Photoprotection: where do we stand? 29 Nov 2006
• Skin ageing: a comparison between Chinese and European populations. A pilot study. 6 Sep 2005
• A mechanistic model for the aging of human skin. 30 Dec 2003

See 100+ related articles.

Related Article Map

Legend: - FREE Full text Article. - Abstract only. - Title only. More help.

See a large map of 100+ related articles.