The effect of air pollution on the skin colour and tone of Chinese women: A multicentre cohort study.

BACKGROUND Overall facial skin colour is an important sign of perceived health and attractiveness, is predetermined by genetic factors, and is influenced by cultural and living habits, ultraviolet (UV) exposure, climate/seasons and ageing. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of pollution on the skin colour of Chinese women. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 203 Chinese women between 20 and 59 years of age participated in the study and were selected from two cities with different levels of air pollution. Skin colour (L*, a* and b* values), melanin and haemoglobin levels were measured at three sites: the cheek, eye and inner upper arm. Measurements of the inner upper arm were taken as this area of skin was exposed to air pollutants but had minimal exposure to UV light. RESULTS There were significant differences in skin chromophores between Chinese women living in two different cities with different levels of pollution. The b* value (yellowness) was higher in the eye and cheek region, and the a* value (redness) was lower in the cheek and arm region for women in the moderately polluted city. The melanin index was significantly higher, and the haemoglobin level was lower for the eye region for women living in the city with a higher level of air pollution. CONCLUSION This study has shown that air pollution may negatively affect the skin colour of Chinese women.