Session 1 : What`s new in Skin Research ; The Building a Data Bank of Skin Characteristics by Country

The physiological characteristics of the skin are greatly affected not only by their races, gender, and habit but also by the climate and surrounding environments. This study aims to examine on geographical and racial differences in the characteristics of facial skin type, make-up styles, color preferences, and skin concerns. The collected data will be utilized as a database in studying optimally customized cosmetics for different countries and races. Our target panels are residents of the country who has been living in the country for at least 5 years, have interest in facial skin care, and are in the age of 20`s~50`s. The total of 400 panels (200 for each gender group, which consists of evenly numbered 4 age groups) will be recruited to participate in the study. 1. Study on basic skin characteristics by countries and races. To understand characteristics of skin, 10 kinds of skin measurement are conducted by using measurement equipment as well as visual evaluation by the specialists (Analyses on moisture level, amount of sebum, TEWL, elasticity, size of pores, skin brightness, pH, wrinkles, hair loss, and sensitivity) 2. Examine preferences in make-up products and habits of cosmetics usage. The survey consists of 60 questions regarding the participant`s habit of cosmetics usage and purchase, etc. (the panel`s demographic background, facial skin conditions, makeup habits, color preferences, hair products, cosmetics consumptions, and so on.) This study is part of the ongoing research project executed by government institution of the ministry of Health and Welfare in South Korea since 2011. The goal of this project is to establish the Data Bank of Skin Characteristics by studying the typical pattern of cosmetics usage and distinct skin characteristics of each race from seven countries (i.e. South Korea, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Malaysia). Based on the information gathered, it aims to build up the baseline data able to be used to develop customized cosmetics that are dermatologically optimal to each race in different countries.