Assessment of cumulative exposure to UVA through the study of asymmetrical facial skin aging

Abstract

Background

Published studies assessing whether asymmetrical facial ultraviolet light exposure leads to underlying differences in skin physiology and morphology report only clinical observations. The aim of this study was to assess the visual impact on the skin of repeated ultraviolet-A (UVA) exposure through a window.

Methods

Eight women and two men presenting with asymmetrical signs of photoaging due to overexposure of one side of their face to the sun through a window over a long period of time were enrolled in the study. Split-face biometrologic assessments were performed (clinical scoring, hydration with Corneometer^®, mechanical properties with Cutometer^®, transepidermal water loss with AquaFlux^®, skin relief with fringe projection, photography, stripping, and then lipid peroxidation analysis).

Results

Significant differences were observed in clinical scores for wrinkles, skin roughness assessed by fringe projection on the cheek, and skin heterogeneity assessed with spectrocolorimetry on the cheekbone. Other differences were observed for skin hydration, as well as skin laxity, which tended towards significance.

Discussion

This study suggests the potential benefit of daily UVA protection during nondeliberate exposure indoors as well as outside.

Keywords:

• UVA
• asymmetry
• photodamage
• skin aging

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Dr Raphaëlle Guerre-Schmidt, Céline Thiébaut, Cécile Tarrit, Perrine Mermet, and Elisabeth Homassel for their contribution to this study. The volunteers who participated gave their written consent to allow their photos to be published, even though they are identifiable.

Disclosure

This research was funded by the Boots Company.