Development and application of artificial intelligence-based facial skin image diagnosis system: Changes in facial skin characteristics with ageing in Korean women.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate an artificial intelligence (AI)-based diagnostic system for analysing facial skin images using expert judgements and explore its feasibility for skin ageing research, specifically by evaluating facial skin changes in Korean women of various ages. METHODS: Our AI-based facial skin diagnosis system (Dr. AMORE®) uses facial images of Korean women to analyse wrinkles, pigmentation, skin pores, and other skin red spots. The system is trained using clinical expert evaluations and deep learning. We assessed the system's precision and sensitivity by analysing the correlation between the diagnoses by the AI system and those of the experts. We used 120 images of Korean women aged 10-60 years to evaluate the changes in various facial skin characteristics with ageing. RESULTS: The precision and sensitivity of the developed system were excellent (>0.9%), and the diagnosis scores using the detected area and intensity of each item were correlated significantly higher with the visual evaluation results of the clinical experts (>0.8, p < 0.001). We also analysed facial images of Korean women aged 10-60 years to quantify changes in the scores of wrinkles, pigmentation, and skin pores with age. We identified the age group with the most significant changes as 20s to 30s. Analysis of the detailed skin characteristics of each item showed that wrinkles and pigmentation changed significantly in the 20s-30s, and skin pores increased significantly in the 10s-20s. There was no significant correlation with age or change according to the age group for skin red spots. CONCLUSION: Developed AI-based facial skin diagnosis system can automatically diagnose skin conditions based on clinical expert judgement using only photographic images and analyse various items in detail, quantitatively, and visually. This AI system can provide new and useful approaches in research areas that require a lot of resources and different characterizations, such as the study of facial skin ageing.

OBJECTIF: Développer et valider un système de diagnostic basé sur l'intelligence artificielle (IA) pour analyser les images de la peau du visage à l'aide de jugements d'experts et explorer sa faisabilité pour la recherche sur le vieillissement de la peau, en particulier en évaluant les changements de la peau du visage chez les femmes Coréennes de différents âges. MÉTHODES: Notre système de diagnostic de la peau du visage basé sur l'intelligence artificielle (Dr. AMORE®) utilise des images du visage de femmes Coréennes pour analyser les rides, la pigmentation, les pores de la peau et d'autres taches rouges de la peau. Le système est entraîné à l'aide d'évaluations d'experts cliniques et de l'apprentissage profond. Nous avons évalué la précision et la sensibilité du système en analysant la corrélation entre les diagnostics du système d'IA et ceux des experts. Nous avons utilisé 120 images de femmes coréennes âgées de 10 à 60 ans pour évaluer les changements de diverses caractéristiques de la peau du visage avec le vieillissement. RÉSULTATS: la précision et la sensibilité du système développé étaient excellentes (>0.9%), et les scores de diagnostic utilisant la zone détectée et l'intensité de chaque élément étaient corrélés de manière significativement plus élevée avec les résultats de l'évaluation visuelle des experts cliniques (>.8, p < 0.001). Nous avons également analysé des images du visage de femmes coréennes âgées de 10 à 60 ans afin de quantifier les changements dans les scores des rides, de la pigmentation et des pores de la peau avec l'âge. Nous avons identifié le groupe d'âge présentant les changements les plus significatifs comme étant celui des 20­30 ans. L'analyse des caractéristiques détaillées de la peau pour chaque élément a montré que les rides et la pigmentation changeaient de manière significative chez les 20­30 ans, et que les pores de la peau augmentaient de manière significative chez les 10­20 ans. Il n'y avait pas de corrélation significative avec l'âge ou de changement en fonction du groupe d'âge pour les taches rouges de la peau. CONCLUSION: Le système de diagnostic de la peau du visage basé sur l'IA peut diagnostiquer automatiquement les affections cutanées sur la base d'un jugement d'expert clinique en utilisant uniquement des images photographiques et analyser divers éléments en détail, quantitativement et visuellement. Ce système d'IA peut fournir des approches nouvelles et utiles dans des domaines de recherché qui nécessitent beaucoup de ressources et de caractérisations différentes, comme l'étude du vieillissement de la peau du visage.

Study for skin gloss perception using computer modulation and frequency separation on surface reflection.

OBJECTIVE: Skin gloss is a parameter of beauty and health and is used to evaluate the efficacy of makeup or skin care products. Skin gloss is a perception-based characteristic, which yet needs to be evaluated quantitatively and objectively. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the perception of matte, glossiness and greasiness on Korean women's skin, focusing on the effect of surface reflection. METHODS: In this study, a visual evaluation of skin gloss was performed using modulated images that combined facial reference (normal) images with images characterized by 64 different levels of surface reflection to investigate factors that might affect the perception of matte, glossy and greasy skin. Fifteen participants classified the respective images into three categories (matte, glossy and greasy), and the intensity of each image was rated using a three-point scale (weak, moderate or strong). A multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed using 960 data points (n = 64 × 15). A high-frequency average + 1 standard deviation (SD = 4) was set as the criterion for a highly glossy object. RESULTS: A significant difference was found between the three categories considering four parameters: low-frequency mean (LFM) and SD (LFSD) and high-frequency mean (HFM) and SD (HFSD). The results of the multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that LFM and HFSD were significant influencing factors for perceiving matte, glossiness and greasiness. As the LFM and HFSD of the images increased, perception changed from matte, to glossy and greasy. Further, the total number and total area of highly glossy objects were significantly different among the three categories. CONCLUSION: We identified four different factors related to perceiving matte, glossiness and greasiness on the faces of Korean women, including the LFM and HFSD of surface reflection, as well as the number of highly glossy objects and the area of surface reflection. Furthermore, we identified evenness of shine as a key factor for the perception of greasiness. These parameters could be useful for distinguishing skin gloss and for a quantitative evaluation of greasiness.

OBJECTIF: L'éclat de la peau est un paramètre de beauté et de santé, et est utilisé pour évaluer l'efficacité des produits de maquillage ou de soins de la peau. L'éclat de la peau est une caractéristique basée sur la perception, qui doit pourtant être évaluée quantitativement et objectivement. Cette étude visait à examiner les facteurs affectant la perception de la matité, de l'éclat et du caractère graisseux sur la peau de femmes coréennes, en se concentrant sur l'effet de la réflexion de surface. MÉTHODES: Dans cette étude, une évaluation visuelle de l'éclat de la peau a été réalisée à l'aide d'images modulées combinant des images de référence du visage (normales) et des images caractérisées par 64 niveaux différents de réflexion de surface afin d'étudier les facteurs susceptibles d'affecter la perception d'une peau mate, brillante et grasse. Quinze participants ont classé les images respectives en trois catégories (peau mate, brillante et grasse), et l'intensité de chaque image a été évaluée sur une échelle de trois points (faible, modérée ou forte). Une analyse de régression logistique multinomiale a été réalisée à partir de 960 points de données (n = 64 x 15). Une moyenne de haute fréquence + 1 écart type (ET = 4) a été définie comme critère pour un objet très brillant. RÉSULTATS: Une différence significative a été constatée entre les trois catégories en tenant compte de quatre paramètres : la moyenne des basses fréquences (MBF) et l'ET (ETBF), et la moyenne des hautes fréquences (MHF) et l'ET (ETHF). Les résultats de l'analyse de régression logistique multinomiale ont montré que la MBF et l'ETHF étaient des facteurs d'influence significatifs pour percevoir la matité, l'éclat et le caractère graisseux. Au fur et à mesure que la MBF et l'ETHF des images augmentaient, la perception passait de « mate ¼ à « brillante ¼ et « grasse ¼. En outre, le nombre total et la surface totale des objets très brillants étaient significativement différents dans les trois catégories. CONCLUSION: Nous avons identifié quatre facteurs différents liés à la perception de la matité, de l'éclat et du caractère graisseux sur le visage de femmes coréennes, notamment la MBF et l'ETHF de la réflexion de surface, ainsi que le nombre d'objets très brillants et la zone de la réflexion de surface. En outre, nous avons identifié l'uniformité de l'éclat comme un facteur clé de la perception du caractère graisseux. Ces paramètres pourraient être utiles pour distinguer l'éclat de la peau et pour une évaluation quantitative du caractère graisseux.

Skin characteristics following repeated exposure to simulated outdoor and indoor summer temperatures in South Korea and Southeast Asia.

BACKGROUND: Although changes in skin depend on the external environment, researchers have performed only a few studies on effect of the actual environment. Most studies have researched skin characterization based on changes in the humidity or temperature. AIM/OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate changes in the skin based on the difference in indoor and outdoor temperatures and humidity during summer in South Korea and Southeast Asia. METHODS: Twenty-two female participants aged 25-39 years were included. Skin hydration, sebum (cheek, forehead), colour, transparency and pores of the participants were measured after a 30-min exposure to high temperature and high humidity (HTHH) environment and a 30-min exposure to low temperature and low humidity (LTLH) environment. Subsequently, exposure to HTHH environment for 30 min +LTLH environment for 30 min was performed after a total of 1 h and repeated. RESULTS: Repeated exposure to HTHH and LTLH environments increased the skin's sebum content and haemoglobin index. Additionally, skin elasticity was significantly reduced, with patients in their 30 s showing greater changes than those in their 20 s. CONCLUSION: Repeated differences in temperature and humidity cause skin ageing, loosen skin vessels and reduce skin elasticity, thereby leading to skin ageing.

CONTEXTE: Bien que les changements cutanés dépendent de l'environnement extérieur, les chercheurs n'ont réalisé que quelques études sur l'effet réel de cet environnement. La plupart des études ont examiné les caractéristiques de la peau en fonction des changements d'humidité ou de température. BUT/OBJECTIF: Cette étude visait à évaluer les changements de la peau en fonction de la différence de température et d'humidité à l'intérieur et à l'extérieur pendant l'été en Corée du Sud et en Asie du Sud-Est. MÉTHODES: Vingt-deux femmes âgées de 25 à 39 ans ont participé. L'hydratation de la peau, le sébum (joues, front), la couleur, la transparence et les pores des participants ont été mesurés après une exposition de 30 min à une température élevée et à un environnement à forte humidité (« high temperature and high humidity ¼, HTHH) et une exposition de 30 min à une température faible et à un environnement à faible humidité (« low temperature and low humidity ¼, LTLH). Par la suite, l'exposition à l'environnement HTHH pendant 30 min + environnement LTLH pendant 30 min a été effectuée après une durée de 1 h, puis répétée. RÉSULTATS: L'exposition répétée aux environnements HTHH et LTLH a augmenté la teneur en sébum et l'indice d'hémoglobine de la peau. En outre, l'élasticité de la peau était significativement réduite, les patientes ayant dépassé la trentaine montrant des changements plus importants que celles dans la vingtaine. CONCLUSION: Les variations répétées de température et d'humidité provoquent le relâchement des vaisseaux cutanés et réduisent l'élasticité de la peau, aboutissant ainsi au vieillissement de la peau.

Perception of the blue light effect on Korean women's faces using the blue pearl pigment.

BACKGROUND: Transparent-looking skin is an objective of facial makeup products. However, this effect of makeup products has not been investigated to Korean women's faces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the perception of blue light on women's faces using the blue pearl pigment. We compared colors and/or spectra of naked skin, standard makeup powder foundation (standard foundation), and test makeup powder foundations containing the blue pearl pigment 10% (w/w) (pearl foundation) or (ultramarine blue) blue pigment 0.2% (w/w) (pigment foundation) on real women's faces (n = 6) using spectrophotometry and facial image analysis. A self-administered questionnaire showed facial images (n = 3) with applied makeup powder foundations on computer monitor (n = 35); evaluated items were blooming, transparency, smoothness, gloss, and vitality. RESULTS: In vivo, the pearl foundation showed significantly lower b* values (degree of yellowness) than did naked skin, and pigment foundation and the samples also showed significantly higher reflection of blue light (410-490 nm) than did naked skin, standard foundation, or pigment foundation. In image analysis, the image with the pearl foundation showed significantly lower quasi-b* value. On the self-administered questionnaire, the results showed that the pearl foundation had a significantly higher grade than did naked skin, standard foundation, or pigment foundation at all evaluation items: blooming, transparency, smoothness, gloss, and vitality. CONCLUSION: Blue pearl pigment creates the perception of blue light effect, including transparency and gloss in Korean women.

A study of skin characteristics with long-term sleep restriction in Korean women in their 40s.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated increased pore size and darkening skin color with total sleep deprivation. There are many studies of skin characteristics with short-term sleep restriction, but there are few studies on skin characteristics when sleep is restricted more than three consecutive days. This study evaluated skin changes with sleep limited to 4 hours per night for six nights. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 32 Korean women in their 40s. Skin hydration, desquamation, barrier recovery, texture, gloss, transparency, elasticity, crow's feet, frown lines, and color were measured. Individual sleep time was monitored by smartwatches. Subjects slept 8 hours per night for six nights in week one and 4 hours per night for six nights in week two. RESULTS: Skin hydration was significantly reduced after 1 day of sleep deprivation, and it continued to decrease. Skin gloss, desquamation, transparency, elasticity, and wrinkles were significantly aggravated after 1 day of sleep deprivation. Skin texture was significantly aggravated on the fourth day of sleep restriction. Elasticity was most affected by reduced sleep, with a standardized coefficient of -.320, indicating a significant decrease over time as compared to other characteristics. CONCLUSION: Skin hydration was gradually decreased with sleep restriction. Skin texture did not change after only 1 day of sleep restriction. It is a new finding that elasticity decreases more than other skin characteristics with prolonged sleep restriction.

A study of skin characteristics according to humidity during sleep.

INTRODUCTION: During sleep, the skin is exposed to various environments for example low or high humidity and temperature. And the average of 7-8 hours of sleeping in those situations can affect skin condition. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine skin characteristics according to humidity during sleep. METHOD: Eleven healthy women in their ages of 20s and 30s were controlled. They slept more than 7 hours at lower than 30% relative humidity (RH) environment on the first day and at higher than 70% on the second day. The room temperature was controlled to 22 ± 5°C. Three measurement points were (a) before for sleep (after wash), (b) after 7 hours sleep (morning), and (c) after wash. Skin hydration, sebum secretion, and trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured. The statistical significance was determined at P < 0.05. RESULT: After 7 hours of sleep in 30% RH condition, skin hydration decreased by 24.23% significantly, but there was no significant difference after sleeping in 70% RH. The sebum level was increased after sleep at 30% RH. The TEWL did not show differences according to the humidity during sleep but significantly increased after facial cleansing in 30% RH sleeping condition. DISCUSSION: In this study, we confirmed that the changes in skin characteristics may be affected by humidity during sleep. When sleeping in dry environment, skin hydration decreases but the amount of sebum increases to compensate for skin dryness. Therefore, this study might suggest how to care the skin before sleep depending on the room humidity.

Age-related changes in lip morphological and physiological characteristics in Korean women.

OBJECTIVE: Age-related changes in lip morphological and physiological characteristics are key indices for estimating age based on facial features, as reported in many studies. Yet, a majority of studies have focused on Caucasian individuals, with few studies characterizing these changes in Asian female populations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate lip morphological and physiological characteristics in a cohort of Korean women. METHODS: A total of 114 volunteers participated in the study. Linear distances (length of philtrum, length of lip, width of lip, and lengths of lower and upper oral commissures), angle of the upper lip, 3D lip heights, and wrinkles were calculated and averaged for each age-group. We also measured lip color, hydration, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and blood flow. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.0 (significance level P < 0.05). RESULTS: Length of the philtrum and lip width significantly increased with age while upper and lower lip lengths and length of the lower oral commissure significantly decreased with age. The angle of the upper lip tended to decrease with age, but this finding was no significance. Three-dimensional height of the upper lip, wrinkles, and TEWL also decreased with age while hydration increased with age. Finally, redness of the upper and lower lips as well as blood flow significantly decreased with age. CONCLUSION: Lips tended to shorten in length and widen with age, resulting in a thinner and longer appearance. With regard to physiological parameters, there were important age-related changes in hydration and lip color.

Single cystathionine ß-synthase domain-containing proteins modulate development by regulating the thioredoxin system in Arabidopsis.

Plant thioredoxins (Trxs) participate in two redox systems found in different cellular compartments: the NADP-Trx system (NTS) in the cytosol and mitochondria and the ferredoxin-Trx system (FTS) in the chloroplast, where they function as redox regulators by regulating the activity of various target enzymes. The identities of the master regulators that maintain cellular homeostasis and modulate timed development through redox regulating systems have remained completely unknown. Here, we show that proteins consisting of a single cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS) domain pair stabilize cellular redox homeostasis and modulate plant development via regulation of Trx systems by sensing changes in adenosine-containing ligands. We identified two CBS domain-containing proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana, CBSX1 and CBSX2, which are localized to the chloroplast, where they activate all four Trxs in the FTS. CBSX3 was found to regulate mitochondrial Trx members in the NTS. CBSX1 directly regulates Trxs and thereby controls H(2)O(2) levels and regulates lignin polymerization in the anther endothecium. It also affects plant growth by regulating photosynthesis-related [corrected] enzymes, such as malate dehydrogenase, via homeostatic regulation of Trxs. Based on our findings, we suggest that the CBSX proteins (or a CBS pair) are ubiquitous redox regulators that regulate Trxs in the FTS and NTS to modulate development and maintain homeostasis under conditions that are threatening to the cell.

Evaluation of changes in skin characteristics due to the poor quality of sleep caused by smartphone usage.

BACKGROUND: Blue wavelengths are thought to have an effect on circadian rhythms. Using a smartphone, which emits a 453 nm blue light, can worsen the quality of sleep. AIMS: To study the skin changes caused by poor sleep quality induced by smartphone usage. METHODS: The participants were 22 Korean women aged 20-39 years, with no sleep problems and a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score of <5. The participants used a smartphone for 2 h before normal sleep hours. The measurement points were as follows: after a good sleep (D0), after bad sleep day 1 (D1), after bad sleep day 3 (D3), and after bad sleep day 7 (D7). The sleep time, wake-up time, shallow sleep rate, and sleeping time duration were recorded using a smartwatch. RESULTS: The quality of their sleep deteriorated. The average time of falling asleep extended to 2 a.m., which was about 34 min later. Additionally, their skin moisture content decreased, and sebum content increased. Skin desquamation was increased, and skin gloss, transparency, and elasticity decreased mainly on the skin surface. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep quality decreases with smartphone usage among people who do not usually use their smartphones before going to sleep and do not have any sleep problems. The results showed significant changes in skin optics and surface properties when the quality of sleep was degraded for 7 days.

Quantitative evaluation of facial sagging in different body postures using a three-dimensional imaging technique.

BACKGROUND: The possible contribution of head flexion posture while using a smartphone to the formation of "smartphone face," is an increasing concern. Smartphone face describes the facial changes in a stooped posture receiving more gravitational pull on the jowl area. AIMS: In this study, we quantified facial sagging in different postural changes using a three-dimensional imaging technique. METHODS: Faces of 21 young (30.45 ± 2.81 yo, n = 11) and old (59.50 ± 3.37 yo, n = 10) Korean female subjects were scanned in different body postures including standing, supine, and head flexion (30°, 45°). The landmark displacements and volumetric changes in facial areas were assessed and correlated with skin elasticity. In addition, 22 Korean female subjects (45.45 ± 3.81 yo) were recruited to test the anti-gravity effect of facial cream A, which was formulated with Stem III complex™, for 8 weeks. RESULTS: The landmarks shifted inferior-laterally with the supine posture, while the upper face shifted more laterally and the lower face shifted more inferiorly. With a head flexion posture, facial sagging occurred mainly toward the anterior direction with more prominent changes in the lower face. The changes were greater in the older group, and skin elasticity exhibited negative correlation with the shifting distances. A significant decrease in facial sagging was noted after an 8-week treatment of facial cream A. CONCLUSION: The use of a three-dimensional imaging technique could accurately assess the gravity-induced facial changes in different postures. The head flexion posture particularly gives more gravitational pull to the lower face, which could contribute to the drooping jawline.

An evaluation of the effects of makeup on perceived age based on skin color in Korean women.

BACKGROUND: Makeup has been shown to increase women's attractiveness, perceived femininity, and self-confidence and reduce their perceived age. Some of these results were caused by facial contrast and visible skin color. However, they did not investigate makeup benefit by focusing skin color change. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the benefit of makeup in reducing perceived age by focusing on only skin color, based on the age-related changes in several skin color parameters (mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis), and attempted to discover the indications for youthful-looking skin color. METHODS: A total of 174 Korean women aged 20-69 years participated in this study. Their digital facial images were cropped on the cheek area, standard Red green Blue data were transformed to Quasi-L*a*b*, and the statistical parameters of individual Quasi-L*a*b* data were calculated. Fourteen volunteers aged 30-45 years wore liquid-type makeup. The perceived age was assessed by 11 clinical evaluation researchers with a LCD monitor. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0, with a significance level of P < 0.05. RESULTS: According to a multiple regression analysis, unevenness in skin color, skin lightness, and skewness in skin yellowness significantly affected the participants' perceived age; the most important factor was the unevenness in skin yellowness in Korean women. The evaluated and calculated with the regression equation perceived age were decreased after makeup was applied. CONCLUSIONS: The makeup can reduce women's perceived age by correcting the skin's color, and it can show youthful skin properties such as a lighter and more homogenous color with less chroma.

Comparison of skin properties in individuals living in cities at two different altitudes: an investigation of the environmental effect on skin.

BACKGROUND: Skin properties vary depending on exogenous factors. Various studies have been used for comparing skin properties between cities for studying environment influence on skin properties. However, for comparison of skin properties between cities, various environmental factors have to be considered. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study therefore was to compare skin properties in individuals of the same ethnicity and sex (Indonesian women) between different altitudes and to interpret the environmental effect on skin. METHODS: In this study, we reanalyzed the data obtained from previous study. The data were for healthy Sundanese Indonesian females [(n = 136) at Jakarta (n = 49) and Bandung (n = 87)], and the data consisted of published data (skin hydration, sebum level, pH, elasticity, and transepidermal water loss) and unpublished data [skin color (L*, a*, and b*)]. The skin parameters were measured on Indonesian females aged 20-34 using C+K devices (corneometer, sebumeter, pH meter, and cutometer), Delfin vapometer, and Minolta spectrophotometer, respectively. RESULTS: Sundanese Jakarta (low-altitude) females had higher sebum level and greater redness (a*) value in the forehead than Sundanese Bandung (high-altitude) females. In contrast, Bandung females had higher skin pH, brighter skin color, and greater forehead skin elasticity than Jakarta females. CONCLUSIONS: The skin properties can be influenced by changing altitude because different altitudes have different environments such as air temperature, humidity, UV radiation, and so on, and it is also necessary to investigate the factors which can influence with perceived skin condition such as skin type and skin concerning.

Structural basis for the recognition of N-end rule substrates by the UBR box of ubiquitin ligases.

The N-end rule pathway is a regulated proteolytic system that targets proteins containing destabilizing N-terminal residues (N-degrons) for ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation in eukaryotes. The N-degrons of type 1 substrates contain an N-terminal basic residue that is recognized by the UBR box domain of the E3 ubiquitin ligase UBR1. We describe structures of the UBR box of Saccharomyces cerevisiae UBR1 alone and in complex with N-degron peptides, including that of the cohesin subunit Scc1, which is cleaved and targeted for degradation at the metaphase-anaphase transition. The structures reveal a previously unknown protein fold that is stabilized by a novel binuclear zinc center. N-terminal arginine, lysine or histidine side chains of the N-degron are coordinated in a multispecific binding pocket. Unexpectedly, the structures together with our in vitro biochemical and in vivo pulse-chase analyses reveal a previously unknown modulation of binding specificity by the residue at position 2 of the N-degron.