We all know wrinkles can add years to your face—but what if the real secret to looking younger isn’t about fine lines and wrinkles at all? New research shows that uneven skin tone—like dark spots, redness, or patchy colouring, can make you look up to 20 years older, even if your skin is smooth!
Scientists found that when your skin has uneven patches of colour (from sun spots, broken capillaries, or irritation), people unconsciously perceive you as older. The good news? Fixing tone may be easier than fighting wrinkles, and the results can be dramatic.
This study reveals exactly how melanin (dark spots) and haemoglobin (redness) trick the eye—and how balancing them can help you look fresher, healthier, and younger.
NEW INSIGHTS INTO SKIN APPEARANCE AND MEASUREMENT
BACKGROUND
When viewing the human face, the eye is drawn automatically to the areas of uneven topography and high colour contrast, and the perception of skin age and attractiveness is dependent on these features.
Although it is well recognised that topographic features, such as lines and wrinkles, contribute to the perceived age of skin and many cosmetic procedures are directed toward modifying these, the contribution of colour contrast to the perceived age of skin has been less widely studied.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of colour contrast, particularly from melanin and haemoglobin, in the perception of age, health, and attractiveness in human skin.
METHOD
A new technique called spectrophotometric intracutaneous analysis (SIA) was utilised, which measures and characterises the distribution of chromophores in ageing human skin.
Two main approaches were used: contact SIA using a handheld scanner and non-contact SIA (NCS) utilising a calibrated digital camera and lighting system.
These techniques allow for the objective measurement and analysis of skin colour, particularly melanin and haemoglobin concentrations.
RESULTS
This study demonstrated that skin colour distribution can influence perceived age within a range of 20 years, independent of any effects of facial form, feature, and skin surface topography.
Skin colour distribution also influences perceived attractiveness, youth, and health, possibly because colour contrast may signal aspects of the underlying health of an individual that are relevant for mate choice.
CONCLUSION
Colour contrast, influenced by melanin and haemoglobin, plays a crucial role in how we perceive age, health, and attractiveness.
Strategies for improving ageing skin should consider colour distribution and target the responsible chromophores for a more youthful appearance.
Click here to read the full study >
CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT
The author is a full-time employee of the Procter & Gamble company.
FUNDING INFORMATION
This study was funded by the Procter & Gamble company.
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