title: Skin complexion and pigmentary disorders in facial skin of 1204 women in 4 Indian cities.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The color of Indian skin shows great diversity and pigmentary disorders are a major concern of Indian women. Despite great variations in climate, diet, and social parameters within India, studies of the range of skin types have been rather scarce.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study was aimed at characterizing the color of Indian skin in various geographical locations, its characteristics in terms of overall skin complexion and pigmentary disorders, and the impact of age on these features.
  
  
  METHODS
  An extensive descriptive study, including skin color parameters (objective measurements and evaluations by dermatologists, clinically or from photographs) was carried out involving 1,204 female volunteers of different ages living in four different Indian cities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Important differences in skin complexion according to the geographical location were observed. Age seemed to have little impact on complexion. Hyperpigmented spots were frequent and were noted at early stages and many lentigines were found. Melasma affected about 30% of middle-aged women, but many other ill defined, pigmented macules were also observed. Additionally, we found pigmented lip corners associated with marionette lines, and linear nasal pigmentation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Indian skin color is diverse and pigmentary disorders are common. Skin complexion is not greatly affected by age. Some hyperpigmented disorders occur at early stages and increase with age, contributing to overall unevenness of facial color.
authors.affiliation: L'Oréal Research and Innovation, Clinical Research, Aulnay-sous-bois, France.
authors.forename: Virginie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hourblin
authors.forename: Stéphanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nouveau
authors.forename: Nita
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Roy
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: de Lacharrière
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000208:ethnology*; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult