Development of a Single Indicator of Facial Skin Aging and Youthful Plump Appearance; Ageless-U and Its Use for Evaluating the Efficacy of Treatment with Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate-Containing Anti-Aging Skin Care Formula

Abstract

Background/Objective: Wrinkles, nasolabial folds, pigmented spots, and roughness are representative parameters reflecting facial skin aging. Among them, nasolabial folds are a particular concern associated with aging. However, changes in the skin surface topography on the cheek above these folds remain unclear. This research aimed to develop a dynamic multi-angle imaging method and a single indicator of skin aging to quantify both the aged and youthful plump appearance of the skin. Methods: A facial imaging system was used in two separate studies to capture images from multiple angles. An image analysis algorithm quantified facial lines and two diagonal facial lines from the outer and inner cheek regions, forming a U-shaped line. Block analysis computed the average slope and intercept of line segments, and an excircle with its center coordinate was calculated from the U-shaped line. The elevation of this coordinate on the cheek, termed “Ageless-U,” served as a single indicator representing the severity of sagging of aging-related facial lines and the youthful appearance in a wide angle of view of the facial skin. Eighty-five East Asian women aged 22 - 57 participated in Study 1 to examine relationships between Ageless-U, age, skin elasticity, and visual signs of aging. In Study 2, 35 East Asian women aged 32 - 54 applied a Galactomyces ferment filtrate-containing anti-aging skincare product twice daily for 4 weeks, with measurements at baseline, week 2, and week 4 to determine this product’s efficacy against facial aging. Results: In Study 1, Ageless-U significantly descended with increasing age and was associated with reduced skin elasticity and hydration, with notable declines in the 20s and 40s and its position was significantly lowered from the upper cheek to lower cheek. In Study 2, daily treatment elevated Ageless-U at both 2 and 4 weeks. Conclusion: Ageless-U is an early indicator representing topographic features of the skin aging on the face, and the youthful plump skin appearance at the same time. Ageless-U descent can be prevented and reversed by the appropriate treatment of anti-aging skincare products.