Abstract
BACKGROUND: Changes in the stratum corneum (SC) lipid profiles are associated with various skin diseases. Factors, including age, ethnicity, season and anatomical location, can influence the variations in SC lipid profiles. According to reports, the facial sebum of Chinese women peaks at age 20-30, accompanied by various signs of facial ageing. No studies have investigated how facial SC lipid profiles change with age in young Chinese women. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to observe the differences in the facial SC lipid profiles of Chinese female volunteers aged 19-33 and determined the relationship between key lipids and physiological parameters. METHODS: Differential lipids were detected and screened in healthy Chinese women aged 19-33 through ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The relationship between these lipids and the skin's physiological parameters was determined. RESULTS: The facial SC lipid profiles of young Chinese women exhibited significant differences with age. The results indicated that 40 lipids increased with age, while 51 types decreased. The average chain length of diglycerides (DG), triglycerides (TG) and short-chain ceramides decreased with age, while cholesterol esters (CE) and ceramides {Cer, Cer/EODS (d19:0/18:1/O/16:0) and Cer/EOS (d28:1/12:0/O/14:0)} increased with age. Cer/EODS (d19:0/18:1/O/16:0), Cer/EOS (d28:1/12:0/O/14:0) and HexCer/NDS (d14:0/33:1) were positively correlated with trans-epidermal water loss, skin elasticity and skin brightness, while Cer/AP (t18:0/20:0) was negatively correlated with skin elasticity. This study comprehensively explains the differences in lipid profile composition and skin ageing in young populations. CONCLUSIONS: Young Chinese women's facial skin SC lipid profiles significantly change with age. Age-related changes result in variations in DG and CE levels and changes in the chain lengths of TG and Cer. Age-related changes in Cer content affect skin barrier function, elasticity and brightness.