Skin Condition and Its Associations with Nutrient Intake, Energy Expenditure and Autonomic Nervous System Activity in Young Women

Abstract

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate whether nutritional and physiological factors are associated with the skin condition of young women. Data on skin condition, physiological measurements, dietary intake of nutrients (2 days), mental condition, and lifestyle were obtained from 54 female students (aged 20-22 yr) without coexisting skin disease. Skin condition and physiological parameters (body temperature, energy expenditure, and autonomic nervous system [ANS] activity) were measured using noninvasive techniques. Statistically significant associations were found between area of epidermal corneocytes and energy metabolism and between the degree of hydration and dietary intake of vitamins A and B₁, and the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Associations were also observed between barrier function measured as transepidermal water loss and dietary intake of carbohydrate, vitamin B₁, and vegetables. Mental condition and the use of air conditioners were also associated with skin condition. Our data suggest that nutritional factors as well as a higher level of metabolism and ANS activity affect skin condition in young women.