Skin photoprotection and consumption of coffee and polyphenols in healthy middle-aged Japanese females

• Published in: International journal of dermatology 2015-04, Vol.54 (4), p.410-418
• Main Authors: Fukushima, Yoichi, Takahashi, Yoshinari, Hori, Yusuke, Kishimoto, Yoshimi, Shiga, Kaedeko, Tanaka, Yuiko, Masunaga, Erika, Tani, Mariko, Yokoyama, Mihoko, Kondo, Kazuo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Coffee; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet Surveys; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Polyphenols; Skin; Skin Aging; Sunlight; Sunscreening Agents
• ISSN: 0011-9059; 1365-4632
• DOI: 10.1111/ijd.12399

Background Reactive oxygen species are known to mediate skin photoaging, which results in the formation of pigmented spots and wrinkles. Coffee is the largest source of polyphenols, which supplies a large number of antioxidants in one's daily life. However, little is known about how much coffee and polyphenol consumption influences skin health. In this study, a cross‐sectional survey of the diet, environmental factors, and skin conditions was conducted in healthy Japanese females to explore the influence of coffee and polyphenol consumption on skin conditions. Materials and methods Non‐smoking, healthy female subjects with moderate sun exposure in their daily lives were recruited for this study (n = 131, age range: 30–60 years old) and recorded their food and beverage intake and life circumstances using questionnaires. The skin water content, transepidermal water loss, and elasticity were measured on the cheek of each subject using non‐invasive methods: a Corneometer, a Tewameter, and a Cutometer, respectively. Wrinkles and pigmented spots were evaluated using digital photograph images. Results Consumption of coffee and total polyphenols from all sources and from coffee showed a statistically significant correlation towards a decrease in pigmented spot scores (P