Topographic approach to the long-term effect of solar exposure on facial skin of Korean automobile commuters

Background: Car drivers are generally exposed to direct sunlight during commuting hours, which may lead to irreversible skin damage; however, topographical analysis for different facial areas has not been reported. Methods: Facial areas were divided topographically into 11 areas based on esthetic units. We performed a preliminary study to identify the delivery pattern of solar energy on the face in the car during commuting time; subsequently, 15 drivers aged above 50 years were enrolled. Statistical evaluation was performed to investigate topographical differences between the left and right sides of the face and between sexes. Results: The left side of the face was different from the right side for L*, a*, and b* on the infraorbital area and L* and b* on the temporal area. Differences were found for L*, a*, or b* between sexes on the central and right face, but not on the left. The left side had more severe hyperpigmentation and wrinkles than the right on average. Conclusion: The left facial area, especially the infraorbital and temporal areas, of Korean automobile commuters was vulnerable to sun damage. Therefore, automobile drivers should care about these areas while driving to prevent long-term effect from chronic solar damage.