Transepidermal water loss, temperature and sebum levels on women's facial skin follow characteristic patterns

Background/aims: The aim of this study was to compare the biophysical properties of different facial zones. Methods: We investigated transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin temperature and sebum casual level (CL) on 90 adjacent test sites distributed on the forehead, cheeks and chin of five women. Results: All three parameters showed a symmetrical distribution around the facial median line. Only minor variations of individual values were found within the forehead and the chin areas. In contrast, the cheeks exhibited a distinct gradient with highest values in the paranasal zones and lowest on the cheek bones for all of the three parameters. The mean values on both cheeks of a given individual were nearly identical, and the patterns within the two cheeks were superimposable. Both CL and skin temperature distributions pointed out a “T‐zone” with highest values on the forehead, on the chin and on the median part of the cheek. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that biophysical skin properties differ considerably between different facial areas but that they follow a characteristic distribution.     

The assessment of the effects of the combination of microdermabrasion and cavitation peeling in the therapy of seborrhoeic skin with visible symptoms of acne punctata

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess objectively the effects of the combination of corundum microdermabrasion and cavitation peeling in the therapy of seborrheic skin with visible symptoms of acne punctata.

Material and methods: The study involved a group of nine women. A series of six treatments with the combination of microdermabrasion and cavitation peeling were performed within facial skin at 10–14 days intervals. Corneometric measurements examining skin hydration level and sebumetric measurements analyzing skin sebum level were made before the series of treatments and after second, fourth and sixth procedure in five facial areas. Clinical assessment of the efficacy of the therapy was performed on the basis of photographic documentation (Fotomedicus). Anonymous questionnaires were used in order to evaluate patients’ satisfaction rate.

Results: Statistically significant improvement in skin sebum level was observed in all examined areas (forehead p = 0.002; nose p = 0.001, chin p = 0.01, left cheek p = 0.009, right cheek p = 0.007). In case of skin hydration, significant improvement was found only in the area of chin (p = 0.03). 78% of participants estimated that the improvement was in the range of 55–70%, while 22% of participants of 75–100%. The reduction in the amount and visibility of comedones and pimples were demonstrated on the basis of questionnaire and photographic documentation.

Conclusions: Combined microdermabrasion and cavitation peeling treatments improve the condition of seborrheic skin.     

Relationship between sebostatic activity, tolerability and efficacy of three topical drugs to treat mild to moderate acne

BACKGROUND: Acne is a multifactorial disorder in which the sebum plays an important pathogenetic role. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the sebostatic effect of three anti-acneic ingredients (azelaic acid, adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) conveyed in cream and to determine whether there is a correlation with the therapeutic results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-five patients with mild or moderate acne localized on the face were divided into three therapy groups at random: 25 applied azelaic acid once a day, 20, benzoyl peroxide and 20, adapalene. All the patients were observed at the time of enrolling and a further four times at fortnightly intervals. At each visit the sebum casual level on the forehead, chin and one cheek was measured using a sebumeter. Furthermore, side-effects and clinical-therapeutic effectiveness were noted. RESULTS: Four patients did not complete the study. Azelaic acid showed an average reduction of 13.9% in sebum production on the forehead, 14.2% on the chin and 15.2% on the cheek. Benzoyl peroxide caused an increase of 10.5% in sebum production on the forehead, 10.3% on the chin and 25.4% on the cheek. Adapalene reduced sebaceous secretion by 0.2% on the forehead and 6.7% on the cheek whereas sebum production increased by 6.2% on the chin. All three drugs showed a clinical improvement in the acneic lesions with moderate adverse effects. CONCLUSION: The three topical drugs bring about good therapeutic results with scarce side-effects that do not, however, seem to be correlated with the sebostatic activity.     

Determination of density of follicles on various regions of the face by cyanoacrylate biopsy: correlation with sebum output

The density of follicles on various regions of the human face has received scant attention. We used cyanoacrylate follicular biopsies to determine the number of follicles on the forehead, cheek, chin and nose of 12 healthy adult white women. Sebum output was assessed on the same regions by means of Sebutape®. The density of follicles and sebum output followed a centrolateral decreasing gradient. There was no correlation between these two parameters. These regional patterns are important for studies of the pathogenesis of common disorders of the face and their response to treatment.     

Comparative study of skin sebum and elasticity level in patients with sulfur mustard‐induced dermatitis and healthy controls

Background: Sulfur mustard (SM) – a chemical agent – has both acute and chronic effects on skin. Xerosis, which is deemed to be due to the damage of hydrolipidic barrier of the skin, is the most common complaint of veterans exposed to the chemical. This study was designed to evaluate skin sebum and elasticity in veterans with a history of SM contact. Methods: Three hundred and ten subjects were enrolled in this study and were divided into four groups: SM‐exposed patients with current skin lesions (n=87); SM‐exposed patients without skin lesions (n=71); patients with dermatitis (n=78); and normal controls (n=74). The skin sebum and elasticity were measured in four areas (forehead, suprasternal, palm and back of the hands) using a Sebumeter and a Reviscometer. Results: Skin sebum was higher in participants who presented with dermatitis and had history of contact with SM than others; the difference was only statistically significant on the forehead. There was no significant difference in the skin elasticity between the four groups. Conclusion: While SM may increase skin sebum in long term, there is no evidence that it has a substantial effect on skin elasticity.     

Does facial sebum excretion really affect the development of acne?

BACKGROUND: It is generally accepted that the severity of acne is correlated with facial sebum secretion. However, previous studies on the relation between seborrhoea and the development of acne did not consider topographical differences in facial sebum secretion and used relatively vague acne severity grading systems. OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the relation between topographical variations in facial sebum secretion and the severity of acne in women. METHODS: Forty-six female controls and 46 women with acne were included in this study. The Sebumeter was used to measure facial sebum secretion in the following facial areas: forehead, nose, chin, and right and left cheek. We counted noninflammatory comedones and inflammatory acne lesions in the same areas. We compared sebum secretion between patients with acne and controls, and analysed the relation between the quantity of sebum secreted and the number of acne lesions. RESULTS: Sebum secretions in the whole face and in the T- and U-zones (areas of high and low sebum secretion, respectively) were higher in patients with acne than in controls. There was no correlation between sebum quantity and acne lesion count in most facial regions. CONCLUSIONS: Increased levels of facial sebum secretion were observed in patients with acne. Our findings indicate that increased sebum levels do not directly cause development of acne lesions.     

Mapping the human face: biophysical properties

Background: Facial skin exhibits unique biophysical properties that are distinct from skin belonging to other areas of the body. Small to large regional differences in biophysical properties between facial sites are observed. Technological advances in dermatological research allow a quantitative study of the biophysical qualities of the face and its relation to skin elsewhere. However, comprehensive studies examining inter‐regional variations using each of the six standard biophysical parameters have been few. We summarize findings on the biophysical parameters used to explore the human face as well as regional differences in skin reactivity to chemical irritants. Methods: We performed a literature search using Pubmed, Embase, Science Citations Index, and the UCSF's dermatological library on biophysical parameters and skin physiology pertaining to the human face. Results: Distinct regional differences in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), capacitance, blood flow, sebum, pH, and temperature were demonstrated in facial skin. However, studies cannot be compared with each other because each uses different anatomical sites, skin conditions, and measurement techniques. Intraregional differences in TEWL, sebum, and temperatures were observed on the cheeks and appeared to follow characteristic distribution patterns. Higher blood flow levels and skin temperatures were generally observed in areas with dense networks of blood vessels such as the nose and perioral region. Areas such as the forehead, nose, and chin consistently showed higher sebum casual levels, but variability in sebum levels between sites was also observed. The susceptibility of the face to hexyl nicotinate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and benzoic acid differed depending on location and age. Conclusion: Establishing a standardized biophysical profile of the human face will help to improve therapeutics, and further our understanding of differences in chemical reactivity and disease distribution. Future research necessitates standardization of the anatomical sites studied, sample size, and experimental protocols.     

Comparison of sebum secretion, skin type, pH in humans with and without acne

Differences of skin type and pH between subjects with and without acne have not been investigated. In addition, the relationship between sebum secretion and pH in these populations has not been determined. This study assessed the differences in objective and subjective skin types between these two groups. Secondly, this study evaluated the difference in pH on five facial areas (forehead, nose, chin, right and left cheeks) between the two populations. Lastly, the relationship between pH and sebum secretion was analyzed in each population. Sebum casual levels (CL) of the five facial areas in 36 Koreans with acne and 47 Koreans without acne were measured by using a Sebumeter SM 815 and subjects were classified into objective skin types by CL. Subjects reported the type of skin they believed they had, which determined the subjective skin type. The pH levels of the five facial areas were measured by the Skin-pH-Meter PH 905. Data were assessed with adequate statistical tests depending on data type and distribution. Among the five areas, the nose of the subjects with acne showed a significantly higher CL, compared to the subjects without acne. This difference in CL on the nose resulted in the difference in CL on the T-zone and mean facial sebum excretions (MFSE). Although CL differed, objective skin types did not differ between the two groups (P > 0.05), but the subjective skin types differed significantly (P = 0.001). In addition, the objective skin types were significantly different than the subjective skin types in subjects with acne (P = 0.001), whereas the two skin types did not differ in subjects without acne. Subjects with acne actually overestimated their skin types and stated their skin types were "oilier" than they were. In respect to pH, none of the five areas differed significantly between the two groups. Among the five sites in subjects with acne, CL showed a significant negative correlation with pH on the left (r (2 )=0.12) and right (r ( 2 )=0.15) cheeks, which resulted in a significant negative correlation on the U-zone (r ( 2 )=0.14). In contrast, in subjects without acne, there was a significant negative correlation between CL and pH on the forehead (r ( 2 )=0.10) and chin (r ( 2 )=0.16), which led to a significant negative correlation on the T-zone (r ( 2 )=0.14).     

Evaluation of the effects of 10% and 30% gluconolactone chemical peel on sebum,pH, and TEWL

Background

Gluconolactone (GLA) exhibits antioxidant and moisturizing effects. It also presents soothing effects, protects elastin fibers from UV-induced degradation, and improves the function of the skin barrier.

Aims

Evaluation of skin parameters such as pH, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum levels before, during, and after a series of applications of 10% and 30% GLA chemical peel in a split-face model.

Materials and Methods

The study involved 16 female subjects. Three split-face procedures were performed using two concentrations of GLA solution applied on two sides of the face. The skin parameters were measured before treatments and 7 days after the last procedure at four measurement sites on either side of the face, that is, on the forehead, around the eye, on the cheek, and on the nose wing.

Results

Measurement of sebum demonstrated some statistically significant changes between sebum levels in the cheeks after a series of treatments. The pH measurement showed that the pH value was reduced after each treatment at all measurement points. The level of TEWL after treatments was significantly lower around the eyes, on the left forehead, and on the right cheek. There were no significant differences between the use of different concentrations of the GLA solution.

Conclusions

The results of the study show that GLA has a significant influence on lowering skin pH and TEWL. GLA also has seboregulatory properties.     

Einfluss von Babyschwimmen und Babypflegelotion auf die Hautbarriere von 3–6 Monate alten Säuglingen

Background: Skin care is important especially in infancy as the skin barrier matures during the first year of life. We studied the effects of baby swimming and baby lotion on the skin barrier function of infants. Subjects and methods: 44 infants aged 3–6 months were included in this mono‐center prospective study. The healthy infants swam four times and were randomized to group_L: baby lotion was applied after swimming all over the body and to group_WL: no lotion was used. Transepidermal water loss, stratum corneum hydration, skin‐pH and sebum were measured on four body regions using non‐invasive methods. Results: In group_L, sebum and pH remained stable. In group_WL, significant decrease in sebum was noted on forehead and thigh, and for pH on thigh and buttock. Group_L had fewer infants with at least one adverse event compared to group_WL. Location‐dependent gender differences in skin barrier function were observed. Conclusions: Reaction of skin barrier function to baby swimming and skin care regimens showed typical regional variability between body areas. Influence of baby lotion on skin barrier and gender differences in skin functional parameters were demonstrated for the first time in healthy infants participating in baby swimming.     

Ultraviolet-induced red fluorescence of patients with acne reflects regional casual sebum level and acne lesion distribution: qualitative and quantitative analyses of facial fluorescence

Background The ultraviolet (UV)‐induced red fluorescence of patients with acne has been considered to be caused by Propionibacterium acnes. Objectives To study the correlation of the facial red fluorescence with the casual sebum level and the number of acne lesions and to investigate the difference in clinical features, according to both distribution and proportion of fluorescence. Methods A total of 878 patients clinically diagnosed with acne vulgaris were included. Inflammatory and noninflammatory acne lesions were counted separately. UV fluorescent photography and casual sebum level measurements were performed. UV‐induced fluorescence patterns were classified according to the facial distribution. The proportions of UV‐induced red fluorescence were calculated. Results We identified six different fluorescence distribution patterns in the T‐zone (the forehead, nose and chin) and three different patterns in the U‐zone (both cheeks). The proportion of fluorescence in the U‐zone showed a positive correlation with the casual sebum level and the number of acne lesions. In the T‐zone, the fluorescence proportion correlated with the casual sebum level, but not with the number of acne lesions. As the patients’ age and the age at onset increased, the distribution of fluorescence changed from the upper part of the T‐zone to the lower part, and to the centre of the face in the U‐zone. Conclusions Our results support the hypothesis that the origin of facial red fluorescence is sebum. In patients with acne, analyses of the pattern and proportion of UV‐induced red fluorescence can be useful for evaluating the sebum secretion and selecting efficient treatment modalities.     

Comparison of the skin biophysical parameters of Southeast Asia females: forehead–cheek and ethnic groups

Background Regional and ethnic (racial) differences in skin properties are well known. However, regional and racial studies are limited and have studied skin properties using an insufficient number of subjects and limited ethnic groups, except in the case of some recent studies. Objective The aim of this study was (1) to compare the skin biophysical parameter among the large scale of Southeast Asia females group and (2) to compare skin properties of the forehead and cheek. Methods We measured and compared seven skin biophysical parameters, such as skin hydration, sebum, skin pH, melanin index, erythema index, skin elasticity and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), of the forehead and cheek of a large population of Indonesian (n = 200), Vietnamese (n = 100) and Singaporean females (n = 97). Results At the point of site difference, there were significant differences in five biophysical parameters (skin hydration, skin pH, melanin index, erythema index and skin elasticity) in Indonesian females. In Vietnamese and Singaporean women, they were significant differences in five biophysical parameters (skin hydration, skin pH, melanin index, erythema index and TEWL). At the point of ethnic difference, the Indonesian women had the highest skin pH and melanin index between the different ethnic groups. Vietnamese women had the highest skin hydration and TEWL in the forehead, whereas Singaporean women had the highest skin elasticity. Conclusion The skin biophysical parameters are different between the forehead and cheek among Southeast Asian females. It also reveals that the biophysical parameters are different in same racial group.     

Comparison of surface free energy between reconstructed human epidermis and in situ human skin

Background/aims: The objectives of this study were to characterise the Episkin^® model of reconstructed epidermis histologically and energetic, and to compare the results with the data obtained by Mavon (9, 10) on different areas of skin on the human body and on different skin types. Methods: Histologically, the two skin systems studied were stained using Goldner's trichome method. Surface free energy was determined by the measurement of contact angles, using the posed drop method. Results: Histologically, the two skin systems demonstrated the same cellular organisation in stratified layers. With regard to surface free energy, Episkin, skin from the forehead, normal and hyper‐seborrheic skins are hydrophilic surfaces, while skin from the forearm or of an oligo‐seborrheic type tends to be hydrophobic. Episkin and skin from the forehead exhibit similar surface free energy profiles. It is impossible to state whether Episkin has characteristics closer to those of normal or hyper‐seborrheic skin, but they differ significantly from those of oligo‐seborrheic skin. Conclusion: The results obtained during this study justify the use of Episkin in a range of tests where the use of in situ human skin raises problems.     

The regulation of sebum excretion in man

Summary The refatting curve of 21 test persons shows that the sebum excretion is highest during the first hour and decreases continously with every following refatting interval. Refatting after regular defatting every hour reveals a constant excretion rate over 7 hrs. Thus the conclusion can be drawn that sebum excretion is regulated by the excreted sebum itself.Prints of the forehead on slides show that the sebum is excreted in the form of droplets. Sebum is an oily liquid. The water content of sebum is so low that the assumption of spontaneous formed water-sebum emulsions is not justified.One of the physical properties of sebum, the viscosity or the surface tension, might regulate its excretion. We determined the pressure, needed to overcome the viscosity and surface tension in the sebaceous gland. The results indicate that the surface tension regulates sebum excretion.

---

Zusammenfassung Die Rückfettungskurve von 21 Versuchspersonen zeigt, daß die Talgausscheidung in der ersten Stunde am größten ist und mit jedem weiteren Rückfettungsintervall abnimmt. Die Rückfettung nach stündlicher Entfettung ergibt dagegen eine konstante Ausscheidungsrate über 7 Std. Daraus kann geschlossen werden, daß die Talgausscheidung durch den ausgeschiedenen Talg reguliert wird.Abdrücke der Stirn mit Glasplättchen zeigen, daß der Talg in Form von Tröpfchen ausgeschieden wird. Talg ist eine ölige Flüssigkeit, dessen Wassergehalt so gering ist, daß die Annahme einer spontanen Emulsionsbildung mit Schweiß nicht gerechtfertigt ist.Eine der beiden physikalischen Eigenschaften des Talges, nämlich die Viscosität oder die Oberflächenspannung, sollte die Ausscheidung regulieren. Wir haben den Druck gemessen, der notwendig ist, die Viscosität und die Oberflächenspannung in der Talgdrüse zu überwinden. Die Resultate zeigen, daß die Oberflächenspannung die Talgausscheidung reguliert.

     

Regional and seasonal variations in facial sebum secretions: a proposal for the definition of combination skin type

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Facial sebum secretions are known to change under various circumstances. Facial skin types have been categorized as oily, normal, dry, and combination types. However, these have been evaluated subjectively by individuals to date, and no objective accepted standard measurement method exists. The combination skin type is most common, but its definition is vaguer than the definitions of the other skin types. METHODS: We measured facial sebum secretions with Sebumeter. Sebum secretions were measured at five sites of the face seasonally for a year, in the same volunteers. Using the data obtained we developed a set of rules to define the combination skin type. RESULTS: Regional differences in sebum secretion were confirmed. Sebum secretions on forehead, nose, and chin were higher than on both cheeks. Summer was found to be the highest sebum-secreting season, and seasonal variations were found in the T- and U-zones. A mismatch of skin type in the T- and U-zones in more than two seasons appears to be close to subjective ratings of what is described as the 'combination' skin type. CONCLUSION: We showed that the face shows definitive regional and seasonal variations in sebum secretion. To define the combination skin type, seasonal variations in sebum secretion should be considered in addition to regional variations.     

Skin critical surface tension

Background/aims: Surface energy phenomena result from molecular interaction between substances. On the skin, they are involved in sweat and sebum dispersion, and in foreign substances, in spreading and absorption. However, they are unknown due to the scarce number of studies. The aim of this work was to find the skin critical surface tension (CST), an index of wettability, through a reliable technique, and to study the influence of skin lipid and of some oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O) preparations.
Method: The CST was calculated using the Zisman equation, from the contact angle at equilibrium, of droplets of liquids whose surface tension was known. Contact angles were computed from the base and the height of the droplets viewed from their side through an operating microscope provided with a slanted mirror. Both volar forearm and forehead were studied.
Results: On volar forearm, the skin CST was 27.5±2.4 dyne/cm (n=12) and normally distributed. Forehead CST was above 50.7 dyne/cm. On both areas, defatting with ether reduced CST down to 21.6±2.6 dyne/cm, and 29.3±1.7 dyne/cm, respectively ( p <0.001). Washing with soap reduced forearm CST down to 23.7±1.0 dyne/cm ( p <0.01), and occlusion down to 21.6±3.4 dyne/cm ( p <0.001). O/W cream application strongly decreased both forearm and glass slide CST, whereas W/O cream application either raised CST or left it unchanged; in all cases, changes were less marked on skin than on glass.
Conclusion: These data demonstrate that the skin surface is primarily hydrophobic and paradoxically becomes more wettable through its lipidic component, especially the sebum. Emulsions seemed to interact with the skin and change its CST as would do their continuous phase only.     

Functional map and age-related differences in the human face: nonimmunologic contact urticaria induced by hexyl nicotinate

Variation in human skin reactivity to various irritants in association with age and body region has been reported. Hexyl nicotinate (HN), a lipophilic nicotinate ester, was used to induce nonimmunologic contact urticaria in human volunteers of 2 age groups: 10 young subjects [24-34 years, mean +/- standard deviation (SD) 29.8 +/- 3.9 years] and 10 older volunteers (66-83 years, mean +/- SD 73.6 +/- 17.4 years); and to define skin function and potential age-related differences in various facial areas. About 5 mM of HN in ethanol was applied to 8 locations on the face, neck, and volar forearm. A laser Doppler flowmeter was used to determine baseline blood flow and to monitor the skin blood flow changes after HN application. In the contralateral areas, stratum corneum turnover was determined using 5% dansyl chloride in petrolatum. In the young group, the perioral area exhibited the strongest reaction to HN. In the older group, the chin was the most sensitive site. In both the groups, the forearm was the least responsive. The older group demonstrated a stronger reaction than the younger group in 3 sites (forehead, cheek, and nasolabial area). Stratum corneum turnover was slower in the nasolabial area and in the forearm in both age groups, whereas the fastest was in the perioral area and the chin in the younger group and in the chin and the forehead in the older group. Compared to the older group, the younger group showed a slower stratum corneum turnover in the nose and the neck. This study demonstrates the regional and the age-related variability of the stratum corneum turnover and the skin reactions to HN. These observations may help explain some aspects of the cutaneous intolerance in skin care of the face.     

Sebaceous gland secretion is a major physiologic route of vitamin E delivery to skin

Skin plays an important part in the protection against oxidative stressors, such as ultraviolet radiation, ozone, and chemicals. This study was based on the observation that upper facial stratum corneum contained significantly higher levels of the antioxidant alpha-tocopherol than corresponding layers of arm stratum corneum. We hypothesized that the underlying mechanism involves sebaceous gland secretion of vitamin E. To test this, we examined in eight human volunteers: (i) stratum corneum levels and distribution profiles of vitamin E in sites with a different sebaceous gland density (arm versus cheek); (ii) whether vitamin E is a significant constituent of human sebum; and (iii) if there is a correlation between levels of vitamin E and squalene, a marker of sebum secretion, in skin surface lipids. Using standardized techniques for stratum corneum tape stripping and sebum collection, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of tocopherols and squalene, we found that: (i) the ratio of cheek versus upper arm alpha-tocopherol levels was 20 : 1 for the upper stratum corneum and decreased gradually with stratum corneum depth; (ii) vitamin E (alpha- and gamma-tocopherol forms) is a significant constituent of human sebum and is continuously secreted at cheek and forehead sites during a test period of 135 min; and (iii) vitamin E correlates well with levels of cosecreted squalene (r2 = 0.86, p < 0.001). In conclusion, sebaceous gland secretion is a relevant physiologic pathway for the delivery of vitamin E to upper layers of facial skin. This mechanism may serve to protect skin surface lipids and the upper stratum corneum from harmful oxidation.     

Clinical Demonstration of Skin Mildness and Suitability for Sensitive Infant Skin of a New Baby Wipe

Abstract: Background: A cleansing baby wipe with sufficient pH buffering capacity may help to restore the pH balance of skin following exposure to urine and feces in the diaper environment and maintain skin health. Objective: To evaluate the skin effects of a novel baby wipe formulation with increased pH buffering. Subjects and Methods: A series of clinical studies was designed and conducted to evaluate the skin effects of the new baby wipe, including a 21‐day cumulative skin irritation patch study in adults (n = 31), a 4‐week study in babies with medically confirmed atopic dermatitis (n = 32), a 2‐week study comparing skin pH of babies (n = 15) following use of wipes compared with water and wash cloth, a series of clinical skin pH measurements following fecal exposure and subsequent cleaning with different products (n = 50) and a study evaluating comfort of product application on irritated skin (n = 31). Results: The wipes formulation was well‐tolerated, even in babies with atopic dermatitis, and was more comfortable versus water and washcloth. Increased buffering capacity of a wet wipes lotion helps to maintain a physiologically balanced skin pH value in the diaper region.     

Regional difference in sebum production by androgen susceptibility in human facial skin

Androgens are important hormones that influence sebum production from the sebaceous glands. Human facial skin can be categorized as T‐ and U‐zones, which are areas with high and low levels of sebum secretion, respectively. This study was performed to investigate whether there are topographical differences in androgen receptor (AR) expression related to regional variations in facial sebum secretion. The results of in vivo analysis indicated a statistically significant increase in AR expression in the sebaceous gland T‐zones compared with the U‐zones. In vitro experiments using human primary sebocytes also yielded similar results, with higher levels of AR protein and mRNA expression in T‐zones. The results of this study suggested that differences in androgen susceptibility may be an important factor influencing regional differences in sebum production in human facial skin.