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Photonumeric scale determines perioral wrinkling associated with female gender, smoking

Perioral wrinkling severity correlated with increasing age, female gender and smoking duration, according to a photonumeric scale used in a recent study.

Researchers developed the photonumeric scale for perioral wrinkling and to identify contributory lifestyle factors. The researchers recruited 143 participants (50% male) aged 21 to 91 years from the general dermatology clinic at the University of Michigan for facial photographs and a survey. Participants’ photographs were evaluated by three graders by using a photonumeric scale for perioral wrinkling. A multiple regression model to predict perioral wrinkling was created with scores and survey responses.

“Intraclass correlation coefficient values for interrater and intrarater reliability were high (> 0.8) across two trials and three graders,” the researchers wrote.

Age, gender and years of smoking were variables included in a multiple regression model for prediction of perioral wrinkling severity. Perioral wrinkling was more severe in women than men, according to a 2-tailed t test (mean perioral wrinkling score for women, 2.781; men, 1.922; P < .002). There was a greater disparity for participants older than 45 years (women, 3.865; men, 2.438; P < .0001).

There was a significant correlation of perioral wrinkling with age (P < .0001), years of smoking duration (P <.001), female gender (P = .0057), supplement use (P = .0105), lip product use (P < .0001), recreational sun exposure (P = .0013), number of children birthed (P = .0436) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use (P = .0259).

Smokers had more severe perioral wrinkling compared with nonsmokers (P = .007), with more of a significant effect on women compared to men.

“After the periorbital area, the mouth area may be the second most important cosmetic unit of the face,” the researchers concluded. “Our data provide added incentive for women to quit smoking to prevent severe wrinkling in this area.”  – by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.