Abstract
For better diagnosis and prescription in Korean traditional medicine, Lee Je-Ma (1837-1900) created Sasang Constitution classification which was divided into four groups of Taeyangin, Soyangin, Taeumin and Soumin based on both body shape and natural disposition. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of facial skin parameters (hydration, lipid and pH) on forehead and cheek according to Sasang Constitution classifications of Taeumin, Soyangin and Soumin in Korean. Eighty-nine Korean female subjects were recruited for this study and the average age of them was 19.9${\pm}$0.84 years. The four groups by the Sasang Constitution were classified by questionnaire for the Sasang Constitution classification proposed by Kyung-Hee Oriental Medicine Hospital. Consequently, thirty-eight (42.7%) among the subjects were grouped into Soumin, twenty-nine (32.6%) into Taeumin, twenty (22.5%) into Soyangin and two (2%) into Taeyangin. Taeyangin group was excluded from statistical analysis due to small subjects. Hydration, lipid and pH parameters on forehead and cheek were measured by using non-invasive instruments of Corneometer (CM 825, Schwarzhaup, Germany), Sebumeter (SM 815, Schwarzhaup, Germany) and Skin-pH-meter (pH 905, Schwarzhaup, Germany), respectively. The measurements by the same investigator were performed under standardized condition with a room temperature of $21^{\circ}C$ and a humidity level of 40% to 50%. As a result, hydration (F=25.481, p=.000), lipid (F=5.753, p=.005) and pH (F=5.010, p=.009) of the forehead skin showed significant differences in the order of Taeumin, Soyangin and Soumin. Hydration (F=23.216, p=.000), lipid (F=6.898 p=.002) and pH (F=5.070, p=.008) of the cheek skin showed significant differences in the order of Taeumin, Soyangin and Soumin. In conclusion, facial skin surface seemed to be dependent on Sasang Constitution classification in Korean. These findings indicated that Sasang Constitution classification might be an useful esthetic treatment for caring facial skin in the future.