Scientific explanation of while we wear makeup: Lessening Contrast in Facial Features Is A Sign of Aging

Science Daily, Mar. 14, 2013 — The contrasting nature of facial features is one of the signals that people unconsciously use to decipher how old someone looks, scientists from CE.R.I.E.S. (Epidermal and Sensory Research and Investigation Center), a department of Chanel Research and Technology, have discovered.

In one study, scientists measured images of 289 faces ranging in age from 20 to 70 years old, and found that through the aging process, the color of the lips, eyes and eyebrows change, while the skin becomes darker. This results in less contrast between the features and the surrounding skin -- leaving older faces to have less contrast than younger faces.

 

As the face ages, the difference in redness between the lips and the surrounding skin decreases, as does the luminance difference between the eyebrow and the forehead,. Although not consciously aware of this sign of aging, the mind uses it as a cue for perceiving how old someone is.

 

In another study involving more than a hundred subjects in Gettysburg and Paris, the scientists artificially increased these facial contrasts and found that the faces were perceived as younger. When they artificially decreased the facial contrasts, the faces were perceived as older.

 

Cosmetics are commonly used to increase aspects of facial contrast, such as the redness of lips. Scientists propose that this can partly explain why makeup is worn the way that it is -- shades of lipstick that increase the redness of the lips are making the face appear younger, which is related to healthiness and beauty.

 

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130314110331.htm

 

Thanks for reading.

Connie

connie@cherruby.com