Abstract

This study was performed in order to identify nutritional factors affecting on skin sebum content with 131 female university undergraduates in 2003. We measured the sebum contents of 4 facial spots to classify their skin types. Daily energy and nutrient intakes of the subjects were not deficient except in calcium and iron, which were 466.2 mg (66.6% RDA) and 8.5 mg (53.4%RDA) relatively. We observed no significant difference of energy and nutrient intakes among the 3 skin types. But significantly higher consumption of grains and slightly higher frequencies of several food groups (excepting starches) were shown in oily skin types, so they might have higher nutrient intakes. Serum indices and food preferences mostly revealed no difference among the 3 skin types. But in the oily skin type, serum phosphorus levels were significantly lower than others, suggesting phosphorus-rich food consumption like soft drinks and grains could lead to a dry skin type rather than an oily one. Also in the oily skin type, sweet taste preference was slightly lower than others; moreover, sweet intake was lower samely significantly. There was mostly no significant relationship between facial sebum contents and nutrient intakes, dietary behavior, food frequency and food preference except in some factors. Animal protein intake showed a significant negative relationship toward facial sebum content. On the other hand, in normal skin type, fishes consumed was slightly higher than others, so that higher animal protein consumption presumably leads to normal skin type. Frequency of fried food and bacon and preference of fried foods showed slightly negative relationships toward facial sebum content. Regular meal times showed significantly increased facial sebum content.

• Keywords: facial sebum content; nutrient intake; food intake; dietary habits