While the researchers said they hoped their work might ultimately pave the way for anti-wrinkle treatment development, they acknowledged that many factors in addition to gland density probably play a role in wrinkle-depth variations.
Also, the study authors cautioned that because their effort focused exclusively on Japanese skin, “it remains unknown whether lighter or darker types of skin would show similar tendencies.”
Ashani Weeraratna, an assistant professor in the molecular and cellular oncogenesis program at the Wistar Institute in Philadelphia, agreed with that reservation.
While “extremely interesting,” the study focuses only on tissue from embalmed cadavers “from one race of people,” she said.
“There is a wide range of wrinkling seen among races, where certain races generally have less wrinkling than others, so it is hard to imagine that [gland] differences can fully account for that,” Weeraratna said.
Chauhan, meanwhile, suggested that while the study findings do not break any new ground in the science behind skin health, they were generally “in keeping with expectations based on facial aging patterns.”
But for the time-being, he said, those genuinely interested in reducing wrinkle-risk should focus their energies on improving lifestyle habits.
“Hydration is key,” he said. Drinking plenty of fluids “is critical to skin metabolism, toxin processing, nutrient delivery and maintaining skin [elasticity].”
Chauhan also said that sun protection, a healthy diet, regular exercise and good sleep are all “important components in ensuring optimal skin metabolism, which manifests in attractive skin.”
SOURCES: Nitin Chauhan, M.D., facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and otolaryngologist, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Ashani Weeraratna, Ph.D., assistant professor, molecular and cellular oncogenesis program, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia; July 1, 2015, Clinical Anatomy, online