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Tanikawa C, Yamanami H, Nagashima M, Matsumoto S. Association between the three-dimensional facial shape and its color in a boundary group of young to middle-aged Asian women. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32033. [PMID: 38882364 PMCID: PMC11176851 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Visual cues strongly influence an individual's self-esteem and have fundamental sociopsychological functions. The color and shape of the face are important information for visual cues and are hypothesized to be correlated with each other. However, few studies have examined these relationships. Thus, this study determined the association between color and shape of the face. For this purpose, we evaluated Chinese women in their 30s and 40s (n = 166). Three-dimensional (3D) image-capture devices that provide shape morphology along with standardized photographs (color information) were used to obtain 3D images of women. The coordinates and red‒green-blue color data on the 3D images were utilized to perform principal component (PC) analysis, and shape and color PCs were generated. A canonical variate analysis was then conducted to check for significant correlations between the shape and color PCs. As a result, 6 significant correlations were found (p < 0.05). In detail, in addition to the physical correlations (i.e., steric faces or faces with protrusion of the cheek showed greater shadows, retrognathism was related to a shadow under the lower lip and vice versa), biological correlations (fatty faces showed greater redness and remarkable marionette lines; faces with age-related sagging showed greater darkness, possibly related to cumulative ultraviolet radiation exposure of the skin; and robust mandibles and supraorbital ridges were related to thick eyebrows) were found. This insight can aid both medical and cosmetic practitioners in comprehending the intricate details conveyed by facial features, thereby facilitating more comprehensive diagnosis and treatment planning, including makeup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Tanikawa
- Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Osaka University Dental Hospital, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Haruna Yamanami
- MIRAI Technology Institute, Shiseido Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan
| | | | - Seiko Matsumoto
- MIRAI Technology Institute, Shiseido Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan
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2
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Bjornsdottir RT, Beacon E. Stereotypes bias social class perception from faces: The roles of race, gender, affect, and attractiveness. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2024:17470218241230469. [PMID: 38253563 DOI: 10.1177/17470218241230469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
People quickly form consequential impressions of others' social class standing from nonverbal cues, including facial appearance. Extant research shows that perceivers judge faces that appear more positive, attractive, and healthy as higher-class, in line with stereotypes associating high class standing with happiness, attractiveness, and better wellbeing (which bear a kernel of truth). A wealth of research, moreover, demonstrates strong stereotypical associations between social class and both race and gender. The current work bridged these areas of inquiry to explore (1) intersectional biases in social class impressions from faces and (2) how associations between social class and attractiveness/health and affect can be used to shift social class impressions. Our studies found evidence of race and gender stereotypes impacting British perceivers' social class judgements, with Black (vs. White and Asian) and female (vs. male) faces judged as lower in class. Furthermore, manipulating faces' emotion expression shifted judgements of their social class, with variations in magnitude by faces' race, such that emotion expressions shifted judgements of Black faces more than White faces. Finally, manipulating faces' complexion to appear healthier/more attractive shifted social class judgements, with the magnitude of this varying by faces' and perceivers' race, suggesting a role of perceptual expertise. These findings demonstrate that stereotypes bias social class impressions and can be used to manipulate them.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Thora Bjornsdottir
- Division of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, UK
| | - Elizabeth Beacon
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, UK
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3
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Lu Y, Xiao K, Pointer M, Lin Y. Predicting Facial Attractiveness from Colour Cues: A New Analytic Framework. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:391. [PMID: 38257484 PMCID: PMC10819822 DOI: 10.3390/s24020391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Various facial colour cues were identified as valid predictors of facial attractiveness, yet the conventional univariate approach has simplified the complex nature of attractiveness judgement for real human faces. Predicting attractiveness from colour cues is difficult due to the high number of candidate variables and their inherent correlations. Using datasets from Chinese subjects, this study proposed a novel analytic framework for modelling attractiveness from various colour characteristics. One hundred images of real human faces were used in experiments and an extensive set of 65 colour features were extracted. Two separate attractiveness evaluation sets of data were collected through psychophysical experiments in the UK and China as training and testing datasets, respectively. Eight multivariate regression strategies were compared for their predictive accuracy and simplicity. The proposed methodology achieved a comprehensive assessment of diverse facial colour features and their role in attractiveness judgements of real faces; improved the predictive accuracy (the best-fit model achieved an out-of-sample accuracy of 0.66 on a 7-point scale) and significantly mitigated the issue of model overfitting; and effectively simplified the model and identified the most important colour features. It can serve as a useful and repeatable analytic tool for future research on facial impression modelling using high-dimensional datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lu
- School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (Y.L.); (M.P.)
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Kaida Xiao
- School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (Y.L.); (M.P.)
| | - Michael Pointer
- School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (Y.L.); (M.P.)
| | - Yandan Lin
- School of Information Science and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China;
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4
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Martínez-Ramírez J, Puts D, Nieto J, G-Santoyo I. Effects of facial skin pigmentation on social judgments in a Mexican population. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279858. [PMID: 38032952 PMCID: PMC10688750 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
People quickly and involuntarily form impressions of others based on their facial physical attributes, which can modulate critical social interactions. Skin pigmentation is one of the most variable and conspicuous facial traits among human populations. Empirical evidence suggests that these variations reflect ancestral ecological selective pressures balancing cutaneous vitamin D synthesis with the protection of the dermis from ultraviolet radiation. Nevertheless, skin pigmentation may currently be subject to additional selective pressures. For instance, the colonial era in Central and South America developed a highly stratified society based on ethnic origins, and light skin pigmentation became associated with higher social status and deference. This association could have originated through historical social learning that promoted favorable social perceptions towards individuals with lighter skin color and unfavorable perceptions towards individuals with darker skin color, which could still be present in the perception of current populations. Facial skin pigmentation is also sexually dimorphic, with males tending to exhibit darker skin than females, a difference that could be driven by sexual selection. To explore whether social learning and sexual selection represent additional selective pressures on skin pigmentation, we tested how this facial trait influences fundamental social perceptions in a Mexican population (N = 700, 489 female). We sampled facial images of eight European American males with natural lighter facial skin and eight males from an indigenous pre-Columbian community from Mexico, the Me'Phaa, with natural darker facial skin. We produced stimuli from these images by varying the skin pigmentation while preserving the facial shape. Stimuli were rated on attractiveness, trustworthiness, perceived health, dominance, aggressiveness, and femininity/masculinity. We found that the natural light-skinned faces were perceived as more attractive, trustworthy, and healthy but less dominant than the natural dark faces. Furthermore, by varying the facial skin color in these original groups, we altered the perceptions of them, mainly their attractiveness. These results partially support the hypothesis that dark facial skin color may help males compete for mates. Also, the results strongly support the view that lighter facial skin color became associated with social benefits through social learning in this Mexican population. Our findings, when viewed through the lens of cultural evolution, align with previous research in social psychology and anthropology. They hold the potential to offer a comprehensive understanding of the origin of this social phenomenon of cultural transmission, which currently plays a role in the formation of racial attitudes, stereotyping, and racial inequality in Mexican and other Latin American populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaaziel Martínez-Ramírez
- Faculty of Psychology, Neuroecology Laboratory, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - David Puts
- Department of Anthropology and Center for Human Evolution and Diversity, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, College Township, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Javier Nieto
- Faculty of Psychology, Laboratory of Learning and Adaptation, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Isaac G-Santoyo
- Faculty of Psychology, Neuroecology Laboratory, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
- Unidad de Investigación en Psicobiología y Neurociencias, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
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5
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Zhang J, Wang Z, Shi Y, Xia L, Hu Y, Zhong L. Protective effects of chlorogenic acid on growth, intestinal inflammation, hepatic antioxidant capacity, muscle development and skin color in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus fed an oxidized fish oil diet. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 134:108511. [PMID: 36599381 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.108511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Under oxidative stress condition, the protective effects of dietary chlorogenic acid (CGA) supplementation on liver antioxidant capacity, intestinal inflammation and barrier function, muscle development and skin coloration in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus were explored in the current study. With that purpose, I. punctatus were fed five experimental diets containing 2% fresh fish oil (FFO, 9.2 meqO2/kg) or 2% oxidized fish oil (OFO, 897.4 meqO2/kg) without or with CGA supplementation (0.02%, 0.04% and 0.08%) for 8 weeks. Upon comparative analysis, the oxidized fish oil consumption significantly lowered weight gain rate, decreased intestinal villi length and muscular thickness values and the tight junction proteins mRNA abundance, augmented the intestinal proinflammatory factors, attenuated hepatic antioxidant enzymes activities and related genes mRNA expression levels, influenced the myogenic regulatory factors expression profile and impacted the myocyte density, myocyte area values as well as the skin pigments contents compared to the FFO treatment. Collectively, long-term feeding of the oxidized fish oil diet suppressed the growth performance, destroyed intestinal structural integrity, caused intestinal inflammation and hepatic oxidative stress, impacted the skeletal development and skin color of I. punctatus. Whereas CGA supplementation in oxidized fish oil diets partially counteracted the negative effects of the oxidized fish oil on I. punctatus in terms of increasing the growth performance, improving the intestinal mucosal structure, alleviating hepatic oxidative stress and intestinal inflammation, recompiling the myogenic regulatory factors expression and improving skin color. In conclusion, CGA has great potential to be an aquatic feed additive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junzhi Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, PR China
| | - Ziqing Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, PR China
| | - Yong Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, PR China
| | - Liqiu Xia
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Yi Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, PR China.
| | - Lei Zhong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, PR China.
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6
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Lu Y, Xiao K, Yang J, Pointer M, Li C, Wuerger S. Different colour predictions of facial preference by Caucasian and Chinese observers. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12194. [PMID: 35842462 PMCID: PMC9288550 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15951-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Facial colour characteristics convey vital personal information and influence social interactions and mate choices as contributing factors to perceived beauty, health, and age. How various colour characteristics affect facial preference and whether there are cultural differences are not fully understood. Here, we provide a useful and repeatable methodology for skin colour research based on a realistic skin model to investigate the effect of various facial colour characteristics on facial preference and compare the role of colour predictors in Caucasian (CA) and Chinese (CN) samples. Our results show that, although the average skin colour of facial areas plays a limited role, together with colour variation and contrast, there are stronger links between colour and facial preference than previously revealed. We also find large cultural differences in facial colour perceptions; Chinese observers tend to rely more heavily on colour and lightness cues to judge facial preference than Caucasian observers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lu
- Leeds Institute of Textile and Colour, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Kaida Xiao
- Leeds Institute of Textile and Colour, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK. .,School of Electronics and Information Engineering, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan, China.
| | - Jie Yang
- Leeds Institute of Textile and Colour, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,School of New Media, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing, China
| | - Michael Pointer
- Leeds Institute of Textile and Colour, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Changjun Li
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan, China
| | - Sophie Wuerger
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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7
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Davis AC, Arnocky S. An Evolutionary Perspective on Appearance Enhancement Behavior. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:3-37. [PMID: 33025291 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01745-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Researchers have highlighted numerous sociocultural factors that have been shown to underpin human appearance enhancement practices, including the influence of peers, family, the media, and sexual objectification. Fewer scholars have approached appearance enhancement from an evolutionary perspective or considered how sociocultural factors interact with evolved psychology to produce appearance enhancement behavior. Following others, we argue that evidence from the field of evolutionary psychology can complement existing sociocultural models by yielding unique insight into the historical and cross-cultural ubiquity of competition over aspects of physical appearance to embody what is desired by potential mates. An evolutionary lens can help to make sense of reliable sex and individual differences that impact appearance enhancement, as well as the context-dependent nature of putative adaptations that function to increase physical attractiveness. In the current review, appearance enhancement is described as a self-promotion strategy used to enhance reproductive success by rendering oneself more attractive than rivals to mates, thereby increasing one's mate value. The varied ways in which humans enhance their appearance are described, as well as the divergent tactics used by women and men to augment their appearance, which correspond to the preferences of opposite-sex mates in a heterosexual context. Evolutionarily relevant individual differences and contextual factors that vary predictably with appearance enhancement behavior are also discussed. The complementarity of sociocultural and evolutionary perspectives is emphasized and recommended avenues for future interdisciplinary research are provided for scholars interested in studying appearance enhancement behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam C Davis
- Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Steven Arnocky
- Department of Psychology, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON, P1B 8L7, Canada.
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8
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MOURA SCSRD, VIALTA A. Review: use of fruits and vegetables in processed foods: consumption trends and technological impacts. FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/fst.66421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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9
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Choi KY. Bioprocess of Microbial Melanin Production and Isolation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:765110. [PMID: 34869277 PMCID: PMC8637283 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.765110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanin is one of the most abundant pigments found in the biosphere. Owing to its high biocompatibility and diverse biological activities, it has been widely applied as a functional biomaterial in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, biopolymer, and environmental fields. In this study, the production of melanin was comprehensively reviewed concerning bioconversion and isolation processes. First, several melanogenic microbes, including fungi and bacteria, were summarized. Melanin production was classified by host and melanin type and was analyzed by titers in g/L in addition to reaction conditions, including pH and temperature. The production was further interpreted using a space-time yields chart, which showed two distinct classifications in productivity, and reaction conditions were analyzed using a pH-temperature-titer chart. Next, the extraction process was summarized by crude and pure melanin preparation procedures, and the extraction yields were highlighted. Finally, the recent applications of melanin were briefly summarized, and prospects for further application and development in industrial applications were suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwon-Young Choi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea.,Department of Environmental and Safety Engineering, College of Engineering, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
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10
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Lu Y, Yang J, Xiao K, Pointer M, Li C, Wuerger S. Skin coloration is a culturally-specific cue for attractiveness, healthiness, and youthfulness in observers of Chinese and western European descent. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259276. [PMID: 34710190 PMCID: PMC8553160 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Facial skin coloration signals information about an individual and plays an important role in social interactions and mate choice, due its putative association with health, attractiveness, and age. Whether skin coloration as an evolutionary significant cue is universal or specific to a particular culture is unclear and current evidence on the universality of skin color as a cue to health and attractiveness are equivocal. The current study used 80 calibrated, high-resolution, non-manipulated images of real human faces, either of Chinese or western European descent, which were rated in terms of attractiveness, healthiness, and perceived age by 44 observers, 22 western European (13 male; mean age ± SD = 24.27 ± 5.30) and 22 Chinese (7 male; mean age ± SD = 26.05 ± 3.96) observers. To elucidate the associations between skin coloration and these perceptual ratings and whether these associations are modulated by observer or image ethnicity, a linear mixed-effect model was setup with skin lightness (L*; CIELAB), redness (a*) and yellowness (b*), observer and image ethnicity as independent variables and perceived attractiveness, healthiness, and estimated age as dependent variables. We found robust positive associations between facial skin lightness (L*) and attractiveness, healthiness, and youthfulness, but only when Chinese observers judge facial images of their own ethnicity. Observers of European descent, on the other hand, associated an increase in yellowness(b*) with greater attractiveness and healthiness in Chinese facial images. We find no evidence that facial redness is positively associated with these attributes; instead, an increase in redness (a*) is associated with an increase in the estimated age of European facial images. We conclude that observers of both ethnicities make use of skin color and lightness to rate attractiveness, healthiness, and perceived age, but to a lesser degree than previously thought. Furthermore, these coloration cues are not universal and are utilized differently within the Chinese and western European ethnic groups. Our study adds to the growing body of work demonstrating the importance of skin color manipulations within an evolutionary meaningful parameter space, ideally using realistic skin models based on physical parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lu
- School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Jie Yang
- School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- School of New Media, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing, China
| | - Kaida Xiao
- School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Pointer
- School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Changjun Li
- School of Computer Science and Software Engineering, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan, China
| | - Sophie Wuerger
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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11
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Pezdirc K, Rollo ME, Whitehead R, Hutchesson MJ, Ozakinci G, Perrett D, Collins CE. Perceptions of carotenoid and melanin colouration in faces among young Australian adults. AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ajpy.12163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Pezdirc
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia,
| | - Megan E. Rollo
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia,
| | - Ross Whitehead
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, UK,
| | - Melinda J. Hutchesson
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia,
| | - Gozde Ozakinci
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, UK,
| | - David Perrett
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, UK,
| | - Clare E. Collins
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia,
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12
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Cairns P, Ozakinci G, Perrett DI. Reactions to an Online Demonstration of the Effect of Increased Fruit and Vegetable Consumption on Appearance: Survey Study. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e15726. [PMID: 32459626 PMCID: PMC7388035 DOI: 10.2196/15726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption causes a considerable disease burden and premature mortality. Despite public health promotion of a healthy diet, the average consumption is still below recommended levels. Fruit and vegetable consumption influences human skin color, increasing red/yellow/orange pigment in the skin. Given that this color is deemed attractive and healthy-looking, the appearance benefit may motivate to eat more fruit and vegetables. Such appearance motivation could be particularly useful in young individuals who currently eat the least fruit and vegetables. Objective Our objectives were to assess how widely the impact of diet on skin color is known within the UK and to compare the strength of motivation to eat fruit and vegetables based on health and appearance benefits among different demographic groups. Methods Four groups of UK residents (N=200 per group) were recruited through the Prolific online platform. Groups comprised younger (aged 18-24) and older adults (aged 40-60) of low and high self-reported socioeconomic status (1-5 and 6-10 on a 10-point rating scale). Facial images simulating the skin color associated with low and high fruit and vegetable diets were shown to participants. Questionnaires were used to assess (1) background knowledge of the health and skin color effects of dietary fruit and vegetables, (2) the specific motivational impact of the skin color illustration, and (3) the relative importance of motivation to consume fruit and vegetables arising from health and skin color appearance benefits. Results We found that 61% (n=487) of all participants were unaware of the dietary–skin color association. We also found that 57% (n=457) of participants found the simple demonstration of the dietary impact on skin color positively motivating to eat more fruit and vegetables. The visual demonstration was equally motivating for participants of high and low self-reported socioeconomic status (P=.63) and different ethnic backgrounds (White N=453, Black N=182, Asian N=87, P=.22). Health benefits from a diet high in fruit and vegetables were regarded as more motivating than skin color appearance benefits. The appearance-changing benefits of a high fruit and vegetable diet (compared to the health benefits) were relatively more important for the younger participants (Mann-Whitney U=96,263, P<.001) and for women (N=489) than for men (N=310, U=83,763, P=.01). Conclusions These findings indicate that the promotion of the skin color effects of diets high in fruit and vegetables could provide additional motivation for a healthier diet. Our study indicates the broad appeal of appearance benefits from dietary fruit and vegetable (across ethnicity and socioeconomic status) and particularly amongst young adults where an inadequate diet is most prevalent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Cairns
- Perception Lab, School of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Gozde Ozakinci
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - David Ian Perrett
- Perception Lab, School of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
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13
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Perrett DI, Talamas SN, Cairns P, Henderson AJ. Skin Color Cues to Human Health: Carotenoids, Aerobic Fitness, and Body Fat. Front Psychol 2020; 11:392. [PMID: 32218759 PMCID: PMC7078114 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorful carotenoid ornaments are sexually selected signals of health in many species. In humans too, carotenoids could provide a perceptible cue to health as they impart an attractive yellow-orange color to skin. Increasing carotenoid pigmentation and skin yellowness is associated with increased fruit and vegetable intake, but whether other aspects of human health benefit skin color is unknown. Carotenoids, as antioxidants, help maintain oxidative balance but are expended in this role. Therefore, any health factor affecting oxidative balance could alter the quantity of carotenoids available to color skin. Exercise increases endogenous antioxidant capacity and consequently may decrease expenditure of carotenoids. Fitness could also raise skin carotenoids by lowering body fat (a source of oxidative stress). Here we investigate the relationship between skin color (measured spectrophotometrically), aerobic fitness (measured by estimating the maximum volume of oxygen that a person can use per unit of time, VO2 max), and body fat. In a cross-sectional design, we find that both higher aerobic fitness and lower body fat are predictors of skin yellowness, independent of each other and dietary fruit and vegetable intake. In a longitudinal design over 8 weeks, we found that increase in fitness and decrease in body fat were independently associated with an increase in skin yellowness. Change in self-reported stress and sleep were further predictors of skin yellowness indicating a more general relation between health and skin tone. Simulations of the skin color associated with higher fitness were found to appear healthier. Hence, our results suggest that increasing cardiovascular fitness and decreasing fat levels produce a healthier skin color. Such findings have repercussions for public health because improved attractiveness can provide an incentive for a healthier lifestyle, including exercise and weight regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David I Perrett
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Sean N Talamas
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Cairns
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Audrey J Henderson
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
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14
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Kočnar T, Saribay SA, Kleisner K. Perceived attractiveness of Czech faces across 10 cultures: Associations with sexual shape dimorphism, averageness, fluctuating asymmetry, and eye color. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225549. [PMID: 31751432 PMCID: PMC6872208 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on the perception of faces typically assumes that there are some universal values of attractiveness which are shared across individuals and cultures. The perception of attractiveness may, however, vary across cultures due to local differences in both facial morphology and standards of beauty. To examine cross-cultural consensus in the ratings of attractiveness, we presented a set of 120 non-manipulated photographs of Czech faces to ten samples of raters from both European (Czech Republic, Estonia, Sweden, Romania, Turkey, Portugal) and non-European countries (Brazil, India, Cameroon, Namibia). We examined the relative contribution of three facial markers (sexual shape dimorphism, averageness, fluctuating asymmetry) to the perception of attractiveness as well as the possible influence of eye color, which is a locally specific trait. In general, we found that both male and female faces which were closer to the average and more feminine in shape were regarded as more attractive, while fluctuating asymmetry had no effect. Despite a high cross-cultural consensus on attractiveness standards, significant differences in the perception of attractiveness seem to be related to the level of socio-economic development (as measured by the Human Development Index, HDI). Attractiveness ratings by raters from low-HDI countries (India, Cameroon, Namibia) converged less with ratings from Czech Republic than ratings from high-HDI countries (European countries and Brazil). With respect to eye color, some local patterns emerged which we discuss as a consequence of negative frequency-dependent selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Kočnar
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - S. Adil Saribay
- Department of Psychology, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Karel Kleisner
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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15
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Carrito ML, Semin GR. When we don't know what we know - Sex and skin color. Cognition 2019; 191:103972. [PMID: 31228668 DOI: 10.1016/j.cognition.2019.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In 3 experiments, we examine how the abstract category of gender, grounded by the lightness-darkness dimension, derived from the universal sexual dimorphism of skin color, is represented and how such representations lead to visual accentuation processes, i.e. polarization of differences between male and female faces. In the first two experiments, we show that irrespective of whether grayscale male and female faces are presented sequentially or jointly, female faces are judged to be lighter than male faces when participants are asked to indicate the level of lightness of the faces. This pattern was found for the majority of participants who explicitly stated that men and women do not differ in skin color. The third experiment was designed to examine the cognitive consequences of what people implicitly 'know' with a perceptual accentuation study. Participants were provided with male and female faces of equal skin color. Subsequently, in a memory recall task, they were asked to select, from a row of several faces varying in skin color, the original face. They chose, as predicted, lighter versions of faces for females compared to the male faces. This research reveals that the evolutionarily based sexual dimorphism in skin color implicitly grounds gender categories and shapes implicit visual accentuation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana L Carrito
- Centre for Psychology at University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences - University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Gün R Semin
- William James Center for Research, ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Rua Jardim do Tabaco 41, 1149-041 Lisboa, Portugal; Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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16
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Tan KW, Stephen ID. Skin Color Preferences in a Malaysian Chinese Population. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1352. [PMID: 31275195 PMCID: PMC6594203 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Facial skin color influences the perceived health and attractiveness of Caucasian faces, and has been proposed as a valid cue to aspects of physiological health. Similar preferences for skin color have previously been found in African participants, while different preferences have been found among mainland Chinese participants. Here, we asked Malaysian Chinese participants (ethnic Chinese living in an Asian country with high levels of exposure to Western culture) to manipulate the skin color of Malaysian Chinese, Caucasian, and African faces to make them “look as healthy as possible.” Participants chose to increase skin yellowness to a greater extent than to increase skin redness to optimize healthy appearance. The slight reduction in skin lightness chosen was not statistically significant after correction for multiple comparisons. While broadly in line with the preferences of Caucasian and African participants from previous studies, this differs from mainland Chinese participants. There may be a role for culture in skin color preferences, though methodological differences mean that further research is necessary to identify the cause of these differences in preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kok Wei Tan
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading Malaysia, Iskandar Puteri, Malaysia.,School of Psychology, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
| | - Ian D Stephen
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia.,Perception in Action Research Centre, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
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17
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Meléndez-Martínez AJ, Stinco CM, Mapelli-Brahm P. Skin Carotenoids in Public Health and Nutricosmetics: The Emerging Roles and Applications of the UV Radiation-Absorbing Colourless Carotenoids Phytoene and Phytofluene. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11051093. [PMID: 31100970 PMCID: PMC6566388 DOI: 10.3390/nu11051093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, the importance of dietary carotenoids in skin health and appearance is comprehensively reviewed and discussed. References are made to their applications in health-promoting and nutricosmetic products and the important public health implications that can be derived. Attention is focused on the colourless UV radiation (UVR)-absorbing dietary carotenoids phytoene and phytofluene, which are attracting increased interest in food science and technology, nutrition, health and cosmetics. These compounds are major dietary carotenoids, readily bioavailable, and have been shown to be involved in several health-promoting actions, as pinpointed in recent reviews. The growing evidence that these unique UVR-absorbing carotenoids with distinctive structures, properties (light absorption, susceptibility to oxidation, rigidity, tendency to aggregation, or even fluorescence, in the case of phytofluene) and activities can be beneficial in these contexts is highlighted. Additionally, the recommendation that the levels of these carotenoids are considered in properly assessing skin carotenoid status is made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio J Meléndez-Martínez
- Food Colour & Quality Laboratory, Area of Nutrition & Food Science, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| | - Carla M Stinco
- Food Colour & Quality Laboratory, Area of Nutrition & Food Science, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| | - Paula Mapelli-Brahm
- Food Colour & Quality Laboratory, Area of Nutrition & Food Science, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain.
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Ip FW, Lewis GJ, Lefevre CE. Carotenoid skin colouration enhances face and body attractiveness: A cross-cultural study. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2019; 72:2565-2573. [PMID: 31035862 DOI: 10.1177/1747021819850970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has indicated that faces with higher levels of skin carotenoid colouration are perceived as healthier and more attractive. However, it is not known whether this preference is specific to faces or reflects a more generalised preference in biological stimuli: for example, non-face body parts. Moreover, it is not yet well established whether the preference for carotenoid colouration extends beyond Caucasian populations. Three studies were conducted to address these issues. In Studies 1 and 2, Caucasian and Hong Kong Chinese participants, respectively, selected the more attractive image in pairs of high and low carotenoid colouration versions of images of Caucasian faces and body parts, and also for non-face/body-part control stimuli (scrambled faces). In Study 3, a similar study protocol was used with an independent sample of Hong Kong Chinese participants using stimuli generated from Chinese individuals. The results showed that high carotenoid colouration was preferred across all the three studies in faces and body parts, but not in the control stimuli. In addition, there was a stronger preference for high carotenoid colouration in faces compared with body parts in Studies 1 and 2-although this preference was not observed in Study 3. Overall, these findings demonstrate that higher levels of skin carotenoid colouration are preferred both in face and body parts, but not in non-face stimuli, and that these preferences are evident in Caucasian and Hong Kong Chinese individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carmen E Lefevre
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK
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Sadr J, Krowicki L. Face perception loves a challenge: Less information sparks more attraction. Vision Res 2019; 157:61-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2019.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Meléndez-Martínez AJ, Mapelli-Brahm P, Stinco CM. The colourless carotenoids phytoene and phytofluene: From dietary sources to their usefulness for the functional foods and nutricosmetics industries. J Food Compost Anal 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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22
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Rowland HM, Burriss RP. Human colour in mate choice and competition. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 372:rstb.2016.0350. [PMID: 28533465 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The colour of our skin and clothing affects how others perceive us and how we behave. Human skin colour varies conspicuously with genetic ancestry, but even subtle changes in skin colour due to diet, blood oxygenation and hormone levels influence social perceptions. In this review, we describe the theoretical and empirical frameworks in which human colour is researched. We explore how subtle skin colour differences relate to judgements of health and attractiveness. Also, because humans are one of the few organisms able to manipulate their apparent colour, we review how cosmetics and clothing are implicated in courtship and competition, both inside the laboratory and in the real world. Research on human colour is in its infancy compared with human psychophysics and colour research in non-human animals, and hence we present best-practice guidelines for methods and reporting, which we hope will improve the validity and reproducibility of studies on human coloration.This article is part of the themed issue 'Animal coloration: production, perception, function and application'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Rowland
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK .,Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Robert P Burriss
- Faculty of Psychology, Basel University, Basel 4055, Switzerland
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23
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Coyle DH, Pezdirc K, Hutchesson MJ, Collins CE. Intake of specific types of fruit and vegetables is associated with higher levels of skin yellowness in young women: A cross-sectional study. Nutr Res 2018; 56:23-31. [PMID: 30055771 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Carotenoids are fat-soluble pigments primarily found in fruits and vegetables. They accumulate in human skin and contribute to skin yellowness, which has a favorable effect on appearance. The association between specific fruit and vegetable intakes and skin yellowness is currently unknown and could help to promote increased fruit and vegetable consumption in those motivated by appearance, such as young women. The objective was to evaluate associations between specific fruit and vegetable intakes and skin yellowness in young women. It was hypothesized that the intake of fruits and vegetables known to be rich in carotenoids, particularly β-carotene, would account for the greatest variation in skin yellowness. One hundred and eighteen women (18-40 years) were recruited from the Hunter region, NSW, Australia. Fruit and vegetable intakes were assessed using the 2010 Australian Eating Survey Food Frequency Questionnaire and skin yellowness was measured using reflectance spectroscopy. Multiple linear regression was used to assess how much of the variation in skin yellowness is explained by fruit and vegetable intakes. Higher combined fruit and vegetable intake (P = .0004) and higher total fruit intake (P = .005) were associated with increased skin yellowness. Three specific fruits (apple/pear, mango/pawpaw and dried fruit) and five vegetables (beans/lentils, spinach, broccoli, corn, baked beans) also accounted for a significant proportion of the variation in skin yellowness (P < .05). In conclusion, the consumption of eight specific fruits and vegetables and total combined fruit and vegetable intake are positively associated with skin yellowness and this confers a desirable effect on appearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy H Coyle
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle; Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Kristine Pezdirc
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle; Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Melinda J Hutchesson
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle; Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Clare E Collins
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle; Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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25
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26
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The Relative Importance of Sexual Dimorphism, Fluctuating Asymmetry, and Color Cues to Health during Evaluation of Potential Partners' Facial Photographs : A Conjoint Analysis Study. HUMAN NATURE-AN INTERDISCIPLINARY BIOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVE 2017; 28:53-75. [PMID: 27752965 DOI: 10.1007/s12110-016-9277-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism, symmetry, and coloration in human faces putatively signal information relevant to mate selection and reproduction. Although the independent contributions of these characteristics to judgments of attractiveness are well established, relatively few studies have examined whether individuals prioritize certain features over others. Here, participants (N = 542, 315 female) ranked six sets of facial photographs (3 male, 3 female) by their preference for starting long- and short-term romantic relationships with each person depicted. Composite-based digital transformations were applied such that each image set contained 11 different versions of the same identity. Each photograph in each image set had a unique combination of three traits: sexual dimorphism, symmetry, and color cues to health. Using conjoint analysis to evaluate participants' ranking decisions, we found that participants prioritized cues to sexual dimorphism over symmetry and color cues to health. Sexual dimorphism was also found to be relatively more important for the evaluation of male faces than for female faces, whereas symmetry and color cues to health were relatively more important for the evaluation of female faces than for male faces. Symmetry and color cues to health were more important for long-term versus short-term evaluations for female faces, but not male faces. Analyses of utility estimates reveal that our data are consistent with research showing that preferences for facial masculinity and femininity in male and female faces vary according to relationship context. These findings are interpreted in the context of previous work examining the influence of these facial attributes on romantic partner perception.
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Foo YZ, Rhodes G, Simmons LW. The carotenoid beta-carotene enhances facial color, attractiveness and perceived health, but not actual health, in humans. Behav Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arw188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhi Foo
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia, and
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology & School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Gillian Rhodes
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia, and
| | - Leigh W. Simmons
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia, and
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology & School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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Foo YZ, Simmons LW, Rhodes G. Predictors of facial attractiveness and health in humans. Sci Rep 2017; 7:39731. [PMID: 28155897 PMCID: PMC5290736 DOI: 10.1038/srep39731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Facial attractiveness has been suggested to provide signals of biological quality, particularly health, in humans. The attractive traits that have been implicated as signals of biological quality include sexual dimorphism, symmetry, averageness, adiposity, and carotenoid-based skin colour. In this study, we first provide a comprehensive examination of the traits that predict attractiveness. In men, attractiveness was predicted positively by masculinity, symmetry, averageness, and negatively by adiposity. In women, attractiveness was predicted positively by femininity and negatively by adiposity. Skin colour did not predict attractiveness in either sex, suggesting that, despite recent interest in the literature, colour may play limited role in determining attractiveness. Male perceived health was predicted positively by averageness, symmetry, and skin yellowness, and negatively by adiposity. Female perceived health was predicted by femininity. We then examined whether appearance predicted actual health using measures that have been theoretically linked to sexual selection, including immune function, oxidative stress, and semen quality. In women, there was little evidence that female appearance predicted health. In men, we found support for the phenotype-linked fertility hypothesis that male masculinity signalled semen quality. However, we also found a negative relationship between averageness and semen quality. Overall, these results indicate weak links between attractive facial traits and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhi Foo
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, 6009, WA, Australia
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology & School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, 6009, WA, Australia
| | - Leigh W. Simmons
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, 6009, WA, Australia
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology & School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, 6009, WA, Australia
| | - Gillian Rhodes
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, 6009, WA, Australia
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Mayer C, Windhager S, Schaefer K, Mitteroecker P. BMI and WHR Are Reflected in Female Facial Shape and Texture: A Geometric Morphometric Image Analysis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169336. [PMID: 28052103 PMCID: PMC5215758 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Facial markers of body composition are frequently studied in evolutionary psychology and are important in computational and forensic face recognition. We assessed the association of body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) with facial shape and texture (color pattern) in a sample of young Middle European women by a combination of geometric morphometrics and image analysis. Faces of women with high BMI had a wider and rounder facial outline relative to the size of the eyes and lips, and relatively lower eyebrows. Furthermore, women with high BMI had a brighter and more reddish skin color than women with lower BMI. The same facial features were associated with WHR, even though BMI and WHR were only moderately correlated. Yet BMI was better predictable than WHR from facial attributes. After leave-one-out cross-validation, we were able to predict 25% of variation in BMI and 10% of variation in WHR by facial shape. Facial texture predicted only about 3–10% of variation in BMI and WHR. This indicates that facial shape primarily reflects total fat proportion, rather than the distribution of fat within the body. The association of reddish facial texture in high-BMI women may be mediated by increased blood pressure and superficial blood flow as well as diet. Our study elucidates how geometric morphometric image analysis serves to quantify the effect of biological factors such as BMI and WHR to facial shape and color, which in turn contributes to social perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Mayer
- Department of Theoretical Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Biosciences, CEES & EvoGene, University of Oslo, Blindern, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sonja Windhager
- Department of Theoretical Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katrin Schaefer
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Mitteroecker
- Department of Theoretical Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
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Kandrik M, Hahn AC, Fisher CI, Wincenciak J, DeBruine LM, Jones BC. Are physiological and behavioral immune responses negatively correlated? Evidence from hormone-linked differences in men's face preferences. Horm Behav 2017; 87:57-61. [PMID: 27810343 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Behaviors that minimize exposure to sources of pathogens can carry opportunity costs. Consequently, how individuals resolve the tradeoff between the benefits and costs of behavioral immune responses should be sensitive to the extent to which they are vulnerable to infectious diseases. However, although it is a strong prediction of this functional flexibility principle, there is little compelling evidence that individuals with stronger physiological immune responses show weaker behavioral immune responses. Here we show that men with the combination of high testosterone and low cortisol levels, a hormonal profile recently found to be associated with particularly strong physiological immune responses, show weaker preferences for color cues associated with carotenoid pigmentation. Since carotenoid cues are thought to index vulnerability to infectious illnesses, our results are consistent with the functional flexibility principle's prediction that individuals with stronger physiological immune responses show weaker behavioral immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Kandrik
- Institute of Neuroscience & Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QB, UK.
| | - Amanda C Hahn
- Institute of Neuroscience & Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QB, UK
| | - Claire I Fisher
- Institute of Neuroscience & Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QB, UK
| | - Joanna Wincenciak
- Institute of Neuroscience & Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QB, UK
| | - Lisa M DeBruine
- Institute of Neuroscience & Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QB, UK
| | - Benedict C Jones
- Institute of Neuroscience & Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QB, UK
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Consuming High-Carotenoid Fruit and Vegetables Influences Skin Yellowness and Plasma Carotenoids in Young Women: A Single-Blind Randomized Crossover Trial. J Acad Nutr Diet 2016; 116:1257-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2016.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Tskhay KO, Wilson JP, Rule NO. People Use Psychological Cues to Detect Physical Disease From Faces. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2016; 42:1309-20. [PMID: 27431444 DOI: 10.1177/0146167216656357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Previous theoretical work has suggested that people can accurately perceive disease from others' appearances and behaviors. However, much of that research has examined diseases with relatively obvious symptoms (e.g., scars, obesity, blemishes, sneezing). Here, we examined whether people similarly detect diseases that do not exhibit such visible physical cues (i.e., sexually transmitted diseases). We found that people could indeed identify individuals infected with sexually transmitted diseases significantly better than chance from photos of their faces. Perceptions of the targets' affective expression and socioeconomic status mediated participants' accuracy. Finally, increasing participants' contamination fears improved their sensitivity to disease cues. These data therefore suggest that people may use subtle and indirect psychological markers to detect some physical diseases from appearance.
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Carrito MDL, Santos IMBD, Lefevre CE, Whitehead RD, Silva CFD, Perrett DI. The role of sexually dimorphic skin colour and shape in attractiveness of male faces. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2015.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Focal Length Affects Depicted Shape and Perception of Facial Images. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149313. [PMID: 26894832 PMCID: PMC4760932 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Static photographs are currently the most often employed stimuli in research on social perception. The method of photograph acquisition might affect the depicted subject's facial appearance and thus also the impression of such stimuli. An important factor influencing the resulting photograph is focal length, as different focal lengths produce various levels of image distortion. Here we tested whether different focal lengths (50, 85, 105 mm) affect depicted shape and perception of female and male faces. We collected three portrait photographs of 45 (22 females, 23 males) participants under standardized conditions and camera setting varying only in the focal length. Subsequently, the three photographs from each individual were shown on screen in a randomized order using a 3-alternative forced-choice paradigm. The images were judged for attractiveness, dominance, and femininity/masculinity by 369 raters (193 females, 176 males). Facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR) was measured from each photograph and overall facial shape was analysed employing geometric morphometric methods (GMM). Our results showed that photographs taken with 50 mm focal length were rated as significantly less feminine/masculine, attractive, and dominant compared to the images taken with longer focal lengths. Further, shorter focal lengths produced faces with smaller fWHR. Subsequent GMM revealed focal length significantly affected overall facial shape of the photographed subjects. Thus methodology of photograph acquisition, focal length in this case, can significantly affect results of studies using photographic stimuli perhaps due to different levels of perspective distortion that influence shapes and proportions of morphological traits.
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Abstract
The physician’s general survey is an invaluable method for quickly assessing a patient’s overall health and demeanor. Recent studies in psychology have found that qualities of one’s face—including skin coloration and facial adiposity—are associated with one’s underlying health. Subtle variations in these features can indicate serious health problems but can be detected with the untrained eye. Here, we describe how these facial traits link to health and discuss how such cues could be incorporated into the physician’s general survey. In light of research on the barriers preventing physicians from implementing new approaches in their practice, we also consider how scans of facial cues to health could be rapidly and effortlessly integrated into a physician’s current general survey. Integrating assessments of facial cues to health into the general survey would be a simple, low-risk, and low-cost way to detect, monitor, and track possible health concerns, particularly in the burgeoning field of telemedicine.
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36
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Pezdirc K, Hutchesson MJ, Whitehead R, Ozakinci G, Perrett D, Collins CE. Fruit, Vegetable and Dietary Carotenoid Intakes Explain Variation in Skin-Color in Young Caucasian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients 2015; 7:5800-15. [PMID: 26184306 PMCID: PMC4517028 DOI: 10.3390/nu7075251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Revised: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fruit and vegetables contain carotenoid pigments, which accumulate in human skin, contributing to its yellowness. This effect has a beneficial impact on appearance. The aim was to evaluate associations between diet (fruit, vegetable and dietary carotenoid intakes) and skin color in young women. Ninety-one Caucasian women (Median and Interquartile Range (IQR) age 22.1 (18.1–29.1) years, BMI 22.9 (18.5–31.9) kg/m2) were recruited from the Hunter region (Australia). Fruit, vegetable and dietary carotenoid intakes were estimated by a validated food frequency questionnaire. Skin color was measured at nine body locations (sun exposed and unexposed sites) using spectrophotometry. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the relationship between fruit and vegetable intakes and skin yellowness adjusting for known confounders. Higher combined fruit and vegetable intakes (β = 0.8, p = 0.017) were associated with higher overall skin yellowness values. Higher fruit combined fruit and vegetable intakes (β = 1.0, p = 0.004) were associated with increased unexposed skin yellowness. Combined fruit and vegetables plus dietary carotenoid intakes contribute to skin yellowness in young Caucasian women. Evaluation of interventions using improvements in appearance as an incentive for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in young women is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Pezdirc
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Melinda J Hutchesson
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Ross Whitehead
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AJ, Scotland, UK.
| | - Gozde Ozakinci
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AJ, Scotland, UK.
| | - David Perrett
- School of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AJ, Scotland, UK.
| | - Clare E Collins
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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37
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Burriss RP, Troscianko J, Lovell PG, Fulford AJC, Stevens M, Quigley R, Payne J, Saxton TK, Rowland HM. Changes in Women's Facial Skin Color over the Ovulatory Cycle are Not Detectable by the Human Visual System. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130093. [PMID: 26134671 PMCID: PMC4489916 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human ovulation is not advertised, as it is in several primate species, by conspicuous sexual swellings. However, there is increasing evidence that the attractiveness of women's body odor, voice, and facial appearance peak during the fertile phase of their ovulatory cycle. Cycle effects on facial attractiveness may be underpinned by changes in facial skin color, but it is not clear if skin color varies cyclically in humans or if any changes are detectable. To test these questions we photographed women daily for at least one cycle. Changes in facial skin redness and luminance were then quantified by mapping the digital images to human long, medium, and shortwave visual receptors. We find cyclic variation in skin redness, but not luminance. Redness decreases rapidly after menstrual onset, increases in the days before ovulation, and remains high through the luteal phase. However, we also show that this variation is unlikely to be detectable by the human visual system. We conclude that changes in skin color are not responsible for the effects of the ovulatory cycle on women's attractiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P. Burriss
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle, NE1 8ST, United Kingdom
| | - Jolyon Troscianko
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - P. George Lovell
- Division of Psychology, Abertay University, Dundee, DD1 1HG, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9JP, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J. C. Fulford
- MRC International Nutrition Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Stevens
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael Quigley
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny Payne
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, United Kingdom
| | - Tamsin K. Saxton
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle, NE1 8ST, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah M. Rowland
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, United Kingdom
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
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