Racial/Ethnic diversity in skin properties: from skin morphology to molecular phenotype

Abstract

The considerable range of phenotypic variation observed in human populations may partly reflect a unique process of natural selection and adaptation to variable environmental conditions. Differences in physiological indices, structure, molecular phenotypes and metabolic mechanisms of the skin of populations of different races and countries are also a reflection of this unique process. These differences are reflected in skin colour, pH, moisture content, water loss, sebum secretion, and skin elasticity. The differences in skin properties reflected in these skin physiological indices are determined by the uniqueness of the molecular phenotypes of the skin of different races in terms of morphology and gene expression, protein composition, lipid metabolism, and skin microecology. Further explore the unique mechanisms of action of skin morphology and molecular phenotypes between races, such as the function of specific proteins or lipid isoforms and the effects of microbial interactions with skin metabolites on skin properties. Understanding ethnically diverse skin morphology and molecular phenotypes will allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying differences in skin properties between races, and for more accurate dermatological diagnosis, skin management, and regulation of related products.