Analysis of Skin Color of Malaysian People

Abstract

The increase need for better color matching of medical-grade silicone in episthesis fabrication imposes gathering and classifying of the captured skin colors according to the body locations. This action provides a correct foundation for further manipulation to establish a complete range of skin shades for any ethnic or human group. In this study visible light spectrometer was used to capture the skin colors in three different locations on the face (forehead, zygoma, and chin) of 86 healthy Malaysian adults representing the three main components of the population. The color values were transferred into a mixed L*a*b mode (Hunter and CIE) using Photoshop software after a pilot study. The skin color data were analyzed and classified according to gender, skin location, and ethnic group in order to establish a color data-base for the Malaysians. Data analyzed using descriptive analysis, independent t-test and one way ANOVA. The results showed that the facial skin had variable color spectrum according to location, gender, and different ethnic groups. As a conclusion of this study, the skin colors fluctuated from one body location to another and according to ethnic group and gender. In addition, mixed L*a*b mode (Hunter and CIE) offered better color matching results for a wide range of skin colors compared to the single mode. This information can be used in making a shade guide or color chart formula for Malaysian population.