Human Skin Aging: Clinical Parameters and Gene Expression Profiling

This study includes answering a survey on prior sun exposures, donating two small pieces of skin (4mm each), one blood draw, complexion analysis, photographs, and non-invasive tests such as skin surface lipid analysis. Your blood and tissue will be sent for DNA analysis and gene expression profiling.

Inclusion criteria

• healthy female, age 18 or older,
• Fitzpatrick type 1 or 2 skin,
• able to read and understand written consent form,
• body mass index normal or overweight range,
• willing to take blood tests and donate skin samples

Exclusion criteria

• pregnant or lactating,
• history of cosmetic surgery affecting the face,
• use of prescription anti-aging medications for 2 weeks prior to study,
• use of dietary supplements for 2 weeks prior to study, use of tanning beds or excessive light exposure (>2 hours) in the past 2 weeks,
• medical conditions which at the discretion of the investigator will have significant impact on ability to judge subjects' skin characteristics and age, sunless tanner use in past 2 weeks