Singapore embarks on $14m study to understand how Asian skin ages

It aims to discover preventive measures and treatments tailored specifically for Asians

- Joyce Teo

Not much is known about how Asian skin ages, because most dermatological research has focused on Caucasian populations.

This is set to change as Singapore embarks on a $14 million four-year multidisciplinary research initiative to look at what is driving skin ageing in Asians in order to address their age-related skin health issues, such as skin thinning and persistent itching.

As the largest organ in our body, the skin protects us against injuries and microbial attacks.

As we age, it becomes thinner, less elastic and more fragile. With the decline in its barrier function, there is a reduced ability to retain moisture, control temperature and protect the body from infectious agents and other harmful substances, among other functions.

The study – Cutaneous Ageing and Maintenance Programme – which is set to start on Aug 1, aims to discover innovative preventive measures and treatments that are tailored specifically for Asian skin, said its principal investigator, Professor Rachel Watson.

Prof Watson is an ageing skin expert and the executive director of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) Skin Research Labs and the Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS).

The study will bring together clinicians, biologists, engineers and data scientists from SRIS’ tripartite partners: A*Star, the National Healthcare Group and Nanyang Technological University.

They will measure the physiology of Asian skin, study what is underpinning the changes, and create models that reflect skin in an aged environment.