Visual attention to variation in female facial skin color distribution

Authors: Fink, Bernhard¹; Matts, Paul J²; Klingenberg, Heiner¹; Kuntze, Sebastian¹; Weege, Bettina¹; Grammer, Karl³

Source: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Volume 7, Number 2, June 2008 , pp. 155-161(7)

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Abstract:

Summary Objectives

Visible skin condition of women is argued to influence human physical attraction. Recent research has shown that people are sensitive to variation in skin color distribution, and such variation affects visual perception of female facial attractiveness, healthiness, and age. Methods

The eye gaze of 39 males and females, aged 13 to 45 years, was tracked while they viewed images of shape- and topography-standardized stimulus faces that varied only in terms of skin color distribution. Results

The number of fixations and dwell time were significantly higher when viewing stimulus faces with the homogeneous skin color distribution of young people, compared with those of more elderly people. In accordance with recent research, facial stimuli with even skin tones were also judged to be younger and received higher attractiveness ratings. Finally, visual attention measures were negatively correlated with perceived age, but positively associated with attractiveness judgments. Conclusions

Variation in visible skin color distribution (independent of facial form and skin surface topography) is able to selectively attract people's attention toward female faces, and this higher attention results in more positive statements about a woman's face.

Keywords: age; face; attractiveness; eye tracking; skin color distribution

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2008.00382.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Sociobiology/Anthropology, Institute of Zoology & Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany 2: P&G Beauty, Rusham Park Technical Center, Whitehall Lane, Egham, Surrey, UK 3: Ludwig-Boltzmann-Institute for Urban Ethology, Vienna, Austria

Publication date: 2008-06-01

Visual attention to variation in female facial skin color distribution

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