his observational study examines whether time spent driving is associated with differences in skin hydration between the left and right cheeks in female drivers residing in Florida. In left-hand-drive vehicles, the driver's left cheek is chronically exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation through the unshaded side window during every daytime driving episode. A prior study by IAS Skin Care (NCT07564869, n=30) found that the left cheek was less hydrated than the right cheek in 60% of participants, suggesting a possible effect of driving-related UVA exposure on facial skin hydration asymmetry. Eighty female drivers aged 25-65 years residing in Florida will be enrolled. At a single visit, skin hydration will be measured at three facial zones (left cheek, right cheek, and forehead as a symmetrical control zone) using the BT-Analyze bioimpedance device. Participants will complete a structured questionnaire on driving habits, sun protection practices, and skin history. The primary outcome is the Hydration Asymmetry Index (HAI = right cheek minus left cheek BT-Analyze score). Associations between driving time, cumulative driving exposure, window tinting, sunscreen use, and HAI will be examined using Spearman correlation, Mann-Whitney U tests, and multiple linear regression.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
80
Non-invasive skin hydration measurement at three facial zones (right cheek, left cheek, forehead) using the BT-Analyze bioimpedance device. Three measurements per zone. Single visit.
IAS Skin Care
Orlando, Florida, United States
Hydration Asymmetry Index (HAI)
Difference in mean BT-Analyze bioimpedance scores between the right and left cheeks (HAI = right cheek mean minus left cheek mean). A positive value indicates lower hydration on the left cheek relative to the right.
Time frame: Single visit (Day 1)
Correlation between cumulative driving exposure and HAI
Spearman correlation between cumulative driving exposure index (years of driving × hours per week) and the Hydration Asymmetry Index.
Time frame: Single visit (Day 1)
HAI by window tinting status
Comparison of Hydration Asymmetry Index between participants with tinted versus untinted driver-side windows, assessed by Mann-Whitney U test.
Time frame: Single visit (Day 1)
HAI by sunscreen application habit
Comparison of Hydration Asymmetry Index between participants who regularly apply sunscreen to the left side of the face before driving and those who do not, assessed by Mann-Whitney U test.
Time frame: Single visit (Day 1)
Forehead hydration as symmetry reference
Forehead BT-Analyze score used as a bilateral symmetry reference zone to confirm that observed cheek asymmetry is directional and not attributable to general hydration differences.
Time frame: Single visit (Day 1)
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