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Age estimation using level of eyebrow and eyelash whitening
Feride Aylin Kantarcı1, Muhammed Nabi Kantarcı2, Sefer Bilgi3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Lütfiye Nuri Burat State Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Insights
Eyebrow and eyelash whitening can help estimate a person's age, especially after age 40. This study found that the degree of whitening increases with age, making it a potential forensic tool.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Dermatology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Age estimation is crucial in forensic and clinical settings.
- Traditional methods can be invasive or lack precision.
- Novel, non-invasive biomarkers for age estimation are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between eyebrow and eyelash whitening and chronological age.
- To determine if hair whitening in these facial areas can serve as an effective age estimation parameter.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 1545 patients was analyzed across various age groups (1-90 years).
- Eyebrow and eyelash whitening was categorized into five levels (0-4) based on the extent of whitening.
- Statistical analysis was performed to correlate whitening levels with age and gender.
Main Results:
- Significant eyebrow whitening was observed starting from the 41-50 age group and increased with age.
- Mean age increased with higher levels of eyebrow whitening (Level 4: 69 years).
- While less prevalent, eyelash whitening also showed a correlation with age (mean age 63.57 years with whitening).
- Men exhibited more significant eyebrow whitening than women.
Conclusions:
- Eyebrow and eyelash whitening are potentially useful indicators for age estimation, particularly in individuals over 40.
- The degree of whitening in these facial features correlates with chronological age.
- Further research can validate these findings for forensic and clinical applications.
Background:
The aim of this study was to determine whether eyebrow and eyelash whitening is an effective parameter in age estimation.
Material And Methods:
We evaluated 1545 patients. Age groups were 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71-80, and 81-90 years. Level of whitening was categorized as level 0: no whitening, level 1: 1-3 strands, level 2: 3-10 strands, level 3: 10 strands-2/3 whitening, level 4: >3/4 whitening.
Results:
Mean age was 42.39 ± 20.01. While there was no eyebrow whitening in 87% of the subjects, level 4 whitening of eyebrows was observed in 0,8% of the subjects. There was no eyelash whitening in 97,7% of the subjects and no level 4 eyelash whitening was detected in any subject. Men had significantly more level 1, 2, 3, and 4 eyebrow whitening compared with women. There was no gender difference in terms of eyelash whitening level. There was no eyebrow and eyelash whitening in subjects age 1-40 years; whitening began in the 41-50 years age group and increased with age in other groups. Mean age was 39.59 ± 19.63 years in subjects with no eyebrow whitening; 59 years in level 1, 61 years in level 2, 63 years in level 3, and 69 years in level 4 eyebrow whitening. Mean age was 41.85 ± 19.87 in subjects with no eyelash whitening; and 63.57 ± 10.75 in those with whitening.
Conclusions:
Particularly after 41-50 years of age, level of eyebrow and eyelash whitening may be among a useful age estimation parameter.
