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J. Cosmet. Sci., 63, 303–310 (September/October 2012) 303 Relationships among skin conditions, mood, and polyunsaturated fatty acids of RBCs in healthy women NINA HAMAZAKI-FUJITA, MIHO ITOMURA, KEI HAMAZAKI, HIROMI TOHNO, SATOSHI YOMODA, YOSHIHIRO TERASHIMA, and TOMOHITO HAMAZAKI, Kracie Pharma, Ltd., Takaoka-city, Toyama 933-0856 (N.H.-F., H.T., S.Y.), Institute of Natural Medicine (M.I., Y.T., T.H.), and Department of Public Health (K.H.), University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan. Accepted for publication January 19, 2012. Synopsis Little is known about nonpathological facial skin problems at present. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationships among facial skin conditions, mood, and the fatty acid composition of red blood cells (RBCs) in women. One hundred and thirty-two apparently healthy Japanese women aged between 20 and 60 years were recruited. Facial skin conditions were analyzed using a Robo Skin Analyzer, and the RBC fatty acid composition was also determined. Questionnaires concerning mood were administered. Forehead pigmentation was more mood-dependent (in 20s group) and less arachidonic acid (AA)-dependent (in all participants) than that in other areas of the face. Actually there was no correlation in pigmentation between the forehead and other areas of the face when adjusted for age, smoking, and drinking. Skin conditions were adversely correlated with a negative mood. α-Linolenic acid concentrations were negatively correlated with negative mood scores. Pigmentation characteristics in the forehead were independent from other areas of the face. Negative mood and AA were adversely correlated with skin conditions. INTRODUCTION The facial skin problems are very important concern especially for women even when these are within normal limits. Facial skin problems can lead to deterioration in mood regardless of whether there are pathological changes or not. However, little is known about nonpathological skin conditions. Reasons for the paucity of studies in this area include (i) the supposed lack of a relationship with disease, (ii) the methodological in- ability to analyze normal skin conditions until recently, and (iii) possible underestimation of the effects of skin condition on mood. Mood has long been recognized as an important factor in pathological dermatological con- ditions (1), and the reverse also holds true (2). This relationship might further be explained Address all correspondence to Nina Hamazaki-Fujita at fujita_nina@phm.kracie.co.jp.