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Kim SH, Kim JH, Choi YM, Seo SM, Jang EY, Lee SJ, Zhang H, Roh Y, Jung YW, Park CO, Jeong DH, Lee KH. Development of a biomarker-based platform for comprehensive skin characterization using minimally invasive skin sampling and quantitative real-time PCR. Skin Res Technol 2024; 30:e13908. [PMID: 39141418 PMCID: PMC11323771 DOI: 10.1111/srt.13908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Classifying diverse skin types is crucial for promoting skin health. However, efficiently identifying and analyzing relevant biomarkers from a vast array of available genetic data is challenging. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a precise and efficient platform for analyzing specific skin biomarkers using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) with the minimal invasive skin sampling method (MISSM). MATERIALS AND METHODS MISSM was used for RNA extraction from skin samples, followed by qRT-PCR analysis to quantify the expression of 20 biomarkers associated with skin characteristics (four biomarkers each for five skin characteristics). Noninvasive measurements from 299 Korean participants were utilized to correlate biomarker expression with skin parameters. Statistical analyses were conducted between biomarker expression levels and noninvasive skin measurements to select the relatively best-performing biomarker for each skin characteristic. RESULTS Collagen type 1 alpha 1 (COL1A1) and moesin (MSN) were identified as skin aging biomarkers. Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) and serine peptidase inhibitor Kazal type 5 (SPINK5) were identified as skin dryness biomarkers, whereas melan-A (MLANA) was selected as a biomarker for understanding pigmentation dynamics. Myelin protein zero like 3 (MPZL3) and high mobility group box 2 (HMGB2) were identified as markers of oily skin and skin sensitivity, respectively. Statistically significant correlations were found between the biomarker expression levels and noninvasive skin characteristic measurements. CONCLUSION This study successfully developed a platform for the precise evaluation of individual skin characteristics using MISSM and qRT-PCR biomarker analysis. By selecting biomarkers that correlate with noninvasive measurements of skin characteristics, we demonstrated the platform's efficacy in assessing diverse skin conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo Hyeong Kim
- Cutis Biomedical Research Center Co. Ltd.SeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Ji Hye Kim
- Cutis Biomedical Research Center Co. Ltd.SeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Yoon Mi Choi
- Cutis Biomedical Research Center Co. Ltd.SeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Su Min Seo
- Cutis Biomedical Research Center Co. Ltd.SeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Eun Young Jang
- Cutis Biomedical Research Center Co. Ltd.SeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Sung Jae Lee
- Cutis Biomedical Research Center Co. Ltd.SeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Hyun‐Soo Zhang
- Biostatistics Collaboration UnitDepartment of Biomedical Systems InformaticsYonsei University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Yunho Roh
- Biostatistics Collaboration UnitDepartment of Biomedical Systems InformaticsYonsei University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Yeon Woo Jung
- Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Biology Research InstituteYonsei University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Chang Ook Park
- Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Biology Research InstituteYonsei University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | | | - Kwang Hoon Lee
- Cutis Biomedical Research Center Co. Ltd.SeoulRepublic of Korea
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Abstract
The classification of an individual's skin type is important because it helps dermatologists and aesthetic clinicians select the most effective methods for treating the skin. To select suitable cosmetic products and procedures that help ensure healthy and beautiful skin, clinicians must consider the patient's skin type. An individualized classification of skin types allows the clinician to develop personalized skin care recommendations that consider an individual's genetic and physiological characteristics. In the fields of dermatology and aesthetics, the classification of skin types is the basis for scientific research. Skin type classification systems are additionally important for both dermatologists and aesthetic practitioners because they influence the selection of cosmetic products, procedures, and treatments. The purpose of this paper was to provide a detailed review and evaluation of the relevance, suitability, and benefits of the new ABCD Classification of Skin Types, to compare it with other systems for classifying skin types, and to identify parameters for its improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Pashkovska
- Oksana Pashkovska, MD, is a Dermatologist at the Face Zone Clinic for Aesthetic Medicine in Kiev, Ukraine. Dr. Pashkovska has a keen interest in the classification of skin types, particularly in dermatology and cosmetology. Her research focuses on evaluating the ABCD classification system that she developed, comparing it with previous systems, and exploring its advantages for personalized skincare
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Guerra LO, Cortinoz JR, Vasques LI, Leonardi GR. Methods for skin image analysis and their applications in dermatology and cosmetic research: a comprehensive review. Ital J Dermatol Venerol 2024; 159:146-160. [PMID: 38376503 DOI: 10.23736/s2784-8671.23.07704-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent years, several non-invasive imaging methods have been introduced to facilitate studies in dermatology and cosmetic research, almost completely replacing invasive methods such as biopsy. Imaging devices have proven to be useful tools in skin analysis and therapy monitoring. This review aimed to investigate the most recent studies in cosmetic dermatology the imaging technology and methods that are being used to assess skin characteristics and summarize its fundamentals, possible applications, advantages, and limitations, and to give a future perspective to the clinical trials. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION For that, a literature review was carried out in the main scientific database platforms and the studies associating skin image analysis with dermatology and cosmetic research were selected and discussed. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS It was possible to infer that skin image analyses are not only practical and effective, but have also become increasingly essential for the skin sciences. The in vivo and real-time image analyses allow a more complete evaluation and the follow-up of the same region for different periods. It was also possible to observe that macroscopic, microscopic, and mesoscopic imaging methods are complementary, allowing different approaches in the same study. CONCLUSIONS These technologies are expected to evolve more and more quickly in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas O Guerra
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- ALS Life Sciences-Allergisa Pesquisa Dermato-Cosmética Ltda, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Janaina R Cortinoz
- ALS Life Sciences-Allergisa Pesquisa Dermato-Cosmética Ltda, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Louise I Vasques
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil -
| | - Gislaine R Leonardi
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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Lehner GM, Gockeln L, Naber BM, Thamm JR, Schuh S, Duttler G, Rottenkolber A, Hartmann D, Kramer F, Welzel J. Differences in the annotation between facial images and videos for training an artificial intelligence for skin type determination. Skin Res Technol 2024; 30:e13632. [PMID: 38407411 PMCID: PMC10895547 DOI: 10.1111/srt.13632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Grand-AID research project, consisting of GRANDEL-The Beautyness Company, the dermatology department of Augsburg University Hospital and the Chair of IT Infrastructure for Translational Medical Research at Augsburg University, is currently researching the development of a digital skin consultation tool that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze the user's skin and ultimately perform a personalized skin analysis and a customized skin care routine. Training the AI requires annotation of various skin features on facial images. The central question is whether videos are better suited than static images for assessing dynamic parameters such as wrinkles and elasticity. For this purpose, a pilot study was carried out in which the annotations on images and videos were compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS Standardized image sequences as well as a video with facial expressions were taken from 25 healthy volunteers. Four raters with dermatological expertise annotated eight features (wrinkles, redness, shine, pores, pigmentation spots, dark circles, skin sagging, and blemished skin) with a semi-quantitative and a linear scale in a cross-over design to evaluate differences between the image modalities and between the raters. RESULTS In the videos, most parameters tended to be assessed with higher scores than in the images, and in some cases significantly. Furthermore, there were significant differences between the raters. CONCLUSION The present study shows significant differences between the two evaluation methods using image or video analysis. In addition, the evaluation of the skin analysis depends on subjective criteria. Therefore, when training the AI, we recommend regular training of the annotating individuals and cross-validation of the annotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Maria Lehner
- Department of Dermatology and AllergologyUniversity Hospital AugsburgAugsburgGermany
| | - Laura Gockeln
- Department of Dermatology and AllergologyUniversity Hospital AugsburgAugsburgGermany
| | - Bettina Marie Naber
- Department of Dermatology and AllergologyUniversity Hospital AugsburgAugsburgGermany
| | - Janis Raphael Thamm
- Department of Dermatology and AllergologyUniversity Hospital AugsburgAugsburgGermany
| | - Sandra Schuh
- Department of Dermatology and AllergologyUniversity Hospital AugsburgAugsburgGermany
| | | | | | - Dennis Hartmann
- IT Infrastructure for Translational Medical ResearchUniversity of AugsburgAugsburgGermany
| | - Frank Kramer
- IT Infrastructure for Translational Medical ResearchUniversity of AugsburgAugsburgGermany
| | - Julia Welzel
- Department of Dermatology and AllergologyUniversity Hospital AugsburgAugsburgGermany
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Flieger J, Raszewska-Famielec M, Radzikowska-Büchner E, Flieger W. Skin Protection by Carotenoid Pigments. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1431. [PMID: 38338710 PMCID: PMC10855854 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Sunlight, despite its benefits, can pose a threat to the skin, which is a natural protective barrier. Phototoxicity caused by overexposure, especially to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), results in burns, accelerates photoaging, and causes skin cancer formation. Natural substances of plant origin, i.e., polyphenols, flavonoids, and photosynthetic pigments, can protect the skin against the effects of radiation, acting not only as photoprotectors like natural filters but as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory remedies, alleviating the effects of photodamage to the skin. Plant-based formulations are gaining popularity as an attractive alternative to synthetic filters. Over the past 20 years, a large number of studies have been published to assess the photoprotective effects of natural plant products, primarily through their antioxidant, antimutagenic, and anti-immunosuppressive activities. This review selects the most important data on skin photodamage and photoprotective efficacy of selected plant carotenoid representatives from in vivo studies on animal models and humans, as well as in vitro experiments performed on fibroblast and keratinocyte cell lines. Recent research on carotenoids associated with lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, liposomes, and micelles is reviewed. The focus was on collecting those nanomaterials that serve to improve the bioavailability and stability of carotenoids as natural antioxidants with photoprotective activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Flieger
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Raszewska-Famielec
- Faculty of Physical Education and Health, University of Physicl Education, Akademicka 2, 21-500 Biała Podlaska, Poland;
| | - Elżbieta Radzikowska-Büchner
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Maxillary Surgery, National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Wołoska 137 Street, 02-507 Warszawa, Poland;
| | - Wojciech Flieger
- Chair and Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, K. Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
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Cho SI, Kim D, Lee H, Um TT, Kim H. Explore highly relevant questions in the Baumann skin type questionnaire through the digital skin analyzer: A retrospective single-center study in South Korea. J Cosmet Dermatol 2023; 22:3159-3167. [PMID: 37313638 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Baumann skin type questionnaire (BSTQ) has been widely used for evaluating skin types in dermatology. However, it requires excessive assessment time and lacks sufficient clinical validation for the Asian population. AIMS We aimed to establish optimized BSTQ based on dermatological assessment of the Asian population. METHODS This was a single-center retrospective study, where the patient completed a modified BSTQ and a digital photography examination. The answers to four question groups for evaluating skin properties, including oily versus dry (O-D), sensitive versus resistant (S-R), pigmented versus non-pigmented (P-N), and wrinkled versus tight (W-T) were compared with the measurements. Highly relevant questions are selected using two different strategies and used to determine the threshold level, which was compared with skin-type measurement. RESULTS In O-D, S-R, P-N, and W-T, 3-5 out of 6, 2-6 out of 9, 3-6 out of 7, and 4-9 out of 11 questions were selected, respectively. As a result, skin type scores from two strategies and measurements showed similar Pearson correlation coefficient values compared to modified BSTQ (for O-D and sebum, 0.236/0.266 vs. 0.232; for O-D and porphyrin, 0.230/0.267 vs. 0.230; for S-R and redness, 0.157/0.175 vs. 0.095; for S-R and porphyrin, 0.061 vs. 0.051; for P-N and melanin pigmentation, 0.156/0.208 vs. 0.150; for W-T and wrinkle, 0.265/0.269 vs. 0.217). CONCLUSION Two strategies for optimizing BSTQ are proposed and validated for Asian patients. Compared to the BSTQ, our methods show comparable performance with a significantly reduced number of questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Ick Cho
- Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | - Hongseok Kim
- VOS Dermatology clinic, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Lim SS, Mohammad TF, Kohli I, Hamzavi I, Rodrigues M. Optimisation of skin phototype classification. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2023; 36:468-471. [PMID: 37550876 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Understanding individuals' skin pigmentation and photosensitivity is important in judging risk of skin cancer and response to certain treatment modalities. However, individuals with darkly pigmented skin are poorly represented in the widely used Fitzpatrick skin phototype (FST) system. Moreover, the FST system is prone to misuse, as it relies on subjective patient and clinician assessment of skin type, and does not clearly differentiate pigmentation from photosensitivity. By evaluating the key literature surrounding the FST system, its criticisms and proposed alternatives, this review serves to understand how skin phototype classification can be optimised.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tasneem F Mohammad
- The Henry W Lim, MD, Division of Photobiology and Photomedicine, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Indermeet Kohli
- The Henry W Lim, MD, Division of Photobiology and Photomedicine, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Chroma Dermatology, Pigment and Skin of Colour Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Iltefat Hamzavi
- The Henry W Lim, MD, Division of Photobiology and Photomedicine, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Michelle Rodrigues
- Department of Dermatology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Liu Y, Jiang W, Tang Y, Zhang Q, Zhen Y, Wang X, Liu W, Wang J, Ma Y, Tan Y. An optimal method for quantifying the facial sebum level and characterizing facial sebum features. Skin Res Technol 2023; 29:e13454. [PMID: 37753695 PMCID: PMC10483949 DOI: 10.1111/srt.13454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that sebum content is important in skin disorders such as acne. However, sebum levels change depending on the external environment, and quantifying skin sebum levels is challenging. Here, we propose an optimal method for quantifying the facial sebum level. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four hundred and sixty participants (160 males and 300 females) aged 20-40 were enrolled in this study. A Sebumeter SM 810 was used to measure the sebum level at five facial locations: the forehead, the chin, the left cheek, the right cheek, and the nose. The participants were divided into two groups; one group underwent a one-time measurement (n = 390, male: female = 120: 270), and the other underwent three consecutive measurements (n = 70, male: female = 40: 30). The casual sebum level (CSL) was measured in all patients after a 30-min acclimatization; subsequently, the sebum removal process was conducted, followed by a resting period of 1 h to determine the sebum excretion rate (SER). Spearman's correlation analysis and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to compare the sebum level consistency and differences between the groups. RESULTS Although three consecutive measurements better reflected the sebum content, the one-time measurement also represented the relative sebum level. One hour after sebum removal, the sebum level recovered to 70%-90%; thus, this method was applicable for use in SER quantification. Of the five testing points, the sebum content was highest in the nose and lowest in the cheeks (both left and right). In addition, the cheeks were the most stable sites in terms of testing points, testing times, and CSL/SER values. A one-time measurement of the CSL could represent the SER 1 h after the sebum removal. In our cohort, the sebum level of males with oily skin was decreased at age 32-35, and that of males with non-oily skin increased at 28-35. The opposite trend was observed in female participants. CONCLUSION Sebum measurement methods were assessed, including testing times, indices (interval of time) and sites in a conditioned external environment. A one-time measurement of the CSL 1 h after sebum removal was sufficient to determine the sebum level and SER, and the cheeks are recommended as the testing site. Sex and skin type differences were observed in sebum level changes with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringSchool of Life Scienceand Human Phenome InstituteZhangjiang Fudan International Innovation CenterFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Wencai Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringSchool of Life Scienceand Human Phenome InstituteZhangjiang Fudan International Innovation CenterFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Skin and Cosmetic ResearchShanghai Skin Disease HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
- Professional Technical Service Platform for Clinical Evaluation of Skin Health Related ProductsShanghai Science and Technology Commission (21DZ2294500)ShanghaiChina
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Monitoring and Evaluation of CosmeticsShanghaiChina
| | - Yulong Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringSchool of Life Scienceand Human Phenome InstituteZhangjiang Fudan International Innovation CenterFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Qing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringSchool of Life Scienceand Human Phenome InstituteZhangjiang Fudan International Innovation CenterFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yaxian Zhen
- L'Oreal Research and InnovationShanghaiChina
| | - Xuemin Wang
- Department of Skin and Cosmetic ResearchShanghai Skin Disease HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of DermatologyAir Force Medical CenterBeijingChina
| | - Jiucun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringSchool of Life Scienceand Human Phenome InstituteZhangjiang Fudan International Innovation CenterFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Research Unit of Dissecting the Population Genetics and Developing New Technologies for Treatment and Prevention of Skin Phenotypes and Dermatological Diseases (2019RU058)Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesShanghaiChina
- Institute for Six‐sector EconomyFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yanyun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringSchool of Life Scienceand Human Phenome InstituteZhangjiang Fudan International Innovation CenterFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Research Unit of Dissecting the Population Genetics and Developing New Technologies for Treatment and Prevention of Skin Phenotypes and Dermatological Diseases (2019RU058)Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesShanghaiChina
- Institute for Six‐sector EconomyFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yimei Tan
- Department of Skin and Cosmetic ResearchShanghai Skin Disease HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
- Professional Technical Service Platform for Clinical Evaluation of Skin Health Related ProductsShanghai Science and Technology Commission (21DZ2294500)ShanghaiChina
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Monitoring and Evaluation of CosmeticsShanghaiChina
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Voegeli R, Cherel M, Schoop R, Rawlings AV. A comprehensive comparison of facial skin hydration based on capacitance and conductance measurements in Chinese women. Int J Cosmet Sci 2022; 44:703-718. [PMID: 35980652 PMCID: PMC9826081 DOI: 10.1111/ics.12814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare the data of conductance and capacitance measurements of facial skin hydration and to evaluate and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches. METHODS We measured skin capacitance (Corneometer® CM 825) and skin conductance (Skicon-200EX®) on 30 pre-defined facial sites of 125 Chinese women, resulting in 3750 readings per device. The data were analysed and compared, and continuous colour maps were generated on a 3D avatar for capacitance, conductance, relative difference (Δ%) and correlation (R-value) by interpolating between the individual readings and converting the values to colours. This visualization allows a better interpretation of the results. RESULTS The complexity of facial skin hydration is revealed by this approach. The similarities and discrepancies in the facial hydration maps are clearly apparent. Due to the superiority of the Skicon in measuring high hydration levels, differences in skin hydration were evident on the forehead compared with the Corneometer maps, which may be related to the more superficial measurement of the Skicon within the stratum corneum. Conversely, a greater understanding of the complexity of facial skin hydration in the nasolabial fold was obvious when using the Corneometer. The best congruence between the instruments was found at two specific but separated facial areas, one around the inner eye region and the other one on a line between the nasolabial sulcus and the oblique, lateral jaw. Interestingly, the data were not normally distributed for both instruments and they had opposite skews. All facial clusters were statistically different from each other (p < 0.001), except the cheek and jaw for the Skicon. Larger than expected percentage coefficients of variance were found for the Corneometer on some facial sites that might be explainable by differences in stratum corneum physiology and biochemistry. Corneometer values of 48 AU and Skicon values of 132 μS were taken as the cutoff for normally hydrated facial skin. CONCLUSIONS Both devices have their advantages and disadvantages suggesting that bio-instrumental measurement of skin hydration is actually more complicated than commonly thought and that the different facial zones and the use of multiple instrumentation have not been adequately considered.
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