Skin color analysis using a spectrophotometer in Asians

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Colorimetry
• Biophysics

Background:

• Objective skin color assessment traditionally uses Commission International d'Eclairage (CIE) L*a*b* coordinates, melanin, and erythema indexes.
• Challenges exist in understanding interrelationships and conversions between these skin color parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce a novel technique for simultaneous measurement of CIE L*a*b* coordinates, melanin, and erythema indexes.
• Analyze Asian skin color using this integrated measurement approach.

Main Methods:

• Spectrophotometry was employed to measure skin color on various body parts of 148 volunteers.
• A computer program facilitated simultaneous presentation of L*a*b* values, melanin, and erythema indexes.
• Data were analyzed for averages by gender, age, and body site, alongside correlations between parameters.

Main Results:

• Average melanin and erythema indexes were 1.10 ± 0.29 and 1.29 ± 0.38, respectively.
• Average CIE L*, a*, b* values were 64.15 ± 4.86, 8.96 ± 2.65, and 18.34 ± 2.39.
• Melanin and erythema indexes were higher in males; melanin index correlated negatively with L* and positively with a* and b*; erythema index correlated negatively with L*, positively with a*, and weakly with b*.

Conclusions:

• The developed skin color measurement method is effective.
• The collected data serve as foundational information for future evaluations of pigmentary skin diseases and scars.