Evaluation Of Skin Color Research Articles

Validity of self-reported skin color by using skin color evaluation scale.

Although skin color has been suggested to be associated with the risk of some chronic disease, there has been no validated visual skin-color scale, with which subjects can self-report their skin color. Our objective was to develop a visual skin color evaluation scale for self-reporting that would be useful in large-scale epidemiological studies. Study participants were 99 university Japanese students aged 19-29. We developed a skin color evaluation scale consisting of six colors from light to dark. Participants were asked to choose one color that was the closest to their skin color. Their skin color was measured on the back of the hand and the inner upper arm by an examiner using a narrowband reflective spectrophotometer. Self-reported skin color was compared with the melanin and erythema indices. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients of self-reported color with the melanin index after adjusted for age, temperature, and humidity were moderate but significant at both sites for both men and women. The correlation coefficients with the erythema index were significant only on the back of the hand for men. The higher melanin index was significantly associated with the darker skin color in both sexes for both sites. The erythema index showed such a significant trend only in men and not in women. The validity of the skin color chart was moderate of melanin among Japanese people. It may be useful for large population studies examining the relationships between skin color and health outcomes.

Skin color classification of Koreans using clustering.

Skin color is used as an index for diagnosing and predicting skin irritation, dermatitis, and skin conditions because skin color changes based on various factors. Therefore, a new method for consistently and accurately evaluating skin color while overcoming the limitations of the existing skin color evaluation method was proposed, and its usefulness was demonstrated. Skin color was quantified using the RGB (Red, Green, Blue), HSV (Hue Saturation Value), CIELab, and YCbCr color spaces in the acquired Korean skin images, which were classified through clustering. In addition, the classification performances of the existing visual scoring method and the proposed skin color classification method were compared and analyzed using multinomial logistic regression, support vector machine, K-nearest neighbor, and random forest. After quantifying the skin color through the color space conversion of the skin image, the skin color classification performance according to the number of quantified features and the classifier was verified. In addition, the usefulness of the proposed classification method was confirmed by comparing its classification performance with that of the existing skin color classification method. In this study, a method was proposed to objectively classify skin color values quantified from skin images of Koreans acquired using a digital camera through clustering. To verify the proposed method, its classification performance was compared with that of the existing classification method, and an optimized classification method was presented for the classification of Korean skin color. Thus, the proposed method can objectively classify skin color and can be used as a cornerstone in research to quantify skin color and establish objective classification criteria.

Skin measurement devices to assess skin quality: A systematic review on reliability and validity.

BackgroundMany treatments aim to slow down or reverse the visible signs of skin aging and thereby improve skin quality. Measurement devices are frequently employed to measure the effects of these treatments to improve skin quality, for example, skin elasticity, color, and texture. However, it remains unknown which of these devices is most reliable and valid.Materials and methodsMEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched. Instruments were scored on reporting construct validity by means of convergent validity, interobserver, intraobserver, and interinstrument reliability.ResultsFor the evaluation of skin color, 11 studies were included describing 16 measurement devices, analyzing 3172 subjects. The most reliable device for skin color assessment is the Minolta Chromameter CR‐300 due to good interobserver, intraobserver, and interinstrument reliability. For skin elasticity, seven studies assessed nine types of devices analyzing 290 subjects in total. No intra and interobserver reliability was reported. Skin texture was assessed in two studies evaluating 72 subjects using three different types of measurement devices. The PRIMOS device reported excellent intra and interobserver reliability. None of the included reviewed devices could be determined to be valid based on construct validity.ConclusionThe most reliable devices to evaluate skin color and texture in ordinary skin were, respectively, the Minolta Chromameter and PRIMOS. No reliable device is available to measure skin elasticity in ordinary skin and none of the included devices could be determined to be designated as valid.

Comparison of SpO2 and heart rate values on Apple Watch and conventional commercial oximeters devices in patients with lung disease

Lung diseases have high mortality and morbidity, with an important impact on quality of life. Hypoxemic patients are advised to use oxygen therapy to prolong their survival, but high oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels can also have negative effects. Pulse oximeters are the most common way to assess oxygen levels and guide medical treatment. This study aims to assess whether wearable devices can provide precise SpO2 measurements when compared to commercial pulse oximeters. This is a cross-section study with 100 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and interstitial lung disease from an outpatient pneumology clinic. SpO2 and heart rate data were collected with an Apple Watch Series 6 (Apple) and compared to two commercial pulse oximeters. The Bland–Altman method and interclass correlation coefficient were used to compare their values. We observed strong positive correlations between the Apple Watch device and commercial oximeters when evaluating heart rate measurements (r = 0.995, p < 0.001) and oximetry measurements (r = 0.81, p < 0.001). There was no statistical difference in the evaluation of skin color, wrist circumference, presence of wrist hair, and enamel nail for SpO2 and heart rate measurements in Apple Watch or commercial oximeter devices (p > 0.05). Apple Watch 6 is a reliable way to obtain heart rate and SpO2 in patients with lung diseases in a controlled environment.

KANSEI Evaluation of Skin Color in Face Image – Faces of Japanese Young Females-

KANSEI Evaluation of Skin Color in Face Image – Faces of Japanese Young Females-

Research Techniques Made Simple: Cutaneous Colorimetry: A Reliable Technique for Objective Skin Color Measurement

Skin color evaluation contributes to assessment of an individual's cutaneous phenotype. Skin color changes provide important clues to disease progression or treatment response. Skin color is also a predictor of skin cancer risk. Melanin pigment, blood flow, skin thickness, and photoaging contribute to skin color. Melanin, hemoglobin, bilirubin, and carotene are the primary chromophores of skin color. Their concentrations vary depending on the individual's phenotype, anatomic location, external insults of chemical irritants and UVR, and physiological changes. The evaluation and perception of skin color are often subjective. Objective quantification of skin color can be achieved with colorimetric devices such as tristimulus colorimeters. These devices compute the intensity of light reflected from skin and correlate with pigmentation and erythema. Cutaneous color and color changes can be quantified under color organization systems, such as the CIELAB color space, which is standardized by the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE). The CIELAB expresses color's lightness, red/green intensity, and yellow/blue intensity, as L*, a*, and b* values, respectively. Additionally, skin color's full spectral characteristics and cutaneous physiology can be measured with spectrophotometers. This article outlines basic principles of the CIELAB color system and how to optimally use colorimetric devices as a skin research tool.

Proposed descriptors for the evaluation of skin color, flesh firmness and juiciness, and sugar composition in Japanese persimmon breeding

Descriptors to evaluate fruit skin color, flesh firmness, flesh juiciness, and sugar composition using pollination constant non-astringent (PCNA)-type cultivars and selections of Japanese persimmon were proposed. A highly positive correlation was observed between the hue angle and color chart, and the skin color was classified as yellowish, hue angle ≥60°; orangish, hue angle between 51° and 59°; and reddish, hue angle ≤50°. Flesh firmness varied from 1.2 to 2.4 kg, and was classified as firm, ≥2.0 kg; medium, 1.4–1.9 kg; and soft, ≤1.3 kg. Flesh juiciness ranged from 0.18 to 0.39 mL g−1 FW, and was classified into very juicy, ≥0.30 mL g−1 FW; juicy, 0.21–0.29 mL g−1 FW; and slightly juicy, ≤0.20 mL g−1 FW. The analysis of variance for the flesh firmness, flesh juiciness, and sugar composition showed that the effect of genotype was large, while the effects of year, genotype × year interaction, among trees within genotype, and tree × year interaction were small or negligible. High varietal differences in sugar composition were found, ranging from 11.6 to 61.5% of the sucrose percentage. Furthermore, the sucrose to hexose (SH) ratio would be a useful descriptor for improving the palatability, especially sweetness, of PCNA-type persimmon fruits. The SH ratio ranged from 0.14 to 1.57, and was classified as very sweet, ≥1.00; sweet, 0.31–0.99; and less sweet, ≤0.30.

아시아 피부에서 기존 미백 평가방법과 이미지 분석방법의 비교연구 (비타민 C 제형의 이온토포레시스 연구)

최근까지 Chromameter<TEX>$^{(R)}$</TEX> CR-400, Mexameter<TEX>$^{(R)}$</TEX> M18 그리고 육안평가는 피부색 평가를 위한 주된 평가방법으로 이용되어 왔다. 하지만 본 연구를 통해 피부색의 변화를 평가할 수 있는 객관성 있는 평가방법으로 이미지 분석을 제안하고자 한다. 본 연구에서는 세 가지의 기존 평가방법의 변수들과 이미지 분석을 통해 얻은 V (Value) 값을 이용하여 미백 인체 효능평가를 수행하고 변수들 사이의 상관성을 분석하여 이미지 분석의 신뢰성을 확보하고자 하였다. 효능 평가를 위해 과색소침착으로 고민하는 34명의 시험 대상자를 모집하였고 선정된 시험 대상자들은 8주간의 시험기간 동안 vitamin C가 함유된 5 종류의 미백 화장품을 사용하는 동시에 일주일에 1회 전기이온영동(iontophoresis) 시술을 받았다. 제품 사용 및 시술 전과 8주 후 기존 평가 변수들과 V 값 측정결과를 비교하고 각 변수들 사이의 상관성을 분석한 결과, 제품 사용 및 시술 8주 후 V 값은 Chromameter<TEX>$^{(R)}$</TEX>의 <TEX>$L^*$</TEX> 값의 경향과 유사하게 증가하였으며, <TEX>$L^*$</TEX> 값과는 양의 상관관계를 보이는 것을 확인하였다(r = 0.494, p < 0.01). 또한, Mexameter<TEX>$^{(R)}$</TEX>의 MI 값(r = - 0.683, p < 0.01)과 육안평가 측정 값(r = - 0.549, p < 0.01)은 V 값과 음의 상관관계를 나타내었다. 따라서 이미지 분석의 V 값의 활용은 기존의 평가방법과 더불어 주관적인 육안평가의 한계를 보완할 수 있는 신뢰성 있는 미백평가 방법의 하나라고 생각된다. Until recently, the three conventional evaluation methods, which are instrumental (Chromameter<TEX>$^{(R)}$</TEX> CR-400 and Mexameter<TEX>$^{(R)}$</TEX> M18) and visual assessments have been used frequently for skin color evaluation. However, we took notice the potential of image analysis as a new tool to evaluate color change of skin. To reveal the reliability of the image analysis for the evaluation of whitening agents, 34 healthy female volunteers with hyperpigmentation were recruited, and the selected volunteers applied the whitening products containing Vitamin C twice a day in the morning and evening and received iontophoresis treatments once a week for 8 weeks. The changes in hyperpigmentation evaluated by Chromameter<TEX>$^{(R)}$</TEX>, Mexameter<TEX>$^{(R)}$</TEX> and visual assessment were compared with the results from the image analysis. As with <TEX>$L^*$</TEX> value trends of the analysis using Chromameter<TEX>$^{(R)}$</TEX>, the V value from the image analysis increased after applying the test products compared with baseline values. Furthermore, V value showed a positive correlation with <TEX>$L^*$</TEX> value (r = 0.494, p < 0.01) and negative correlation with MI (r = - 0.683, p < 0.01) and VG (r = - 0.549, p < 0.01). Therefore, image analysis may be considered as an effective method to complement the limitations of visual assessment for whitening efficacy in Asians.

Evaluating acne-related post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a challenge even amongst experts.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a problematic and distressing acne sequela. The difficulty of clinically assessing and managing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is especially prevalent in Asian populations. The Asian Acne Board conducted a study to evaluate concordance in diagnosis of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients with active acne, acne scarring, and pigmentation problems. Seven dermatologists reviewed 64 anonymous clinical photographs projected onto a screen during a single session. Results showed that there were two groups of raters, those who found a high frequency of PIH and those who found a low frequency. There was significant variability in these two groups in rating the presence of PIH, with an average of 30 diagnoses (24%) difference between high- and low-frequency raters. Results of severity ratings showed that while most cases of PIH were assessed as mild, there was marked variability between raters in their assessments of severity. Overall, variability in PIH diagnosis was greatest when active acne was present; in these cases, low PIH raters were more likely to report skin coloration as erythema instead of PIH. These findings uphold the importance of utilizing specific clinical criteria to improve accurate evaluation of skin color and we advocate future research into this area.

Correlation between skin color evaluation by skin color scale chart and narrowband reflectance spectrophotometer.

Context:Various methods are available for the evaluation of skin color. A skin color scale chart is a convenient and inexpensive tool. However, the correlation between a skin color scale chart and objective measurement has not been evaluated.Aims:To assess the correlation between skin color evaluation done by a skin color scale chart (Felix von Luschan skin color chart) and a narrowband reflectance spectrophotometer (Mexameter MX18).Materials and Methods:The participants were evaluated for skin color by using the Felix von Luschan skin color chart (range 1-36) and a narrowband reflectance spectrophotometer (Mexameter MX18) in which the results of the measurements were expressed as Erythema (E) and Melanin (M) indices. Skin color was measured on four different anatomical skin sites from each participant on the medial aspect of the volar and the dorsal regions of both forearms. Results: A total of 208 records from 52 participants were established. The majority of participants (19.2%) were rated with the skin color scale at the number 16 (range 14-33). The mean M plus E, M, and E indices were 498.9 ± 143.9, 230.4 ± 74.4, and 268.5 ± 73.2, respectively. The correlation coefficient between the number on the skin color scale and each index: M plus E, M, and E indices were 0.90, 0.90, and 0.86, respectively, with a statistical significance of P < 0.001.Conclusions:Skin color evaluation using a skin color scale chart has shown a high correlation with skin color evaluation done by the narrowband reflectance spectrophotometer.

An objective assessment of melanin in vitiligo skin treated with Balneo PUVA therapy

Visual clinical methods of skin color evaluation for diagnostic purposes are so far mostly subjective and thus inaccurate. We present a modified method of melanin amount measurement based on diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). This method is non-invasive and objective, and allows easy quantification and comparison of melanin levels. Skin pigmentation was measured by DRS method in 0-18 year old patients at the Department of Pediatric Dermatovenerology, School of Medicine Comenius University Bratislava. Patients were treated for their vitiligo by Balneo PUVA treatment twice weekly. Each patient had measured his remittance spectra from the treated vitiliginous skin before the treatment was started, after 10 irradiations of Balneo PUVA and at the end of the treatment after 25 irradiations of Balneo PUVA. In our study as a reference skin for spectroscopic assessment of melanin in vivo was used the averaged remittance spectra (measured on the inner arm) from the sample of 10 albino patients. The remittance spectra obtained from the vitiligo patients were ratioed against the newly described remittance reference albino skin. We exploited the linear behavior of the spectral curve in the 620-720 nm interval (significant for melanin absorption) and used the slope of the regression line to compute the quantification index α. By clinical examination before the Balneo PUVA therapy, after the 10th dose of Balneo PUVA therapy as well as at the end of the complete course of Balneo PUVA therapy (after 25 irradiations) we recorded a marked increase of pigmentation in all treated patients for their vitiligo. In each patient the values of melanin quantification angle α were calculated. Statistically we found a significant difference between the melanin quantification angle α in vitiliginous skin before, during the 10th dose of treatment and after the treatment. Similar significant difference was also observed between treated and non-involved skin. We could confirm a clear association between clinical visual examination of treated vitiligo lesions, objective data collected by DRS and melanin quantification angle α. By using a new standard for the reference skin (albino skin) we could more exactly compare melanin levels in different subjects. Our proposed melanin quantification angle α expresses the extent of the difference in melanin levels between the examined skin lesions. We successfully used this index to quantify the variations of melanin (progress of repigmentation) throughout different stages of treatment of the same lesion and also to objectively evaluate the final effect of the therapy. In the present study, we showed that the diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) may be suitable method to measure skin colour and the content of human skin melanin in vivo.

Culture modulates brain activity during empathy with anger

Interdependent cultures (such as the Chinese) and independent cultures (such as the German) differ in their attitude towards harmony that is more valued in interdependent cultures. Interdependent and independent cultures also differ in their appreciation of anger--an emotion that implies the disruption of harmony. The present study investigated if interdependent and independent cultures foster distinct brain activity associated with empathic processing of familiar angry, familiar neutral, and unfamiliar neutral faces. Using functional MRI, we scanned Chinese and German healthy subjects during an intentional empathy task, a control task (the evaluation of skin color), and a baseline condition. The subject groups were matched with regard to age, gender, and education. Behaviorally, Chinese subjects described themselves as significantly more interdependent compared to German subjects. The contrast 'intentional empathy for familiar angry'>'baseline' revealed several regions, including the left inferior frontal cortex, the left supplementary motor area, and the left insula, that showed comparable hemodynamic responses in both groups. However, the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex had stronger hemodynamic responses in Chinese subjects in the contrast 'intentional empathy for familiar angry'>'baseline'. Germans, in contrast, showed stronger hemodynamic responses in the right temporo-parietal junction, right inferior and superior temporal gyrus, and left middle insula for the same contrast. Hemodynamic responses in the latter three brain regions correlated with interdependences scores over all subjects. Our results suggest that enhanced emotion regulation during empathy with anger in the interdependent lifestyle is mediated by the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Increased tolerance towards the expression of anger in the independent lifestyle, in contrast, is associated with increased activity of the right inferior and superior temporal gyrus and the left middle insula.

Neural substrates underlying intentional empathy.

Although empathic responses to stimuli with emotional contents may occur automatically, humans are capable to intentionally empathize with other individuals. Intentional empathy for others is even possible when they do not show emotional expressions. However, little is known about the neuronal mechanisms of this intentionally controlled empathic process. To investigate the neuronal substrates underlying intentional empathy, we scanned 20 healthy Chinese subjects, using fMRI, when they tried to feel inside the emotional states of neutral or angry faces of familiar (Asian) and unfamiliar (Caucasian) models. Skin color evaluation of the same stimuli served as a control task. Compared to a baseline condition, the empathy task revealed a network of established empathy regions, including the anterior cingulate cortex, bilateral inferior frontal cortex and bilateral anterior insula. The contrast of intentional empathy vs skin color evaluation, however, revealed three regions: the bilateral inferior frontal cortex, whose hemodynamic responses were independent of perceived emotion and familiarity and the right-middle temporal gyrus, whose activity was modulated by emotion but not by familiarity. These findings extend our understanding of the role of the inferior frontal cortex and the middle temporal gyrus in empathy by demonstrating their involvement in intentional empathy.

A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial of Niacinamide 4% versus Hydroquinone 4% in the Treatment of Melasma

Background. Multiple modalities have been used in the treatment of melasma with variable success. Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties and is able to decrease the transfer of melanosomes. Objective. To evaluate the therapeutic effect of topical niacinamide versus hydroquinone (HQ) in melasma patients. Patients and Methods. Twenty-seven melasma patients were randomized to receive for eight weeks 4% niacinamide cream on one side of the face, and 4% HQ cream on the other. Sunscreen was applied along the observation period. They were assessed by noninvasive techniques for the evaluation of skin color, as well as subjective scales and histological sections initially and after the treatment with niacinamide. Results. All patients showed pigment improvement with both treatments. Colorimetric measures did not show statistical differences between both sides. However, good to excellent improvement was observed with niacinamide in 44% of patients, compared to 55% with HQ. Niacinamide reduced importantly the mast cell infiltrate and showed improvement of solar elastosis in melasma skin. Side effects were present in 18% with niacinamide versus 29% with HQ. Conclusion. Niacinamide induces a decrease in pigmentation, inflammatory infiltrate, and solar elastosis. Niacinamide is a safe and effective therapeutic agent for this condition.

New approach to the evaluation of skin color of pigmentary lesions using Skin Tone Color Scale

Objective methods of measuring skin color are needed to evaluate pigmentary lesions quantitatively. We have developed a new method of measuring skin color using a plastic bar system called the Skin Tone Color Scale based on Munsell's color space system. We have also evaluated the effectiveness of various therapies using this measurement system. Our system was designed to measure skin color in normal skin, pigmentary lesions of solar lentigo, chloasma and ephelides, and postinflammatory pigmentation. Moreover, effectiveness of various therapies for these pigmentary lesions was evaluated. The evaluations made with this system were closely related to physician assessment. This method may be useful in measuring of skin color and evaluating the effectiveness of therapies for pigmentary diseases.

Noninvasive techniques for the evaluation of skin color

Visual assessment remains one of the "gold standard" methods of assessing skin color and a number of tools are currently available to reduce the interobserver variability. Ultraviolet light examination remains a mainstay of the assessment of pigmentary disorders, while polarized light photography is useful for the appraisal of dermal changes, in particular those related to vascularity. With the introduction of modern instruments, reflectance spectroscopy using tristimulus colorimeters or narrowband spectrophotometers provides a convenient, objective, and reproducible methodology for the evaluation of pigmentation and skin color. In vivo confocal scanning laser microscopy is a powerful technique for the examination of pigmented lesions, which shows promise in the detection and diagnosis of early melanoma. Dermoscopy is also useful for the differential diagnosis of benign melanocytic lesions and melanoma, and its use has been shown to significantly improve diagnostic accuracy.

The Taylor Hyperpigmentation Scale: A new visual assessment tool for the evaluation of skin color and pigmentation

The Taylor Hyperpigmentation Scale is a new visual scale developed to provide an inexpensive and convenient method to assess skin color and monitor the improvement of hyperpigmentation following therapy. The tool consists of 15 uniquely colored plastic cards spanning the full range of skin hues and is applicable to individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types I to VI. Each card contains 10 bands of increasingly darker gradations of skin hue that represent progressive levels of hyperpigmentation. This article describes the ongoing development of the Taylor Hyperpigmentation Scale and reports the results of a recent validation study of the use of this newly developed chart in individuals with skin of color. In the study, skin color and an area of hyperpigmentation in 30 subjects of white, African American, Asian, or Hispanic ancestry (approximately 5 from each of the 6 skin types) were evaluated by 10 investigators. The results of the study revealed significant variation among intraindividual and interindividual ratings by investigators of skin hue (P < .0001) and hyperpigmentation (P = .0008); however, most investigators rated the scale as useful and easy to use, and 60% stated they would use it in clinical practice to document the response of hyperpigmentation to therapeutic agents. A heuristic evaluation of the results of this study provided insight into essential considerations for the continued effort to develop a useful and simple scale for assessing skin color and pigmentation.

A Controlled Evaluation of Dermabrasion versus CO2 Laser Resurfacing for the Treatment of Perioral Wrinkles

Facial skin treatments with laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, and chemical peels were responsible for a significant portion of the 2.7 million cosmetic procedures performed in 1998. Perioral wrinkles are a common problem for which plastic surgical consultation is obtained. The aim of this study was to compare and quantify the advantages and disadvantages of laser resurfacing versus dermabrasion in the treatment of perioral wrinkles. Twenty female patients provided informed consent and participated in the study. Half of the perioral area was treated with dermabrasion and half was treated with the UltraPulse CO2 laser. The two procedures were compared using high-quality photographs; a biophysical evaluation of skin color, hydration, and mechanical properties; and patient evaluation of outcomes. Photographs were evaluated by 10 board-certified plastic surgeons who were blinded to the treatment methods. The laser treatment had a significantly higher erythema score at 1 month and a small but significantly greater improvement in perioral wrinkles at 6 months. Thirteen subjects selected the laser treatment as producing the best result, despite the greater intraoperative pain for this procedure. Biomechanical measurements suggest that the laser treatment produced a skin state more similar to skin in younger patients, presumably with higher levels and/or greater organization of the collagen and elastin. Patient preference was inferred from the resurfacing method that they would recommend to a friend. Although the laser was selected as the best result in a majority of cases, patient preference was equally distributed between the two treatments. The authors think that by studying and quantifying the biophysical changes that occur as a result of CO2 laser resurfacing, greater improvements in restoring actinic damage (e.g., wrinkles) can be achieved. Patients consider more than the objective skin changes from a resurfacing technique when making a recommendation to a friend.

Efficacy of topical treatment of pigmentation skin disorders with plant hydroquinone glucosides as assessed by quantitative color analysis.

Hydroquinone is a well known reagent used in the treatment of pigmentation disorders. The instability of the quinones and the required active concentration make topical treatment rather difficult. We tested the efficacy of an ascorbate-phytohydroquinone complex that inhibits the synthesis of melanin and promotes the degradation of the existing melanin. Lentigo senile lesions were evaluated before and after 1 month of treatment. Objective skin color evaluation was performed instrumentally. After one month of treatment, a clear depigmentation of the macules was measured. None of the volunteers reported any side effects from the prolonged treatment with the hydroquinone containing product.

WS147 Instrumental evaluation of skin color and assessment of melanoma risk

WS147 Instrumental evaluation of skin color and assessment of melanoma risk