Comparison of two series of non-invasive instruments used for the skin physiological properties measurements: the DermaLab(®) from Cortex Technology vs. the series of detectors from Courage & Khazaka.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The detectors from Courage & Khazaka and DermaLab(®) from Cortex Technology were two series of the most commonly used non-invasive instruments for the skin physiological properties measurements. The aim of this study is to reveal the differences and correlations in measuring skin color, hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum and elasticity on the forearm or faces between two commercially available series of instruments.

METHODS: 30 subjects were enrolled to be measured by the two series of instruments. The measurements by each series were performed on the left/right side of the body randomly. The hydration, sebum, elasticity and TEWL measurements were performed on different sites.

RESULTS: Positive correlations were found in the values of skin color, hydration, TEWL, sebum and visco-elasticity detected by the two series. The values related to skin firmness measured by the two instruments were statistically negative correlated. Contrary to the results in measuring the skin color, the detectors from Courage & Khazaka presented lower values of variation in measuring skin hydration and TEWL than those from DermaLab(®) .

CONCLUSION: The two series have significant correlations.The differences of the two series can be due either to differences in the design of the probe or left/right part of the body.