PRINCIPLE OF SEBUMETER AND CORNEOMETER

SEBUMETER
Instrument used for determining the sebum level of the skin surface as well as on scalp and hair.
Principle: - The measurement is based on the principle of grease spot photometry. The measuring head of the cassette with its special tape is placed on the skin. It is then inserted into a slot of the device, where the transparency is measured by a light source passing through the tape. A photocell measures the transparency. A microprocessor calculates the result, which is shown on the display in mg sebum/cm2 of the skin.
Fields of Application
There are many fields of application where the sebum content plays a major role.
Important for dermatologic basic research.
It is used for objective clinical studies and the monitoring of the course of skin changes.
For claim support and efficacy testing of all kinds of cosmetic and other products (especially cleansers, anti-acne products, shampoos and hair care, products for oily skin).
CORNEOMETER
Determine the hydration level of the skin surface (stratum corneum).
Principle:- The measurement is based on capacitance measurement of a dielectric medium, of the stratum corneum(the uppermost layer of the skin). With increasing hydration, its di-electric properties change. The measurement is based on the fact that water has a higher dielectric constant (81) than most other substances (mainly < 7).
Gold tracks on top of the in the probe head, separated from the skin by a glass lamina, build-up an electric field between the tracks with alternating attraction. One track builds up a surplus of electrons (minus charge) the other a lack of electrons (plus charge). When put on the skin surface, the scatter field penetrates the very first layer of the skin. The Corneometer measures the change in the dielectric constant due to skin surface hydration changing the capacitance of a precision capacitor. The measurement can detect even slightest changes in the hydration level. Unlike the impedance measurement no galvanic relation between the device and the measuring object and no polarization effects exists.
Applications
Ideal instrument for formulation, claim support and efficacy & safety testing of all cosmetics & skin care products (personal care, irritation research, soaps and cleansers, occlusive product development), raw materials, pharmaceuticals, household products, detergents, food and food supplements and many more
Typical claims (examples) substantiated with the Corneometer®: hydrating/moisturizing, against dry skin, for sensitive skin, protecting, restoring/repairing, supports healing, soothing, normalizing, vitalizing, and many more.
Used as standard in dermatological basis research in humans and animals.