Biox Epsilon Skin Moisture Imaging Tester

Measuring the electrical properties of the upper layer of the skin epidermis is a convenient non-invasive method for evaluating the hydration status of the stratum corneum. Hydration is closely related to a series of structures and functions of the stratum corneum. The currently available methods provide average hydration data related to the size of the measuring probe. Therefore, it cannot reveal the unevenness of skin surface hydration, nor can it evaluate the effect of the probe on partial adhesion to rough skin surfaces. This situation clearly interferes with the assessment of the overall hydration state. These uncertainties prompt people to seek new technologies. In recent years, a new non optical skin surface imaging system called Skin Capacitive Imaging (SCI) has emerged. Capable of measuring capacitance every 50 micrometers on the surface of the skin. The obtained non optical image corresponds to skin capacitance imaging. This new tool accurately displays the uneven patterns on the surface of the skin, including skin texture, shallow skin lines, and deep wrinkles. The texture heterogeneity of skin surface hydration can be visualized. In addition, the activity of sweat glands and hair follicle openings can be observed. These new features bring more comprehensive information and value to dermatology.

Measuring principle

The stratum corneum of the skin contains keratin and moisture. Keratin is the main structural protein of the skin, with a relatively low dielectric constant (also known as dielectric constant: ε, which is the ratio of a substance's permittivity to its vacuum permittivity) (keratin is about 2), while water has a higher dielectric constant (water is about 80). Epsilon E100 is a contact imaging system that uses a capacitive responsive fingerprint sensor. When a total of 76800 sensors come into contact with the skin surface, it measures the capacitance value of the skin surface. Due to the high dielectric constant of moisture, the capacitance of the skin increases with the increase of moisture content. The device will record the capacitance values of different areas and convert these values into a mapping image of skin moisture, displaying the hydration levels of different areas on the skin surface.

Biox Epsilon Skin Moisture Imaging Testerfeature

• Two dimensional (2D) visual imaging of skin moisture

Capture high-resolution two-dimensional images of skin in contact with measurement sensors, with each pixel containing electrical characteristic data of that small area. Compared with traditional devices, Epsilon 2D technology can evaluate changes in skin moisture with higher resolution by filtering out interference factors such as poor contact, wrinkles, hair, and surface moisture, providing more detailed information on skin moisture distribution.

• More comprehensive description of skin characteristics

Epsilon 2D technology can not only measure the moisture content of the skin, but also provide a comprehensive description of the skin's electrical properties, including tools such as standard deviation and bar charts to describe the uniformity of skin moisture. Present the distribution of skin moisture content through dynamic videos and static images in dual modes.

• ROI Region Assessment

The image can be divided into regions with different capacitance fractions, which helps to analyze different measurement parts of the skin more accurately, while traditional methods typically provide a single numerical value to represent the average moisture state of the entire measurement area. By eliminating common interference factors in the experiment, such as poor contact, skin texture, hair, surface moisture, etc., better measurement can be achieved.

• Skin softness and fit

Due to the fact that dry skin is less flexible than moisturized skin, the adhesion of dry skin is poor when using Epsilon 2D measurement, which can affect the moisture measurement results. Being able to evaluate the changes in skin moisture and softness after the use of local moisturizing products is helpful for the development and effectiveness evaluation of moisturizing skincare products.

• Subject feedback correlation

The data provided by Epsilon 2D technology can better correlate with subjective feedback from subjects on the effectiveness of product use, which helps to better understand consumers' perception of local moisturizing products.

Technical Specifications

Biox Epsilon Skin Moisture Imaging Testerapplication

1. Evaluation of moisturizing product effectiveness: By comparing the skin capacitance images before and after using moisturizing products, the impact of moisturizing products on skin hydration levels can be evaluated.

2. Skin aging research: Observe the changes in skin microstructure caused by aging and UV aging, such as the decrease in skin line density and changes in skin surface texture.

3. Skin pathology research: Measuring the surface capacitance of the skin reflects the hydration level of the stratum corneum, which is crucial for evaluating the moisturizing and drying condition of the skin. Comparative analysis of sample areas for keratinizing skin diseases such as psoriasis and tinea versicolor, as well as their activity and post-treatment effects.

4. Analysis of acne and skin pore characteristics: It can obtain the electrical characteristics of acne areas and pores, helping to study the development and treatment of acne.

5. Skin response to surfactants: Observe the immediate and delayed reactions of the skin to surfactants in cleaning products, such as the swelling of keratinocytes and the drying effect on the skin surface.

6. Research on skin sweating activity: The ability to detect invisible sweating activity is crucial for understanding skin function and evaluating the accuracy of certain skin testing methods.

7. Observation and quantitative analysis of skin surface texture: Provide high-resolution images that display the microscopic texture of the skin, such as skin lines, pores, wrinkles, etc. AI (anisotropy index) and angular density (CD) that can measure and analyze skin texture can help to gain a deeper understanding of the characteristics of the skin surface.