Analytic quantification of phototype-related regional skin complexion.
OBJECTIVE
Narrow-band spectrophotometry that yields melanin (M) and erythema (E) indexes is a convenient method for assessing skin colour. The objective of the study was to assess the phenotype-associated body site differences in skin complexion.


METHODS
The Mexameter MX16 was used to record the skin colour in 137 subjects. Evaluations were made on the inner arm, volar forearm, dorsal forearm and forehead.


RESULTS
The inner arm and volar forearm had similar values for each of the colorimetric values. The dorsal forearm exhibited the highest M values, and the forehead had the highest E values. Significant positive linear correlations were found between M values from the distinct body sites. The E values showed a correlation only between the inner arm and the volar forearm.


CONCLUSIONS
Regional skin colour differences are obvious. Sun-exposed skin does not react in the same way on the forearm and forehead. Regional variations in M can be predicted from the innate M value. In contrast, the regional variability in E is highly variable among subjects.
Hermanns
J F
JF
Belgian SSTC Research Center, University Medical Center of Liège.
Petit
L
L
Hermanns-Lê
T
T
Piérard
G E
GE
D003124:Colorimetry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004890:Erythema / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008543:Melanins / Q000032:analysis; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012867:Skin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects; D012880:Skin Pigmentation; D013053:Spectrophotometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013472:Sunlight
D008543:Melanins