An Overview of Methods to Characterize Skin Type: Focus on Visual Rating Scales and Self-Report Instruments

Abstract

Skin type classification is important because it provides guidance for professionals and consumers to recommend and select the most appropriate cosmetic products and skin care protocols and it is also important in clinical research. Several methods have been proposed for classifying skin typologies such as non-invasive bioengineering tools (examples: Corneometer® and Sebumeter®), visual and tactile methods (subjective methods that evaluate skin appearance, texture, temperature, and abnormalities), artificial intelligence-based tools and instruments (examples: visual rating scales, and self-report instruments). Examples of known visual rating scales used to classify skin aging are the Griffiths Photonumeric Scale, the Glogau Scale, and the SCINEXA Scale. The Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype Classification and the Baumann Skin Type System are some of the self-report instruments used for skin type classification. Despite the diversity of methods to classify skin type and degree of skin aging, data on instruments are scarce and not adequately compiled. Validation in larger samples and with individuals of different ethnicities and geographic locations is needed to promote a more universal use. Visual rating scales and instruments are interesting tools that allow the skin to be promptly and efficiently examined, without using costly or complex equipment, and are very useful in a clinical or self-assessment context.

Personalized Skincare: Correlating Genetics with Skin Phenotypes through DNA Analysis

“…This alignment is further corroborated by the findings of Magin et al, who emphasized the reliability of the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Classification technique for determining skin phenotypes [11]. It is important to emphasize that the classification of skin types holds great significance in the realm of clinical research and plays an essential role in guiding professionals and consumers in their selection of appropriate cosmetic products and skincare routines [12]. Furthermore, even psychological morbidity in acne also tends to be significantly influenced by skin type [11].…”

Effectiveness and Safety of Boesenbergia rotunda Extract on 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes and Its Use in Capsaicin-Loaded Body-Firming Formulation: In Vitro Biological Study and In Vivo Human Study

“…A normal skin surface texture is composed of a series of transverse and diagonal primary lines, which intersect to form quadrilaterals and triangles [29]. After applying the formulation to the skin for 28 days, normal skin appearances were found, presenting a uniform texture, luminosity, no excessive shine, smoothness, and no apparent pores [30]. However, the images showed a little bit of a difference between magnifications, which should be evaluated with advanced visualization techniques in the future.…”

Skin Protection by Carotenoid Pigments

“…According to this traditional FSP classification, which remains the gold standard, skin type I, in Caucasians, is the most at-risk and susceptible to melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Criticism of the FST classification relates to its application in ethnically diverse populations, e.g., people of Japanese origin, Indian origin, African origin, and Hispanic origin [20][21][22][23]. In recent years, new objective classification systems have been developed, e.g., the skin cancer phototype classification (SCP), the human eumelanin skin color scale, or the objective measure of constitutive pigmentation developed by Del Bino and Bernard based on the individual typology angle (ITA) [24].…”