Analysis of facial sebum distribution using a digital fluorescent imaging system

Current methods for analysis of sebum excretion have limitations, such as irreproducible results in repeatable measurements due to the point measurement method, user-dependent artifacts due to contact measurement or qualitative evaluation of the image, and long measurement time. A UV-induced fluorescent digital imaging system is developed to acquire facial images so that the distribution of sebum excretion on the face could be analyzed. The imaging system consists of a constant UV-A light source, digital color camera, and head-positioning device. The system for acquisition of a fluorescent facial image and the image analysis method is described. The imaging modality provides uniform light distribution and presents a discernible color fluorescent image. Valuable parameters of sebum excretion are obtained after image analysis. The imaging system, which provides a noncontact method, is proved to be a useful tool to evaluate the amount and pattern of sebum excretion. When compared to conventional " Wood's lamp" and " Sebutape" methods that provide similar parameters for sebum excretion, the described method is simpler and more reliable to evaluate the dynamics of sebum excretion in nearly real-time.