Digital fluorescent imaging System for quantitative analysis of facial sebum production

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