New method for large-scale facial skin sebum quantification and skin type classification

Background The demand for personalized skin care is increasing rapidly in recent years. In order to provide suitable products for different customers, an accurate assessment of the skin condition is required. It is necessary to establish a remote and convenient method for quantifying skin condition. Materials and Methods We established a new method for quantifying the facial sebum excretion, using Sebutape as well as a model for objective skin type classification. Results In total, 2173 sebum quantification samples were collected and categorized into 4 skin types. We found good agreement between subjective and objective skin types. 60.33% of the detection is consistent, and the proportion of discrepancies is only 0.55%. The main mismatch is caused by broad criteria for combination type classification. Quantifying the sebum excretion will help to describe and analyze the skin state easily. We found sebum levels in Chinese women peak at the age between 20 and 30 and decrease dramatically after age 40s. Conclusion This new sebum quantitative method is well consistent to self-report skin type. In addition, it provides a powerful tool for the cosmetic industry to evaluate skin condition precisely and recommend personalized products accordingly.