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Practical Aspects of Cosmetic Testing pp 179–185Cite as

Skin Colour and Pigmentation

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Abstract

Pigments such as melanin, haemoglobin, bilirubin and carotene predominantly determine skin colour. UV light and several substances (drugs, irritants) can significantly alter these skin colour-determining components. Quantification of experimentally induced colour changes is widely used in dermatological research since the skin colour response can be used as an indicator of, for example, the efficacy of a topical or systemic treatment and vehicle properties. Colorimetry is also useful in the development of cosmetic products, for example, choosing appropriate skin protection properties (sun screens) and for studying the effect of bleaching products. Several non-invasive instruments for assessment of skin colour are available. In this chapter, these instruments are presented and their relevance discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Private practice, Dermatology Clinic in Ballerup, Hold-An Vej 5, 2750, Ballerup, Denmark

    Elisabeth Ammitzbøll Holm

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  1. Elisabeth Ammitzbøll Holm
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Correspondence to Elisabeth Ammitzbøll Holm .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology and Allergology Center of Experimental and Cutaneous Physiology, Charité – University Clinic, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany

    Joachim W. Fluhr

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Holm, E.A. (2011). Skin Colour and Pigmentation. In: Fluhr, J.W. (eds) Practical Aspects of Cosmetic Testing. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-05067-1_17

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-05067-1_17

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-05066-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-05067-1

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