A new device for objective assessment of skin type in Caucasians by violet light reflectance

In the present study, we tested a new device called skin phototype diagnosis (SPD) built for the purpose of objectively determining skin phototype. We compared its performance with that of phototype determinations according to Fitzpatrick method and on tristimulus colorimetry (Minolta CR-200). Our population consisted of 100 subjects of Caucasian race (60 female, 40 male; mean age 33 years). Skin colour was measured with both devices (SPD and Minolta CR-200) on the medial surface of the arm (constitutional skin colour). Our study showed that the SPD gave a better representation of Fitzpatrick phototype, showing 89% concordance (evaluated by classification matrix) as against the 71% concordance of the L(*)a(*)b(*) and Yxy colorimetric systems. The present results are important because evaluation of phototype with the SPD device is easy, fast, objective and reliable. Moreover, this instrument has potential applications in cosmetology and in photodermatology.