Synopsis

The chromameter isa tool for precise and objective assessment of surface color. Data output, in the form of the L * a * b * color coordinate system is used for different studies pertaining to skin color. L * values (darkness/lightness) areuseful in evaluating and quantifying the tanning response. The a * values (red/ green) are valuable for quantifying the degree of erythema. We have found a highly significant (p = 0.0002) correlation between instrumental readings and visual evaluation of skin color response. In studies involving skin tanning, combination of the L*, a*, and b * values were studied. We conclude that L * values provide an objective and repeatable measure of skin darkening; however, for a complete picture of the tanning response, AE * could be calculated. For studies involving skin irritancy, the a * value is used to quantify erythema. The resolution of the data is high enough to allow for discrimination and statistical confirmation of responses that cannot be reliably determined by simple visual assessment