Light sources are divided into visible light and invisible light. The light source used by the skin analyzer machine is essentially two types, one is natural light (RGB) and the other is UVA light. When RGB light + parallel polarizer, you can take a parallel polarized light image; when RGB light + cross polarizer, you can take a cross polarized light image. Wood’s light is also a type of UV light.
The principle and functions of 3 kinds of spectrum
The parallel polarized light source can strengthen the specular reflection and weaken the diffuse reflection; the specular reflection effect is more pronounced on the skin surface due to the surface oil, so in the parallel polarized light mode, it is easier to observe the skin surface problems without being disturbed by the deeper diffuse reflection light. It is mainly used to observe fine lines, pores, spots, etc. on the skin surface.
The cross-polarized light can accentuate diffuse reflections and eliminate specular reflections. In the cross-polarized light mode, the specular reflection light interference on the skin surface can be completely filtered, and the diffuse reflection light in the deeper layers of the skin can be observed. Therefore, the cross-polarized light images can be used to observe the sensitivity, inflammation, redness and superficial pigment under the skin surface, including acne marks, spots, sunburn, etc.
The UV light used by the skin analyzer machine is a UVA (wavelength 320~400nm) light source with low energy but strong penetrating power. UVA light source can penetrate the dermis layer, so it can be used to observe deep spots and deep dermatitis; at the same time, because UV light is also an electromagnetic wave and has volatility, harmonics will occur when the wavelength of the radiation of the substance is consistent with the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays irradiated on its surface. The wave resonates, creating a new wavelength of light that, if visible to the human eye, is captured by the skin analyzer machine. Based on this principle, porphyrins, fluorescent residues, hormones and other substances on the skin can be observed. The aggregation of Propionibacterium is very clear under the Wood’s light mode.
Why the spectra of the high-ended skin analzyers are less than the cheaper models?
The high-ended professional skin analyzers (ISEMECO, RESUR) have only 3 kinds of spectrum: RGB, cross-polarized light, and UV light;
The MEICET MC88 and MC10 models have 5 kinds of spectrum: RGB, parallel polarized light, cross polarized light, UV light (365nm), and Wood’s light (365+402nm);
The professional model adopts a high-definition macro professional SLR camera, and the pictures taken are clear enough, so you can see the problems on the skin surface: pores, fine lines, spots, etc. without using parallel polarizers to enhance specular reflection. In the same way, because a UV light image is clear enough, it is no longer necessary to add Wood’s light to observe the Propionibacterium group.
Because the MC88 and MC10 model uses the camera that comes with the iPad, the pixels are not comparable to that of a professional SLR camera, so polarized light is required to enhance the specular reflection of the skin surface to observe pores, fine lines, spots and other problems. Adding Wood’s light can make the Propionibacterium group more clearly displayed.
Post time: Mar-29-2022
