Study of the Surface Distribution of Organic Matter on Human Skin Using Oxythermography

An analytical approach is proposed to diagnosing organic matter present on the surface of human skin by combining sampling with analysis by oxythermography. The sampling device is a quartz rod with a roughened terminal surface, which is pressed to the targeted skin area. The method quantifies the amount of oxygen consumed for the oxidation of organic material transferred from the skin to the sampler surface. It does not require chemical reagents, as the oxidation process occurs in an air stream. The measurable concentration range of organic substances, expressed in terms of oxygen consumption, spans from 41 to 250 µg O2/cm2. The relative standard deviation ranges from 1 to 5%. The method enables the assessment of the skin condition based on the “skin oiliness” parameter and may be applied to routine monitoring in medical cosmetology, for instance, during acne treatment.