Fine Lines, Wrinkles & Texture Research Update - P&G Beauty ...

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FOITS Topography Maps
In the world of skin science, the value
of obtaining skin surface topography
in vivo cannot be understated,
but the data obtained is only as valuable
as it is precise. In their ongoing
quest for more precise measurement
instruments, P&G Beauty researchers
acquired a new measurement technology
known as FOITS (Fast Optical
In Vivo Topometry of Human Skin)
to augment their existing topographical
measurement system.
How It Works: FOITS uses the principle
of “fringe projection” to analyze
the topographic features (height variations)
of the skin surface. An appro-
priate analogy for “fringe protection”
in image capture can be made by
imagining light passing through
window blinds and onto an object.
While stripes of light are cast onto
the object, they distort the geometry
of the object. But the original geometry
of the object can be captured by
comparing the coordinates where the
light stripes meet the parallel shadow
stripes. FOITS applies this same
principle to skin’s topographical features.
A parallel stripe pattern is fi rst
projected onto the skin surface. Th e
instrument then calculates the x-y-z
coordinates where the original stripe
pattern and the parallel dark pattern
meet, generating precise data on the
true skin topography.
Upon acquiring FOITS, P&G Beauty
researchers used the technology to
assess the performance of existing
product lines. Th eir fi ndings were
extremely satisfying — the technology
itself yielded better measurements and
the tested products met or exceeded
study endpoints. Th is is especially
Example of FOITS before and after comparison images showing the benefi ts of a test topical antiaging
cream. The outer boxes contain images of wrinkles in the crow’s feet area following treatment
with a test topical anti-aging cream. The inner boxes represent topographical heat maps of
this same area and clearly indicate reduced fi ne lines and wrinkles.
rewarding, given that the FOITS system
is increasingly gaining recognition
for its ability to validate product
claims and that the technology has
been adopted as the standard for antiaging
product claims in Germany.
Addressing Fine
Lines, Wrinkles &
Texture Changes
In addition to the expanded range of
topical anti-aging technologies available,
the variety of cosmetic procedures
(e.g., face lifts, fi llers and facial
peels) has multiplied in recent years.
While these more invasive and costly
procedures are the right decision for
some, many patients prefer topical
interventions, are averse to invasive
procedures or fi nd them cost prohibitive.
For these reasons, it is important
to stay up-to-date on the latest
skin care ingredients that are backed
by science and can address patients’
anti-aging concerns. 31
Scientifi c research has substantiated
the mechanism of action of several
wrinkle-fi ghting ingredients. While
the variety of compounds found in
today’s skin care products continues
to grow, not all are backed by signifi -
cant clinical research. Th e table on the
following page describes some of
the more popular and well-researched
31, 32
anti-aging ingredients.
Fine Lines, Wrinkles & Texture: Research Update 9