FOITS-Technology - Tracking the Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy
Hardly any other in vivo skin physiological proof of efficacy has made its way so quickly into routine testing as the FOITS technology. The complex biological process of skin ageing that is accompanied by a change in the skin’s structure is determined by intrinsic as well as extrinsic ageing. Whereas the intrinsic ageing determined by a reduced reactivity of skin cells is genetically controlled, it is definitely possible to influence the signs of aging resulting from extrinsic factors (like UV light, chemical reagents, free radicals and mechanical strain). The idea of a non-contact wrinkle measurement was already implemented in the ‘90s in cooperation with the Breuckmann company and Institute Dr. Schrader. The non-contact FOITS technology (Fast Optical in vivo Topometry of Human Skin) is based on an optical measuring technique (fringe projection) for three-dimensional data collection and combined with a sophisticated statistical data analysis for comprehensive claim support.
Whether an individualized volume or standard quantitative analysis of efficacy using the roughness parameters Rz and Ra according to the expanded version of DIN 4768 and the Frequency Distribution of Depths (FDD), at the end an expert report with statistical significance and in-depth effect is given. Especially FDD analysis allows a classification into three structural areas, micro, fine and rough structure, which can be observed separately. This procedure offers the possibility to track different action principles in different structural areas and thereby quantify accurately by target area the efficacy of a skin care product. As would be expected with any optical measuring method, the hard measured data are accompanied by impressive three-dimensional surface images that document distinct individual effects.
References:
- Rohr M., Schrader K. (1998) Fast optical in vivo topometry of human skin (FOITS). SÖFW J 124(2), 52-9
- Rohr M., Brandt M., Schrader A. (2000) Skin surface – claim support by FOITS. SÖFW J 126(4), 56-62
- Benard S., Rohr M., Schrader A. (2000) Enzymes – powerful anti-ageing and anti-oxidant active ingredients investigated by FOITS and detection of ICL-S. In: Cosmetic Science for the New Century (Proceedings 21st IFSCC Congress 2000), Verlag für die chemische Industrie, Augsburg, Germany
- Rohr M, Schrader A (2001) FOITS-Corneometry – Influenced by experimental side conditions. Stratum Corneum 3rd(Basel, Switzerland), 1-5
- Rohr M., Yan Q., Schrader A., (2006) Anti-wrinkle performance of cosmetic products differentiated by FOITS – A statement of effectiveness, age and ethnic background. Vortrag 24th IFSCC Congress, Osaka (Japan).
- M. Rohr, A. Schrader (2009) FOITS (Fast Optical in vivo Topometry of Human Skin) – A Classical Method in Modern Efficacy Testing – A History of Fringe-Projection in Cosmetics SOFW J 135(8), 2-10
