10 ANALYSIS
Skin sensors and the personalisation drive
n Dr Nadia Tsao – IDTechEx, UK
IDTechEx have released a new research report, ‘Skin Sensors 2020- 2030: Technologies, Markets, Players, Forecasts’. The report examines the technologies and scientific principles used to quantitatively measure skin parameters for the cosmetics industry, including hydration, wrinkles, fine lines, redness, hyperpigmentation, etc. The report finds personalised skin care as a key driver for broader uptake of skin sensor technologies going forward. Skin sensors are routinely used in the
cosmetics industry, playing essential roles in studies of safety and efficacy. However, despite the importance of and public focus on skin health and appearance, skin sensor technologies have rarely spilled over into wider use by the public. For example, though consumers moisturise their skin, and some even use anti-wrinkle cream, few people utilise moisture sensors to measure their skin hydration, nor do they measure changes in their wrinkles. With the shrinking of electronics and the advancement of smartphones and smartphone cameras, the availability of skin sensors is now spreading. Digital disruption has reached the
cosmetics industry, and companies are seeking ways to augment or even replace
PERSONAL CARE EUROPE
their retail counters with digital solutions. This process has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has already forced the closure of retailers, spas, etc. for several months. While online sales can bridge some of the gap, there is still a long way to go - traditionally, less than 10% of sales in the cosmetic industry come from online. To drive online sales, software services such as virtual try-on and skin analysis have been developed to provide similar education and product recommendation services of a brick and mortar store. Such technologies have been demonstrated to increase conversion rates and basket sizes. Skin sensors for analysis of moisture,
wrinkles, sebum, colour, etc. can take many different forms such as cameras, probes, smart mirrors, films, facial imaging booths, smart phone accessories, and more.
The rise of personalisation In tandem with digitisation comes the demand for personalisation. At its most basic level, personalisation in skin care involves matching a person’s skin type and skin concerns to a particular product or
selection of products. For example, a capacitive skin sensor can measure a person’s skin hydration and alert them to use a specific type of moisturiser. Alternatively, polarised light and 3D imaging can enhance the view of fine lines on the face to highlight trouble areas to target with anti-wrinkle cream.
How can genetic testing deliver personalised skin care? As the cost of sequencing the human genome has decreased at a rapid pace, the popularity of consumer genetic testing has soared. Today, the average consumer is able to request a testing kit via post, painlessly submit their DNA, and obtain their results online in 1-2 weeks. Though this market started through ancestry analysis, many health and wellness tests have emerged. Results from a genetic test focused on the skin can show a person’s susceptibility to certain conditions such as sun sensitivity, pigmentation, collagen breakdown, etc. While the majority of companies offering genetic testing for skincare are DNA testing companies such as Orig3n, there are a number of small skin care companies, such as Allél, that are now
September 2020
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