A new method for skin care product evaluation based on the laser Doppler imaging technique.

Synopsis Laser Doppler perfusion imaging was used to assess the vasoactive effect of a cosmetic product on a cutaneous inflammation model: erythema induced by methyl nicotinate. Measurements were carried out on ten healthy volunteers after a rest in an environmental controlled room, and trials were performed on the ventral surface of the forearms. Recordings of cutaneous perfusion were made every 10 min after application of the vasodilator. The decrease in the highest value of perfusion on the test site was significantly higher with the cosmetic compared to the control site 30 min after its application. Fifty minutes after application, the difference between the test and control sites was 53%.