Validation of the
SkinConnect
Nomadic Multi‐Parametric Device for Assessing Stratum Corneum Hydration
Frédéric Flament, Thomas Dauxerre, Juliette Rengot, Marie Cherel, Ghislain François, Matthieu Jomier, Guive Balooch ABSTRACT
Background
Hydration is an essential skin parameter measurable by only a few nomadic devices. Focusing on personalized skincare in retail environments, we designed the SkinConnect, a compact, all‐in‐one device capable of analyzing skin color, microrelief, and hydration. This study constitutes the initial assessment of the SkinConnect, evaluating repeatability, reproducibility, and sensitivity to detect hydration changes, and benchmarking it against the Corneometer.
Materials and Methods
An independent Contract Research Organization recruited 22 females and 22 males and measured skin hydration in triplicate on six body areas (the forehead, a cheek, the chest, both forearms, and a calf). Measurements were taken at one‐hour intervals, including before and after applying a hydrating cream to one forearm. Parallel measurements were conducted using a Corneometer.
Results
Among the 4665 SkinConnect measurements, 0.2% displayed aberrantly high values while 3.1% were null. The mean standard deviation for intra‐device repeatability was 3.68 and inter‐device measurements showed a correlation coefficient of 0.917–0.941. Intra‐device reproducibility showed a correlation coefficient of 0.86–0.88, slightly lower than that of the Corenometer. When benchmarked against the Corneometer, correlation was best described by a logarithmic regression ( r = 0.73), indicating lower sensitivity to low hydration levels. Nonetheless, the SkinConnect device effectively detected cream‐induced hydration increases and more subtle hydration differences across body areas.
Conclusion
Although further studies are warranted, this work indicates that the SkinConnect enables reliable skin hydration monitoring, making it a compact and efficient solution for multi‐parametric skin assessment and providing access to professional‐grade skin analysis. It may also prove valuable in assessing skin disorders.