Guidelines in Skin Testing

Noninvasive measurements of skin physiology or dermometrology is a fascinating discipline looking for the contribution of many researchers coming from diverse scientific horizons. Fundamental researches, applied researches, and translational investigations have explored many facets of biophysical properties of skin. Routine use of bioengineering devices may look simple but proves to be a field with multiple pitfalls for the unexperienced beginners. Even skillful investigators are facing a number of problems related to relevance and interpretation of data. In every instances, emphasis should be placed on a strict respect of controlled and standardized conditions e.g. controlled room temperature in the assessment of epidermal barrier function. At present, dermometrology is still in a developmental field where the researcher must control every single aspect of the measurements. Measuring devices provide pure numbers which are only relevant with a specific research question and defined hypothesis. The skill of the researcher and conversely the naive handling by a non-educated person influence the value of the collected data. In addition, the interpretation of the biophysical measurements requires expertise. Noninvasive devices are now used in translational research involving dermatologists, bioengineers, cosmetologists, clinical scientists, physiologists, and biologists.