WO2003054539A2

WO2003054539A2 - Tracking early indicia of beauty treatment progress

Info

Publication number: WO2003054539A2
Application number: PCT/EP2002/014904
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francis Pruche; Gilles Rubinstenn
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2001-12-21
Filing date: 2002-12-18
Publication date: 2003-07-03
Also published as: AU2002361254A1; WO2003054539A3; AU2002361254A8

Abstract

Systems and methods consistent with the present invention may facilitate an evaluation of at least one skin or hair characteristic. The systems and methods may include receiving first data representative of a first state of a substance associated with at least one skin or hair characteristic of at least one skin or hair portion (102), facilitating a change from the first state of the substance to a second state of the substance using at least one treatment (104), and evaluating a time for the second state of the substance to change to a third state of the substance (106), wherein the time is representative of the at least one skin or hair characteristic.

Description

TRACKING EARLY INDICIA OF BEAUTY TREATMENT PROGRESS USING BIOLOGICAL/PHYSIOLOGICAL INDICATORS

The present application relies on the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/341 ,875, filed December 21 , 2001.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION]

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for the evaluation of at least one body characteristic and the evaluation of a product's effectiveness.

Background

Many products, such as certain beauty products, require sustained use for a period of time before results are perceptible to a typical user. For product providers, this can make it difficult to determine the effectiveness of a product. Further, determining such a product effectiveness may also be hampered by highly subjective body characteristics of the user. For example, changes in body characteristics like wrinkles and youthful appearance are notoriously difficult to perceive and evaluate at an early stage, particularly if the changes are very incremental. This makes it challenging for manufacturers to develop products designed to improve these types of body characteristics. In addition, individuals using such products often receive very little early indication of whether a product is performing in a manner likely to lead to a desired end result. Consequently, many individuals become frustrated when a product does not provide relatively immediate results and/or when there is a lack of any sign of whether continued product use would achieve a particular goal. Hence, there is a need for an efficient or objective way to evaluate the effectiveness of products and hard-to-judge body characteristics.

SUMMARY

Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture of the present invention may evaluate the effectiveness of a product and the body characteristics of at least one body portion.

One exemplary aspect of the invention relates to a method for facilitating an evaluation of at least one skin characteristic. The method may comprise receiving first data representative of a first state of a substance associated with at least one skin characteristic of at least one skin portion, facilitating a change from the first state of the substance to a second state of the substance using at least one treatment, and evaluating a time for the second state of the substance to change to a third state of the substance. The time may be representative of the at least one skin characteristic.

A second exemplary aspect of the invention relates to another method for facilitating an evaluation of at least one skin characteristic. The method may comprise facilitating at least one treatment for at least one skin portion, receiving first data representative of a first state of a substance associated with at least one skin characteristic of the at least one skin portion, and evaluating a change over a period of time from the first state of the substance to a second state of the substance. The change may be representative of the at least one skin characteristic.

A third exemplary aspect of the invention relates to a method for determining an epidermal renewal speed of at least one skin portion. The method may comprise receiving data representative of activity of a substance associated with a superficial stratum corneum layer of the at least one skin portion, facilitating at least one treatment of the at least one skin portion, and evaluating a time necessary for the activity to recover to a level corresponding to the activity represented by the received data. The at least one treatment may be intended to substantially change the activity. The substance may be generated by a living layer of the skin and may migrate towards the superficial stratum corneum layer. The time may be representative of the epidermal renewal speed of the at least one skin portion.

A fourth exemplary aspect of the invention relates to a method for tracking progress of at least one skin portion. The method may comprise receiving data reflecting a first turnover rate of the at least one skin portion, facilitating application of a product to the at least one skin portion, receiving data reflecting a second turnover rate of the at least one skin portion, and comparing the first turnover rate and the second turnover rate.

A fifth exemplary aspect of the invention relates to a method for facilitating an evaluation of a product for at least one skin portion. The method may comprise receiving first information reflecting a first image of at least one skin portion exposed to radiation capable of exciting a substance associated with the at least one skin portion, facilitating treatment of the at least one skin portion with a product, receiving second information reflecting a second image of the at least one skin portion exposed to radiation capable of exciting the substance associated with the at least one skin portion, and comparing the first information and the second information.

A sixth exemplary aspect of the invention relates to a method for facilitating an evaluation of at least one hair characteristic. The method may comprise facilitating at least one treatment for at least one hair portion, receiving first data representative of a first state of a substance associated with at least one hair characteristic of the at least one hair portion, and evaluating a change over a period of time from the first state of the substance to a second state of the substance. The change may be representative of the at least one hair characteristic.

A seventh exemplary aspect of the invention relates to yet another method for facilitating an evaluation of at least one skin characteristic. The method may comprise providing first data representative of a first state of a substance associated with at least one skin characteristic of the at least one skin portion, facilitating a change from the first state of the substance to a second state of the substance using at least one treatment, and receiving information reflecting an evaluation of a time for the second state of the substance to change to a third state of the substance. The time may be representative of the at least one skin characteristic. An eighth exemplary aspect of the invention relates to an additional method for facilitating an evaluation of at least one skin characteristic. The method may comprise providing first data representative of a first state of a substance associated with at least one skin characteristic of at least one skin portion, facilitating at least one treatment for the at least one skin portion, and receiving information reflecting an evaluation of a change over a period of time from the first state of the substance to a second state of the substance. The change may be representative of the at least one skin characteristic.

A ninth exemplary aspect of the invention relates to another method for determining an epidermal renewal speed of at least one skin portion. The method may comprise providing data representative of activity of a substance associated with a superficial stratum corneum layer of the at least one skin portion, facilitating at least one treatment of the at least one skin portion, and receiving information reflecting an evaluation of a time necessary for the activity to recover to a level corresponding to the activity represented by the provided data. The at least one treatment may be intended to substantially change the activity. The substance may be generated by a living layer of the skin. The substance may migrate towards the superficial stratum corneum layer. The time may be representative of the epidermal renewal speed of the at least one skin portion.

A tenth exemplary aspect of the invention relates to another method for tracking progress of at least one skin portion. The method may comprise providing data reflecting a first turnover rate of the at least one skin portion, facilitating application of a product to the at least one skin portion, providing data reflecting a second turnover rate of the at least one skin portion, and receiving information reflecting a comparison of the first turnover rate and the second turnover rate.

An eleventh exemplary aspect of the invention relates to another method for facilitating an evaluation of a product for at least one skin portion. The method may comprise providing first information reflecting a first image of at least one skin portion exposed to radiation capable of exciting a substance associated with the at least one skin portion, facilitating treatment of the at least one skin portion with a product, providing second information reflecting a second image of the at least one skin portion exposed to radiation capable of exciting the substance associated with the at least one skin portion, and receiving information reflecting a comparison of the first information and the second information.

A twelfth exemplary aspect of the invention relates to another method for facilitating an evaluation of at least one hair characteristic. The method may comprise facilitating at least one treatment for at least one hair portion, providing first data representative of a first state of a substance associated with the at least one hair characteristic of at least one hair portion, and receiving information reflecting an evaluation of a change over a period of time from the first state of the substance to a second state of the substance, wherein the change is representative of the at least one hair characteristic. Aspects of the invention may be implemented with a system comprising a processor and memory. The processor and memory may be configured to facilitate performing a method consistent with features and principles of the present invention.

Additional embodiments and aspects of the invention are set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part are obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention. It is understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary method consistent with features and principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary skin areas of at least one skin portion, consistent with features and principles of the present invention;

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate exemplary states and times associated with one example of the method illustrated in FIG. 1 ; FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary method consistent with features and principles of the present invention;

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate exemplary states and changes associated with one example of the method illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 illustrates a further exemplary method consistent with features and principles of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 illustrates the capture of an image with an image capture device and a Woods Lamp, consistent with features and principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made in detail to exemplary aspects of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

According to features and principles consistent with the present invention and as illustrated in FIG. 1, an exemplary method 100 for facilitating an evaluation of at least one skin characteristic may include receiving first data representative of a first state of a substance (step 102). "Receiving" may include obtaining the first data via a computer, a database, a network, an entity (e.g., an individual, a researcher, a hair or skin care professional, etc.), or any other mechanism for obtaining the first data. First data may include any information (e.g., test results, answers to questions, research data, data measurements, graphical data, images, pictures, electronic data, etc.) representative of the first state of the substance.

The substance may include an enzyme (e.g., catalase, acid phosphatase, etc.), a coloring agent, melanin, or any other element or compound. The state of the substance may include an activity level (e.g., enzymatic activity, rate of conversion of an applied substrate, etc.) of the substance, a quantity level of the substance, a quality level of the substance, or any other information about the substance. The substance may be associated with at least one skin characteristic of at least one skin portion. For example, the state of the substance may be indicative of the presence, absence, or relative degree of one or more skin characteristics. The skin characteristic may include the renewal speed, turnover rate, youthful appearance, suppleness, glow, cleanliness, coloration, dryness, oiliness, complexion, or any other quality of the skin.

The skin portion may include one or more skin areas on a person and those skin areas may be located anywhere on the person, as illustrated in the example shown in FIG. 2. "Skin," "skin portion," and "skin area" as used herein may include the outer surface of a person's skin, one or more parts under the surface or within a person's skin (e.g., superficial stratum corneum layer, living layer, epidermis, etc.), or any other part of a person that is associated with skin. The skin portion may be selected according to the purpose of the skin characteristic to be evaluated (e.g., T-zone for oiliness, inner arm for dryness or skin turnover, glabella for wrinkles, etc.). According to features and principles consistent with the present invention, method 100 for facilitating the evaluation of the at least one skin characteristic may include facilitating a change from the first state of the substance to a second state of the substance using at least one treatment (step 104). "Facilitating" may include providing the treatment or components of the treatment, applying the treatment or a portion of the treatment, suggesting the treatment or a portion of the treatment, selling the treatment or components of the treatment, sending information about the treatment or a portion of the treatment, or any other action that contributes or assists in the change from the first state to the second state. The treatment may include use of ultra-violet light exposure on the skin portion, tanning of the skin portion, application of a coloring agent to the skin portion, application of a bleaching agent to the skin portion, electromagnetic radiation exposure to the skin portion, application of a chemical agent (e.g., a substrate of enzymes) to the skin portion, application of a biological agent to the skin portion, or any treatment that may be used to change or facilitate the change from the first state of the substance to the second state of the substance.

The treatment may cause the first state to change to the second state by conditioning a part of the skin. For example, the treatment may condition the superficial stratum corneum layer (or any other part) of the skin. The second state of the substance may include an activity level (or other skin information) substantially different from an activity level in the first state of the substance. In some exemplary methods, the second state may include a substantially reduced substance activity level as compared to the substance activity level in the first state. For example, an ultra-violet light exposing treatment 202 shown in FIG. 2 may reduce the activity level of an enzyme in the superficial stratum corneum layer of a skin area.

According to features and principles consistent with the present invention, method 100 for facilitating the evaluation of the at least one skin characteristic may include evaluating a time for the second state of the substance to change to a third state of the substance (step 106). The time may be representative of the at least one skin characteristic. The third state of the substance may be different from or substantially the same as the first state of the substance. For example, when the substance is an enzyme, the third state of the substance may include an enzyme activity level that is substantially the same as the enzyme activity level in the first state of the substance, and the enzyme activity level in the second state may be substantially less than the enzyme activity levels in the first and third states. Hence, the time required for the activity level of the second state to reach the activity level of the third state may reflect the time required for the activity level at the second state to return to the activity level of the first state. The time may then be representative of a skin characteristic (e.g., renewal speed, turnover rate, youthful appearance, suppleness, glow, cleanliness, coloration, dryness, oiliness, complexion, etc.) of the at least one skin portion.

Consistent with features and principles of the present invention, the substance may be naturally associated with the at least one skin portion. That is, the substance may normally be produced, exist, occur, or appear on or at the at least one skin portion. For example, an enzyme (e.g., catalase, acid phosphatase, etc.) normally produced at a living layer of a person's skin may migrate up to a superficial stratum corneum layer of the skin. When the activity level of the enzyme in the superficial stratum corneum layer of the skin is reduced by a treatment (e.g., ultra-violet light exposure), the time required for the enzyme to migrate up to the superficial stratum corneum layer to an extent that causes a renewed activity level approaching (e.g., substantially the same as) the activity level prior to the treatment may represent a skin characteristic of the skin. That is, the time may indicate the renewal speed, turnover rate, youthful appearance, suppleness, glow, cleanliness, coloration, dryness, oiliness, or complexion of the person's skin.

Rather than having the third state substantially the same as the first state, the third state of the substance may be different from the first state of the substance. For example, the activity level of the enzyme at the third state may be greater or less than the activity level at the first state. The time required for the activity level at the second state to reach such a third state that is different from the first state may be representative of a skin characteristic of the at least one skin portion. Further, when the first and third states are different, the time required for the activity level at the second state to return to the activity level of the first state may be mathematically (e.g., via extrapolation, interpolation, algorithms, etc.), graphically, or otherwise determined from the time required for the activity level at the second state to reach the third state.

Some exemplary methods consistent with some aspects of the invention may involve the practice of at least steps 102, 104, and 106 shown in FIG. 1. Other steps, such as one or more of steps 108, 110, 112, 114, and 116, may also be included.

According to features and principles consistent with the present invention, method 100 for facilitating the evaluation of the at least one skin characteristic may include receiving second data representative of a fourth state of the substance associated with the at least one skin portion (step 108). The second data may include information in any form as discussed above for the first data. The fourth state may be different from or substantially the same as one or more of the first, second, and third states.

According to features and principles of the present invention, method 100 may include facilitating application of a product to the at least one skin portion (step 110). "Facilitating the application" may include providing the product, applying the product, suggesting the product, selling the product, encouraging use of the product, distributing the product, manufacturing the product, sending information about the product or any other action that contributes or assists in the application of the product to the at least one skin portion. The product may be a health product (e.g., vitamin, dietary supplement, etc.), a beauty product (e.g., anti-wrinkle product, skin lotion, etc.), a medical product (e.g., antibiotic, medication, etc.), or any other product that affects the skin or a skin characteristic.

According to features and principles consistent with the present invention, method 100 for facilitating the evaluation of the at least one skin characteristic may include facilitating a change from the fourth state of the substance to a fifth state of the substance using at least one treatment (step 112). The treatment used to change the fourth state of the substance to the fifth state may be substantially the same as or different from the treatment used to change the first state of the substance to the second state as described above. In one example involving differing treatments, the treatment used to change the first state to the second state may be ultra-violet light exposure and the treatment used to change the fourth state to the fifth state may be a skin color treatment applied to the at least one skin portion. The fourth state may include a quantity level of a coloring agent in the at least one skin portion. After facilitating the change using the skin color treatment, the fifth state may include a higher quantity level of the coloring agent in the at least one skin portion.

Consistent with features and principles of the present invention, the fifth state may be different from or substantially the same as the second state. For example, when the treatments of steps 104 and 112 are substantially the same, the fifth and second states may be substantially the same.

According to features and principles consistent with the present invention, method 100 for facilitating the evaluation of the at least one skin characteristic may include evaluating a time for the fifth state of the substance to change to a sixth state of the substance (step 114). The sixth state of the substance may be different from or substantially the same as one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth states of the substance. For example, when the substance includes a coloring agent and the sixth and fourth states are substantially the same, the sixth state of the substance may include a quantity level of the coloring agent in the at least one skin portion that is substantially the same as the quantity level of the coloring agent in the fourth state of the substance, and the quantity level of the coloring agent at the fifth state may be substantially increased as compared to the quantity level of the coloring agent at the fourth state. Hence, the time required for the quantity level of the coloring agent at the fifth state to decrease to the sixth state may reflect the time required for the quantity level of the coloring agent at the fifth state to return to the quantity level of the coloring agent at the fourth state. The time for the fifth state to return to the sixth state may then be representative of one or more skin characteristics of the least one skin portion after application of the product.

According to features and principles consistent with the present invention, method 100 for facilitating the evaluation of the at least one skin characteristic may include comparing the time for the second state to change to the third state with the time for the fifth state to change to the sixth state (step 116). The comparison may be performed mathematically, graphically, analytically, subjectively, or in any other manner. Further, the method may also include evaluating an effectiveness of the product using at least the comparison of the time for the second state to change to the third state and the time for the fifth state to change to the sixth state. The difference in the times may indicate a desired formulation, strength, or usage of the product according to the effectiveness of the product. For example, if the difference in the times is small, then it may be an indication to change the formulation, strength, or usage of the product to make the product more effective. If the difference in the times shows a significant improvement in a skin characteristic (e.g., significant increase in epidermal renewal speed, etc.), then the formulation, strength, or usage of the product may be deemed to be optimal or effective.

According to features and principles consistent with the present invention, a method for facilitating an evaluation of at least one skin characteristic may include tracking progress of the at least one skin portion using at least the comparison of the times. The comparison may provide an indication of whether a product that was formerly effective is losing or increasing in its effectiveness, or it may provide an indication of whether to change the product formulation, strength, or usage.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a graph showing exemplary times 302 and 304 for the second state to change to the third state and the fifth state to change to the sixth state, where the at least one skin portion associated with the first through sixth states is a common skin area. The graph shows the common skin area has enzyme activity levels of 37.5, 5.0, 37.5, 37.5, 5.0, and 37.5 at its first to sixth states, respectively. After a treatment reduces the activity level from the first state to the second state, the time 302 required for the activity level at the second state to reach the third state is 10 days. After reducing the activity level from the fourth state to the fifth state (via a treatment substantially the same as or different from the prior treatment), and applying a product to the common skin area, the time 304 required for the activity level to increase from the fifth state to the sixth state is 8 days. A comparison of times 302 and 304 may indicate the product has contributed in improving at lease one skin characteristic of the common skin area because a recovery rate of the enzyme activity level associated with the skin characteristic has changed.

Consistent with features and principles of the present invention, the first, second, and third states of the substance may be associated with a skin area different from a skin area associated with the fourth, fifth, and sixth states. For example, the skin area(s) associated with the first, second, and third states may be a first skin area 204 on an arm 206, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The skin area(s) associated with the fourth, fifth, and sixth states may be a second skin area 208 adjacent to the first skin area 204 on arm 206. If the first and second skin areas 204 and 208 are different, then as graphically illustrated in FIG.4, the evaluation of a time 402 representative of at least one skin characteristic without an application of a product may occur at substantially the same time as or overlap with the evaluation of a time 404 representative of the skin characteristic(s) with the application of the product. For example, FIG. 4 graphically shows one example of the method of FIG. 1 , where steps 102 to 106 of FIG. 1 are overlapping in time with steps 108 to 114.

According to-features-and-prineiples consistent witrrthe-presen invention and as illustrated in FIG. 5, an exemplary method 500 for facilitating the evaluation of the at least one skin characteristic may include facilitating at least one treatment for at least one skin portion (step 502). The treatment may include any treatment described above. The at least one skin portion may include one or more skin areas that are clean (e.g., washed) and/or substantially free from sun exposure to prevent contamination of the at least one skin portion by other sources (e.g., tanning by the sun). For example, the treatment may include a tanning product that increases the coloration of the at least one skin portion and it may be undesirable to affect the coloration from the tanning product with sun tanning.

According to features and principles consistent with the present invention, method 500 for facilitating an evaluation of at least one skin characteristic may include receiving first data representative of a first state of a substance associated with at least one skin characteristic of the at least one skin portion (step 504). The first state of the substance may include any information about the substance, as described above. For example, the first state of the substance may include a coloration level or color measurement of the at least one skin portion. The coloration level or color measurement may reflect an artificially induced or a natural coloration of the at least one skin portion. The first data may include data acquired using an image capture device (e.g., scanner, camera, etc.) to record the coloration level or make the color measurement.

According to features and principles consistent with the present invention, method 500 for facilitating the evaluation of the at least one skin characteristic may include evaluating a change over a first period of time from the first state of the substance to a second state of the substance (step 506). The change may be representative of the at least one skin characteristic. The period of time may be a predetermined length of time, contiguous length of time, noncontiguous length of time, or any other length of time. In the above tanning example, the change over the first period of time may reflect a turnover rate of skin cells on the at least one skin portion. That is, as the at least one skin portion reverts back to its natural coloration after tanning with the product, the difference in the coloration of the at least one skin portion at the second state as compared to the coloration at the first state may represent the skin cell turnover rate of the at least one skin portion.

Some exemplary methods consistent with some aspects of the invention may involve the practice of at least steps 502, 504, and 506 of FIG. 5. Other steps, such as steps 508, 510, 51 , 514, 516 may also be included.

According to features and principles consistent with the present invention, method 500 may also include facilitating application of a product to the at least one skin portion (step 508). The product may be any product as described above. Consistent with features and principles of the present invention, method 500 may also include facilitating at least one additional treatment for the at least one skin portion (step 510). The additional treatment may be substantially the same as or different from the treatment in step 504. For example, the additional treatment in step 510 may include application of a bleaching product to the at least one skin portion. The bleaching product may reduce the coloration of the at least one skin portion. Consistent with features and principles of the present invention, method 500 for facilitating the evaluation of the at least one skin characteristic may further include receiving second data representative of a third state of the substance associated with the at least one skin portion (step 512). The second. data may be any form of data as previously above.

According to features and principles consistent with the present invention, method 500 for facilitating the evaluation of the at least one skin characteristic may include evaluating a change over a second period of time from the third state of the substance to a fourth state of the substance (step 514). The second period of the time may have the same duration as the first period of time. In the above bleaching example, the change in the coloration of the at least one skin portion at the fourth state as compared to the coloration at the third state may represent the skin cell turnover rate of the at least one skin portion with the application of the product.

According to features and principles consistent with the present invention, method 500 for facilitating the evaluation of the at least one skin characteristic may include comparing the change over the first period of time with the change over the second period of time (step 516). The difference between the changes may represent the effectiveness of the product in affecting at least one skin characteristic (e.g., skin cell turnover rate, epidermal renewal speed, etc.). For example, if the difference in the changes is small, then it may be an indication for the formulation, strength, or usage of the product to be altered to make the product more effective. If the difference in the changes shows a significant improvement in a skin characteristic (e.g., significant increase in epidermal renewal speed, etc.), then the formulation, strength, or usage of the product may be deemed to be optimal or effective.

According to features and principles consistent with the present invention, a method for facilitating an evaluation of at least one skin characteristic may include tracking progress of the at least one skin portion using at least the comparison of the changes in the first and second periods of time. The comparison may provide an indication of whether a product that was formerly effective is losing or increasing in its effectiveness, or it may provide an indication of whether to alter the product formulation, strength, or usage.

FIG. 6 graphically illustrates exemplary states and changes 602 and 604 over a first period of time and a second period of time, respectively, for an exemplary method including the steps of FIG. 5, where the at least one skin portion associated with the first to fourth states is a common skin area. The graph shows the common skin area has coloration levels of 75, 35, 75, and 10 at its first to fourth states, respectively. Change 602 over the first period of time is 40 and change 604 over the second period of time is 65. By associating changes in coloration levels over time with a skin characteristic (e.g., youthful appearance), a comparison of changes 602 and 604 may indicate the product has contributed in improving the skin characteristic of the common skin area.

Consistent with features and principles of the present invention, the first and second states of the substance for the method of FIG. 5 may be associated with a skin area different from a skin area associated with the third and fourth states. For example, the skin area(s) associated with the first and second states may be a first skin area 204 on an arm 206, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The skin area(s) associated with the third and fourth states may be a second skin area 208 adjacent to the first skin area 204 on arm 206. If the first and second skin areas 204 and 208 are different, then as graphically illustrated in FIG. 7, the evaluation of a change 702 representative of a skin characteristic without an application of a product may occur at substantially the same time as or overlap with the evaluation of a change 704 representative of the skin characteristic with the application of the product. For example, FIG. 7 graphically shows one example of the method of FIG. 5, where steps 502 to 506 of FIG. 5 are overlapping in time with steps 508 to 514.

According to features and principles of the present invention and as illustrated in FIG. 8, an exemplary method 800 for facilitating an evaluation of a product for at least one skin portion may include receiving first information reflecting a first image of at least one skin portion exposed to radiation capable of exciting a substance associated with the at least one skin portion (step 802). "Receiving" may include any mechanism to obtain the first information as previously described. The information may include a quantity level of the substance, a distribution of the substanpe, or an intensity of the substance. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the first image may be captured using an image capture device. The at least one skin portion may include any skin area as described above, but may particularly include facial skin areas. The at least one skin portion may be exposed to radiation from any source (e.g., Woods lamp, flash, ultra-violet light, etc.). The substance may be a phosphorescent substance, a fluorescent substance, a luminescent substance, or any other substance (e.g., porphyrin, etc.) excitable by radiation. The substance may also be a phosphorescent, fluorescent, or luminescent antibody excitable by radiation directed toward a non- phospherescent, non-fluorescent, or non-luminescent substance (e.g., epidermin, defensin-beta-2, etc.). The radiation may make the substance visible. Microorganisms (e.g., propionibacterium acnes, staphylococcus epidermis, etc.) associated with the at least one skin portion may produce the substance.

According to features and principles consistent with the present invention, method 800 for facilitating the evaluation of the product for the at least one skin portion may include facilitating treatment of the at least one skin portion with the product (step 804). "Facilitating" may include providing the product, applying the product, suggesting the product, selling the product, encouraging use of the product, distributing the product, manufacturing the product, sending information about the product or any other action that contributes or assists in treating the at least one skin portion. The product may be any product previously described and may impact a level of propionibacterium acnes or staphylococcus epidermis on the at least one skin portion. For example, the product may be an antibiotic that reduces propionibacterium acnes or increases staphylococcus epidermis on the at least one skin portion.

According to features and principles consistent with the present invention, method 800 for facilitating the evaluation of the product for the at least one skin portion may include receiving second information reflecting a second image of the at least one skin portion exposed to radiation capable of exciting the substance associated with the at least one skin portion (step 806). The second image may be captured in a manner substantially the same as or different from the first image. The second information may include information similar to or different from the first information (e.g., a quantity of the substance, distribution of the substance, intensity of the substance, etc.) after application of the product.

According to features and principles consistent with the present invention, method 800 for facilitating the evaluation of the product for the at least one skin portion may include comparing the first information and the second information (step 808). The comparison may indicate the quantity level of the substance after using the product has been changed, which may reflect a change in a quantity of microorganisms on the at least one skin portion. For example, the substance may be porphyrin produced by propionibacterium acnes. If the comparison shows a reduction in porphyrin after application of the product, then the product may be deemed effective in reducing propionibacterium acnes on the at least one skin portion. This may in turn indicate, the product is effective in improving a skin characteristic (e.g., cleanliness, glow, complexion, etc.) of the at least one skin portion.

Consistent with features and principles of the present invention, the comparison of the first and second information may include using at least a ratio of the substance associated with the at least one skin portion to at least one other substance associated with the least one skin portion. For example, the ratio may be between prophyrin produced by propionibacterium acnes and epidermin produced by staphylococcus epidermis. Propionibacterium acnes and staphylococcus epidermis may occur in inversely proportional quantities on the least one skin portion. If a larger quantity of epidermin is reflected in the second information than there is in the first information, then the comparison between the first and second information may indicate that the level of prophyrin and the propionibacterium acnes presence has been reduced by the product.

According to features and principles of the present invention, method 800 for facilitating the evaluation of the product for the at least one skin portion may include providing advice relating to the at least one skin portion using at least the comparison of the first information and the second information. The advice may include suggesting a regimen to improve a skin characteristic of the at least one skin portion, or changing a formulation, strength, or usage of the product.

In the foregoing description, features and principles of the present invention were described in the context of skin characteristics. However, as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the present invention may be practiced in the context of hair characteristics and other body characteristics. Furthermore, various features are grouped together for purposes of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects may lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed description. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the invention. Additionally, as used herein, the words "may" and "may be" are to be interpreted in an open-ended, non-restrictive manner, and the word "or" is to be interpreted in both an exclusive and inclusive manner.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for facilitating an evaluation of at least one skin characteristic, comprising: receiving first data representative of a first state of a substance associated with at least one skin characteristic of at least one skin portion; facilitating a change from the first state of the substance to a second state of the substance using at least one treatment; and evaluating a time for the second state of the substance to change to a third state of the substance, wherein the time is representative of the at least one skin characteristic.

2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the first state of the substance includes an activity of the substance associated with the at least one skin portion.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the activity includes at least one of an enzymatic activity and a rate of conversion of an applied substrate.

4. A method according to claim 2, wherein the at least one treatment is intended to substantially reduce the activity of the substance from the first state to the second state.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein facilitating the change from the first state to the second state comprises exposing the at least one skin portion to the at least one treatment.

6. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one treatment includes ultra-violet light exposure.

7. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the substance includes an enzyme.

8. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the substance includes at least one of catalase and acid phosphatase.

9. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one treatment includes a skin color treatment.

10. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the substance includes at least one of a skin coloring agent and melanin.

11. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one treatment includes at least one of an electromagnetic exposure, treatment with a chemical agent, and treatment with a biological agent.

12. A method according claim 1 , wherein the at least one treatment includes treatment with a substrate of at least one enzyme.

13. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one skin characteristic includes an epidermal renewal speed of the at least one skin portion.

14. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one skin portion includes a superficial stratum corneum skin layer.

15. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the substance is naturally associated with the at least one skin portion.

16. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the substance is generated by a living layer of the at least one skin portion.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the substance migrates towards a superficial stratum corneum skin layer of the at least one skin portion.

18. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the substance is at least one of on the at least one skin portion, in the at least one skin portion, and under the at least one skin portion.

19. A method according to claim 1 , wherein at least one skin area of the at least one skin portion is selected according to the at least one skin characteristic to be evaluated.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the at least one skin portion includes at least one of a T-zone skin area for evaluating a skin oiliness characteristic, an inner arm skin area for evaluating a skin dryness characteristic, an inner arm skin area for evaluating a skin turnover characteristic, and a glabella skin area for evaluating a skin wrinkles characteristic.

21. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one treatment conditions a superficial stratum corneum layer of the at least one skin portion.

22. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the first state includes a level of the substance associated with the at least one skin portion.

23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the at least one treatment is intended to substantially reduce the level of the substance associated with the at least one skin portion from the first state to the second state.

24. A method according to claim 23, wherein facilitating the change from the first state to the second state comprises exposing the at least one skin portion to the at least one treatment.

25. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the first state is substantially the same as the third state.

26. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the first state is substantially different from the third state.

27. A method according to claim 1 , further comprising: receiving second data representative of a fourth state of the substance associated with the at least one skin portion; facilitating application of a product to the at least one skin portion; facilitating a change from the fourth state of the substance to a fifth state of the substance using the at least one treatment; evaluating a time for the fifth state of the substance to change to a sixth state of the substance; and comparing the time for the second state to change to the third state with the time for the fifth state to change to the sixth state.

28. A method according to claim 27, wherein the fourth state is substantially the same as the sixth state.

29. A method according to claim 27, wherein the fourth state is substantially different from the sixth state.

30. A method according to claim 27, wherein the at least one treatment used in facilitating the change from the first state to the second state is different from the at least one treatment used in facilitating the change from the fourth state to the fifth state.

31. A method according to claim 27, wherein the skin portion associated with the first, second, and third states of the substance is different from the skin portion associated with the fourth, fifth, and sixth states of the substance.

32. A method according to claim 27, further comprising evaluating an effectiveness of the product using at least the comparison of the time for the second state to change to the third state and the time for the fifth state to change to the sixth state.

33. A method according to claim 32, further comprising prescribing at least one of a formulation, a strength, and a usage of the product according to the effectiveness of the product.

34. A method according to claim 27, further comprising tracking progress of the at least one skin portion using at least the comparison of the time for the second state to change to the third state and the time for the fifth state to change to the sixth state.

35. A method according to claim 27, further comprising determining a formulation for the product using at least the comparison of the time for the second state to change to the third state and the time for the fifth state to change to the sixth state.

36. A method according to claim 27, wherein the product is at least one of a health product, a beauty product, and a medical product.

37. A method according to claim 27, wherein the product includes an anti-wrinkle product.

38. A method for facilitating an evaluation of at least one skin characteristic, comprising: facilitating at least one treatment for at least one skin portion; receiving first data representative of a first state of a substance associated with at least one skin characteristic of the at least one skin portion; and evaluating a change over a period of time from the first state of the substance to a second state of the substance, wherein the change is representative of the at least one skin characteristic.

39. A method according to claim 38, wherein the at least one treatment includes application of at least one of a skin tanning product and a bleaching agent to the at least one skin portion.

40. A method according to claim 38, wherein the substance is at least one of a skin coloring agent and melanin.

41. A method according to claim 38, wherein the substance is naturally associated with the at least one skin portion.

42. A method according to claim 38, wherein receiving the first data comprises receiving data acquired using an image capture device.

43. A method according to claim 42, wherein the image capture device is at least one of a scanner and a camera.

44. A method according to claim 38, wherein the first data includes a color measurement of the at least one skin portion.

45. A method according to claim 38, wherein each of the first state of the substance and the second state of the substance includes a respective level of the substance associated with the at least one skin portion.

46. A method according to claim 38, wherein the at least one skin portion includes at least one area of the body substantially free from sun exposure.

47. A method according to claim 38, further comprising keeping the at least one skin portion substantially free from sun exposure.

48. A method according to claim 38, wherein the skin characteristic includes an epidermal renewal speed of the at least one skin portion.

49. A method according to claim 38, further comprising washing the at least one skin portion.

50. A method according to claim 38, wherein the period of time is a first period of time and wherein the method further comprises: facilitating application of a product to the at least one skin portion; facilitating at least one additional treatment for the at least one skin portion; receiving second data representative of a third state of the substance associated with the at least one skin portion; evaluating a change over a second period of time from the third state of the substance to a fourth state of the substance; and comparing the change over the first period of time with the change over the second period of time.

51. A method according to claim 50, wherein the at least one skin portion includes at least two skin portions, and wherein the skin portion receiving the at least one treatment is different from the skin portion receiving the at least one additional treatment.

52. A method according to claim 50, wherein a common skin portion receives the at least one treatment and the at least one additional treatment.

53. A method according to claim 50, wherein the at least one treatment is different from the at least one additional treatment.

54. A method according to claim 50, wherein the at least one treatment is the same as the at least one additional treatment.

55. A method according to claim 50, further comprising evaluating an effectiveness of the product using at least the comparison of the change over the first period and the change over the second period.

56. A method according to claim 55, further comprising prescribing at least one of a formulation, a strength, and a usage of the product according to the effectiveness of the product.

57. A method according to claim 50, further comprising tracking progress of the skin characteristic of the at least one skin portion using at least the comparison of the change over the first period and the change over the second period.

58. A method according to claim 50, further comprising determining a formulation for the product using at least the comparison of the change over the first period and the change over the second period.

59. A method according to claim 50, wherein the product includes at least one of a health product, a beauty product, and a medical product.

60. A method for determining an epidermal renewal speed of at least one skin portion, comprising: receiving data representative of activity of a substance associated with a superficial stratum corneum layer of the at least one skin portion, wherein the substance is generated by a living layer of the skin and the substance migrates towards the superficial stratum corneum layer; facilitating at least one treatment of the at least one skin portion, wherein the at least one treatment is intended to substantially change the activity; and evaluating a time necessary for the activity to recover to a level corresponding to the activity represented by the received data, wherein the time is representative of the epidermal renewal speed of the at least one skin portion.

61. A method according to claim 60, wherein the substance includes an enzyme.

62. A method according to claim 60, wherein the substance includes at least one of catalase and acid phosphatase.

63. A method according to claim 60, wherein the at least one treatment includes ultra-violet light exposure.

64. A method according to claim 60, wherein the substance is naturally associated with the superficial stratum corneum layer.

65. A method for tracking progress of at least one skin portion, comprising: receiving data reflecting a first turnover rate of the at least one skin portion; facilitating application of a product to the at least one skin portion; receiving data reflecting a second turnover rate of the at least one skin portion; and comparing the first turnover rate and the second turnover rate.

66. A method according to claim 65, further comprising measuring at least one of the first turnover rate and the second turnover rate.

67. A method according to claim 65, wherein the product includes an anti-wrinkle product.

68. A method according to claim 65, further comprising evaluating effectiveness of the product in changing a skin characteristic of the at least one skin portion, wherein the evaluation includes using at least the comparison of the first turnover rate and the second turnover rate.

69. A method according to claim 68, wherein the skin characteristic is at least one of a youthful appearance, suppleness, glow, cleanliness, dryness, oiliness, coloration, and complexion.

70. A method for facilitating an evaluation of a product for at least one skin portion, comprising: receiving first information reflecting a first image of at least one skin portion exposed to radiation capable of exciting a substance associated with the at least one skin portion; facilitating treatment of the at least one skin portion with a product; receiving second information reflecting a second image of the at least one skin portion exposed to radiation capable of exciting the substance associated with the at least one skin portion; and comparing the first information and the second information.

71. A method according to claim 70, wherein the radiation is radiation from a Woods lamp.

72. A method according to claim 70, wherein the substance is produced by a microorganism associated with the at least one skin portion.

73. A method according to claim 70, wherein the substance is produced by propionibacterium acnes.

74. A method according to claim 70, wherein the substance is produced by staphylococcus epidermis.

75. A method according to claim 70, wherein the substance is at least one of a phosphorescent substance, a fluorescent substance, and a luminescent substance.

76. A method according to claim 70, wherein the substance is at least one of a phosphorescent antibody, a fluorescent antibody, and a luminescent antibody, and wherein the substance is linked to at least one of a non-phosphorescent substance, a non-fluorescent substance, and a non- luminescent substance associated with the at least one skin portion.

77. A method according to claim 76, wherein the at least one of the non-phosphorescent substance, the non-fluorescent substance, and the non- luminescent substance is naturally associated with the at least one skin portion.

78. A method according to claim 70, wherein the substance is naturally associated with the at least one skin portion.

79. A method according to claim 70, wherein the substance is porphyrin.

80. A method according to claim 70, wherein the substance is epidermin.

81. A method according to claim 70, wherein comparing the first information and the second information includes using at least a ratio of the substance associated with the at least one skin portion to at least one other substance associated with the least one skin portion.

82. A method according to claim 81 , wherein the ratio is inversely proportional.

83. A method according to claim 81 , wherein the ratio is between porphyrin and epidermin.

84. A method according to claim 70, wherein the first information includes at least one of a quantity of the substance, a distribution of the substance, and an intensity of the substance.

85. A method according to claim 70, wherein the first image and the second image are captured using an image capture device.

86. A method according to claim 85, wherein the image capture device is at least one of a scanner and a camera.

87. A method according to claim 70, wherein the product is at least one of a health product, a beauty product, and a medical product.

88. A method according to claim 70, wherein the product includes an antibiotic.

89. A method according to claim 70, wherein the product reduces propionibacterium acnes associated with the at least one skin portion.

90. A method according to claim 70, wherein the product impacts a level of at least one of propionibacterium acnes and staphylococcus epidermis associated with the at least one skin portion.

91. A method according to claim 70, wherein the product increases staphylococcus epidermis associated with the at least one skin portion.

92. A method according to claim 70, wherein the radiation is radiation from a flash.

93. A method according to claim 70, further comprising providing advice relating to the at least one skin portion using at least the comparison of the first information and the second information.

94. A method for facilitating an evaluation of at least one hair characteristic, comprising: facilitating at least one treatment for at least one hair portion; receiving first data representative of a first state of a substance associated with at least one hair characteristic of the at least one hair portion; and evaluating a change over a period of time from the first state of the substance to a second state of the substance, wherein the change is representative of the at least one hair characteristic.

95. A method for facilitating an evaluation of at least one skin characteristic, comprising: providing first data representative of a first state of a substance associated with at least one skin characteristic of the at least one skin portion; facilitating a change from the first state of the substance to a second state of the substance using at least one treatment; and receiving information reflecting an evaluation of a time for the second state of the substance to change to a third state of the substance, wherein the time is representative of the at least one skin characteristic.

96. A method for facilitating an evaluation of at least one skin characteristic, comprising: facilitating at least one treatment for at least one skin portion; providing first data representative of a first state of a substance associated with at least one skin characteristic of the at least one skin portion; and receiving information reflecting an evaluation of a change over a period of time from the first state of the substance to a second state of the substance, wherein the change is representative of the at least one skin characteristic.

97. A method for determining an epidermal renewal speed of at least one skin portion, comprising: providing data representative of activity of a substance associated with a superficial stratum corneum layer of the at least one skin portion, wherein the substance is generated by a living layer of the skin and the substance migrates towards the superficial stratum corneum layer; facilitating at least one treatment of the at least one skin portion, wherein the at least one treatment is intended to substantially change the activity; and receiving information reflecting an evaluation of a time necessary for the activity to recover to a level corresponding to the activity represented by the provided data, wherein the time is representative of the epidermal renewal speed of the at least one skin portion.

98. A method according to claim 97, wherein the substance is naturally associated with the superficial stratum corneum layer.

99. A method for tracking progress of at least one skin portion, comprising: providing data reflecting a first turnover rate of the at least one skin portion; facilitating application of a product to the at least one skin portion; providing data reflecting a second turnover rate of the at least one skin portion; and receiving information reflecting a comparison of the first turnover rate and the second turnover rate.

100. A method for facilitating an evaluation of a product for at least one skin portion, comprising: providing first information reflecting a first image of at least one skin portion exposed to radiation capable of exciting a substance associated with the at least one skin portion; facilitating treatment of the at least one skin portion with a product; providing second information reflecting a second image of the at least one skin portion exposed to radiation capable of exciting the substance associated with the at least one skin portion; and receiving information reflecting a comparison of the first information and the second information.

101. A method for facilitating an evaluation of at least one hair characteristic, comprising: facilitating at least one treatment for at least one hair portion; providing first data representative of a first state of a substance associated with at least one hair characteristic of the at least one hair portion; and receiving information reflecting an evaluation of a change over a period of time from the first state of the substance to a second state of the substance, wherein the change is representative of the at least one hair characteristic.

102. A system comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor and memory are configured to facilitate performing a method according to claim 1.

103. A system comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor and memory are configured to facilitate performing a method according to claim 38.

104. A system comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor and memory are configured to facilitate performing a method according to claim 60.

105. A system comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor and memory are configured to facilitate performing a method according to claim 65.

106. A system comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor and memory are configured to facilitate performing a method according to claim 70.

107. A system comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor and memory are configured to facilitate performing a method according to claim 94.