Dermatology utilizes many subjective analysis methods. The relative nature of subjective analysis methods prompted the development of objective analysis methods with greater accuracy and reliability. 

However, numerous devices among these are either inaccessible to patients without being a part of a clinical trial, bulky or costly. Yet, with the advancements in artificial intelligence and handheld devices, measurement methods have now been simplified. 

The present study validated an objective skin analysis software available on a handheld device by comparing it to a board-certified dermatologist′s assessment. It analyzed participants of various ages and skin types with the facial analysis system on an iPad Pro. A physician ranked the same photographs based on 14 common skin characteristics. 

The facial analysis system and the physician′s rankings showed a good agreement rate of 69%. The greatest agreement rates were shown in the assessment of erythema (83.7%) and wrinkles (81.6%) and the lowest with oiliness (53.1%). 

This system′s high re-test reliability and good agreement rates with physician assessment support its use in the clinical setting.

Source: Cook MK, Kaszycki MA, Richardson I, et al. Initial validation of a new device for facial skin analysis. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022;33(8):3150-3.