A validation study to find highly correlated parameters with visual assessment for clinical evaluation of cosmetic anti-cellulite products

Abstract

Background/purpose: There has been growing interest in cellulite on parts of the body; however, no objective assessment has been specifically established. This study aims to demonstrate an optimized method by comparing the existing assessments of cellulite. Methods: In Test 1, for subjects of 20 healthy females who have cellulite, we measured volume and roughness of cellulite using fringe projection method, roughness using replica method, dermo-subcutaneous interface length and subcutaneous thickness using ultrasonography and skin temperature using infrared ray, elasticity and blood flow. In Test 2, we applied an anti-cellulite cosmetic to 28 subjects for 6 weeks and observed if they have any changes. Results: In Test 1, the effective parameter that is the most correlated with visual assessment was volume of skin measured using fringe projection method (r = 0.780). Dermo-subcutaneous interface length (r = 0.355) and subcutaneous thickness (r = 0.502) measured using ultrasonography followed in order. In Test 2, after applying a tested product, the correlation coefficient of volume of skin, of dermo-subcutaneous interface length and of subcutaneous thickness are 0.409 (P = 0.000), 0.275 (P = 0.016) and 0.311 (P = 0.012) respectively. Conclusion: We conclude that visual assessment, volume of skin (cavities), dermo-subcutaneous interface length and subcutaneous thickness are optimized methods for assessing an effect of cosmetics on cellulite. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.