Application of optical non-invasive methods in skin physiology

In the present Paper the application of optical non-invasive methods in dermatology and cosmetology is discussed Laser scanning microscopy (LSM) and optical coherent tomography (OCT) are the most promising methods for this application. Using these methods, the analysis of,different, skin parameters like dryness and oiliness of the skin, the-barrier function and the structure of furrows and wrinkles are discussed. Additionally the homogeneity of distribution of topically applied creams, as well. as their penetration into the skin were investigated, It is shown that these methods are highly valuable in dermatology for diagnostic and therapy control and for basic research, for instance in the field of structure analysis of hair follicles and sweat glands. The, vertical images of the tissue produced by OCT can be easily compared with histological sections. Unfortunately, the resolution of the OCT technique is not high enough to carry out measurements on a cellular level, as is possible by LSM. LSM has them advantage that it can be used for the investigation of penetration and storage processes of topically, applied substances, if these substances have fluorescent properties or if they are fluorescent-labelled.