Skin Lab

Six Skin Factors — your measurable skin profile

Skin Lab measures six parameters to build a personalised skin profile. We then track change over time — so you can see what’s working, not just feel it.

Consultation at Santi London
Consultation-led measurement with clear, comparable scores.

We look at Skin Colour, TEWL, Elasticity, Hydration, Collagen and Sebum. Each produces an objective score or visual snapshot, forming your baseline — and a reference point for change after 6–12 weeks.

1) Skin colour (melanin & erythema)

We measure **melanin** (pigment) and **erythema** (redness) at high magnification to quantify change beyond the naked eye. Useful for hyper-pigmentation (melasma/chloasma) and overall brightness.

Track response to brightening treatments (Vitamin C Boost, Sugar Cane Peel, Dermamelan).
Quantify “tan level” to plan safe laser hair removal timing.
Objective before/after Brightness & redness Laser safety
Macro skin tone study (illustrative)
High-magnification readings reveal subtle shifts in melanin and redness.

2) Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL)

TEWL is how quickly moisture escapes through the skin barrier. **High TEWL** often explains the “dry but oily” paradox: oil rises to offset water loss.

Identify barrier impairment; tune moisturiser + occlusive balance.
Seasonal routine adjustments (humidity, heating, travel).
Barrier repair Dry-oily paradox Routine optimisation
Live TEWL measurement — quantifying moisture loss through the barrier.

3) Elasticity (skin “bounce”)

Elasticity reflects the skin’s ability to deform and return — a proxy for **youthful resilience**. Lifestyle (UV, smoking) and nutrition impact this score.

We assign a 1–100 elasticity score and monitor trends.
Supports decisions on SPF, retinoids and collagen-supporting care.
Trend tracking SPF & retinoids Lifestyle factors
Elasticity measurement device reading
Objective “bounce” readings guide realistic goals and timelines.

4) Hydration

Hydration underpins radiance and barrier health. We score from **0–100** and match products (and textures) to your environment and season.

Avoid over-stripping or over-occluding by mistake.
Dial textures by season (gels vs creams/occlusives).
Score 0–100 Seasonal plan Texture matching
Hydration scoring at Santi
Hydration scores prevent “right product, wrong texture” mistakes.

5) Collagen level & skin thickness

Collagen provides **structure and plumpness**. We use high-resolution ultrasound to gauge dermal thickness and collagen density — and re-scan to verify progress.

Baseline now; re-scan after 8–12 weeks to check trajectory.
Supports choices on retinoids and collagen-stimulating treatments.
Ultrasound snapshot Dermal thickness Evidence-led tweaks
Skin ultrasound showing collagen bands
Ultrasound visualises dermal structure and tracks changes over time.

6) Sebum (oil) production

Sebum protects the skin — but imbalance drives congestion and shine. Measuring output at different sites separates **oily + dehydrated** from true **oily** types and tunes actives.

Target oil control without compromising the barrier.
Personalise exfoliation (frequency, strength, acid type).
Balanced protocols Zone-based readings Acne-aware planning
Santi London exterior on Thurloe Street
All measurements performed in-clinic by trained practitioners.

Track your progress — baseline vs 12 weeks

Example layout — replace values with your client’s scores/images.
Factor Metric Baseline 12 weeks Change Notes
Skin colour Melanin index / Erythema MI 58 / ER 32 MI 51 / ER 26 -7 / -6 Dermamelan + SPF 50 daily
TEWL g/m²/h 18.0 11.5 -6.5 Added ceramide moisturiser + light occlusive PM
Elasticity Score (1–100) 54 63 +9 SPF adherence + retinoid 3×/week
Hydration Score (0–100) 42 68 +26 Humectant serum AM/PM; reduced foaming cleanser
Collagen Ultrasound (relative) Baseline scan Improved echogenicity Re-scan scheduled at 12 weeks
Sebum µg/cm² (T-zone) 190 130 -60 Adjusted exfoliation; niacinamide AM

Tip: capture the collagen ultrasound image at each visit and store alongside scores for visual comparison.

Skin Lab — FAQs

How often should I repeat measurements?

Most clients re-test every 8–12 weeks to validate changes. For season-driven concerns (winter dryness or summer oiliness), we’ll time reviews to the environment.

What’s a “good” TEWL score?

TEWL varies by site and season. Rather than chase an absolute number, we aim for a downward trend from your baseline while comfort and appearance improve.

Can elasticity really improve?

Elasticity responds to consistent SPF, retinoids (as tolerated), and collagen-supportive treatments. We focus on trend over weeks, not overnight shifts.

Do products actually change collagen?

Some routines support collagen maintenance; others stimulate remodelling. Ultrasound snapshots help determine if your regimen is producing structural change.

What if I’m dry and oily at the same time?

That’s commonly high TEWL with compensatory oil. We’ll address barrier repair first, then fine-tune oil control to avoid over-stripping.

Ready to get your Skin Lab profile?
Appointments in South Kensington.