A validated photonumeric scale for infraorbital dark circles and its application in evaluating the efficacy of a cosmetic treatment product in a split‐face randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objective As a result of their complex aetiology and periodicity, dark circles are difficult to characterize and measure, with current assessment techniques relying on specialist equipment, image analysis or proprietary grading scales. There is therefore a need to develop and validate a photonumeric scale for assessing infraorbital dark circles, which can provide an objective and consumer relevant tool for evaluating this condition and the efficacy of treatment products and procedures. Methods A panel of expert clinical evaluators reviewed approximately three thousand facial photographs collected over a 5‐year period and selected images representing a dynamic range of dark circles. A 10‐point photonumeric scale was created, with corresponding descriptors and images for each grade of the scale. To rigorously validate the scale, linearity, sensitivity and precision were assessed by colorimetry and in‐clinic evaluation. Reproducibility was assessed photographically with both experienced and inexperienced clinical evaluators, whereas intragrader repeatability was assessed live in‐clinic. The scale was then employed in a split‐face randomized clinical trial on 58 subjects to evaluate the efficacy of a cosmetic treatment product over 8 weeks. Results Colour analysis of the images showed the scale was linear, with statistically significant correlations observed when colour data (CIElab; Individual Typology Angle) were plotted against the corresponding grades ( r > 0.9, P < 0.001). Colour difference (Delta E) was calculated between the infraorbital zone and the surrounding skin, and when data were plotted against the grades, a statistically significant correlation was observed ( r = 0.99, P < 0.01). The magnitude of the Delta E suggested that changes in grade are visibly perceptible to the human eye, and therefore, the scale is sensitive and clinically relevant. Intergrader reproducibility showed strong correlation (0.96) and >90% agreement between experienced evaluators, whereas intragrader repeatability assessment showed >90% perfect agreement between grades. Use of this scale in a clinical trial demonstrated the efficacy of a cosmetic product, with a mean statistically significant ( P < 0.001) decrease in grade of 0.74 compared to baseline, and 0.59 versus the untreated control, after 8 weeks of treatment. Conclusion Our photonumeric scale for infraorbital dark circles is sensitive and robust and provides an objective and easy‐to‐use tool to evaluate dark circles and their treatment.

Color-Stabilizing Effects and Mechanisms of Schisandra Lignans on the Anthocyanins Enriched with Petunidin-3-O-glucoside

“…In principle, the decrease of b * leads to a deeper color of the copigmentation solution, thereby weakening light reflection and decreasing the L * value. , As graphed in Figure G–J, with the concentration increase of each lignan, the L * and b * values gradually decreased, while the values of a * and Δ E * showed an increasing trend. Δ E * was usually used to detect changes in food color, and a change equal to or higher than 1.0 was regarded as visually detected by people’s eyes . Actually, the Δ E * values were equal to or higher than 1.0 in this study.…”

“…ΔE* was usually used to detect changes in food color, and a change equal to or higher than 1.0 was regarded as visually detected by people's eyes. 40 Actually, the ΔE* values were equal to or higher than 1.0 in this study. These results suggested that six lignans had a favorable influence on copigmentation, where schisandrin B was most active due to its highest values of negative b* (1.32 ± 0.02) and ΔE* (2.59 ± 0.11) at a concentration of 1.5 × 10 −5 M. These findings were consistent with the above experimental results, and a similar phenomenon was also described by Gonzaĺez-Manzano, 38 who investigated the catechin-induced copigmentation.…”

Assessing the Rejuvenation Effectiveness of a Hyaluronic Acid and Amino Acid Mixture in the Periorbital Region

“…As the score increases, the intensity of the dark circles also increases. 10 Fitzpatrick’s classification was used for assessment of periorbital wrinkling: degree of elastosis from 1 point to 9 points. While 1 point indicates that the wrinkling condition is fine, 9 points indicates that the wrinkling condition is the most intense.…”

Effectiveness and tolerance of multicorrective topical treatment for infraorbital dark circles and puffiness

“…An institutional review board (IRB) approved, open‐label, 12 week, clinical study was conducted. Female subjects located in New Jersey, USA ( n = 40) between 35 and 60 years old, FSTs I–VI, with moderate‐to‐severe under‐eye dark circles (score 4–8 based on a photonumeric scale for infraorbital dark circles), 24 moderate under‐eye puffiness (score of 4–6 based on the modified Griffiths scale), 25 and mild‐to‐moderate fine lines (score of 3–6 based on the modified Griffiths scale), and dull skin in the periorbital eye area were recruited into the study. Subjects were excluded if they were nursing, pregnant, or planning a pregnancy, had used topical retinoids or topical eye cream/serums within the past 7 days prior to baseline.…”

“…Investigator clinical grading was performed at baseline, weeks 4, 8, and 12. A validated photonumeric scale for infraorbital dark circles based on the principles of the modified Griffiths scale was utilized, 24 while the modified Griffiths scale was utilized to evaluate under‐eye puffiness, and overall appearance of the periorbital eye area. (Supplementary Section for further analysis).…”