Formation of oiliness and sebum output--comparison of a lipid-absorbant and occlusive-tape method with photometry.

Sebum output and the development of oiliness formation were studied in 24 acne-prone volunteers. Sebutape and photometric measurement by the Sebumeter were compared. Tapes were taken 1, 2 and 3 h after degreasing. Tapes were scored, and light transmission was measured by a special densitometric device. Sebumeter recordings were performed after 3 h. Densitometric evaluation of tapes was accurate with a high correlation to scoring. Sebutape and Sebumeter assessments correlated. However, in some individuals the tape method overestimated the sebum output. Right-left comparison indicated that the tape method was less reproducible, particularly after longer sampling periods. It is suggested that Sebutape, due to water occlusion and temperature insulation during the sampling period, interferes with sebum droplet formation and spreading. However, such systematic interference may be advantageous since sweating and heat are important clinical prerequisites in the formation of oiliness. Thus, it is suggested that the Sebutape is a specialized method for the determination of 'oiliness', the very last phase of sebum output, in which sebum droplets spread over the skin surface. The tape is not automatically comparable to other methods for determining sebum output from the follicular reservoir.