%0 Journal Article
%T Heatmap Evaluation of Facial Hydration Using a Novel Python Program.
%A Nguyen TQ
%A Emesiani C
%A Meckfessel M
%J J Drugs Dermatol
%V 23
%N 6
%D 2024 Jun 1
%M 38834213
%F 1.608
%R 10.36849/JDD.8221
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Evaluating cleansers and moisturizers provides important information to guide clinicians in the recommendation of these products. This project was performed to visualize skin hydration via heatmap after the use of a gentle skin cleanser (GSC) and moisturizing lotion (ML).<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Half-face, intra-individual open-label study in healthy volunteers. Cleanser was administered in a single application that was then wiped off the face. Moisturizing lotion was applied at least once-daily for one week. Hydration measurements were made at 30 pre-defined points on half of the face, at baseline, and 30 minutes post-application; an additional assessment at week 1 was made for the moisturizing lotion. Heatmaps were generated using Python programming software to interpolate hydration values to colors that were then superimposed onto the volunteer's facial image.&nbsp; Results: Five subjects completed the cleanser assessments, and 5 subjects completed the 30-minute evaluation for the lotion, with 4 completing the week 1 assessment. There was a visible shift in skin hydration post-GSC application from values approximately in the 12-42 AU (arbitrary unit) range to 30-60 AU at 30 minutes. Similarly, there was a shift in hydration from baseline to 30 minutes that continued to increase through week 1 of ML use.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>This innovative heatmap data generation showed a clear, visual change in hydration over time. There was a visible shift in hydration values from baseline to 30 minutes after application of cleanser; hydration also improved after use of moisturizing lotion at 30 minutes and increased after week 1 application.&nbsp; J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(6):463-465.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; doi:10.36849/JDD.8221.