The use of medical grade tape strips and pore detection films for skin testing is a well-established tool in the professional development and testing of new cosmetics and skin-care products. The specially engineered medical grade skin-safe adhesive on the black background tab gently removes the surface layer of skin cells known as the stratum corneum. This layer is representative of your skin’s overall health and can be used to determine skin types such as oily, dry, sensitive or combination. When skin is under-hydrated, irritated, or damaged it exfoliates in an accelerated and random manner. This can be seen as an arrangement of small to medium clusters of dehydrated skin cells on the surface of the black tape strip. The pore detection test strip contains a special film that identifies each individual pore and quantifies the amount of oil produced by that pore. Individual pore size and oil production varies among individuals but can be used to help identify areas of heavy oil production that may be prone to breakouts and need a specific skin care regimen. Contrary to common practice, individuals may have regions or zones of their facial skin that vary from dry to oily to combination and the use of both of these test strips can help
individuals custom tailor their skin care regimen using the appropriate products that match their skin type.