[Quantitative analysis of skin surface lipids using a sebumeter method. Random lipid levels on the skin surface during therapy with 13-cis-retinoic acid, minocycline hydrochloride and UVA rays].

The Sebumeter method used in this study for quantitative analysis of skin surface lipids differs from previous techniques in simple handling and quick practicability and is therefore helpful in the clinical routine. Sebumetrical measurements carried out on healthy persons revealed symmetrical distribution of skin surface lipids. The highest levels were found on the forehead; young people generally showed higher values than older persons. During therapy with 13-cis retinoic acid on acne patients for 6 months (0.5 mg/kg daily), we found reduction of the random level in the first month, particularly in the forehead region. During therapy with minocycline on 3 acne patients for 3 months (2 X 50 mg daily), there was no variation of the random level observed. UVA irradiation on the face for 10 minutes daily (0.55 J/cm2/min) over a period of 3 weeks resulted in continuous reduction of the random level in most of the tested persons; a small part of them reacted by fluctuating values.