Galileo Group develops oil detection technology ARMADA

Galileo Group has developed an innovative smartphone-based skin follicular oil or sebum image detection technology.

Called ARMADA UV, the technology has been modified from remote sensing systems to include images in the violet/ultraviolet-A spectrum.

Fluorescent imaging is used for the detection and assessment of biomarkers on the human skin and opens board application opportunities across the skincare market.

The technology uses ARMADA smartphone spectral imagery and automated processing algorithms to detect sebum spots on the skin.

ARMADA smartphone system co-inventor James Grichnik said: “This oil mixture (also called sebum) plays a key role in acne, oily skin and general skin health.

“We now have this new game-changing tool to positively impact lives and consumer experience by providing direct data on skin oil production and potentially the extent of bacterial colonisation.”

Along with precisely locating oil pores, this imagery system will also highlight oil production on the human face, shed keratinocytes, and porphyrin. The encrypted data produced can be effortlessly assessed on a smartphone.

Additionally, the changing fluorescent characteristics may directly imply increased inflammation and bacterial colonisation.

Grichnik added: “Monitoring skin through smartphones and tablets with the ARMADA system provides an intuitive, low-cost visual means to monitor follicular oil changes in response to topical or oral products.

“There are vast implications for the acne market in how this new class of information may be applied to better serve millions of consumers, as well as other scenarios involving more active management of skin moisture levels.”

To maximise the accuracy of the results, a deep learning-based, self-evaluating approach can be perceived. This would provide analytical data showing the response of each skin type to different medical treatments.

Furthermore, Galileo plans to provide the technology to B2B partners, dedicatedly focused on skin population research and consumer digital mass engagement scenarios.