Sony further invests in beauty with 'Skin View Camera’

The technology has been created for customer service purposes at beauty-treatment clinics and cosmetics manufacturers, which will be officially launched in March in Japan.

Features include a 'Skin View Camera' for checking the skin, a cloud server using Sony’s analysis algorithm, a 'Skin Analyzer' application software, which runs on a dedicated tablet computer and a 'Skin Viewer' smartphone application.

The application takes stock of the colour, pigmentation, degree of moistness, the condition of the pores etc. 

The state of the skin is analyzed by applying LED lights with different wavelengths (such as visible light, which is reflected on skin surface, and near-infrared light, which comes back after passing through the inside of the skin) to measure reflected lights with the CMOS sensor.

Innovative​

According to Yasuhiro Ueda, corporate executive of Sony's Image Sensor Business Division; the fourth application - the 'Skin Viewer' will be available for consumers who visit clinics/stores to check their skin type through the system.

The camera takes images of skin with the CMOS sensor and checks its' moisture with a dedicated sensor. Measurement data is then sent to a cloud server via WiFi.

This will allow them to check data stored on the cloud server with their smartphones and use it following the effects of a beauty treatment that they received at clinics.

Sony has also started to research applying the new technology to analysing the scalp.

Skin care high on Japanese consumers agenda​

Since discovering cold cream at the beginning of the 20^th​ century, Japanese women have been investing in products that cater to their famous layering skin care routine, and this is where brands are currently seeing the most opportunity.

Our regional expert, Florence Bernardin reveals Japan to be the most lucrative market due to its traditionally long and refined beauty routine. 

Nowadays, the cleansing routine consists of oil base makeup remover, followed by a foaming soap and has also expanded into Korea and China.

Cleansing products accessorized with beauty tools has also become a favourite, especially in Korea where vibrating and massage devices are offering cleansing properties.

Finally, Florence says cleansing waters are also building momentum as easy to use makeup removers.