US-based Nu Skin Enterprises has developed two innovative technologies, the Pharmanex BioPhotonic Scanner and Nu Skin ProDerm, which allow people to assess how healthy they are and to analyse the state of their skin.

Pakapun Leevutinun, general manager of Nu Skin Enterprises (Thailand), said the firm had successfully developed the Pharmanex BioPhotonic Scanner version 2, or S2, which it describes as the world's first unique nutritional testing tool. The S2 measures the levels of antioxidant in the body and provides a Skin Carotenoid Score, revealing carotenoid antioxidant activity. "It is a painless method and allows people to check the state of their health without going to a hospital," she said.

The scanner is based on an optical method known as Resource Raman Spectroscopy. This technology has been used in research laboratories for carotenoid investigations in biological systems. The scanner also uses innovative laser technology to measure, by non-invasive means, the concentration of carotenoid antioxidants in the body's tissue.

Antioxidants protect the body at the cellular level against the effects of ageing and pollution. The scanner score provides a scientific measure of how a person's diet and supplements can protect their body's cells, as well as their overall health.

The scanner measures carotenoid levels in human tissue on the skin's surface using optical signals. These signals identify the unique molecular structure of carotenoids, allowing their measurement without interference from other molecular substances. It divides the stable level of carotenoid antioxidant into five levels, from low to high.

People wanting to know the carotenoid antioxidant activity in their body have to follow a simple procedure. First, they place their hand in front of a low-energy blue-light laser which gives them their score. Armed with this information, a person can improve their level of antioxidants by following a nutritious diet and taking supplements.

By consistently keeping a track of carotenoid antioxidant levels in the body, consumers are equipped with the knowledge required to maintain a healthy nutrition programme that will boost antioxidant levels and lead to better health.

"The scanner will enable people to understand their health. It will make people aware of their body, since they will know about the free radicals without having to go to a hospital. As a result, they can prevent diseases," said Pakapun.

She added that more than 500,000 people in Thailand had already been scanned.

The US parent started developing the BioPhotonic Scanner six years ago, and spent more than Bt3 billion on research and development. The Pharmanex Biophotonic Scanner also won the award for the Most Innovative Company in the American Business Awards last year.

The Nu Skin ProDerm, meanwhile, is a prototype of the Skin Analyser produced under a partnership between Dell Computer and Nu Skin Enterprises. The Nu Skin ProDerm provides a visual and quantifiable assessment of a person's skin.

The pocket device allows people to analyse their skin condition and recommends ways to improve it. It takes the customer's photograph and focuses the image in a window. The software then gives a rating to various skin attributes in six locations.

It takes about a minute for the images to be processed. It explains how the white space in each measurement bar indicates an opportunity for improvement in that attribute.

The resulting images help the person understand four key skin attributes - discoloration, lines and wrinkles, texture, and pore size - at the six locations chosen for analysis.

She said the firm also planned to develop the ProDerm for point-of-sale distribution. The firm expects it will launch an official version next year.

"We utilise new technology such as the Biophotonic scanner and ProDrem as tools to support more than 230,000 distributors, so that will give them confidence to sell our products to customers," said Pakapun.

Jirapan Boonnoon

The Nation