the full face, including the lips, on study day 1. The primary investigator rated the 3 lip characteristics in real time to ensure that a sufficient number of diverse images were obtained to represent the entire spectrum of the lip scale ordinal ratings (Table 2). When a sufficient number of images were obtained to illustrate a specific characteristic and ordinal rating of the photonumeric scale, enrollment for that characteristic/rating was closed.
VISIA Facial Imaging System for Clinical Research
Photography was conducted with the VISIA-CR 4.3 system for repeatable clinical imaging and skin analysis.26 It allowed rapid attainment of high-resolution images, and the booth-like device ensured that subjects maintained the proper position for the duration of the capture set. The frontal face was captured with “standard light 1” modality.
Training of Dermatologist Raters
The primary investigator conducted 2 sessions to educate the raters and facilitate discussion about lip characteristics, issues, and potential rating terminology. During training session 1, the primary investigator presented to the raters the qualities of lip texture, lip shine, and lip vermilion border to establish an overall lip health score. The panel then reviewed stock images to arrive at a rating consensus. When the primary investigator determined that the expert panel was familiar with the rating scale and concepts, training was concluded. After training, selected VISIA-CR 4.3 images from the study dataset were evaluated collectively by the expert panel to further define the ordinal scoring system. The primary investigator also conducted training for another staff member of the research center.
Proposed Rating Scale
The 3 key lip characteristics—texture, shine, and vermilion border—were selected because of their importance to the appearance attributes of lip health that can be affected by lip products.12,27,28 For example, healthy lips have a distinct vermilion border.27,28 In addition, the characteristics were selected because they represent healthy lips and are easily photographable.
RESULTS
The photography session produced 103 images, that were then
processed and archived for distribution to the expert dermatologist
panel. Distribution entailed random loading of the images
to flash drives, which were mailed to each panel member. An
email provided instructions and an Excel scoring sheet for data
collection.
