Guide
How to read your 15 skin metrics
A radar chart full of numbers can feel overwhelming. But each metric tells you something concrete about your skin – and points toward what you can do about it. Here's how to read the result.
Numbers without context mean nothing
After a skin analysis you get a set of values. The real value isn't in a single number but in how the metrics relate and how they change over time. Low hydration together with high redness often points to a weakened barrier – not to needing a stronger product.
Read the metrics in groups
The barrier group
Hydration, tightness and sensitivity belong together. If they're low, focus on gentle cleansing and moisturising before adding active ingredients.
The age group
Elasticity, fine lines and skin age. This is about the long game – sleep, sun protection and antioxidants make the biggest difference over time.
The sebum group
Pores, shine and breakouts. High values in the T-zone are normal. Balance rather than strip, otherwise oil production increases.
The evenness group
Redness, pigmentation and texture. Track these closely if you have sensitive or reactive skin – they respond fastest to lifestyle.
The zone values
The same metric can differ between forehead, cheeks and chin. Tailor your routine zone by zone instead of treating the whole face the same.
From result to action
Start with the lowest metric in the barrier group – it's usually the root of other issues. Make one change at a time, wait a few weeks and re-run your skin analysis to see the effect. That way you know which change actually made the difference.
Remember that skin reflects the whole body. If the values stay flat despite a good routine, look at sleep, stress and diet. The answer is often there.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'good' value?
There's no universal ideal value – what matters is your own trend. A value that improves over time beats a high starting number that declines.
Why do values differ between facial zones?
Different zones have different amounts of sebaceous glands and face different stress. That's why the analysis measures 12 zones separately.
How fast can the values change?
Barrier and hydration values can move within a few weeks. Elasticity and skin age change more slowly, over months.
Sources
- Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci 2017;19(1):70.
- Meier L, Stange R, Michalsen A, Uehleke B. Clay jojoba oil facial mask for lesioned skin and mild acne. Forsch Komplementmed 2012;19(2):75–79.
Article reviewed by Christopher Genberg, founder of 1753 SKINCARE.
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