International journal of biometeorology
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The oxygen saturation (StO2) and total hemoglobin volume in cutaneous blood are closely related to cutaneous metabolism and are important factors in determining the skin color. Most conventional apparatuses for the measurement of cutaneous metabolism have been designed to evaluate qualitative changes in the oxyhemoglobin volume, deoxyhemoglobin volume, and their sum (total Hb volume) relative to their baseline values. In this study, we developed an instrument for non-invasive evaluation of individual and regional differences in StO2 and Hb volume, a system unaffected by melanin (Kao PSA system model III), and examined the validity of its application. ⋯ Therefore, StO2 was found to be closely dependent on SvO2. Lastly, StO2, total Hb volume, and other parameters were measured in healthy women (aged 20-69 years), and their regional differences and age-associated changes were evaluated. These regional differences (angle of mouth > cheek > forehead) and age-associated decreases in StO2 are considered to be caused by the age-associated decreases in the cutaneous blood flow.