CM Corneometer CM 825 User manual

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CM - Corneometer®CM 825
CM 1 –Aim & Audience of this Manual
This manual contains the instructions necessary to work with the probe correctly and
in accordance with its intended use. The manual is meant to be read by the persons
who will be operating the probe.
It is only valid in context with the following instructions:
MPA Hardware and MPA Software or
MDD 4 or
Wireless Hardware and MPA Software
CM 2 –General Information on the
Measurement
CM 2.1 –Measurement Principle of the
Corneometer®CM 825
The measurement is based on capacitance
measurement of a dielectric medium, here the Stratum
Corneum, the uppermost layer of the skin. With
increasing hydration, its di-electric properties change.
The measurement is based on the fact that water has
a higher dielectric constant (81) than most other
substances (mainly < 7).
Gold tracks on
top of the in
the probe head, separated from the skin by a
glass lamina, build-up an electric field
between the tracks with alternating attraction.
One track builds up a surplus of electrons
(minus charge) the other a lack of electrons
(plus charge). When put on the skin surface,
the scatter field penetrates the very first layer
of the skin. The Corneometer®CM 825
measures the change in the dielectric
constant due to skin surface hydration
changing the capacitance of a precision
capacitor. The measurement can detect even
slightest changes in the hydration level.
Unlike the impedance measurement no
galvanic relation between the device and the measuring object and no polarization
effects exists.
CM 2.2 - Advantages of the Corneometer®CM 825
Substances on the skin (e.g. salts or residues of topical applied products) have
only minimal influence due to capacitance measurement.
It allows very quick measurement (1 s) important to avoid occlusion.
Continuous measurements over a longer time period can optionally be
performed.

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The measurement depth is very small (10-20 μm of the Stratum corneum) to
exclude the influence of deeper skin layers (e.g. from the blood vessels).
Measurements on an only 15μm thick foil show only 20 % of the original
measurement value.
The probe is small and lightweight for easy handling and measurement on all
body sites (e.g. lips etc.).
The spring in the probe head ensures constant pressure on the skin enabling
exact, reproducible measurements.
The accuracy of the Corneometer®probe and the penetration depth of the
scatter field can be checked quickly anytime.
The probe head can easily be cleaned after each measurement.
Worldwide established as „corneometry" with a broad range of studies. The
Corneometer®has even been used on a space mission on the ISS.
The Corneometer®CM 825 and its predecessor Corneometer®CM 820 are the
only skin moisture measurement instruments of which the accuracy have ever
been evaluated in a broad multi-centric study*.
*U. Heinrich, U. Koop, et al.: Multicentre comparison of skin hydration in terms of physical-, physiological- and product-
dependent parameters by the capacitance method (Corneometer CM 825), International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2003, 25,
45-51
2.3 Fields of Application
The hydration measurement is the basic measurement for all bio-medical and
cosmetic applications.
Ideal instrument for formulation, claim support and efficacy testing of all
cosmetics & skin care products (personal care, irritation research, soaps
and cleansers, occlusive product development ), raw materials,
pharmaceuticals, household products, detergents, food supplements and
many more.
In dermatological basis research.
In occupational health to underline the importance of skin protection
measures.
CM 3 –Delivery Content of the Corneometer®CM 825
S003 Corneometer®CM 825-probe
Z0030 Check calibration set
Z0801 Metal ring to weight down the probe cable
We recommend to keep the original packaging and to use it for sending the probe for
service. Please always include a detailed service request/error description. A service
form can be downloaded from the C+K website: www.courage-khazaka.de (service
form).

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CM 4 –Set Up
For the set-up of the probe please read the instruction manuals for the MPA-
systems or the MDD 4 device.
Plug the probe tightly into the socket of the instrument (either socket).
Note that the probe plug must be connected to the device by using the driving edge.
The plug of the probe is very sensitive. Do not press hard when plugging in. Plugging
it in incorrectly can destroy the device and will invalidate the warranty.
Before plugging in or unplugging any probe either the software of the MPA
must be exited or the device must be turned off in the software (see menu “The
Software of the MPA”). Also the MDD 4 device should be turned off before
plugging in or unplugging probes. Plugging in or unplugging probes while the
device is turned on can damage the probes!
After plugging in the probe, the Corneometer®CM 825 is ready for operation.
Take the protection cap off the probe and place the probe in the probe holder.
If the probe is not shown on the device or in the software after having called it up, quit
the software and check the power cable of the device, the probe connection and the
USB-connection to the computer.
CM 5 –Handling Advice for the CorneometerCM 825
Preparation of the measurement
For exact and reproducible measurement values it is important to follow the
following instructions:
Preparation of the room:
For all measurements of skin parameters it is important to keep constant ambient
conditions. Temperature and relative humidity should be constant. This is vital for the
comparison of long-term measurements. The optimal room conditions are 20 C°
and 40 - 60% relative humidity.
Do not measure under direct lamp light or direct sunlight. Heat radiation might cause
measurement inaccuracies. In the case of a series tests, always measure at the same
time of the day and with the same light conditions.
Preparation of the volunteer:
Allow your test persons to rest for at least 10-20 min., so that their blood circulation
can regain a normal level after possible physical exercise. The skin area to be
measured should not be covered with clothes during the acclimatization time.
Emotional stress may also lead to increased transpiration. Make sure the
acclimatization room is calm.
If possible, measure on hairless skin areas. If you wish to measure on hairy skin areas,
it is recommended to shave the respective area some time (1-2 days) before the
measurement or cut it very short with a pair of scissors.
When measuring the skin?
When testing cosmetic products, please do not measure immediately after applying
the product, because you would then measure the water content of the product, and

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not the moisture content of the skin. Tests to find out how long the moisture content is
increased by the product should be performed every hour or more often.
Moisture underlies external and internal influences. Always design a detailed testing
protocol and try to keep constant as many factors as possible.
CM 6 –Hydration Measurement
Place the Corneometer®-probe head straight on the skin area to be measured
according to the pressure of the spring in the probe. Hold it still. The measurement is
triggered by the skin contact and after one second the result is displayed
accompanied by an acoustical signal.
For the next measurement proceed in the same way.
Display example from MPA-software MDD 4 - Multi Display Device
For more details on the display of the measurement results please read the
instruction manual for the MPA software, or the Multi-Display Device MDD 4.

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Additional probe handling advice:
Putting the probe on the same skin area successively causes occlusion,
as water is accumulated under the probe head and cannot evaporate. This water
influences the measurement and the measuring values become higher even
though the water content in the stratum corneum has not
changed. Repeat the measurement not on exactly the same
spot unless you wait a few seconds, but rather use adjacent
skin areas. We recommend taking three measurements at
adjacent skin areas and regard the average value.
Do not use the probe inside or very close to the eyes.
Clean the probe with a soft tissue after each measurement to
make sure that the measurement is not influenced by dirt.
The probe head is very sensitive, please handle it with care.
Make sure that it is never hit on hard surfaces. It could damage the sensor or bring
it out of calibration.
CM 6.1 - Interpretation of the Results
The following values are valid for healthy skin and normal room conditions (20C and
40-60 % air humidity) and will help you to determine the skin type:
in arbitrary units between 0 and 130
Inner forearm
very dry
30
dry
30 - 40
sufficiently moisturized
40
This table is only an approach for the interpretation of the results. This interpretation should be
valid for other body parts or the parts, but this should be checked by the user.
Attention:
The interpretation of the moisture values “very dry”, “dry” and “sufficiently “moisturized”
was chosen according to the manufacturer’s experience and is only a rough scale. The
values will vary from the above scale due to environmental influences (temperature
and relative humidity, geographical location and season). It is recommended that each
user works out his/her own interpretation scale.
CM 6.2 –Continuous Measurement
If you would like to do a continuous measurement (measuring values as long as the
probe is put on the skin (or certain stop-events are reached), please proceed as
follows:
MPA Software:
Select under “Configurations“, “„Options“, “Corneometer“ and “Continuous
Measurements“ and tick it.

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The Multi Display-Device MDD 4
Changes from single measurement mode to continuous measurement mode
(values are displayed as long as the probe is left on the skin/started –max. 150
values). Switching between single and continuous measurement mode will delete
already taken measurements (with security question).
In the settings of the probe in the MDD you can modify the standard setting of
150 seconds maximum per continuous measurement to a lower one (minimum
10 seconds). However the continuous measurements stops anyway automatically
when the probe is taken from the skin.
Select the change icon and turn the knob to adjust the measurement time.
Click again on the symbol to take over the changes and leave the menu.
For more details please also read the instructions for the MPA software or the
MDD-devices.
CM 7 –Check Calibration Function
With the Corneometer® CM 825 you can check the accuracy and the penetration depth
of the scatter field anytime quickly and easily. Check your Corneometer®CM 825
regularly and always before a mayor study.
In the MPA software:
To use the check calibration function, click in the options for the Corneometer-
measurement the register “Check calibration” (the measuring window of the
probe must be activated first).
You will see the following
window with instructions:
Follow the instructions on
the screen step by step. But
first you have to prepare the
check calibration thoroughly.
In the MDD-device (without software)
In the settings Corneometer®-probe in the MDD, the check calibration function
can also be performed. Please follow the instructions in the display. But first
you have to prepare the check calibration thoroughly.

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Preparation of the check calibration:
Please prepare the check calibration thoroughly:
Use the set of accessories consisting of a small plastic
box, a special liquid, filter paper and a special foil.
Clean the probe thoroughly with
alcohol and make sure the probe head
has dried completely before continuing.
Put the filter paper into the small
plastic box. Moisten the filter paper with the special liquid.
Surplus liquid can be poured away carefully. Take care that your hands are oil free
and the plastic box is clean.
For the first measurement (low values), cut out a marked piece of the special foil
and smoothly cover the moistened filter paper with it (make sure the foil has no
“wrinkles” and there are no air bubbles underneath).
Take care that the probe does not get in
contact with any liquid. Place the probe vertically
onto the foil and do not move it during the
measurement.
In the MPA-software:
Press “Start” in the software.
5 measurements are performed one after each other.

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In the MDD-device:
Just follow the instruction on the screen. The 5 measurements are executed
automatically.
A new message appears. For the second measurement (high values) remove
the foil and measure directly on the moistened filter paper.
Place the probe vertically onto the foil and do not move it during the measurement.
In the MPA-software:
Press “Start” again in the software.
5 more measurements are performed one after each other.
In the MDD-device:
Just follow the instruction on the screen. The 5 measurements are executed
automatically.
Place the probe vertically on the filter and do not move the probe during the
measurement.
The thickness of the special foil is 15 m. The difference between the two average
values proves that the scatter field of the Corneometer®CM 825 probe has a very small
penetration depth.
The lower value must be around 20 (5 CM units), the higher value around 120 (5
CM units). If this is the case the Corneometer®CM 825 works perfectly.
The check calibration result is shown as a report and can be saved.
If the values have a large drift (they are out of tolerance), it is recommended repeating
the check calibration function 2-3 times. If the values remain out of tolerance, the
device must be sent for recalibration. You can unplug only the probe and send it in
without device or any other accessories.
Please use the original package and include a service report.
When the check calibration function is finished, clean the probe very thoroughly and
let it dry before the next measurement.
Always store the check calibration accessories in cool and dry place and protect it from
dirt and dust.
The check calibration does not replace a regular recalibration in the factory as
any measurement tool must have. We recommend to send the probe in once per
year. Each calibration will be accompanied by a calibration certificate.
CM 8 - Cleaning
Clean the Corneometer®-probe with a soft tissue before each
measurement to make sure that the measurement is not
influenced by dirt.
If necessary use alcohol to clean the probe.
Take care that no liquid enters the probe. Let it dry completely
before the next measurement.

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The probe head is verysensitive. Make surethat it is never hiton hard surface.
Never open the probe.
CM 9 –Errors in the Corneometer®Measurement
„Corneometer value too high/low“, „Mathematic overrun“:
Check the connection between device and probe.
If these messages occur frequently the probe has to be sent for repair in its original
packaging (without accessories and device, just unplug the probe). Please always
include a detailed service request/error description. A service request form can be
downloaded from the C+K website: www.courage-khazaka.de (service form).
CM 10 - Technical Data of the Corneometer®CM 825
Measurement principle: capacity
Units: arbitrary Corneometer®units
Dimensions: probe approx. 11 cm long, Weight: approx. 41 g, Measurement head:
49 mm², Cable: approx. 1.30 m
Measurement time: 1 s.
Frequency:0.9-1.2 MHz, Pressure: approx. 1 N ± 10%, Accuracy: 3 %
Operation conditions –the probe works securely at least under the following
conditions:
Temperature & relative humidity: T: 5-40° C, RH: 30-70 % RH
Optimal working conditions: 20C, 50 % RH
Use: in closed rooms
Altitude: below 2000 m
Storage conditions: T: 0-70° C, RH: 0-80 % RH
Applicable pollution degree: 2 (in the intended environment)
Technical changes may be made without prior notice.
The current declaration of conformity can be obtained from the download customer
area of the C+K website www.courage-khazaka.de/Downloads (register/log-in as a
customer) or directly from C+K.
Please contact us for questions and additional information:
COURAGE + KHAZAKA electronic GmbH
Mathias-Brüggen-Str. 91, 50829 Köln, Germany
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone]
[email protected], www.courage-khazaka.de