Automated depth-scanning confocal Raman microspectrometer for rapid in vivo determination of water concentration profiles in human skin

An automated confocal Raman microspectrometer for rapid measurement of molecular concentration profiles in the skin is described. It permits the successive collection of Raman spectra at a range of depths below the skin surface. The axial resolution of the confocal Raman microspectrometer is 5.1 +/- 0.2 mu m. The setup was applied to determine water concentration profiles of the stratum corneum and to determine changes therein as a result of hydration of the skin.