GDV technology applications for cosmetic sciences

Abstract

The technique of gas discharge visualization (GDV) quantifies the phenomenon of corona discharge, and has been used effectively in both testing of raw materials and in testing physiological reaction through measuring potentials in human skin. This technique was used to evaluate human reactions, including hair's response to electrical and magnetic fields, the human subconscious reactions to odorants, and the response of the human body to various spa treatments. The results verify that freshly cut human hair has a greater corona discharge with application of both a magnetic and an electrical field as opposed to hair that has been detached from the scalp for a significant period of time. Additionally, GDV is able to quantify subconscious measurements and confirms that it takes a longer period of time for a person to become accustomed to an aroma if they consider it to be unpleasant. The results also show that one's GDV profile has a direct correspondence to spa therapies. Overall, GDV presents a highly sensitive and reproducible technique for testing specific properties of the human body.