An Overview of the Rubin Aging Analysis Classification for Aesthticians and Spa Clinicians
The Rubin aging analysis classification was developed by Dr. Mark Rubin, a faculty member of the University of California at San Diego in cosmetic dermatology and skin rejuvenation. Dr. Rubin conducts workshops for physicians in the area of cosmetic peeling and has trained more than 700 doctors.
The Rubin Method is a reliable aging analysis classification system that allows clinicians and aestheticians to analyze clients skin condition.
The Rubin classification consists of three levels.
Level one
The least severe - Clinical signs include alterations only in the epidermis. Abnormalities are pigmentation and texture, including freckles, lentigines, or a dull rough texture that is caused by the increased thickness of the stratum corneum. Level one may include those who have a few freckles, or may have some lentigines or the beginning of a thicker stratum corneum. Wrinkles in level one are rare.
Level two
A more several level includes clinical signs of alterations in the epidermis and the papillary dermis. Abnormalities are the same as those of level one damage, but the changes are more noticeable, and actinic keratoses, liver spots and an increased amount of wrinkling are also present.
Level Three
The most severe level, level three includes the chemical signs of epidermin, papillary dermis and reticular dermis. Abnormalities are the same as the other two levels with the addition of a thick and leathery feel and appearance, a pebble like texture, open comedones and a yellow tint. Skin color changes are more pronounced, and there are more wrinkles, usually located near the eyes and in the smile line. Rubin believes the skin will begin to look crinkled at the second level.
The Rubin classification takes into consideration changes in the pigment of the skin as age increases. The classification also considers sun exposure damage rather than other types such as pigmentation change caused by pregnancy. Rubin also uses texture as a strong marker for skin condition, with the evaluation of dull, rough, leathery and pebbly used for classification. Wrinkling can be static or dynamic and may be fine, moderate or coarse in other methods but in Rubin it is not as detailed. Rubin simply says that the wrinkles do exist and defines their locations. In the third level the skin is at rest. The level of sun damage also has open comedones, increasing the irregularity of the appearance of the skin.
Rubin has clear categories but should be used in connection with the Fitzpatrick Scale of Skin Typing. Both can be effective tools in the treatment of clients and assisting them with their choices of treatment through knowledge of the types of skin they have using the scales.
