In anthropology,

reflectometry Reflectometry uses the reflection of waves at surfaces and interfaces to detect or characterize objects. There are many different forms of reflectometry. They can be classified in several ways: by the used radiation (electromagnetic, ultrasound, ...

devices are often used to gauge

human skin color Human skin color ranges from the Dark skin, darkest brown to the Light skin, lightest hues. Differences in skin color among individuals is caused by variation in pigmentation, which is the result of genetics (inherited from one's biological pa ...

through the measurement of skin reflectance. These devices are typically pointed at the upper arm or forehead, with the emitted waves then interpreted at various percentages. Lower frequencies represent lower skin reflectance and thus darker pigmentation, whereas higher frequencies represent greater skin reflectance and therefore lighter pigmentation. Below are global estimates of skin reflectance frequencies in various countries, populations and areas as observed and predicted by Jablonski and Chaplin.

References

{{reflist Skin pigmentation