PrysmScannerShort answer
The Pharmanex BioPhotonic Scanner reads the palm with blue laser light using resonance Raman spectroscopy and gives a Skin Carotenoid Score. Prysm iO is Nu Skin's newer, palm sized fingertip device. It uses hyperspectral absorption and an AI algorithm and gives a Prysm Score. In a Nu Skin study of 46 adults, both tracked carotenoid changes in a similar way.
Side by side
| Prysm iO | BioPhotonic Scanner S3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Hyperspectral absorption (Spectral Rai) plus AI | Resonance Raman spectroscopy |
| Light | Broad spectrum light, many wavelengths | Low energy blue laser light |
| Scan site | Fingertip | Palm |
| Result | Prysm Score with app feedback | Skin Carotenoid Score (SCS) |
| Size | Small and portable | Desktop unit |
| Scan time | About 15 seconds | A short palm scan |
| Data behind it | Trained on a database of 20 million plus scans | Source of much of that database |
What the research says
Resonance Raman measurement of skin carotenoids, the method behind the BioPhotonic Scanner, has been validated against blood and skin biopsy carotenoids in independent research. In a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled study of 46 healthy adults run by Nu Skin, the S3 and a Prysm iO prototype showed similar carotenoid tracking. Supplemented participants saw skin carotenoid levels rise 43 to 46% after 12 weeks on both devices.
What changed for users
- Portability. Prysm iO fits in a pocket, so scans happen at home, in a treatment room or at a show.
- Feedback. The app adds personalised feedback across diet, fitness, lifestyle and supplementation.
- Frequency. A fast, cheap to run scan makes regular tracking realistic.
Common questions
Is my old BioPhotonic Scanner score the same as a Prysm Score?
No. The Skin Carotenoid Score from the BioPhotonic Scanner and the Prysm Score come from different devices and methods. Start a fresh baseline on Prysm iO and track from there.
Does Prysm iO replace the BioPhotonic Scanner?
Prysm iO is Nu Skin's new generation of carotenoid scanner. It is far smaller, portable and app connected, and in Nu Skin's 46 person study it tracked carotenoid changes in line with the S3 scanner.
Why move from palm scanning to a fingertip?
A fingertip device can be small enough to carry anywhere and use in seconds, which makes regular tracking practical at home, in a clinic or at an event.