Thickness and echogenicity of the skin in children as assessed by 20-MHz ultrasound

BACKGROUND: Skin anatomy and physiology undergo modifications throughout the whole lifespan. In children the skin appears with structural characteristics, as evaluated by histology, which differ from those of adults, especially in the first years of life. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate skin thickness and echogenicity at different sites in children by 20-MHz ultrasound. METHODS: Eight skin sites of 42 children and 30 young adults were studied with a 20-MHz B scanner. Skin thickness and mean echogenicity were evaluated. The echographic images were processed and segmented by a dedicated program: the 0-30 amplitude interval, which marks the hypoechogenic parts of the tissue, and the 201-255 range, highlighting the hyperreflecting areas, have been selected. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Whereas skin thickness shows a gradual increase from birth to adulthood, maturation of the skin leads to variations in the intensity of its echogenicity, depending on the different skin areas. Whereas on the face and the trunk it appears lower in adults with respect to children, a gradual increase can be observed on the limbs with growing age. The distribution of skin reflectivity also greatly varies in different phases of life.     

Quantitative evaluation of chronological ageing and photoageing in vivo: studies on skin echogenicity and thickness

Skin ageing is divided into chronological ageing and photoageing due to the cumulative effects of solar ultraviolet radiation. It is, however, difficult to measure the degree of photoageing and chronological ageing in humans in vivo . Here, we have evaluated the usefulness of ultrasonography for measurement of chronological ageing and photoageing in vivo . Twenty megahertz ultrasonography was performed in 90 individuals (29 men, 61 women, age 18–94) to describe age-related changes in sun-exposed regions with different levels of sun exposure (dorsal and ventral forearm, forehead, ankle) and non-exposed buttock skin. Skin thickness and skin echogenicity in different layers of the dermis were measured in ultrasound images. Additionally, cutaneous photodamage was scored clinically. Age-related changes were dependent on body site as well as layer of the dermis. A progressive, age-related decrease in echogenicity of the upper dermis was found in sun-exposed regions (dorsal forearm, forehead), but not in moderately exposed regions (ventral forearm, ankle). In the buttock an increase in echogenicity was observed. The echogenicity of the lower dermis increased in all examined sites. Skin thickness increased with age in the forehead and buttock, but decreased in the extremity skin. Our findings show that photoageing causes a decrease in echogenicity in the upper dermis. In contrast, chronological ageing is associated with an increase in echogenicity in the lower dermis. Although both increases and decreases in skin thickness were observed in different anatomical regions, there was no general relationship between skin thickness and age. Dermal echogenicity was deemed valuable for in vivo study of chronological ageing and photoageing.     

Age-related alterations of echogenicity in Japanese skin

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonic methods are commonly used for the noninvasive measurement of skin thickness. The effects of ageing on the skin have been reported to differ between Asians and Caucasians. Therefore, it is possible that the echogenicity of the skin on ultrasonographic images reflects differences in the skin architecture and properties that may vary among races and environments. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: Since there have been a few reports on ageing-related changes in ultrasonic echogenicity in Caucasian skin, but not in Asian skin, we evaluated age-related changes in the echogenicity of ultrasonographic images by the ultrasonic B mode at 3 sites on the face (forehead, eye corners, cheeks) considered as sun-exposed areas and on the ventral forearms considered as weakly sun-exposed areas in 130 Japanese females aged from 18 to 83 years. The dermis was divided into 3 layers (upper, middle, lower), and echogenicity was evaluated in each area. RESULTS: No age-related change in echogenicity was observed in the entire dermis. When the dermis was divided into 3 layers (upper, middle and lower dermis), the echogenicity was decreased in the upper layer and increased in the lower layer with age in all skin areas tested. In contrast, there were no age-related changes of echogenicity in the middle dermis. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that, as for Caucasians, echogenicity in the upper and lower dermis is a useful tool for evaluating skin ageing in the Japanese.     

Dermal fluid translocation is an important determinant of the diurnal variation in human skin thickness

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonography has been used as a non-invasive approach to measure skin thickness. To date there have been no studies on diurnal variations in skin thickness. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate diurnal variations in skin thickness and to compare these with corresponding echogenicity and skin elasticity. METHODS: Measurements by ultrasonography B-mode and by Cutometer SEM 575 were carried out in the morning and in the afternoon on 20 men and 20 women (mean age 30 years) on three areas of the face (forehead, corner of the eye and cheek), the forearm and the upper arm, and the flank, thigh and calf. RESULTS: From the morning to the afternoon, the skin thickness in both sexes significantly decreased on three areas of the face, the forearm and the upper arm, but significantly increased on the thigh and calf. In parallel, the echogenicity significantly increased from the morning to the afternoon on the three areas of the face, the forearm and the upper arm, but decreased significantly on the thigh and calf. Measurements of mechanical properties at four sites demonstrated that from the morning to the afternoon, the major parameters of skin elasticity Ue* and Uf* increased significantly in both sexes on two areas of the face and slightly on the forearm, but decreased significantly on the calf. CONCLUSIONS: The diurnal profiles of skin thickness and skin elasticity in the upper half of the body are the reverse of those in the lower half of the body. These findings suggest that shifts of dermal fluid from the face to the leg by gravity during the day cause the diurnal variation in skin thickness.     

Effects of ageing on dermal echogenicity

Background/aims: Changes in the dermis associated with ageing can be detected by high-frequency skin ultrasonography. In photoaged skin, this technique shows a subepidermal low echogenic band (SLEB) that is probably an ultrasound manifestation of elastosis and oedema in the papillary dermis. Since some authors found an association between age and SLEB thickness or its echogenicity on exposed sites, it has been proposed to use these parameters to quantify skin photoageing.
Methods: To determine whether SLEB can be used as a quantitative marker of ageing, its prevalence was determined on forearm skin in a group of 55 individuals (age 18–57 years). The size of SLEB has been measured by quantifying the number of low echogenic pixels in the subepidermal area, which is an accurate method for assessing SLEB severity.
Results: The prevalence of SLEB increased with age, but SLEB was also present in young subjects. The echogenicity of the subepidermal area did not show any age dependence. However, when a ratio of echogenicity between upper and lower dermis was calculated, a linear dependence on age was found.
Conclusions: This study indicates that skin echogenicity measured as a ratio between the upper and lower dermis may be used to objectively estimate photoageing.     

Age-related changes in the elastic properties and thickness of human facial skin

Using recently designed, commercially available, non-invasive instruments, we measured the thickness and elasticity of the skin of the face and ventral forearm in 170 women, and evaluated the effects of age and exposure to sunlight. Skin thickness decreased with age in ventral forearm skin, which has limited exposure to sunlight, but increased significantly in the skin of the forehead, corners of the eyes, and cheeks, which are markedly exposed to sunlight. Skin elasticity (U_r/U_f) decreased with age on both the face and forearm. The ratio of viscosity element to elasticity element (U_v/U_e) increased with age at all sites. However, delayed distension (U_v), immediate retraction (U_r), final distension (U_f), and immediate distention (U_e), as individual elements, decreased on the face and increased on the forearm with age. This tendency was more marked after correction for skin thickness. These results suggested the specificity of skin thickness and elasticity in the facial skin. Analysis using a four-element model showed no changes in the elasticity coefficient of Maxwell element on the forearm, but an increase on the face. This indicates quantitative or qualitative changes in elastic fibres in facial skin. Thus, sunlight appears to have a considerable effect on the thickness and physical properties of facial skin.     

Facial skin fluorescence as a marker of the skin's response to chronic environmental insults and its dependence on age

BACKGROUND: Throughout life facial skin is exposed to a variety of adverse environmental conditions and is constantly required to repair itself. The rate of epidermal cell proliferation is indicative of the skin's repair rate and can be monitored noninvasively in vivo using skin intrinsic fluorescence markers. OBJECTIVES: The goal of the present study was to assess the effects of ageing, geographical region, ethnic origin and season on the ability of facial skin to repair itself in the presence of chronic environmental insults using in vivo fluorescence spectroscopy. METHODS: Skin fluorescence emission was measured on the cheeks of 522 individuals in winter and repeated in summer in five different geographical locations in the Asia-Pacific region. Fluorescence emission was also measured from 80 caucasians of fair complexion in the United States (New Jersey area) on the face and on a relatively protected area (upper inner arm). The age range of the participants was 14-75 years. RESULTS: We found that epidermal proliferation rates decrease monotonically with age, while the fluorescence of collagen and elastin cross-links increases with age indicating accumulation of advanced glycation end-products. These trends were independent of geographical region, ethnic origin and season of measurement. Epidermal proliferation rates of facial skin were higher than those of unexposed sites; they may be 10 times higher in younger (second decade) than in older (seventh decade) individuals, and they decrease with age at rates 10 times faster compared with those of unexposed sites. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first time that epidermal proliferation and its dependence on ageing have been measured noninvasively on the human face. The higher tryptophan fluorescence values on the face vs. the protected site are indicative of accelerated rates of epidermal proliferation in the presence of chronic environmental insults. The repair potential of facial skin, i.e. its ability to maintain high proliferation rates, is maximal in younger populations and gradually decreases with age.     

How do perceptions of sensitive skin differ at different anatomical sites? An epidemiological study

Background. People with sensitive skin vary not only in the signs and symptoms they experience, but also in the degree of sensitivity at different anatomical sites. Aim. To determine patterns of perceived sensitive skin using an epidemiological approach among a general population, evaluating the results for ethnic, gender and age differences. Methods. Questionnaires designed to evaluate perceptions of sensitive skin in general and at specific body sites (face, body and genital area) were given to 1039 people. Respondents were not selected based on any criteria related to sensitive skin, but consisted of people participating in other studies on consumer products. Results. Of the study population, 68.4% claimed their skin was sensitive to some degree, 77.3% claimed sensitive facial skin, 60.7% claimed sensitive body skin and 56.3% claimed sensitive skin in the genital area. There were no significant gender, ethnic or age differences, except in the genital area; a higher percentage of women and African Americans claimed sensitive skin in this area. Conclusions. The prevalence of perceived sensitive skin was higher in this study than in previous reports. Individuals had different perceptions about the degree of sensitivity at different anatomical sites.     

A study of diurnal variation in wrinkles on the human face

We recently evaluated diurnal variations in facial skin elasticity and thickness and reported a decrease in skin thickness and an increase in skin elasticity in the afternoon compared with the morning. This phenomenon may be associated with the effect of gravity on dermal fluids. There have been no reports on the diurnal variation in wrinkles on the face, and we now describe such a study. The subjects of this study included 38 healthy Japanese males and females (mean age 34 years). Wrinkles on their foreheads, in the corners of their eyes and in their nasolabial grooves were evaluated. Replicas were obtained and skin thickness and skin elasticity measured in the morning (0830–1000 hours) and in the afternoon (1530–1700 hours) of the same day. Image analysis of the replicas showed significant aggravation of wrinkles in all areas of the face in the afternoon compared with the morning. The results of skin thickness and skin elasticity were in agreement with those of our last study. Swelling tended to occur in the morning due to the effects of gravity during sleep. Therefore, wrinkles may be swollen in the morning. Furthermore, repeated movements of the face due to changes of facial expression may gradually increase wrinkle formation and depth from the morning to the afternoon.     

Twenty MHz B-scan sonography for visualization and skin thickness measurement of human skin

As a non-invasive method, ultrasound is a suitable diagnostic procedure for routine in vivo examination of the human skin in dermatology. In this study 40 healthy test subjects were examined with a 20-MHz ultrasound scanner in order to determine the thickness and morphology of normal skin at 51 different sites. B-mode ultrasonography permits us to measure both the individual layers of the skin and deeper structures and to assess their definition and echogenicity. In both sexes the greatest skin thicknesses were found on: the shoulder-blade (mean thicknesses (mm), males 3.07/ females 2.47); the upper back (m, 3.04/f, 2.85); the chin (m, 3.04/f, 2.69); the lower lip (m, 2.66/f,2.50) and in the region of the lower back (m, 2.64/f, 2.39). Particularly thin skin was found on: the upper eyelid (m, 0.59/f, 0.64); the lower eyelid (m, 0.99/f, 0.86); in the groin (m. 0.97/f, 0.90); in the armpit (m, 1.01/f, 1.09) and on the forearm (m, 1.13/f. 1.00 mm). Knowledge of differences in the characteristic reflex patterns depending on the sex and age of the subject and the site of the skin examined forms the basis for assessment of pathological sonograms.     

Relevance of the directionality of skin elasticity to aging and sagging of the face

Background: Forces acting in facial skin have been suggested to show directionality. Non‐invasive methods of measuring this directionality may thus provide information related to aging processes. The Reviscometer^® RVM600 device is capable of measuring directionality of forces on the skin. This device has not been used previously in a published study to evaluate changes in directionality of forces on facial skin with aging. Aim: The first objective of this pilot study was to investigate relationships between mechanical directionality using the Reviscometer^® RVM600, the Cutometer^® MPA580, and aging of the facial skin in a supine position. In addition, the study investigated relationships between mechanical directionality and ‘skin sagging,’ which may be caused by gravity. To validate this as a new measurement of mechanical directionality, we also performed double‐blinded trials on two groups of subjects, with one group using a product containing an anti‐aging substance and the other group using a placebo product without an anti‐aging substance. Methods: We examined 91 healthy Japanese women with a mean age of 48.5 years (range, 20–79 years) at the three sites on the face using the Reviscometer^® RVM600 and the Cutometer^® MPA580, and evaluation was performed for skin sagging in September and November 2008, and January 2009. The Reviscometer^® RVM600 was used to measure resonance‐running time (RRT) every 10° from 0° to 350°. Evaluation of skin sagging was undertaken by making marks on the face and using face photographs taken in both sitting and supine positions to calculate the sagging index. Usage testing was conducted on 38 healthy Japanese women in a double‐blinded study with one group, using a preparation containing Yomogi AGEs Clearing (YAC) extract and another group using the same preparation without the YAC extract from October 2008 to April 2009. Mean age of these subjects was 44.0 years (range, 30–60 years). Measurements were taken at the three sites on the face using the Reviscometer^® RVM600 and the Cutometer^® MPA580 and sagging index. Results: A significant correlation was identified between RRT parameters and subject age at all three measurement sites. Significant correlations between sagging index and RRT values were found for 110–170° and 290–350° only at the center of the cheek. Significant differences in RRT values were noted for 110–150° and 300–350° at this site between subjects with and without the use of YAC extract. A similar trend was found in sagging index for this site alone between subjects with and without YAC extract. Conclusion: The use of non‐invasive procedures to measure skin mechanical parameters on the face in all directions may evaluate aging and effective preventive and restorative support.     

Site variation in anthralin inflammation on forearm skin

The effect of application site on anthralin inflammation was measured at 10 clinically normal volar skin sites on each forearm of 31 subjects as the increase in skin thickness at 48 h using Harpenden calipers. Pre-treatment and increase in skin thickness were significantly related to application site. Pre-treatment thickness increased distally and laterally by an amount depending on sex, and to a lesser extent other factors, whilst the increase in skin thickness values was greater proximally, laterally and on the right arm but was not affected by age, sex or skin type. When increases in skin thickness values were adjusted for pre-treatment thickness, the difference between proximal and distal sites was lost but there was still a significant difference between the medial and lateral aspect and the right and left arms. The absolute differences were small but demonstrate the need to use symmetrical forearm skin sites and randomized treatment sides when comparing the effects of topical agents on anthralin inflammation.     

Effect of dermal thickness, tissue composition, and body site on skin biomechanical properties

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Quantitative measurement of skin biomechanical properties has been used effectively in the investigation of physiological changes in tissue structure and function and to determine treatment efficacy. As the methods are applied to new questions, tissue characteristics that may influence the resultant biomechanical properties are important considerations in the research design. For certain applications, variables such as dermal thickness and subdermal tissue composition, as well as age and/or solar exposure, may influence the skin biomechanics. METHODS: We determined the influence of dermal thickness, tissue composition, and age on the skin biomechanical properties at the shoulder, thigh, and calf among 30 healthy females. We compared two devices, the Biomechanical Tissue Characterization System and the Cutometer SEM 575 Skin Elasticity Meter , to determine the effect of tissue sampling size. Dermal thickness was measured with 20 MHz ultrasound (Dermascan C) and tissue composition was inferred from anthropomorphic data. RESULTS: Skin thickness was significantly correlated with stiffness, energy absorption, and U(r)/U(f) for the shoulder. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly correlated with stiffness (negative correlation), energy absorption (positive), and skin thickness (negative) for the shoulder. Significant differences across body sites were observed. The calf was significantly different from the thigh and shoulders for all parameters (P<0.05, one-way anova). The calf had significantly lower laxity, laxity%, elastic deformation, energy absorption, elasticity, elasticity %, U(r), U(f), and U(r)/U(f) and significantly higher stiffness compared with the thighs and shoulders. sites. The thigh and shoulder sites were significantly different for all parameters except U(r)/U(f), elasticity %, laxity%, and stiffness. The dominant and non-dominant sides were significantly different. The dominant side (right for 90% of the subjects) had increased stiffness and decreased energy absorption (tissue softness, compliance) compared with the left side. A significant (P< or =0.02) negative relationship with age was seen for all biomechanical measures except stiffness at the shoulder. For the thigh and calf sites, significant negative correlations with age were found for elasticity %, U(r), and U(r)/U(f). Age and skin thickness were not correlated in this population. Skin thickness and age influenced the energy absorption at the shoulder site. The biological elasticity at the calf site could be predicted by age and BMI. The biological activity at the thigh site could be predicted by skin thickness and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Significant regional variations in biomechanical properties and dominant side effects were observed. The biomechanical properties were significantly influenced by age. Certain properties varied with dermal thickness and tissue composition. The parameters were well correlated between the two instruments. The Cutometer, with its smaller aperture, was found to be more sensitive to age relationships.     

Peptide-pro complex serum: Investigating effects on aged skin

Background

Effective anti-aging treatments are an unmet consumer need.

Aim

Ex vivoand clinical tests have evaluated the efficacy of a topical facial serum containing a proprietary blend of neuropeptides, proteins, amino acids, and marine extracts on aged skin.

Methods

In the ex vivo study the facial serum was compared to a commercially marketed face serum and to an untreated control on skin explants using microrelief, smoothness, and epidermal thickness endpoints. The 12 weeks monadic clinical study was designed for the test product to be used on the whole face. Subjects functioned as their own control; evaluating change from baseline. Skin was evaluated clinically by a Dermatologist for tolerability and for efficacy. Also part of the product assessment was skin hydration measurements, imaging, and a subject questionnaire.

Results

The facial serum improved skin condition by significant reductions in skin surface area occupied by microfolds and in skin roughness. Additionally, it increased epidermal thickness as compared to the untreated control as well as the commercially marketed face serum. The facial serum provided a statistically increased skin moisturization compared to pretreatment values. Dermatological evaluation of the skin concluded that there were statistically and clinically significant improvements in skin smoothness, wrinkles severity, fine lines visibility and lifting, and tightening effects at crow's feet area, forehead, and upper lip.

Conclusion

A facial serum, containing a proprietary blend of neuropeptides, proteins, amino acids, and marine extracts, has been shown to improve the overall quality of aged skin in a series of ex vivo and clinical tests.     

Mapping the human face: biophysical properties

Background: Facial skin exhibits unique biophysical properties that are distinct from skin belonging to other areas of the body. Small to large regional differences in biophysical properties between facial sites are observed. Technological advances in dermatological research allow a quantitative study of the biophysical qualities of the face and its relation to skin elsewhere. However, comprehensive studies examining inter‐regional variations using each of the six standard biophysical parameters have been few. We summarize findings on the biophysical parameters used to explore the human face as well as regional differences in skin reactivity to chemical irritants. Methods: We performed a literature search using Pubmed, Embase, Science Citations Index, and the UCSF's dermatological library on biophysical parameters and skin physiology pertaining to the human face. Results: Distinct regional differences in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), capacitance, blood flow, sebum, pH, and temperature were demonstrated in facial skin. However, studies cannot be compared with each other because each uses different anatomical sites, skin conditions, and measurement techniques. Intraregional differences in TEWL, sebum, and temperatures were observed on the cheeks and appeared to follow characteristic distribution patterns. Higher blood flow levels and skin temperatures were generally observed in areas with dense networks of blood vessels such as the nose and perioral region. Areas such as the forehead, nose, and chin consistently showed higher sebum casual levels, but variability in sebum levels between sites was also observed. The susceptibility of the face to hexyl nicotinate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and benzoic acid differed depending on location and age. Conclusion: Establishing a standardized biophysical profile of the human face will help to improve therapeutics, and further our understanding of differences in chemical reactivity and disease distribution. Future research necessitates standardization of the anatomical sites studied, sample size, and experimental protocols.     

Evaluation of facial skin type by sebum secretion: Discrepancies between subjective descriptions and sebum secretion

Background/aims: Facial skin is usually classified as dry, normal, and oily in the cosmetics field. However, there is no standard objective method for classifying facial skin.
Methods: We measured sebum excretion with Sebumeter^® at four sites on the face. Based on the amount of sebum secretion, we reclassified skin type according to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. The mean of sebum excretion (mean facial sebum excretion; MFSE) was also calculated.
Results: People secrete varying amounts of sebum at different skin sites. Reclassification of skin type based on sebum secretion revealed that most participants underestimated the amount of facial sebum excretion. When sebum secretion amounts were compared, a statistically significant difference was apparent between the oily and dry skin types. However, there were no statistical differences between oily and normal, and normal and dry skin.
Conclusion: We showed that subjective skin type does not match the amount of sebum secreted. Thus, this simple and subjective classification is of very limited use and it should be re-evaluated by using an objective and standardized measuring tool.     

纳米微针对人皮肤屏障功能及红斑的影响

目的研究纳米微针处理对面部皮肤屏障功能及红斑的影响。方法募集16例临床受试者,随机分为2组,每组8例。1组受试者随机一侧面颊部使用针长为0.25 mm的纳米微针处理6遍,另一侧使用针长为0.25 mm的传统微针处理6遍;另1组受试者随机一侧面颊部使用针长为0.5 mm的纳米微针处理6遍,另一侧使用针长为0.5mm的传统微针处理6遍。在处理前、处理后即刻、处理后4、8、24、48、72 h分别检测经皮水分丢失(Trans-epidermal water loss,TEWL)、角质层含水量及红斑量。结果经针长为0.25 mm的纳米微针和传统微针处理后,两侧面颊部TEWL、角质层含水量和红斑量数值均无显著性差异。针长为0.5 mm的纳米微针和传统微针处理后,在处理后即刻、4、8、24 h时点上,纳米微针侧TEWL数值显著低于传统微针侧;在处理后8 h时点上,纳米微针侧红斑量数值显著低于普通微针侧。不同针长的纳米微针在处理后4~8 h内TEWL、角质层含水量、红斑量均能恢复至基线水平。而传统微针侧,皮肤处理后48~72 h内TEWL、角质层含水量、红斑量才能恢复至基线水平。结论与相同针长的传统微针治疗相比,纳米微针处理后对皮肤屏障功能的影响较小,并且恢复更快。     

Differences in the surface and subsurface reflection characteristics of facial skin by age group

Background/purpose: The age‐dependent changes of facial skin imperfections such as spot or wrinkles have been investigated repeatedly by means of various objective measurements. However, the age‐dependent changes in the optical‐reflection characteristics that create a perception of a shine or a glow of the skin have received little attention. We evaluated the age dependence of the optical‐reflection characteristics of the surface and subsurface facial skin layers of three age groups. Methodology: The facial skin of 83 Japanese females ranging in age from 20 to 49 years was examined using a high‐resolution digital camera equipped with a linear polarizing filter under polarized illumination. Surface and subsurface reflection components were extracted by means of an image‐processing technique. In addition to the reflection characteristics, skin hydration, the melanin index, and the hemoglobin index were also measured. Results: Significant age‐dependent changes were found in the evenness of the surface reflection and in the intensity of the subsurface reflection. In contrast, no difference was observed in the intensity of the surface reflection or in the evenness of the subsurface reflection. The melanin index showed a significant age‐dependent difference, with a trend similar to that of the subsurface reflection intensity, but the skin hydration and hemoglobin index showed no difference by age group. Conclusion: Surface and subsurface reflection characteristics show age‐dependent changes. Younger skin has a greater subsurface reflectivity and a more even surface reflectivity. These optical characteristics of the skin might be related to the perception of consumers that younger skin is brighter and more radiant with an internal glow, whereas aged skin is shinier or glossier.     

The self-recovery of facial skin barrier and erythema after nanochip treatment

Objective: To determine the degree of acute skin damage and the time required for the recovery of facial skin barrier function after the skin was treated with micro-needles and nanochips of various tip lengths. Methods: For this split face comparative study, a total of 16 subjects were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups. In the first group, one of the facial side of each subject was treated with 0.25-mm long nanotips for a total of 6 times while the other facial side was treated with 0.25-mm traditional micro-needles with a straight blade for a total of 6 times. In the second group, one of the facial side was treated with 0.5-mm nanotips for a total of 6 times while the other facial side was treated with 0.5-mm traditional micro-needles with a straight blade for a total of 6 times. Evaluations for trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration and erythema were carried out at baseline, 0, 4, 8, 24, 48 and 72 hours after the treatment. Results: There was no significant difference in TEWL, skin hydration and erythema between the two facial sides of the subjects in the Group one who were treated with 0.25 mm nanochips and traditional micro-needles. However, in the subjects of the Group two, the mean TEWL of the facial side treated with 0.5 mm nanochips was relatively lower than that of the 0.5 mm traditional micro-needles treated facial side at 0, 4, 8 and 24 hours after the treatment. Mean erythema of the facial side treated with 0.5-mm nanochips micro-needles was also relatively lower than that of the 0.5-mm traditional micro-needles treated facial side at 8 hours after the treatment. Rapid recovery of skin barrier function was observed within 4–8 hours after treatment with various lengths of nanochips while it took at least 48–72 hours for recovery of skin barrier function after treatment with various lengths of traditional micro-needles as measured by TEWL. Conclusion: The skin disruption caused by nanotips treatment recovers quicker than the traditional microneedle treatment at equal lengths.     

Influence of age on the wrinkling capacities of skin

Background: Comparisons of clinical assessment with measurement of physical parameters are rare.
Objective: To standardize the horizontal wrinkling of the skin in order to define a reference chart of the different wrinkling grades and to propose an interpretation of the clinical pattern in terms of skin layers thickness and mechanical parameters.
Methods: A device allowing reproducible wrinkling of the skin was made. The skin folds created in this way were clinically assessed on women of different ages. Measurements of the mechanical properties of the skin were carried out by using a Torquemeter. Skin layers' thicknesses were measured by using in vivo Confocal Microscopy (CM) and Ultrasound Imaging (B mode).
Results: Skin wrinkling grades increase versus age. Skin elasticity, extensibility and echogenicity decrease also versus age and the wrinkling grade. Wrinkling appears to be related to skin rigidification (for both stratum corneum and dermis) coupled to a certain weakening of the upper dermis (loss of echogenicity).
Conclusion: This study points out the key role of the age-related alterations of the upper dermis in skin wrinkling capacities.