Echographic assessment of age-dependent variations of skin thickness

Background/aims: Skin thickness relative to age is complex and may be influenced both by intrinsic changes, extrinsic changes related to sun exposure and constitution, including sex. Age-related changes may also differ in different anatomical sites. The object was to characterize skin aging relative to these influences.
Methods: A-mode and B-mode high-frequency (20 MHz) ultrasound examination was performed using the Dermascan C. 162 subjects were examined (91 women, 71 men) in the age range 27 to 90 years. 6 anatomical locations (forehead, cheek, volar forearm, dorsal forearm, upper abdomen, buttocks) were studied.
Results: Females have thinner skin than men. Subjects aged more than 70 years have significant thinning of the skin. Age-related thinning is more pronounced in women. Relative skin-thickness decrease is less at sun-exposed areas in comparison with protected areas.
Conclusion: Ultrasund examination allows characterization of skin aging, and the influences of sex and anatomical site with sun-induced changes were differently superimposed on intrinsic changes and constitution.