Original Article

Journal of Investigative Dermatology (1979) 73, 84–87; doi:10.1111/1523-1747.ep12532770

Age-related Changes in the Mechanical Properties of Human Skin

Colin H Daly1 and George F Odland2

  1. 1Department of Mechanical Engineering(CHD), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
  2. 2Departments of Medicine and Biological Structure(GFO), Division of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
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Abstract

The mechanical properties of skin have been studied both in vivo and in vitro by a variety of test methods. These properties are well matched to the function of the skin, and they depend on the geometry of the collagen and elastin networks of the dermis. The time dependence of these properties is thought to be related to the "ground substance" components of the dermis. Age-related changes in the mechanical properties are a function of the degradation of the elastin network and of some as yet undefined changes in the viscoelastic properties of the "ground substance."

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References

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