Original Article

Journal of Investigative Dermatology (1989) 93, 353–357; doi:10.1111/1523-1747.ep12280259

Age-Related Mechanical Properties of Human Skin: An In Vivo Study

Catherine Escoffier1, Jean de Rigal1, Annie Rochefort2, Regís Vasselet2, Jean-Luc Lévêque1 and Pierre G Agache2

  1. 1Laboratoires de Recherche de I'OREAL, Aulnay-Sous-Bois, Besançon, France
  2. 2Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital Saint-Jacques, Besançon, France

Received 15 June 1988; Accepted 15 March 1989.

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Abstract

We have investigated in vivo how various viscoelastic parameters that describe the mechanical properties of the human skin may vary with age. Accordingly, we have used a mechanical device that records the torsional extensibility of the skin. When submitted to a low torque, the time-response curve of the skin affords the determination of the immediate extensibility (UE), the immediate recovery (UR), the viscoelastic part of the deformation (UV), the elastic recovery (UR/UE), and the creep relaxation time (tau). Because the skin thickness varies with age and primarily governments the mechanical properties, it was measured through an ultrasound technique at the same sites (forearm) where the torque was applied. The results show that the skin maintains its thickness and extensibility up to the seventh decade as opposed to its elasticity or recovery capacities, which decrease from an early age. The viscous part of the deformation is constant through life, whereas the creep relaxation time decreases linearily with age. Except for skin thickness, no differences in these parameters between men and women were detected. The significance of these results are discussed in terms of structure alterations. The determination of the elastic recovery (UR/UE) appears to be a parameter of choice for illustrating skin aging.

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