Age-Related Changes in Skin Mechanical Properties

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Abstract

Skin aging is accompanied by a variety of epidermal, dermal, and subcutaneous alterations including changes in pigmentation, volume, skin barrier function and mechanical properties. Although most of these signs of skin aging are somehow linked, the changes in mechanical properties are of special interest as they directly contribute to the development of wrinkles. While skin laxity is often seen first and most prominent at cheeks and neck, the loss of firmness is more general and becomes evident even in sun-protected areas. Although these signs of aging become visible lately, much later than wrinkles, the changes in skin elasticity begin early in life and progress continuously. To treat them most effectively, it is mandatory to understand the underlying dermal processes and how the skin mechanical properties change with aging. In addition, it is important to understand that skin ages differently in men and women due to the gender-related differences in the morphological distinction of dermal tissue. It is further of importance to understand the mechanical properties of the skin as a multiparametric function, influenced by a myriad of factors. It is inevitable to not only recognize all parameters as a whole but also to be able to relate to the measurement technique used to assess skin elasticity.

New data shows that the mechanical properties of the skin progressively decline with aging. This aging process affects the elastic ability of the skin to recover after stretching differently than the firmness of the skin. Furthermore, the mechanical properties not only vary significantly between the sexes, they also alter differently in men and women over lifetime. This knowledge can be helpful for a better understanding of the clinical genesis of facial wrinkles and age-related skin laxity as well as for the development and evaluation of effective treatment options for skin aging.

Keywords

Elastic Fiber Skin Aging Skin Barrier Function Skin Elasticity Skin Laxity 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2015

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Rosenpark ResearchDarmstadtGermany

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