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Cited by 99Elasticity and Material ModelingUltrasound Imaging and ElastographySkin Protection and Aging

Sex‐ and site‐dependent variations in the thickness and mechanical properties of human skin in vivo

Diridollou, S., Black, D., Lagarde, J.M., Gall, Y., Berson, M., Vabre, V., Patat, F., Vaillant, L.·2000·International Journal of Cosmetic Science
DOI 10.1111/j.1468-2494.2000.00037.x
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Abstract

Synopsis A new method for the in vivo characterization of the physical properties of skin is presented. This comprises an ultrasound device to measure the vertical displacement of the surface of the skin, as well as its thickness and that of the hypodermis under suction. In combination with this, a mathematical model is used to calculate the following skin parameters: Young’s modulus, the initial stress and an index of non‐elasticity. These parameters were evaluated from the volar forearm and the forehead of 30 male and 30 females, of similar ages (28 ± 6‐years‐old). The sensitivity of the testing procedure, allowing the characterization of the mechanical parameters of the skin, easily differentiated these two sites, and in some cases, differences between women and men were demonstrated. The main results showed for both sexes that the thickness (P = 0.0001), Young’s modulus (P = 0.0001), and the index of non‐elasticity (P = 0.0001) were greater for the forehead than for the ventral forearm, but that the initial stress was lower (P = 0.0001). The results show that the skin is thicker, stiffer and less tense and elastic on the forehead than on the ventral forearm, suggesting structural differences between these two sites (collagen fibre network, elastic fibres, epidermis, stratum corneum, microvascularization, actinic damage, presence of sebaceous glands, etc.). It is hoped that this device will be useful for the evaluation of certain skin disorders (scleroderma, Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, cutis laxa, oedema, etc.) and their therapy, as well as being a useful tool in skin ageing and cosmetic product assessment. Résumé Nous présentons un nouveau dispositif qui permet in vivo de caractériser les propriétés mécaniques de la peau. Ce système est composé d’une part, d’un appareillage ultrasonore qui permet de mesurer le déplacement vertical de la surface cutanée, et les épaisseurs de l’épiderme‐derme et de l’hypoderme sollicités par une dépression, et d’autre part, d’un modèle biomécanique qui associe la peau à une membrane élastique tendue. Ce dispositif permet de déterminer l’épaisseur cutanée, le module d’Young, la contrainte initiale et un indice de non élasticité de la peau. Ces paramètres ont étéétudiés sur la face antérieure de l’avant‐bras, et sur le front de deux groupes de 30 sujets des deux sexes et de même classe d’âge (28 ± 6 ans). La grande sensibilité de la méthode a permis de différencier nettement ces deux sites et dans certains cas de montrer des différences entre les femmes et les hommes. Les résultats les plus significatifs montrent pour les femmes comme pour les hommes, que l’épaisseur cutanée (P = 0.0001), le module d’Young (P = 0.0001), et l’indice de nonélasticité (P = 0.0001) sont plus importants sur le front que sur la face antérieure de l’avant‐bras, alors que la contrainte initiale est plus faible (P = 0.0001). Ces résultats montrent que le tissu cutané sur le front est plus épais, plus raide, moins élastique et moins tendu que sur l’avant‐bras face antérieure, suggérant des differences de structures (réseaux de fibres de collagène, fibres élastiques, épiderme, stratum corneum, micro‐vascularisation…) entre ces deux sites. On espère maintenant, avec un tel dispositif étudier certaines pathologies cutanées (maladies scléreuses, syndrome d’Ehler–Danlos, cutis laxas, maladies oedemateuses, etc.), leur thérapie, le vieillissement cutané, et l’efficacité des produits cosmétiques.

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Crossref · 10.1111/j.1468-2494.2000.00037.x

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  • The moduli of dermis and subcutaneous tissue range from 56-260 kPa and 0.12-23 kPa, respectively.

    “the modulii of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue range from 56–260 kPa and 0.12–23 kPa, respectively,165–168”

    From Biocompatible Materials for Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices (2013) · cites this paper as [167]

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Authors
Diridollou, S., Black, D., Lagarde, J. M., Gall, Y., Berson, M., Vabre, V., Patat, F., & Vaillant, L.
Affiliations
  • Inserm (FR)
  • Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours (FR)
Corresponding author
Diridollou, S.
ORCID
Venue
International Journal of Cosmetic Science
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2000-12
Volume
22
Issue
6
Pages
421-435
ISSN
  • 0142-5463 (ISSN-L)
  • 1468-2494
DOI
10.1111/j.1468-2494.2000.00037.x
OpenAlex
W2014197576
Cited by
99
References
58
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 5 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 12 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 6 · 2012: 5
FWCI
1.39
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor, 3164 d)
Locations
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Elasticity and Material Modeling
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging › Ultrasound Imaging and Elastography
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Skin Protection and Aging
Keywords
skin biomechanics, skin thickness, Young's modulus, skin elasticity, sex differences, frons, volar forearm, elastic membrane model, skin aging, skin diseases, systemic sclerosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, cutis laxa, edema

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