Correlation analysis between texture features and elasticity of skin hyperspectral images in the near-infrared band.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Skin elasticity was used to evaluate healthy and diseased skin. Correlation analysis between image texture characteristics and skin elasticity was performed to study the feasibility of assessing skin elasticity using a non-contact method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Skin images in the near-infrared band were acquired using a hyperspectral camera, and skin elasticity was obtained using a skin elastimeter. Texture features of the mean, standard deviation, entropy, contrast, correlation, homogeneity, and energy were extracted from the acquired skin images, and a correlation analysis with skin elasticity was performed. RESULTS: The texture features, and skin elasticity of skin images in the near-infrared band had the highest correlation on the side of eye and under of arm, and the mean and correlation were features of texture suitable for distinguishing skin elasticity according to the body part. CONCLUSION: In this study, we performed elasticity and correlation analyses for various body parts using the texture characteristics of skin hyperspectral images in the near-infrared band, confirming a significant correlation in some body parts. It is expected that this will be used as a cornerstone of skin elasticity evaluation research using non-contact methods.

The safety and effectiveness of low-level light therapy (LLLT) with light-emitting diode (LED) bed system and a novel topical anti-cellulite gel on grades 1-2 thigh/buttock cellulite: a randomized, comparative-controlled split-thigh/buttock IRB study.

BACKGROUND: Cellulite of the upper lateral and posterior thighs and lower buttocks represents a common unwanted condition. OBJECTIVES: The author sought to comparea LLLT-LED bed therapy and a novel topical anti-cellulite gel on one thigh/buttock cellulite vs light therapy for cellulite to the opposite side. METHODS: Eight healthy female subjects were randomly treated with a LLLT-LED bed twice weekly for 20 minutes in prone/supine positions with twice daily application of a novel anti-cellulite gel to one randomized thigh/buttock. RESULTS: At the end of the 3-month trial, skin elasticity increased after combined therapy on one thigh but decreased with only LLLT-LED bed treatments on the opposite thigh. Thighs treated with active gel and LLLT-LED bed, were downgraded to a lower cellulite grade, while monotherapy did not demonstrate any change from their baseline cellulite grading. Changes in thigh circumference did not correlate with either treatments regimens.Subject and investigator questionnaire evaluations at month-3 were assessed as "satisfactory" results. There were no adverse reactions to treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The use of LLLT-LED bed therapy and an anti-cellulite gel demonstrated an efficient alternative in the treatment of cellulite-involved thighs/buttocks over similarly affected thighs/buttocks that were treated only with LLLT-LED bed therapy.

Dermocosmetic evaluation of a nutricosmetic formulation based on Curcuma.

Endogenous and exogenous factors can alter the skin layer and appearance, determining skin aging. The extracts and isolated molecules from food matrixes can be used to formulate "healthy" antiaging cosmetics. Two different cosmetic approaches can be used to achieve the antiaging effect. It is possible to use topical products based on food extract (cosmeceutical approach) or take a food supplement and apply a topical cosmetic product based on food extract on the surface to be treated (nutricosmetic approach). This work evaluated in vivo the antiaging potential of a nutricosmetic formulation (cream + food supplement) and a cosmeceutical cream based on Curcuma. The choice of the commercial Curcuma extract to be used for experimental purposes was based on the curcuminoid content determined by an HPLC test. Curcuminoids are the bioactive compounds responsible for Curcuma's antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. Their levels in Curcuma extracts vary according to the storage condition, variety, and pedoclimatic cultivation conditions. The Tewameter® TM300 was used to evaluate the Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL), the Corneometer® CM 825 to determine the moisturizing effect, the Cutometer® to estimate the skin firmness and elasticity, the Dermascan to assess the collagen index, and the Visioface® 1000D to evaluate the wrinkles. The nutricosmetic product showed potential as moisturizing, anti-age, and anti-wrinkle action better than the cosmeceutical product alone.

Microinjections with hyaluronic acid in combination with glycerol: How do they influence biophysical viscoelastic skin properties?

BACKGROUND: Skin quality improvement with hyaluronic acid microinjections is increasing as a clinical treatment indication and as a scientific issue. This present study assessed changes in biomechanical viscoelastic skin properties after microinjections with the skin quality booster CPM-HA20G (Belotero Revive). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen subjects have been randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either three treatments (total 3 ml per side) or a single-dose treatment (total 1.5 ml per side) with CPM-HA20G at dermal level into the lower cheeks via microinjections. Treatments were provided 4 weeks apart. Biophysical measurements were performed describing the viscoelastic skin properties and the underlying skin structure. The measurements were performed before injection (week 0) and on follow-up visits 4, 8, 16, 24, and 36 weeks after the last injection treatment. RESULTS: One (p = 0.028) as well as three (p = 0.003) consecutive treatments with CPM-HA20G improved statistically significant skin firmness (R0). For the multiple-treatment group improved significant differences were observed for skin fatigue (R3; p = 0.007) and skin density (p = 0.017) with stable skin thickness levels (p > 0.05), too. There were zero-to-weak correlations between skin thickness and biomechanical skin properties (R0, rs  = 0.084; R3, rs  = 0.093). CONCLUSION: Overall, microinjections with CPM-HA20G improved biomechanical viscoelastic skin properties with a stronger and more pronounced effect in the multiple-treatment group. The observed changes may explain some of the skin quality improvements observed after treatment with CPM-HA20G.

Long-term effects of face masks on skin characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, face masks are a crucial part of our daily life. Previous studies on their impact on the skin usually focused on the adverse effects of face masks. Few studies have assessed their influence on skin characteristics. In a previous study, we identified the short-term effects of wearing face masks. Herein, we describe the long-term skin effects of face masks, for a period of 6 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Healthy volunteers (19 men and women), who wore face masks, participated in the study from June 2020 to December 2020. In all participants, skin characteristics such as trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, skin elasticity, skin pore area, skin keratin amount, skin temperature, skin redness, skin temperature, skin redness, and skin color were measured three times. RESULTS: TEWL, skin hydration, skin elasticity, skin pore area, skin keratin amount, and skin color changed significantly after 6 months. TEWL, skin hydration, skin pore area, skin keratin amount, and skin color were significantly different between the mask-wearing and non-mask-wearing areas. CONCLUSION: Long-term daily use of face masks can alter skin characteristics. Special care should be focused on the mask-wearing regions.

Effect of Cirsium japonicum Flower Extract on Skin Aging Induced by Glycation.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have recently been increasingly discussed as one factor of skin aging. In this study, we investigated the effects of Cirsium japonicum flower (CFE) extract on glycation in relation to skin aging and skin elasticity. Moreover, we learned the main active constituent of CFE that has effects against glycation. To demonstrate the effects of CFE on glycation, we carried out an in vitro glycation study, 3-dimensional culture, and clinical study. As a result, CFE inhibited formation of AGEs in both bovine serum albumin (BSA)/glucose glycation system and aldehyde-derived glycation system. Moreover, CFE reduced Nε-(carboxymethyl), lysine (CML), and carbonylated proteins that increased by glycation. Furthermore, CFE broke crosslinks of collagen-AGEs and inhibited the increase of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) gene expression by AGEs. In the 3D culture condition, CFE restored the reduction of collagen gel contraction by glycation. Moreover, apigenin was detected as the main active constituent in CFE that has anti-glycation effects. In the clinical study, we confirmed that CFE has effects on skin wrinkles and skin elasticity. Our findings suggest that CFE can be used as a cosmetic or cosmeceutical ingredient for improving skin elasticity and wrinkles. Regulation of AGEs can be an interesting target for anti-aging.

New strategy of modulating incision tension: A wound tension offloading device applied before surgery.

Wound tension plays a key role in the process of wound healing and scar formation. Tension offloading devices have been reported to reduce postsurgical scar formation. This study aims to determine whether the application of a tension offloading device preoperatively would result in superior attenuation of scar genesis in comparison to traditional methods. Randomized, controlled trials were performed on 12 patients, 4 patients were treated both preoperatively and postoperatively, while the other 4 were treated only postoperatively. The remaining 4 patients did not receive any sort of intervention. The overall performance was analyzed over 6 months period. The skin elasticity coefficient improved significantly with the application of a tension-offloading device. Compared with control group, patients who received treatment via the device displayed a better result in scar width and regression of color. It was also shown that the use of a device in the group with twin pre-op and post-op intervention resulted in a reduction of the wound healing period in comparison to the post-op group. Application of a tension-offloading device preoperatively can reduce tensile forces acting on the incision, thereby resulting in faster wound healing and enhanced efficacy on postsurgical reapplication. The effectiveness of the device in preventing hypertrophic scar is likely to be improved by long-term application after operation.

Self-perceived and objective measurements of facial puffiness in Chinese women.

BACKGROUND: Facial puffiness, caused by mild or normal fluid retention, commonly experienced by women, may not pose a health risk, but it can be a cause of cosmetic concern. The objectives of this study were to determine whether self-perceived facial puffiness can be measured objectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 151 Chinese women between 20 and 68 years of age were recruited. Facial water content, skin thickness, and elasticity were measured at two time points within a day (visit one occurred when the participants perceived they had facial puffiness; visit two occurred when the participants perceived their facial puffiness had subsided). Participants were also given a rating scale to self-evaluate their puffiness and firmness at different regions of the face. RESULTS: The participants could perceive a difference in facial puffiness between the two visits. Water content and skin thickness were significantly higher in all regions of the face for all participants during the first visit. Skin elasticity was also significantly different between visits one and two. There was a significant increase in water content and skin thickness in the lower eyelid region in women who were older than 40 years. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to show that self-perceived facial puffiness can be measured objectively and that skin elasticity can change significantly when facial puffiness subsides.

Seasonal variations in the skin parameters of Caucasian women from Central Europe.

BACKGROUND: The human skin is greatly affected by external factors such as UV radiation (UVR), ambient temperature (T), and air humidity. These factors oscillate during the year giving rise to the seasonal variations in the skin properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of seasons, environmental T, relative and absolute humidity on the skin parameters of Caucasian women, perform a literature review and discuss the possible factors lying behind the found changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured stratum corneum (SC) hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum level, erythema index, and elasticity parameters R2 and R7 on the forehead and the cheek of Caucasian women from the Czech Republic throughout the year. We also performed a non-systematic literature review focused on the seasonal variations in these skin parameters. RESULTS: We confirmed a well-documented low SC hydration and sebum production in winter. In spring, we found the lowest TEWL (on the forehead) and the highest SC hydration but also the highest erythema index and the lowest elasticity presumably indicating skin photodamage. For most of the skin parameters, the seasonal variations probably arise due to a complex action of different factors as we extensively discussed. CONCLUSION: The data about the seasonal variations in the skin parameters are still highly inconsistent and further studies are needed for better understanding of the normal skin changes throughout the year.

Relationship of transcutaneous oxygen tension with age and skin elasticity in Korean women.

BACKGROUND: Oxygen has several positive effects on the skin, including improving collagen synthesis and accelerating wound healing. However, only a few studies have investigated the relationship between skin oxygenation and skin aging parameters. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the correlation between skin oxygenation and skin aging parameters-elasticity, hydration, sebum, color (lightness, redness), and blood perfusion-in Korean women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen, also known as transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO2 ), and skin aging parameters, including elasticity, hydration, sebum, color (lightness or redness), and blood perfusion, in the cheek of 34 healthy women (aged 20-69 years) and assessed the correlation between TcPO2 and other skin aging parameters using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 software (SPSS Inc). RESULTS: Facial TcPO2 was negatively correlated with age (P < .05). There were positive correlations between facial TcPO2 and elasticity parameters (P < .01). We noted no correlation between facial TcPO2 and skin lightness; however, skin lightness tended to slightly improve with increasing TcPO2 . Skin aging parameters, including hydration, sebum, skin redness, and blood perfusion, showed no correlations with TcPO2 . CONCLUSION: In Korean women, facial TcPO2 tends to decrease with increasing age and is positively correlated with gross, net, and biological skin elasticity. Therefore, this study demonstrated that oxygen tension of facial skin can be a major causative factor of skin aging.

Simple procedure to evaluate mid-face sagging: A pilot study from Taiwan.

An easy and objective way to evaluate mid-face sagging is marking straight lines between the nasal alar and the mandibular angle, one in the supine and the other in an upright position. The maximal distance between the two lines drawn is measured. Statistic analyses shows that this maximum distance demonstrates positive correlation with age and body mass index that reflects the level of mid-face sagging. This simple method may be utilised to evaluate the effect of anti-ageing treatment on the face in the context of mid-face sagging.

Intra-rater reproducibility of shear wave elastography in the evaluation of facial skin.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, esthetic medicine has been gaining its momentum worldwide, mostly due to the development of minimally invasive techniques. In our opinion, elastography can be a candidate for an objective quantitative method to evaluate facial skin condition. The aim of this study was to determine intra-rater reproducibility of shear wave elastography (SWE) in the evaluation of facial skin in patients qualified for minimally invasive nonsurgical facial rejuvenation treatment. AIM: To determine intra-rater reproducibility of shear wave elastography (SWE) in the evaluation of facial skin in patients qualified for minimally invasive nonsurgical facial rejuvenation treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 57 women between 40 and 67 years of age (mean: 51.5 ±7.3 years). Prior to the laser treatment, all participants were subjected to ultrasonographic examination and elastography of the skin. Upon visualization of the area of interest, the thickness of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue and superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) in millimeters was measured. Then, SWE was performed. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in intraclass coefficient values (ICC) for elastographic parameters of the skin on the right and left side of the face (0.953 ±0.001 vs. 0.953 ±0.001, p = 0.992). Moreover, no significant differences were observed in the ICC values for the SWE parameters of various skin layers: dermis, subcutaneous tissue and SMAS (0.945 ±0.001 vs. 0.953 ±.001 vs. 0.961 ±0.001, p = 0.597). Women with normal body weight and overweight did not differ significantly in terms of their elastographic parameters of facial skin. CONCLUSIONS: Shear wave elastography is a reliable method for the evaluation of facial skin elasticity, providing highly reproducible results in all patients, regardless of their age and body weight.

Oral intake of lingonberry and amla fruit extract improves skin conditions in healthy female subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

In this study, we examined the effect of ingestion of lingonberry and amla fruit extract (LAE) on several human skin conditions. To conduct a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, we randomly divided 99 healthy female subjects into three groups; the first group received a drink containing 25 mg of lingonberry extract and 30 mg of amla fruit extract; the second group received a drink containing double the volume of extracts received by the first group; and the third group received a placebo drink. Each participant drank 50 mL of their assigned drink once daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was skin elasticity, and the secondary endpoints included skin thickness, stratum corneum water content, and degree of wrinkles around the eyes. After 12 weeks of LAE drink intake, skin elasticity showed significant, dose-dependent improvements (P < 0.01). Skin thickness, stratum corneum water content, and the degree of wrinkles also significantly improved (P < 0.001) in a dose-dependent manner. The improvements in skin elasticity and thickness, as well as in the stratum corneum water content and the degree of wrinkles, observed upon oral intake of LAE indicate that LAE may be considered a candidate anti-aging agent for preventing skin weakening.

The inter-rater and test-retest reliability of skin thickness and skin elasticity measurements by the DermaLab Combo in healthy participants.

BACKGROUND: For several purposes, skin parameters like thickness and elasticity can be measured. However, little is known about the accuracy of those measurements. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the intrarater and test-retest reliability of skin thickness and elasticity measurements performed with the DermaLab Combo®. METHODS: A total of 49 participants were included in this study. Skin thickness and elasticity were measured at six defined locations on the dominant arm. Measurements were repeated two times by the same observer to determine the test-retest reliability. To determine the inter-rater reliability, a second observer repeated the measurements once. RESULTS: Inter-rater and test-retest reliability for elasticity measurements fluctuates per location and per parameter: Inter-rater intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) ranged from 0.23 to 0.80, and test-retest ICC ranged from 0.25 to 0.84. Skin thickness was measured reliable by every observer on every location, with a test-retest ICC ranging from 0.71 to 0.83 and an inter-rater ICC ranging from 0.69 to 0.80. CONCLUSION: The DermaLab Combo® showed a good inter-rater reliability when measuring skin thickness and elasticity. Not all locations are suitable for reliable inter-rater or test-retest measurements. The device is difficult to use by inexperienced users, as the echo probe is sensitive to small movements.

Elastography reference values of facial skin elasticity.

INTRODUCTION: With an introduction of new ultrasonographic transducers, skin elastography may find an application in dermatology and aesthetic medicine enabling direct evaluation of various pathological or natural processes. AIM: To verify which elastographic technique, strain elastography (SE) or shear wave elastography (SWE), is a better candidate for the reference method of facial skin elasticity examination and to determine normal ranges for elastographic parameters in various facial regions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 71 female volunteers (age: 40-67 years, mean: 52 ±7.5 years). All participants were subjected to SE and SWE of the skin in five anatomical regions: the forehead, suborbital regions, cheeks, nasolabial folds and chin. Reference ranges for elastographic parameters were defined as 95% confidence intervals and ±2 standard deviations and estimated by means of ROC analysis. RESULTS: Shear wave elastography parameters, but not SE indices, showed strong inverse correlations with the patient age. No significant correlations were found between SE and SWE parameters of the facial skin. In contrast to SWE, no significant correlations were observed between bilateral SE parameters. Based on these findings, SWE was chosen as the reference method to determine age-specific normative values for the elasticity of the facial skin. Reference and cut-off values of SWE parameters were defined for three age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Shear wave elastography is suitable for the determination of elastographic parameters of normal facial skin, and can be used to determine reference ranges thereof. Elasticity of the facial skin decreases considerably with age, and this factor should be considered during determination of reference values for the elastographic parameters.

Is carboxytherapy a good alternative method in the removal of various skin defects?

Carbon dioxide is a physiologic compound present in our body, mainly as a result of cellular metabolism. The frequency of carboxytherapy use by dermatologists and cosmetologists increased significantly in the second half of the 20th century due to the fact that it improves blood circulation within skin tissues. This article focuses on the use of carboxytherapy in case of various skin problems, such as stretch marks, scars, loss of elasticity, redundancy of fatty tissue, cellulite, morphea, and alopecia. The review of sparse studies that are available indicate increasing interest in this method.

Effects of Composite Supplement Containing Collagen Peptide and Ornithine on Skin Conditions and Plasma IGF-1 Levels-A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Aging-associated changes of skin conditions are a major concern for maintaining quality of life. Therefore, the improvement of skin conditions by dietary supplementation is a topic of public interest. In this study, we hypothesized that a composite supplement containing fish derived-collagen peptide and ornithine (CPO) could improve skin conditions by increasing plasma growth hormone and/or insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels. Twenty-two healthy Japanese participants were enrolled in an 8-week double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study. They were assigned to either a CPO group, who were supplemented with a drink containing CPO, or an identical placebo group. We examined skin conditions including elasticity and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), as well as plasma growth hormone and IGF-1 levels. Skin elasticity and TEWL were significantly improved in the CPO group compared with the placebo group. Furthermore, only the CPO group showed increased plasma IGF-1 levels after 8 weeks of supplementation compared with the baseline. Our results might suggest the novel possibility for the use of CPO to improve skin conditions by increasing plasma IGF-1 levels.

Frailty and body mass index are associated with biophysical properties of the skin in community-dwelling older adults.

AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the association of frailty and body mass index (BMI) with biophysical properties of the skin in community-dwelling older people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a suburban Japanese city. Older adults aged ≥65 years and participating in a health checkup program were recruited (n = 128). Stratum corneum hydration, clinical manifestations of dry skin, skin elasticity and condition of the dermis (as measured by ultrasonography) were evaluated on the volar forearm. Frailty phenotype and BMI were also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 74.5 years, and 96.1% were women. Skin thickness was significantly decreased in frail participants compared with non-frail participants in an age-adjusted multivariate model (p = 0.009). Frail participants showed significantly lower skin elasticity values than non-frail participants in a univariate analysis (p = 0.024), but this was not significant in the multivariate model. In participants with BMI ≥25 kg/m2, clinical manifestations of dry skin were significantly decreased compared with BMI <21.5 kg/m2 (p = 0.002). Participants with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and with 21.5 ≤ BMI <25 kg/m2 showed significantly higher skin elasticity values than participants with BMI <21.5 kg/m2 (p = 0.014 and p = 0.042, respectively). CONCLUSION: Frailty was associated with decreased skin thickness and decreased skin elasticity partially via the influence of chronological aging. Low body mass was associated with increased xerosis manifestations and decreased skin elasticity in community-dwelling older adults.

Comparison of two series of non-invasive instruments used for the skin physiological properties measurements: the DermaLab® from Cortex Technology vs. the series of detectors from Courage & Khazaka.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The detectors from Courage & Khazaka and DermaLab® from Cortex Technology were two series of the most commonly used non-invasive instruments for the skin physiological properties measurements. The aim of this study is to reveal the differences and correlations in measuring skin color, hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum and elasticity on the forearm or faces between two commercially available series of instruments. METHODS: 30 subjects were enrolled to be measured by the two series of instruments. The measurements by each series were performed on the left/right side of the body randomly. The hydration, sebum, elasticity and TEWL measurements were performed on different sites. RESULTS: Positive correlations were found in the values of skin color, hydration, TEWL, sebum and visco-elasticity detected by the two series. The values related to skin firmness measured by the two instruments were statistically negative correlated. Contrary to the results in measuring the skin color, the detectors from Courage & Khazaka presented lower values of variation in measuring skin hydration and TEWL than those from DermaLab® . CONCLUSION: The two series have significant correlations.The differences of the two series can be due either to differences in the design of the probe or left/right part of the body.

Effect of aging on breast skin thickness and elasticity: implications for breast support.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The skin overlying a woman's breast acts as an anatomical support structure to the breast. Although aging is known to affect the thickness and elasticity of human skin, limited research has examined age-related changes to skin covering the breast or related these changes to breast support requirements. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of age on female breast skin thickness and elasticity. METHODS: The left breast of 339 women (18-84 years), classified into four age groups (18-24 years, 25-44 years, 45-64 years, and 65 + years), was divided into four quadrants. Skin thickness (dermal layer; 20 MHz ultrasound probe) and skin elasticity (Cutometer® MPA 580) were measured for each breast quadrant and then compared to determine whether there was any significant (P < 0.05) effect of aging on breast skin. RESULTS: Breast skin thickness significantly decreased from 45 years of age onwards. A significant decline in breast skin elasticity was evident from the mid 20's. CONCLUSION: Aging is associated with a significant decline in breast skin thickness and elasticity, which is likely to reduce anatomical breast support. Women might therefore benefit from increased external breast support (i.e. a more supportive bra) with increasing age.