Use of Cutometer to assess epidermal hydration.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The Cutometer equipped with a 2-mm diameter suction probe is a device suitable for assessment of epidermal mechanics. The objectives of this study were to determine the sensitivity of Cutometer parameters to epidermal hydration, to evaluate the correlation between skin mechanical parameters and skin capacitance, and to study the role of pretension of the skin. METHODS: In the first study, skin capacitance (Corneometer) and 10 mechanical parameters were determined before and 60 min after application of five different moisturizers on the volar forearm. In the second study, measurements of epidermal mechanics were made without and with 0.1 s presuction of the skin, before and 120 min after application of petrolatum and glycerin. RESULTS: Hydration of the skin significantly increased the values of capacitance and all rheological parameters. Delayed distension (Uv) and viscoelastic-to-elastic ratio (Uv/Ue) were the most sensitive Cutometer parameters. Significant correlations between skin capacitance and mechanical parameters were not found. Pretension of the skin did not significantly influence the values of skin mechanical parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The non-invasive measurements of skin elasticity are appropriate for an objective and quantitative evaluation of the complex effect of different dermatological and cosmetic products on skin mechanics and hydration.