Age-related changes in facial skin contours and rheology.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the age effect on both the mechanical properties and wrinkling of facial skin. This topic has not previously been addressed in the literature.

DESIGN

A total of 180 white women aged 18 to 67 years participated in the study. Each of the 5 decades of age was represented by 30 subjects, with the exception of menopausal women aged 48 to 57 years who were allocated to two groups of 30 according to the use or non-use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

SETTING

A University medical center, Belgian SSTC Research Unit 5596.

MEASUREMENTS

Mechanical properties of the skin were measured on the face using a computerized suction device. Skin contours were assessed using optical profilometry and computerized image analysis.

RESULTS

Skin aging of the face is characterized by a progressive increase in extensibility associated with a decreased elasticity. The loss of tonicity is accompanied by a progressive deepening of facial creases. HRT appears to limit the age-related rheological changes without showing a preventive effect on wrinkling of facial skin.

CONCLUSION

Aging of facial skin resembles, in some ways, the features previously reported on sun-protected areas of the forearms. HRT has a beneficial effect that may slow the overall process of aging without, however, limiting the number and depth of wrinkles.