A modality-aware anatomical atlas of human skin biomechanics

Background Regional variation and non-standardized measurement protocols limit the engineering use of human skin mechanical data. Objective To determine how anatomical site, measurement modality, and boundary conditions shape reported skin mechanics and cross-study comparability. Methods We performed a structured narrative review using targeted searches of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for site-specific human skin studies, supplemented by reference tracking. Eligible studies reported in vivo or ex vivo measurements with identifiable anatomical sites and interpretable mechanical descriptors. Evidence was synthesized by modality, mechanical behavior, and anatomical site; no meta-analysis was performed because outcomes and protocols were heterogeneous. Results Rigidly supported regions generally showed higher apparent stiffness, adipose-rich sites showed greater compliance and time dependence, and directional responses reflected collagen alignment and physiological pre-stress. Across methods, reported values behaved as protocol- and boundary-condition-dependent effective descriptors rather than transferable material constants. Limitations The targeted narrative design, heterogeneous protocols, limited same-site cross-modality validation, and inconsistent reporting of covariates restrict numerical comparison and formal certainty assessment. Conclusions and implications The resulting modality-aware atlas and Minimal Reporting Set provide a practical basis for interpreting regional skin mechanics and designing biomaterials and human-machine interfaces. Registration Not registered because this was not a systematic review or meta-analysis.