About the in vivo quantitation of skin anisotropy

Background/purpose Human skin anisotropy is difficult to quantify. The Cutiscan ® , is allegedly, the first biometrical system to provide information on the elastic and viscoelastic properties, as well as on anisotropy and directionality of the human skin in vivo . Thus, this study aims to contribute to characterize this new device and its applicability, and to compare its behavior with two other well‐known devices—the Cutometer ® and the Reviscometer ® . Methods Measurements were conducted with each device in three different anatomical sites (forehead, forearm and leg) of 20 female volunteers engaged after informed consent. The participants in the study were aged 19–73 years (mean age 37 ± 18.7 years old), and were divided in two groups ( n = 10), based on their age – Group I, mean age 22 ± 1.3 years; Group II , mean age 52 ± 13.7 years. Results All devices were useful tools to explore the anatomical and the age dependant changes in biomechanical terms, showing different discriminative capacities. Interesting correlations were established between the variables provided by the equipment. Conclusion The Cutiscan ® descriptors delivered excellent relationships with those from Cutometer ® and Reviscometer ® , while providing more detailed information about skin anisotropy through a full 360° analysis.