A new experimental method for measuring skin's natural tension.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Materials Science
• Dermatology

Background:

• Precise determination of skin's mechanical properties remains a challenge.
• In vivo skin testing is complicated by undefined sample areas and initial stress from body posture.
• Accurate mechanical analysis necessitates precise measurement of natural skin tension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel method and device for measuring natural skin tension.
• To evaluate the device's ability to perform in vivo extensiometry tests in both traction and compression.
• To assess the influence of body posture on skin tension measurements.

Main Methods:

• Development of a new extensiometry-based device for skin testing.
• Utilizing follower tabs to define and protect the skin sample.
• Optimization of device design using finite element modeling.
• In vivo testing on human forearms with varying postures.

Main Results:

• The method accurately retrieved pre-tensioned elastomer loads.
• In vivo tests on forearms showed initial tension was clearly determined only at the highest levels.
• Skin exhibited varied traction behavior depending on arm position, impacting measurement clarity.

Conclusions:

• Body posture significantly influences in vivo skin tension measurements.
• An innovative method for determining initial skin tension has been presented.
• Further research and device improvements are necessary for broader application across different body zones and postures.