Functional and structural age-related changes in the scalp skin of Caucasian women

Ageing of the skin, being chronological or sun induced is highly documented. Scalp, as a specific skin site, has, however, received little attention. This work attempted to describe functional and structural alterations that occur in scalp skin with ageing.

Two different age groups (N = 15 each; 30 ± 3 and 62 ± 2 y.o. respectively) of Caucasian women participated in the study. Some functional parameters (TEWL, Sebum level, Hydration, T°) were recorded on the vertex part of the scalp, after having cut the hair flat on the scalp surface. Imaging of some structural criteria was carried out using high-frequency ultrasound technique and optical coherence tomography on the same scalp site and on the mid-forehead, as a close control skin site.

As compared with the younger group, the scalp of older women significantly showed a decreased TEWL and a slightly lower T°. The thickness of total skin (epidermis + dermis) increased with age on both scalp and on forehead. The thickness of scalp epidermis decreased with age while not significantly altered on forehead. Pseudoattenuation of ultrasound images increased in the older age group. Other criteria, such as sebum level, stratum corneum hydration, stratum corneum thickness, were not found altered with age.

With ageing, some few functional and structural changes are observed in the scalp of Caucasian women. Similarities or differences with those previously reported in other skin sites are discussed.