Echographic assessment of age-dependent variations of skin thickness: A study on 162 subjects

Skin thickness relative to age is complex and may be influenced both by intrinsic changes, extrinsic changes related to sun exposure and constitution, including sex. Age-related changes may also differ in different anatomical sites. The object was to characterize skin aging relative to these influences.

A-mode and B-mode high-frequency (20 MHz) ultrasound examination was performed using the Dermascan C. 162 subjects were examined (91 women, 71 men) in the age range 27 to 90 years. 6 anatomical locations (forehead, cheek, volar forearm, dorsal forearm, upper abdomen, buttocks) were studied.

Females have thinner skin than men. Subjects aged more than 70 years have significant thinning of the skin. Age-related thinning is more pronounced in women. Relative skin-thickness decrease is less at sun-exposed areas in comparison with protected areas.

Ultrasund examination allows characterization of skin aging, and the influences of sex and anatomical site with sun-induced changes were differently superimposed on intrinsic changes and constitution.