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Updated: Dec 4, 2025
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Biomechanical Characterization of Human Soft Tissues Using Indentation and Tensile Testing
Published on: December 13, 2016
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The relationship between habitual physical activity and skin mechanical properties
Noriaki Nakagawa1, Norio Shimizu1, Tomoko Sugawara1
1Skin Care Products Research, Kao Corporation, Odawara, Japan.
Summary
Regular physical activity (PA) positively impacts skin mechanical properties (SMP), enhancing skin elasticity and reducing deformation. This study reveals a link between habitual exercise intensity and skin health.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Sports Medicine
- Biophysics
Background:
- Physical activity (PA) is crucial for overall health.
- Emerging evidence suggests PA affects skin structure and components.
- Limited data exists on PA's impact on skin mechanical properties (SMP).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between physical activity and skin mechanical properties.
- To determine how different intensities of physical activity influence skin elasticity and deformation.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-five healthy Japanese women (mean age 31.0 ± 3.3 years) participated.
- A wrist-worn pulse monitor tracked 24-hour heart rate to define five PA intensity zones over 70 days.
- Skin mechanical properties were measured using a Cutometer, assessing maximal skin deformation (R0) and viscoelasticity (R6).
Main Results:
- Maximal skin deformation (R0) showed a positive correlation with time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA zones (max, anaerobic, aerobic, fat combustion).
- Viscoelasticity ratio (R6) was negatively correlated with time spent in these four PA intensity zones.
- Time spent in the warm-up intensity zone did not correlate with measured SMP.
Conclusions:
- Habitual engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity significantly influences skin mechanical properties.
- Increased PA is associated with improved skin elasticity and reduced susceptibility to deformation.
- Findings suggest PA is a modifiable factor for maintaining skin health.
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