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Mechanical Properties of Aging Human Skin

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Mechanical Properties of Aging Soft Tissues

Part of the book series: Engineering Materials and Processes ((EMP))

Abstract

The mechanical and structural properties of human skin are extensively documented. In addition, it is well-established that aging affects the structure, function, and appearance of skin. However, there are few reviews that have focussed exclusively on the biomechanics of skin aging as is the focus of this chapter. A number of techniques are used to characterize the biomechanical properties of skin in vivo. The techniques that are largely used in vivo are based on suction, torsion, or indentation. In vivo, a number of studies have examined age-related changes in the elastic and viscoelastic properties of skin. The varying results and interpretations of the findings are summarized in this chapter. The techniques that have been used to characterize skin biomechanics in vitro are also covered. In vitro, tensile and indentation techniques are widely used. However, there are few studies that have conducted research on human skin in vitro to determine the effects of aging. The overall mechanical behavior of skin with aging is discussed in the context of its structure. The chapter also discusses the need to better characterize age-related skin biomechanics for successful application of microneedle devices in the elderly.

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Acknowledgments

The microneedle work was funded by a Centre for Global Eco-Innovation (CGE) PhD studentship. CGE is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. Dr Simon Todd (Renephra Ltd) must be thanked for providing the microneedles .

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  1. Centre for Materials and Structures, School of Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK

    Kikelomo Moronkeji & Riaz Akhtar

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  1. Kikelomo Moronkeji
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Correspondence to Riaz Akhtar .

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  1. University of Manchester Materials Science Center, Manchester, United Kingdom

    Brian Derby

  2. University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom

    Riaz Akhtar

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Moronkeji, K., Akhtar, R. (2015). Mechanical Properties of Aging Human Skin. In: Derby, B., Akhtar, R. (eds) Mechanical Properties of Aging Soft Tissues. Engineering Materials and Processes. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-03970-1_10

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