Biomechanical Properties of <i>In Vivo</i> Human Skin From Dynamic Optical Coherence Elastography

TLDR

Dynamic optical coherence elastography noninvasively measures in‑vivo skin biomechanical properties via surface wave propagation, offering micrometer‑scale resolution, real‑time processing, and strong potential for dermatological applications. The study quantified Young’s moduli and skin thicknesses across multiple body sites, orientations, and frequencies, simultaneously measuring different skin layers using dynamic optical coherence elastography. Results revealed significant variations in Young’s modulus by site, orientation relative to Langer’s lines, and hydration state, and indicated that surface waves driven at distinct frequencies probe biomechanical properties of different skin layers.

Abstract

Dynamic optical coherence elastography is used to determine in vivo skin biomechanical properties based on mechanical surface wave propagation. Quantitative Young's moduli are measured on human skin from different sites, orientations, and frequencies. Skin thicknesses, including measurements from different layers, are also measured simultaneously. Experimental results show significant differences among measurements from different skin sites, between directions parallel and orthogonal to Langer's lines, and under different skin hydration states. Results also suggest surface waves with different driving frequencies represent skin biomechanical properties from different layers in depth. With features such as micrometer-scale resolution, noninvasive imaging, and real-time processing from the optical coherence tomography technology, this optical measurement technique has great potential for measuring skin biomechanical properties in dermatology.