Animal models

Abstract

Skin aging is influenced by a combination of biological, physiological, and environmental factors. While in vitro models and bioengineering techniques can reproduce one or more of these factors, they cannot encompass the numerous components existing in living tissue. Animal models mimic the combination of influences contributing to skin aging in humans. Though many potential animal models exist, studies on skin aging use relatively few lab species. The following describes some of the experiments that utilized animal models. They are divided into two categories, actinic and intrinsic aging experiments. Hopefully, it will serve as a starting point and resource for those wishing to develop further knowledge and interventions. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010.