Dermal matrix affects translucency of incident light on the skin

Abstract

Background/aims: The age-dependent changes in the optical reflection characteristics have been studied about skin hydration, melanin index, or skin color. However, the age-dependent changes in the optical reflection have little attention on inner skin structures. To control the factors affecting the optical reflection except for dermal matrix, subjects were selected as our guideline and we evaluated the optical reflection of subsurface on skin layers of two age groups. Method: Young and old healthy volunteers were recruited after signing a written informed consent form. Facial skin was measured by means of noninvasive measurements: skin hydration, color, epidermis and dermis thickness, dermal density, subsurface reflectance, and transmittance. Result: Compared to young group, old group showed that dermal density and thickness was decreased significantly although epidermis thickness was not changed. Conclusion: In conclusion, dermal density is one of the major factors which affects the subsurface reflectance in skin.