In vivo determination of skin surface topography using an optical 3D device

Background/purpose: Topography of the skin surface is a mirror of the functional skin status. Therefore, its evaluation is of great interest for dermatological research. In the present study, a new optical measuring system was applied to evaluate human skin surface topography in vivo and non‐invasively, in order to determine elastotic and mimic wrinkles dependent on age, body site and therapy. Methods: The measurements were performed on the back ( n =5), the flexor forearm ( n =14) of volunteers in different age groups and on the face of women ( n =4) participating in an anti‐wrinkle study. The evaluation of the three‐dimensional‐profiles was performed determining skin surface parameters (mean roughness ( R a ), mean depth of roughness ( R z ), maximum roughness ( R m ) and waviness ( W t )) and applying Fourier analysis. Results: Significant increases in all surface parameters were obtained on the forearms with increasing age. Differences between the surface topographies of forearm and back were only expressed by the waviness and the Fourier analysis. The treatment with botulinum Toxin A led to a diminution of mimic wrinkles as reflected by the furrow profiles. Conclusions: The results show a significant dependence of the skin surface topography on the age of the volunteer and the body site measured. Particularly the waviness, the Fourier analysis and the furrow profiles reflect such dependencies. The system used also fulfils the requirements for the testing of therapies, as was demonstrated by the reduction of mimic wrinkles after treatment with botulinum Toxin A.