Different Pathways of Skin Aging: Objective Instrumental Evaluation
<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Hypertrophic and atrophic skin aging represent two distinct phenotypes: hypertrophic aging is marked by deep wrinkles and a leathery texture, whereas atrophic aging is characterized by overall skin thinning, increased vascularity, and a higher risk of non-me...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-10-01
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| Series: | Diagnostics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/14/21/2381 |
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| Summary: | <b>Background/Objectives</b>: Hypertrophic and atrophic skin aging represent two distinct phenotypes: hypertrophic aging is marked by deep wrinkles and a leathery texture, whereas atrophic aging is characterized by overall skin thinning, increased vascularity, and a higher risk of non-melanoma skin cancers. This study aims to elucidate the characteristics and differences between hypertrophic and atrophic facial aging subtypes using two non-invasive imaging devices: VISIA<sup>®</sup> and dynamic optical coherence tomography (D-OCT). <b>Methods</b>: We retrospectively evaluated patients who had presented to the outpatient dermatological clinic at Policlinico Umberto I hospital in Rome, Italy for a non-invasive facial imaging check-up. We included 40 patients aged 60–75 who were imaged with VISIA<sup>®</sup> and dynamic optical coherence tomography (D-OCT). Based on the number of UV spots and amount of red found on VISIA<sup>®</sup>, subjects were grouped into four subgroups (PIGM, RED, CONTROL, PIGM + RED), and trends among them were analyzed. <b>Results</b>: We found a strong correlation between VISIA<sup>®</sup> red area scores and D-OCT vascular density at 300 µm depth, confirming VISIA<sup>®</sup>’s effectiveness for assessing facial vascularity. Wrinkle count was highest in areas with UV spots, particularly in the PIGM and PIGM + RED groups. Conversely, low attenuation coefficients and dermal density were observed in regions with low UV spots but high red areas. Intermediate subgroups (CONTROL and PIGM + RED) displayed varying parameters. <b>Conclusions</b>: Non-invasive imaging devices are effective in evaluating facial aging and distinguishing between aging subtypes. This study identified two intermediate aging types in addition to the hypertrophic and atrophic subtypes. |
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| ISSN: | 2075-4418 |