Evaluation and characterization of facial skin aging using optical coherence tomography

Abstract

Objectives: The skin aging exposome encompasses internal and external factors that contribute to clinical signs of facial aging. Aging skin can be characterized by distinctive features such as wrinkles, lentigines, elastosis, and roughness. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is capable of noninvasively measuring skin characteristics. This study aimed to assess bilateral features using OCT to explore temporal skin changes among decades and potential changes in facial skin aging based on laterality. Methods: A total of 97 subjects between 20 and 89 years old with Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV were enrolled. VivoSight, a Multi-Beam OCT system intended to gather topographical and histological images of skin, was used to scan the area inferolateral to the lateral canthus, bilaterally. Investigators compared characteristics of skin roughness, attenuation coefficient and blood flow across age groups and based on laterality to determine any differences. Results: Only data from successful OCT scans were used. Seventy subjects, 10 from each specified decade, had successful bilateral scans and were thus included in the analysis. Chronological aging was characterized by significantly decreased dermal attenuation coefficient with increased age. Skin roughness measurements showed trends of increased roughness with age; however, no statistically significant changes were seen between groups. Qualitative differences amongst scans taken on right and left sides of the face showed no significance regarding roughness, density or blood flow at depths ranging from 0.05 to 0.5 mm. Conclusions: OCT is an effective method for evaluating changes in aging skin. Our results illustrate a decline in skin density with chronological age. Additionally, it was illustrated that structural change in the epidermis and dermis does occur, however on a microscopic scale, there are no significant differences based on laterality. OCT holds promise as a noninvasive technique for characterization of aging skin. Its utility and application in the clinical management and treatment of aged skin requires further research; however, the technology has potential to personalize therapies based on objective findings.

Correlations of light scattering properties in human skin with the person’s age assessed using a non-invasive technique

“…In addition, changes in the aging dermis include decreased vascularity [ 19 ] and density of collagen fibers [ 16 , 20 ]. These changes can also reduce the dermal scattering coefficient, as was demonstrated recently using optical coherence tomography (OCT) [ 21 ].…”

A novel optical coherence tomography‐based in vitro method of anti‐aging skin analysis using 3D skin wrinkle mimics

“…17 Hence, it is the most appropriate imaging tool for long-term in vitro and in vivo skin studies, particularly for monitoring morphological changes in anti-aging analyses. [18][19][20] Notably, the 3D volumetric image generated by OCT showed robust and accurate measurements in a repeated experiment. Furthermore, since skin aging progresses simultaneously in epidermis and dermis, OCT-assisted monitoring and analyses of the inner structure of the skin surface would be beneficial.…”

“…Moreover, this is a non‐invasive process involving no contrast agent and labeling step 17 . Hence, it is the most appropriate imaging tool for long‐term in vitro and in vivo skin studies, particularly for monitoring morphological changes in anti‐aging analyses 18–20 . Notably, the 3D volumetric image generated by OCT showed robust and accurate measurements in a repeated experiment.…”

An exploratory study of structural and microvascular changes in the skin following electrical shaving using optical coherence topography

“…The results from an observational study included a significantly decreased dermal attenuation coefficient and trends of increased roughness with age. 19 The authors concluded that the technology has the potential to personalize therapies based on objective findings. Indeed, in a recent systematic review and meta‐analysis OCT was shown to improve the detection of persistent basal cell carcinoma (BCC) after medical treatment.…”