THE EFFECTS OF AGING ON THE CUTANEOUS MICROVASCULATURE

Background: Few studies have attempted to quantitatively assess in viv o changes in the microvasculature with age. Objective: The objective w as to assess in vivo structural and functional changes in the cutaneou s microvasculature with aging and to analyze the contribution of the m icrovasculature to skin color. Methods: Video capillaroscopy, in conju nction with fluorescein angiography, and laser-Doppler flowmetry were used to compare elderly and young normal volunteers. Skin color differ ences were assessed with a handheld color reflectance meter. A photoex posed site, the forehead, and the relatively photoprotected ventral fo rearm were studied to differentiate photoaging from chronologic aging. Results: Dermal papillary loops were significantly reduced in old ski n compared with young skin (forehead by 40%; forearm by 37%). Horizont al vessels showed increased volume fraction in elderly forehead and fo rearm skin. Laser-Doppler studies demonstrated no significant differen ces between young and old skin; indeed, hyperemic responsiveness appea red more rapid in the elderly. Color measurements showed elderly skin, particularly in men, to be significantly darker and redder. Conclusio n: A marked loss in dermal nutritional vessel density and surface area for exchange is a feature of both chronologic aging and photoaging.