EEMCO guidance to the in vivo assessment of tensile functional properties of the skin - Part 1: Relevance to the structures and ageing of the skin and subcutaneous tissues

From an engineering point of view, the skin and subcutaneous tissue represe nt an integrated load-transmitting structure. It is subjected to intrinsic and environmental influences. An attempt to use a four-layered model is off ered to explain how the integument withstands and transmits loads through d eforming appropriately. The stratum corneum, the association between the li ving epidermis and papillary dermis, the reticular dermis and the hypodermi s have each their own intimate structures whose tensile functions are ideal ly balanced to respond adequately to the casual mechanical demands. A serie s of physiological variables, ageing and skin diseases alter the tensile fu nctions of the organ, In the overall analysis, truly comprehensive multidis ciplinary approaches in this field have brought advances in the understandi ng of functional skin biology. The assessment of tensile functions of skin also provides incentives for progress in skin care.