Observation of dermal collagen fiber in wrinkled skin using polarization-resolved second-harmonic-generation microscopy

Opt Express. 2009 Jan 19;17(2):912-23. doi: 10.1364/oe.17.000912.

Abstract

Optical probe methods for in vivo assessments of cutaneous photoaging are necessary in fields such as anti-aging dermatology and skin cosmetic development. We investigated the relation between wrinkle direction and collagen orientation in ultraviolet-B-exposed (UVB-exposed) skin using polarization-resolved second-harmonic-generation (SHG) microscopy. A polarization anisotropic image of the SHG light indicated that wrinkle direction in UVB-exposed skin is predominantly parallel to the orientation of dermal collagen fibers. Furthermore, collagen orientation in post-UVB-exposed skin with few wrinkles changed from that of UVB-exposed wrinkled skin to that of no-UVB-exposed skin. The method proposed has the potential to become a powerful non-invasive tool for assessment of cutaneous photoaging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dermis / physiology*
  • Dermis / radiation effects
  • Fibrillar Collagens / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Polarization / methods*
  • Skin Aging / physiology*
  • Skin Aging / radiation effects
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Fibrillar Collagens