Characterization of skin aging through high-frequency ultrasound imaging as a technique for evaluating the effectiveness of anti-aging products and procedures: A review

Abstract

Introduction: High-frequency ultrasound skin imaging analysis (HFUS) is a non-invasive technique that allows a unique approach to the analysis of skin aging, as well as in evaluating the effectiveness of dermatological and cosmetic products, especially for skin rejuvenation.

Objective: To describe the impact of skin aging and different anti-aging strategies from the perspective of high-frequency ultrasound.

Methods: A bibliographic survey was carried out, selecting relevant articles that evaluated the characterization of the skin features from different points of view such as gender (male and female), age (young skin and mature skin), and ethnicity, in addition to individual variations between body regions and daily variations.

Results: Some studies also evaluated the impact of cosmetic treatments and esthetic procedures in the skin. Parameters such as dermal thickness, echogenicity, skin texture, and subepidermal low-echogenic band (SLEB) were analyzed. It can be concluded that there is a trend, although not unanimous in the consequences of aging on the skin, being different between men and women, plus the individual nuances resulted from each one's lifestyle and exposure to the sun.

Conclusion: As for the technique, it is concluded that high-frequency ultrasound is an important evaluative alternative for dermatological studies and the effectiveness of anti-aging products and treatments.

Keywords: anti-aging strategies; dermis age-related echogenicity; high-frequency ultrasound; skin aging; subepidermal low-echogenic band.