The effects of aging on the cutaneous microvasculature

Abstract

Background: Few studies have attempted to quantitatively assess in vivo changes in the microvasculature with age.

Objective: The objective was to assess in vivo structural and functional changes in the cutaneous microvasculature with aging and to analyze the contribution of the microvasculature to skin color.

Methods: Video capillaroscopy, in conjunction with fluorescein angiography, and laser-Doppler flowmetry were used to compare elderly and young normal volunteers. Skin color differences were assessed with a handheld color reflectance meter. A photoexposed site, the forehead, and the relatively photoprotected ventral forearm were studied to differentiate photoaging from chronologic aging.

Results: Dermal papillary loops were significantly reduced in old skin compared with young skin (forehead by 40%; forearm by 37%). Horizontal vessels showed increased volume fraction in elderly forehead and forearm skin. Laser-Doppler studies demonstrated no significant differences between young and old skin; indeed, hyperemic responsiveness appeared more rapid in the elderly. Color measurements showed elderly skin, particularly in men, to be significantly darker and redder.

Conclusion: A marked loss in dermal nutritional vessel density and surface area for exchange is a feature of both chronologic aging and photoaging.