A three-layer model of skin and its application in simulating wrinkling

Abstract

Human skin is a complex multi-layer material. Many existing numerical skin models accurately simulate several of its complex mechanical characteristics. However, few models simulate wrinkling – a phenomenon common to all human skin. In this study, a multi-layer model of skin was developed to simulate wrinkling. The model consisted of the stratum corneum, dermis and underlying hypodermis. The results of the simulations were compared with results of in vivo wrinkling experiments performed on the volar forearm. The proposed three-layer skin model simulates wrinkling more realistically than models of fewer layers. The size of the wrinkles predicted by the model fell within the range of the wrinkle sizes measured in the experiments. The maximum range and average roughness differed by 34 and 43% from the corresponding mean experimental results, respectively. Applications of the model include simulating skin aging, designing more realistic artificial skin and the development of surgical simulators.

Keywords:

• skin
• multi-layer model
• wrinkles
• finite element
• surface profilometer

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the financial support of Enterprise Ireland with this project. CF would like to acknowledge Eamonn Price for the use of the laser profilometer.