For more than 35 years elasticity measurements with the Cutometer® have been recognized as standard in cosmetology and have been used to support the latest discoveries in this field. Due to its precision and ease of use compared to other elasticity measurement methods, the Cutometer® is mentioned in most studies on this subject worldwide.
The measuring principle of the Cutometer® is based on the suction method, where negative pressure deforms the skin mechanically. The pressure is created in the device and draws the skin into the aperture of the probe and after a defined time, releases it again.
Inside the probe, the penetration depth is determined by a non-contact optical measuring system. This optical measuring system consists of a light source and a light receptor, as well as two prisms facing each other, which project the light from transmitter to receptor. The light intensity varies due to the penetration depth of the skin. The resistance of the skin to the negative pressure (firmness) and its ability to return into its original position (elasticity) are displayed as curves (penetration depth in mm/time) in real time during the measurement. From these curves a variety of interesting measurement parameters can be calculated related to elastic and visco-elastic properties of skin surface and skin aging.
The typical shape of a curve of human skin is based on the different forces of elastin and collagen in the skin. Elastin is responsible for the flexibility of the skin whereas collagen’s main task is to keep the skin in shape.
The first, very straight part of the curve is shaped by the proportion of elastin in the skin as it easy to displace and very flexible. When skin starts to “creep” inside the probe, the collagen has taken over. It is stronger and resists the mechanical force better. Immediately after the pressure of the device has ceased, the collagen start to bring skin back to its original shape. Therefore in young skin with fresh collagen, the skin instantly returns more closely to its original position than in aged skin. In the end, eventually the elastin sees to the complete recovery of the skin.
The software of the Cutometer® MPA 580 allows to calculate a lot of interesting parameters from the different portions of the measurement curve. Here a short overview:
R-Parameters (extremely well documented in literature for more than 20 years)To receive the areas QE and QR you have to spread a tangent at the graph and through the highest point = R0. The inflection point is the point, where the tangent varies from the graph. At this point the areas QE and QR are divided.
The elasticity measurement with the Cutometer® is the basic measurement for all cosmetic applications.
Device: Dimensions: 39 x 22.5 x 7.6 cm, Weight: 3.9 kg, Power supply: external 100-240 VAC, 47-63 Hz, DC 12V/4A, Port: USB 2.0, type B connector
Probe: Dimensions: 10.7 cm x Ø 2.4 cm, Weight: 165 g incl. air tube, Measuring aperture: 2 mm Ø standard (4, 6 and 8 mm Ø on request)
Measurement principle: suction (pressure setting up to 500 mbar), Units: mm penetration depth shown as curves in real time, Measurement uncertainty: ± 3%
Computer: Windows® 10, USB 2.0/3.0, performance must meet system requirements (please ask for details).
Technical changes may be made without prior notice.Phone: | +49-221-9564990 |
Fax: | +49-221-9564991 |