A novel optical coherence tomography‐based in vitro method of anti‐aging skin analysis using 3D skin wrinkle mimics

BACKGROUND: Wrinkles represent a characteristic symptom of skin aging. In recent years, various studies have focused on their prevention and/or cure. However, clinical tests are still the only method available to directly detect and evaluate the anti‐wrinkle efficacy of various substances. Moreover, no in vitro strategy for such anti‐aging skin analysis has been reported. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to develop a novel technology to overcome these limitations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Full‐thickness (FT) skin wrinkle mimics with various widths and depths were fabricated using a collagen stamping method. These were analyzed and compared using 2D and 3D Swept Source‐Optical Coherence Tomography (SS‐OCT) imaging technologies. RESULTS: SS‐OCT demonstrated superficial and cross‐sectional images of the wrinkle mimics, and the size of the wrinkles was validated using image analysis. Retinoic acid treatment significantly decreased both the depth and width of wrinkles formed in the FT skin wrinkle mimics. CONCLUSIONS: Using 3D tissue engineering and SS‐OCT imaging technologies, we developed a novel in vitro technique that can directly detect skin wrinkles. This significantly efficient method could lead to an alternative strategy for animal experiments and preclinical anti‐aging research on the skin.