scope:

Preface

The skin plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of the living organism while allowing the interaction of the organism with its environment. To fulfill these functions, mechanical stability is as important as flexibility. The mechanical properties of skin are very diverse depending on the anatomical location, and they evolve throughout life from the fetus to old age. Both genetic and acquired skin diseases modify skin biomechanics, as do intrinsic and photoaging. Since aging is so closely linked with changes of skin mechanical properties that lead to wrinkles and furrows, the desire for eternal youth leads to attempts to modify skin mechanics by a variety of interventions, including cosmeceuticals, peeling, and laser treatments.

It is within this wide scope of interests that this book gathers up-to-date information on the noninvasive assessment of skin biomechanics by modem bioengineering technology. The editors are grateful that leading investigators have shared their experiences in the development and use of standard and new techniques, their applications in dermatology, and in the testing of pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nonfood products for safety and efficacy. The editors are indebted to all authors for the knowledge and effort they have invested in this project. At the same time, we would like to thank Ms. Barbara Norwitz and Ms. Tiffany Lane of CRC Press, Boca Raton, for their help in the publishing process.

We sincerely hope that this book will provide valuable advice to our readers and that it will stimulate them to apply bioengineering techniques skillfully in their professional settings.