Researchers at Binghamton University in the US have developed a way of testing the stretchiness of human skin.
This knowledge may help cosmetic scientists develop new products to prevent cracking in the mechanically weakest regions of dry and damaged skin." " — Guy German, Binghamton University
The method could be used to help grow new skin for burn victims or patients that require skin grafts, and help innovators create new moisturising products.
Currently, surgeons use a selection of techniques to grow skin tissue ahead of surgery or skin grafts. These methods include inflating a balloon under the skin to stretch the skin.
Guy German, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Applied Science at Binghamton University, explained: “Skin grows more in regions where it is stretched – during pregnancy, for instance – but stretch it too much and the tissue might break.”