Cutometer® dual MPA 580

• The Measuring Principle

  The Cutometer®is destined to measure elasticity of the upper skin layer using negative pressure which deforms the skin mechanically. The measuring principle is based on the suction method. Negative pressure is created in the device and the skin is drawn into the aperture of the probe and after a defined time released 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. This measurement principle allows getting information about the elastic and mechanical properties of skin surface and enables to objectively quantify skin aging.

  From these curves interesting measurement parameters can be calculated.

  

  

• Advantages of the Cutometer®

  • The measurement is monitored as live curves on the screen.
  • The small, convenient size of the probe allows successful measurement of skin areas that are difficult to reach.
  • The probe contains an elastic spring that provides constant pressure of the probe on the skin.
  • The probe can be delivered with several aperture sizes (2, 4, 6 and 8 mm Ø) to fit different skin sites and different study requirements.
  • The Cutometer® dual MPA 580 can feature two elasticity measurement probes with different aperture Ø at the same time.
  • The settings in the programme are flexible and set by the user according to different applications (suction time, relaxation time, pressure, repetitions, etc.).
  • In addition to the well-established elasticity parameters known from literature, interesting area parameters can be calculated. If suction is applied to one skin site with repetition the fatigue of the skin can be determined.
  • All data of the curves (penetration depths per mills and all results) are immediately available for Excel® spreadsheets (4 curves at the same time).
  • The accuracy of the Cutometer® probe can be checked easily anytime.
  • The probe head can easily be cleaned after each measurement.
  • Worldwide established method to look at skin's elasticity and its biological age with a broad range of studies.
  • The Cutometer® MPA 580 is at the same time a Multi Probe Adapter system and can be used with the Sebumeter® and up to 4 other probes of your choice.

  

  

  

• The Measurement Parameters

  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 document in literature for more than 20 years)

   

  • R0: This parameter looks at the maximum amplitude and represents the passive behaviour of the skin to force (firmness).
  • R1/R4: The ability of the skin to return to its original state (minimum amplitude after relaxation)
  • R2: Gross elasticity: resistance versus ability of returning
  • R3/R9: Tiring effect (Fatigue) visible for repeated suction/relaxation
  • R5: net elasticity: elastic portion of the suction part versus the elastic portion of the relaxation part
  • R6: Portion of the visco-elasticity of the curve.
  • R7: Portion of the elasticity compared to the complete curve
  • R8: Complete relaxation after the pressure is cut off

   

  Area Parameters (F):

   

  • F1/F2: Area above the curve (in a rectangle from the max. amplitude). The more elastic, the less area there is.
  • F3: Area within the curve (enveloped) represents the skin fatigue
  • F4: area beneath the curve, represents the firmness of the skin (its resistance to the suction).

   

  Q-Parameters:

   

  A set of parameters developed by the scientist Di Qu (Senior Research Scientist, R&D Skin Care, Amway Corporation, Ada, Michigan, USA)  has recently been added, showing interesting correlations between skin age and the elastic and viscous recovery of the curves:

   

  Q0: Maximum recovery area

  Q1: Viscous recovery

  Q2: Viscoelastic recovery (overall elasticity)

  Q3: Elastic recovery

  

  

  

  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.

  

  Q0

  Q1 = (QE + QR)/Q0

  Q2 = QE / Q0

  Q3 = QR / Q0

• Fields of Application

  The elasticity measurement with the Cutometer® is the basic measurement for all cosmetic applications.

   

  • It is indispensable for formulation, efficacy testing and claim support for all kinds of cosmetic products (especially anti-aging products, firmness enhancing or anti-cellulite products).
  • Important in dermatological basic research.
  • Other materials like food, textiles can also be assessed.

• Technical Data

  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

   

  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 depths shown as curves, Accuracy: ± 3%

   

  Computer: Windows® Vista or 7/8/10, performance must meet system requirements, USB 2.0

   

  Technical changes may be made without prior notice.