Cutometer^® Dual MPA 580

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.

• Worldwide established suction method to look at skin's elasticity and its biological age with a broad range of studies.
• The measurement (behavior of the skin during suction and relaxation) is monitored as instant 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 probe head can easily be cleaned after each measurement.
• 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.

  Advantages of the work with the MPA CTplus software

• For the first time, the Cutometer^® and all other C+K probes as well as the Ambient Condition Sensor RHT can work in one software and their results go into one database.
• Take as many curves in one measurement as you need. You can hide/display them for a better view.
• Use of the exact, dynamical inflection point (IP) of each curve to calculate the standard parameters R5, R6 and R7.
• See the results of each measurement instantly next to it.
• Intuitive, graphic explanation of the various results generated with the Cutometer^®.
• Export the results and curve data of a complete study directly to Excel^®.
• All measurement details are available in the database (settings of the measurement, diameter of the probe opening, operator, etc.).
• Select individually which of the many result data you want to export.
• Easy designing of studies to make your work as quick as possible.
• New exciting ageing parameters for mode 2 and 3 (“maximum collagen power”).
• Open different measurements side by side to compare the details visually.
• See and save the pressure curve (optionally) to monitor the quality of your measurements.
• Convenient registering & intelligent messages when working with two Cutometer^® probes at the same time.
• Further advantages of the MPA CTplus software.

The settings in the MPA CTplus software are flexible and set by the user according to different applications (suction time, relaxation time, pressure/pressure rate, repetitions, etc.). The programme allows the calculation of a lot of interesting parameters from the different portions of the measurement curve during suction and recovery.
Most measurements in literature have been performed in mode 1 (full suction followed by complete relaxation).

Here a short overview:

R-Parameters (extremely well documented in literature for more than 30 years)

• R0: Uf pliability/firmness mm (amplitude at the end of the suction phase)
• R1/R4: ability of the skin to recover its initial state (residual deformation in mm at the end of recovery)
• R2: visco-elasticity in % (resistance to the mechanical force versus ability of recovery)
• R3/R9/R10: Tiring effects in mm (Fatigue) visible for repeated suction/recovery circles
• R5: net elasticity in %: Ur/Ue  = elastic part of the suction phase vs. immediate recovery during relaxation phase
• R6: Uv/Ue Portion of the visco-elasticity of the curve during suction phase in %
• R7: Ur/Uf proportion of the immediate recovery compared to the amplitude after suction in %
• R8: Ua Total recovery after the pressure is cut off in mm

Area Parameters (F):

• F1: Area above the curve during suction phase. The more elastic, the less area there is.
• F2/F3/F4: “Fatigue” + “Skin Energy”

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

• Q0: Maximum recovery area
• Q1: Total recovery (overall elasticity) - (Q_E + Q_R)/Q₀
• Q2: Elastic recovery - Q_E / Q₀
• Q3: Viscoelastic recovery - Q_R / Q₀

*From: D. Qu, et al.: Correlating Age and Quantifying Product Efficacy on Human Skin Using Novel Viscoelastic Parameters


New interesting aging parameters for mode 2 and 3 (gradually decreasing pressure after suction):

Different from mode 1, in these modes at the end of the suction phase, the skin does not necessarily start to leave the probe. Depending on the loss of collagen, it may even go deeper inside the probe, even though the pressure already starts to decline as the collagen may not be strong enough to start to bring skin back into its original shape with the given power. R3 is the maximum amplitude in mm.
R4 = Maximum collagen power: Describes when the decreasing pressure is low enough so that the collagen can finally start to bring the skin out of the probe and begin the recovery. The corresponding distance in the pressure curve is expressed as proportion to the maximum pressure (in %). Young skin with high collagen power has a higher value for R4 than older skin with decreased collagen power.

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.
• Typical claims (examples) substantiated with the Cutometer^®: firmness enhancing, lifting, toning, anti-aging, improves skin elasticity, rejuvenating, against skin fatigue/slackness, improves cellulite/stretch marks, improves softness (e.g. callus), improves stiffness/hardness (e.g. scar tissue), and more.
• Important in dermatological basic research in humans and animals.
• Other materials like food, textiles can also be assessed.

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^® 10/11, USB 2.0/3.0, performance must meet system requirements (please ask for details).

Technical changes may be made without prior notice.