Imaging changes in skin Microstructure due to Ageing (IM-AGE)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Validation of advanced OCT Imaging for the visualisation of changes in skin Microstructure due to chronological and photo-AGEing
IRAS ID
337347
Contact name
Simon G Danby
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
This study aims to get a clearer picture of skin ageing. Skin damage from the sun and natural ageing breaks down key structures like collagen. Understanding these changes is crucial, but current measurement techniques, like biopsies, are invasive. Our main goal is to test and validate new, gentle methods that could replace the need for biopsies.
To do this, we will compare the skin of younger adults (under 25) with older adults (45 and over) who have sun-damaged skin. We will use two painless, new tools. The first is a high-resolution camera called OCT, which acts like an "optical biopsy" to scan the skin's structure without a single cut. The second is a painless microneedle patch that collects a tiny drop of skin fluid. This fluid contains important proteins, called "biomarkers," that show skin health. To prove these new tools work, we will compare their results to a traditional skin biopsy.
Volunteers in the older group will also help us test four anti-ageing products, applied under a patch for 12 days. We will use our new gentle tools to measure the products' effects. Our ultimate aim is to confirm that these comfortable, non-invasive methods are accurate, making future skin research safer and easier for everyone.REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NE/0065
Date of REC Opinion
7 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion