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 elasticity 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 (2) elasticity measurement probes with different aperture Ø at the same time.
  • In addition to the well-established elasticity parameters known from literatures, 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 transfer data to Excel® spreadsheets.
  • 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.

  

  

• 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.
  • 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.).
  • 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.

   

  

  Measurement Parameters

   

  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 in 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

   

  

  F - Area Parameters

   

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

   

  

  

  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 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) - (QE + QR)/Q0
  • Q2: Elastic recovery - QE / Q0
  • Q3: Viscoelastic recovery - QR / Q0

   

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

   

  

• 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).
  • 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.
  • 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 2.0, type B connector

   

  Probe only:

  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 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.