Automated characterization of skin aging using in vivo confocal microscopy

In-vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a powerful tool to visualize the skin layers at cellular resolution. Aging descriptors have been highlighted from confocal images. However, it requires visual assessment of images by experienced dermatologists to assess those descriptors. The objective of this thesis is the development of an innovative technology to automatically quantify the phenomenon of skin aging using in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy. First, the quantification of the epidermal state is addressed. Then, the Dermal-Epidermal Junction is segmented, and its shape is characterized. The proposed measurements show significant difference among groups of age and photo-exposition. Finally, the proposed methods are validated through both clinical and cosmetic product efficacy studies