Imaging of sebaceous glands of human skin by three-dimensional ultrasound microscopy and its relation to elasticity.

High frequency ultrasound imaging has realized high resolution in vivo imaging of the biological tissues at a microscopic level. Human skin structure, especially sebaceous glands at the deep part of the dermis, was observed by three-dimensional ultrasound microscopy with the central frequency of 120 MHz. The visco-elasticity and surface sebum level of the observed region were measured by established testing devices. Both sebaceous glands density and surface sebum level were higher in cheek than those in forearm. The viscosity of forearm was lower than that of cheek. These results suggest that sebaceous glands may act as cushions of the skin besides their classical role of secreting sebum and some hormones. High frequency ultrasound imaging contributes to the evaluation of human skin aging.