Abstract
The image contrast and probing depth of optical methods applied to
in vivo skin could be improved by reducing skin scattering using
the optical clearing method. The aim of the present study was to
quantify, from line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT)
3D images, the modifications of skin scattering properties in
vivo during optical clearing. Nine mixtures of optical clearing agents
were used in combination with physical and chemical permeation enhancers
on human skin of three healthy volunteers. Scattering coefficient and
anisotropy factor of the epidermis and the upper dermis were estimated
from the 3D LC-OCT images of skin using an exponential decay model of
the in-depth intensity profile. We were able to demonstrate a decrease
in epidermal scattering (down to 33%) related to optical clearing with
the best results obtained by a mixture of Polyethylene Glycol, Oleic
Acid and Propylene Glycol.