Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the mechanical properties of the skin which is free from all parameters interfering with measurement. The device comprises: a) a pneumatic assembly (16) for delivering compressed air to apply a stress to the surface of the skin undergoing measurement, b) an electronic assembly (6) for contact-free measurements on said surface of the skin subjected to the stress, and c) a control software (19) for controlling the electronic assembly (6) and for processing measurement data in order to deduce the mechanical properties of the skin.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical, personal care and cosmetic compositions containing a tripeptide and a tetrapeptide are useful for treating visible signs of aging including wrinkles, stretch marks and dark circles.

Abstract: Personal care products including cosmetics, grooming products and topical pharmaceutical products can be produced including a polypeptide of between 3 and 12 amino acids in length and a ceramide. These formulations are particularly useful in addressing wrinkles in human subjects and in particular facial skin and hands. Certain analogs and derivatives of these polypeptides may be used in these formulations and/or alone. Methods of using these formulations are also disclosed.