Abstract: The properties of the skin are quantitatively defined by inducing shear waves in the outermost layers of the skin. The response of the skin to these waves is measured in terms of changes in the phase and amplitude of the waves as they propagate through the skin. From such measurements, various relationships of the viscoelastic properties of the skin are determined. These viscoelastic properties are expressed in terms of the viscosity of each of the stratum corneum and epidermal layers as well as the elasticity of the stratum corneum. These quantitative parameters can then be used to generate various moduli which can be displayed in a manner that enables changes in such properties to be readily perceived.

Abstract: A shaving implement for raising and holding low-lying hairs in an erect position for cutting by a blade edge and for distributing shaving force which includes resilient hair raising means spring mounted on a flange having a skin contacting surface or guard member adapted to distribute shaving force to substantially prevent stretching of a user's skin. The resilient hair raising means have barbed ends projecting beyond and substantially normal to the skin contacting surface of the flange in close proximity to the blade edge.

Abstract: An electric shaver is arranged to alleviate a cause of psuedofolliculitis by cutting low-lying facial hairs to a predetermined length. The electric shaver comprises a movable cutter and a perforated shaving foil having ribs protruding from a surface normally placed in contact with a user's beard. The shaving foil is arranged to move simultaneously with the cutter so that the ribs might lift and direct low-lying facial hairs through the perforations in the foil for shearing by the moving cutter.