A literature review of the mechanical behavior of the stratum corneum, the living epidermis and the subcutaneous fat tissue

After a description of the structure and function of human skin, including the underlying fat layer, both in vitro and in vivo studies on the mechanical properties of separate skin layers are discussed: e.g. those of stratum corneum, living epidermis and the subcutaneous fat layer. Since the properties of the dermis are already widely known, this skin layer is left out of consideration. In addition, models on the mechanical behavior of human skin are considered.