A digital illustration showcasing the optoacoustic mesoscopy technology, highlighting the structure of skin with blood vessels, and light and sound technology.

Unlocking Skin Secrets: How a New Technology is Revolutionizing Dermatology

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"Motion correction in optoacoustic mesoscopy (RSOM) offers a new way to see beneath the skin, potentially changing how we diagnose and treat skin conditions."

For centuries, the beauty of skin has been admired, but its deeper mysteries remained hidden. Traditional methods of examining the skin, like visual inspection and biopsies, offer limited insights into the underlying structures and processes. However, a new technology is emerging that is changing the game: optoacoustic mesoscopy (RSOM). This innovative technique uses light and sound to create detailed images of the skin's internal landscape, opening up exciting new possibilities for dermatologists and patients alike.

RSOM, also known as photoacoustic mesoscopy, is a biomedical imaging technique that offers novel insights into the skin. It allows doctors to visualize tissue morphology and the biomarkers of inflammatory diseases non-invasively. While other imaging methods struggle to penetrate beyond a few millimeters, RSOM can achieve resolutions of just a few micrometers to depths of several millimeters. This makes it possible to see details previously hidden from view, such as the fine structures of blood vessels and the subtle changes associated with skin conditions.

This article delves into the science behind RSOM, exploring how it works and the significant impact it's making on dermatology. We'll explore how RSOM is being used to improve the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions, as well as its potential for future advancements. From understanding the intricacies of psoriasis to detecting early signs of skin cancer, RSOM is poised to revolutionize the field of dermatology.

Decoding the Technology: How RSOM Works

A digital illustration showcasing the optoacoustic mesoscopy technology, highlighting the structure of skin with blood vessels, and light and sound technology.

At the heart of RSOM lies a fascinating interplay of light and sound. The process begins with short pulses of laser light, which are directed at the skin. This light is absorbed by different components of the skin, such as melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color) and blood vessels. When these structures absorb the light, they rapidly heat up, causing them to expand and generate ultrasonic waves. These waves, also known as photoacoustic waves, are then detected by highly sensitive ultrasound detectors.

The key to RSOM's ability to create detailed images lies in its ability to collect and analyze these ultrasonic waves. The ultrasound detectors scan the skin, recording the time it takes for the waves to travel back. Using this data, sophisticated computer algorithms reconstruct a three-dimensional image of the skin's internal structures. The resulting images provide a high-resolution view of the skin, revealing the intricate details of blood vessels, the epidermis, and the deeper layers of the dermis. The technology is a testament to how optics and acoustics can be combined for medical breakthroughs.

Laser Pulses: Short bursts of light are emitted onto the skin.
Absorption and Expansion: Light is absorbed by skin components, causing them to heat up and expand.
Ultrasound Wave Generation: This rapid expansion creates ultrasound waves.
Detection: Ultrasound detectors capture these waves.
Image Reconstruction: Computer algorithms transform the data into detailed 3D images.

The ability to visualize these intricate details allows dermatologists to examine the skin in ways never before possible. RSOM can reveal subtle changes in skin structure that may indicate the presence of disease, such as psoriasis or skin cancer. In addition, it is a non-invasive technique, meaning that it does not require cutting into the skin, reducing discomfort and the risk of infection for patients.

The Future of Skin Care

Optoacoustic mesoscopy is more than just a new imaging technique; it's a window into the future of skin care. As the technology continues to develop, it holds immense promise for improving the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases. With its ability to provide high-resolution, non-invasive images, RSOM is poised to revolutionize dermatology. The insights it provides are paving the way for more personalized and effective treatments, ultimately leading to healthier skin for all.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1038/s41598-017-11277-y, Alternate LINK

Title: Motion Correction In Optoacoustic Mesoscopy

Subject: Multidisciplinary

Journal: Scientific Reports

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Mathias Schwarz, Natalie Garzorz-Stark, Kilian Eyerich, Juan Aguirre, Vasilis Ntziachristos

Published: 2017-09-04

Everything You Need To Know

What is optoacoustic mesoscopy (RSOM), and how does it differ from traditional skin examination methods like visual inspection and biopsies?

Optoacoustic mesoscopy (RSOM) is a biomedical imaging technique that combines light and sound to visualize tissue morphology and biomarkers of inflammatory diseases non-invasively. Unlike traditional methods like visual inspection and biopsies that offer limited insights into the underlying skin structures, RSOM penetrates several millimeters beneath the skin with micrometer resolution. This allows doctors to see details previously hidden, such as fine blood vessel structures and subtle changes related to skin conditions without cutting into the skin.

How does motion correction enhance optoacoustic mesoscopy and improve the visualization of skin structures?

Motion correction in optoacoustic mesoscopy (RSOM) stabilizes images by compensating for movement artifacts, providing clearer and more accurate visualizations of the skin's internal structures. This is particularly crucial for high-resolution imaging, enabling dermatologists to identify and analyze subtle changes in the skin that might otherwise be obscured, facilitating more precise diagnoses and treatment planning.

What are the main steps involved in how RSOM works to create detailed images of the skin?

The process begins with short pulses of laser light directed at the skin. These pulses are absorbed by skin components, like melanin and blood vessels, causing them to rapidly heat up and expand. This expansion generates ultrasonic waves, which are detected by ultrasound detectors. Sophisticated computer algorithms then analyze these waves to reconstruct a three-dimensional image, providing a high-resolution view of the skin's internal structures, including blood vessels, the epidermis, and the dermis.

What potential impact does optoacoustic mesoscopy (RSOM) have on the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions like psoriasis and skin cancer?

Optoacoustic mesoscopy (RSOM) provides high-resolution, non-invasive images that can reveal subtle changes in skin structure indicative of diseases like psoriasis and skin cancer. This early detection capability can lead to more effective and personalized treatment strategies. By visualizing the intricacies of these conditions at a deeper level, RSOM allows for a more accurate diagnosis and monitoring of treatment progress. However, it's important to note that RSOM is just one tool, and a comprehensive diagnostic approach still involves clinical examination and other relevant tests.

Beyond improved diagnosis, what is the future potential of optoacoustic mesoscopy (RSOM) in the field of dermatology and personalized skin care?

Optoacoustic mesoscopy (RSOM) is poised to revolutionize dermatology by enabling more personalized and effective treatments. The high-resolution, non-invasive images provided by RSOM can pave the way for tailored treatment plans based on individual skin characteristics and disease progression. Furthermore, RSOM may facilitate the development of novel therapies and interventions targeted at specific skin structures and biomarkers. However, ongoing research and technological advancements are necessary to fully realize its potential in transforming skin care practices and improving patient outcomes.