Skin treatment device and skin treatment method

Abstract

The skin treatment device and the skin treatment method of the present application are suitable for effectively suppressing melanin production in a skin portion of a person being irradiated. The skin treatment device and the skin treatment method of the present application are provided with a light source that generates prescribed light having a central wavelength in a wavelength range longer than 490 nm and 525 nm or lower, and are capable of irradiating the prescribed light from the light source to the skin. It is preferable that the prescribed light have a central wavelength of approximately 505 nm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a skin treatment device and a skin treatment method. Background Technology

[0002] A skin wound healing device is known to have an ultra-narrowband light irradiation unit that generates ultra-narrowband green light with a peak wavelength region of 500nm to 540nm and a half-width of less than 10nm.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Booklet No. WO2011 / 067941 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in the aforementioned existing technologies, it is difficult to effectively inhibit melanin production in the skin areas of the irradiated person.

[0008] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to effectively inhibit melanin production in the skin of an irradiated person.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] In one aspect, a skin treatment device is disclosed, comprising: a light source that generates a predetermined light having a center wavelength in a wavelength range longer than 490 nm and less than 525 nm, capable of irradiating the predetermined light from the light source onto the skin.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to the present invention, melanin production in the skin of the irradiated person can be effectively inhibited. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the light irradiation device in this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram of the characteristics of light (standard light) generated by an LED.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the control system of the light irradiation device.

[0016] Figure 3A This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a control device.

[0017] Figure 4AThe figure shows the experimental results (1) of the melanin production inhibition effect based on green LED light irradiation.

[0018] Figure 4B The figure shown is the experimental results (2) of the effect of green LED light irradiation on inhibiting melanin production.

[0019] Figure 5A The figure shown is the experimental results (3) of the effect of green LED light irradiation on inhibiting melanin production.

[0020] Figure 5B Figure 4 shows the experimental results of the melanin production inhibition effect based on green LED light irradiation.

[0021] Figure 5C Figure 5 shows the experimental results of the melanin production inhibition effect based on green LED light irradiation.

[0022] Figure 5D Figure 6 shows the experimental results of the melanin production inhibition effect based on green LED light irradiation.

[0023] Figure 5E From Figures 5A to 5E The evaluation results obtained from the experiment are presented in a table or graph.

[0024] Figure 6A Figure 7 shows the experimental results of the melanin production inhibition effect based on green LED light irradiation.

[0025] Figure 6B Figure 8 shows the experimental results of the melanin production inhibition effect based on green LED light irradiation.

[0026] Figure 7A Figure 9 shows the experimental results of the melanin production inhibition effect based on green LED light irradiation.

[0027] Figure 7B The figure shown is the experimental results (10) of the melanin production inhibition effect based on green LED light irradiation.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a table showing the relationship between the radiation intensity of green LED light and its effect (the effect of inhibiting melanin production).

[0029] Figure 9 This is a graph (Figure 1) showing the relationship between the radiation intensity and effect of green LED light.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a graph (Figure 2) showing the relationship between the radiation intensity and effect of green LED light.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a graph (Figure 3) showing the relationship between the radiation intensity and effect of green LED light.

[0032] Figure 11A This is a graph showing other experimental results related to the relationship between the radiation intensity and effect of green LED light.

[0033] Figure 12 The figure shows the experimental results (1) of the difference in melanin production inhibition effect caused by the difference in wavelength.

[0034] Figure 13 The figure is a graph showing the experimental results (Figure 2) of the difference in melanin production inhibition effect caused by the difference in wavelength.

[0035] Figure 14 The figure (3) shows the experimental results of the difference in melanin production inhibition effect caused by the difference in wavelength.

[0036] Figure 15 This is a graph showing the experimental results related to the expression level of keratin 10. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the light irradiation device 1 in this embodiment.

[0039] The light irradiation device 1 generates light that can be irradiated onto human skin. The light can also have cosmetic-related effects. In this case, the cosmetic-related effects are arbitrary and can include hair removal, skin rejuvenation, reduction of sagging, tightening, fat burning, lifting, face slimming, improvement of skin elasticity, radiance, moisturization, or any combination of one or more of these. Furthermore, the cosmetic-related effects can be quantifiable or non-quantifiable.

[0040] The functions of the light irradiation device 1 can be implemented by the computer within the light irradiation device 1 alone, or by a combination of the computer within the light irradiation device 1 and an external server and / or user terminal. Furthermore, in this case, the computer reading program that implements the functions of the light irradiation device 1 can be executed by the computer within the light irradiation device 1, or by a combination of the computer within the light irradiation device 1 and an external server and / or user terminal.

[0041] also, Figure 1 The light irradiation device 1 shown is portable and can be held by the user's hand, but it can also be applied to a movable type that is movably supported on a fixed device via an arm or the like.

[0042] The light irradiation device 1 includes a holding part 2 and a head 3. In this case, by holding the holding part 2, the user can direct the skin-facing part 3a (described later) of the head 3 toward a desired part of their face or body, and can locally irradiate the desired part with light from the light irradiation device 1.

[0043] The grip unit 2 has a form that is easy for a user to hold. The grip unit 2 may include an input unit (not shown) which includes various buttons such as a power on / off button, a mode switching button, and an intensity adjustment button. In addition, the various buttons may be mechanical buttons or touch switches. Furthermore, a display unit (not shown) that displays the status of the light irradiation device 1 may also be provided on the grip unit 2.

[0044] The head 3 is located at the end of the grip 2. Furthermore, the head 3 can be fixed to the grip 2, detachable, or movable relative to the grip 2. Additionally, it may include multiple detachable accessories.

[0045] The head 3 can have a generally planar or curved (curved surface with a relatively large radius of curvature) skin-facing portion 3a. The shape of the skin-facing portion 3a when viewed from the front (the shape when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the skin-facing portion 3a) can be any shape such as rectangular, circular, elliptical, or polygonal. The skin-facing portion 3a can be formed of any material that allows light to pass through, such as glass. In this embodiment, the skin-facing portion 3a is formed from a light-emitting surface. Alternatively, the skin-facing portion 3a may have the light-emitting surface exposed, but it can also be covered by a lens or the like. Preferably, the skin-facing portion 3a has a concave shape that is recessed relative to the skin in the vertical direction. In this case, cosmetics or other materials containing an object that penetrates the skin can be included in the concave portion, and skin treatment based on light irradiation can be performed, thereby improving the skin treatment effect.

[0046] A light irradiation part 30 is embedded in the head 3 (in) Figure 1 Not shown in the image, please refer to the diagram. Figure 3 The light irradiation unit 30 generates light that is irradiated onto the skin via the skin-facing portion 3a. That is, the light irradiation unit 30 irradiates light onto the skin via the skin-facing portion 3a. Furthermore, an optical system such as a light guide may be provided between the light irradiation unit 30 and the skin-facing portion 3a, or no optical system may be provided.

[0047] In this embodiment, the light irradiation unit 30 includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 36. One LED 36 may be configured, or multiple LEDs may be configured. If multiple LEDs are configured, for example, multiple LEDs 36 may be configured in a plane substantially parallel to the skin-facing portion 3a.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light irradiation device 1 is portable, but it can also be fixed; its form is arbitrary. Additionally, the light irradiation device 1 can be, for example, a face mask or something that can be wrapped around the body. Furthermore, the irradiation range of the light irradiation device 1 is arbitrary; it can irradiate the skin in various ways, such as wide-area irradiation or point irradiation. Additionally, the light irradiation device 1 has a head 3 that is different from the light irradiation section 30, but it can also be a structure where the head 3 and the light irradiation section 30 are integrated.

[0049] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram of the characteristics of the light (standard light) generated by LED36. The horizontal axis represents wavelength and the vertical axis represents intensity, representing an example of the characteristics.

[0050] Preferably, LED36 is a light source that produces light with a defined center wavelength in a wavelength range longer than 490 nm and less than 525 nm. The basis (technical significance) for the superiority of this wavelength range (and approximately 505 nm therein) will be referred to Figure 4A , Figure 4B ,as well as Figure 12 This will be discussed later. In addition, 505nm and its vicinity are strictly speaking blue-green wavelengths, and 525nm and its vicinity are strictly speaking green wavelengths. However, the wavelength range longer than 490nm and below 525nm will sometimes be represented as "green".

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, more preferably, the specified light has a center wavelength of approximately 505 nm. With such a center wavelength, compared to cases where it is not, as described later, it is possible to suppress melanin production in the skin areas of the irradiated user. For example, in the skin areas of the irradiated user, compared to cases where the specified light is not irradiated, the specified light can irradiate with a good melanin production suppression effect of 5% or more, more preferably 10% or more.

[0052] Preferably, the half-value and half-width of the light are specified (refer to...). Figure 2 The wavelength is ±20nm or less, more preferably around ±10nm. This maximizes the inhibition of melanin production in the irradiated user's skin.

[0053] The light irradiation section 30 preferably has a light intensity of 0.5 mW / cm. 2 Above and 62mW / cm 2 The radiation intensity in the following range, more preferably 11.5 mW / cm², is preferred. 2 Above and 30mW / cm 2 The following range of radiation intensities are used to irradiate the specified light. Related test results are referenced. Figure 8 The following diagrams will be described later.

[0054] Furthermore, the light irradiation section 30 preferably uses 0.09 J / cm². 2 Above and 30J / cm 2 The following range of irradiation energies, more preferably 0.09 J / cm², are preferred. 2 Above and 11J / cm 2 The following range of irradiation energy is used to irradiate the prescribed light.

[0055] Furthermore, multiple LED36 components can be mounted on a single chip. Alternatively, LED36 can be combined with other LEDs having different center wavelengths to form a single chip. For example, in the case of monolithically mounting LED36 and red LEDs, the ratio of green LEDs to red LEDs in a single chip can be appropriately matched.

[0056] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the control system of the light irradiation device 1.

[0057] The light irradiation device 1 includes a control device 100, a power supply 90, and an LED 36 electrically connected to the control device 100. The control device 100 operates based on power from the power supply 90, controlling the LED 36. The LED 36 operates under the control of the control device 100, based on power from the power supply 90. The power supply 90 may include an external power source and / or an internal power source. Furthermore, the internal power source may be a rechargeable battery.

[0058] The control device 100 irradiates a predetermined light onto the skin via the LED 36. In this case, the control device 100 can achieve continuous light irradiation for at least one minute, with the predetermined light irradiation time accounting for at least half of the total irradiation time. During this process, light of other wavelengths can be irradiated during the time outside the predetermined light irradiation time, or no light can be irradiated at all (i.e., intermittent irradiation of the predetermined light is also possible).

[0059] Furthermore, the control device 100 can control the irradiation of light from the head 3 in more than one operating mode. The more than one operating mode may include a predetermined operating mode corresponding to the melanin production inhibition effect, or a predetermined operating mode corresponding to an effect related to the melanin production inhibition effect. In this case, the control device 100 outputs predetermined light from the head 3 in the predetermined operating mode.

[0060] Figure 3A This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the control device 100. Figure 3A In the diagram, the controlled object 60 is schematically illustrated in relation to the hardware structure of the control device 100.

[0061] The control device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, auxiliary storage device 14, drive device 15, and communication interface 17 connected via bus 19, as well as a wired transceiver unit 25 and a wireless transceiver unit 26 connected to the communication interface 17.

[0062] Auxiliary storage device 14, such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), is a storage device that stores data associated with application software, etc.

[0063] The wired transceiver unit 25 includes a transceiver unit capable of communicating via a wired network. The wired transceiver unit 25 is connected to the control object 60. Part or all of the control object 60 may be connected to the bus 19 or to the wireless transceiver unit 26.

[0064] The wireless transceiver unit 26 is a transceiver unit capable of communication via a wireless network. The wireless network can include mobile phone wireless communication networks, the Internet, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), WANs (Wide Area Networks), etc. Furthermore, the wireless transceiver unit 26 can also include Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth (trademarked), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity) transceivers, infrared transceivers, etc. In addition, the control device 100 can also communicate with a server (not shown) via the wireless transceiver unit 26 to obtain various information.

[0065] Furthermore, the control device 100 may also be connected to the recording medium 16. The recording medium 16 stores a predetermined program. The program stored in the recording medium 16 is installed in the auxiliary storage device 14 of the control device 100 via the drive device 15. The installed predetermined program can be executed by the CPU 11 of the control device 100. For example, the recording medium 16 may be a recording medium that records information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as a CD (CompactDisc)-ROM, floppy disk, or optical disk, or a semiconductor memory that records information electrically, such as a ROM or flash memory. Furthermore, the recording medium 16 does not contain a carrier wave.

[0066] Next, the effects of the specified light (the inhibitory effect on melanin production) will be further explained with reference to the experimental results.

[0067] Because visible light is less invasive to organisms, various studies have been conducted on its effects on organisms for applications in the medical and cosmetic dermatology fields (Imagawa et al., Journal of Nile Doctors, 32, 444 (2012)). For example, there are reports that red light plays an important role in preventing skin aging, while green and yellow light play an important role in inhibiting excessive cellular activity.

[0068] Melanin, the cause of pigmentation in the skin, plays a crucial role in protecting DNA from damage caused by harmful ultraviolet radiation generated within melanocytes. However, it is also a cause of blemishes, leading to a high demand for its improvement. Therefore, green LED light, which inhibits cell activity, also affects melanoma activity, and its effectiveness in reducing melanin production has been verified.

[0069] To verify the melanin-inhibiting effect of green LEDs, the inventors of this application commissioned the following experiments to Toin University of Yokohama. The verification of the melanin-inhibiting effect was conducted using mouse B164A5 cells (B16 melanoma cells, Riken BRC) and human melanoma cells (HMV-II cells, Kee & Shee Co., Ltd.) obtained at the university. Furthermore, the light source for the green LEDs was a USHIO SMT525 (wavelength 525nm) and an SMT505 (wavelength 505nm) electromechanical system.

[0070] (Number of viable B16 melanoma cells)

[0071] B16 melanoma cells at a rate of 1×10 4 and 2×10 4 Cells / mL were seeded into 6-well plates and cultured at 37°C and 5% CO2 for 3 days, then replaced with phenol red-free medium. Green LED illumination was applied once daily for 3 days, followed by 1 day of culture. Cell Counting Kit-8 (manufactured by Tongren Chemical Co., Ltd.) was then added, and the plates were cultured for 3 hours. After culture, the medium was dispensed aliquoted, and the absorbance at 450 nm was measured to calculate the cell viability. A higher absorbance at 450 nm indicates a higher cell viability.

[0072] (Evaluation of melanin production inhibition in B16 melanoma cells)

[0073] B16 melanoma cells at a rate of 1×10 4 and 2×10 4Cells were seeded at 1 / mL in 6-well plates and cultured at 37°C and 5% CO2 for 3 days. The culture medium was then replaced with phenol red-free medium containing 100 nM of the melanin synthesis inducer α-MSH. Cells were irradiated with green LEDs once daily for 3 days. After 1 day of culture, cells were washed with 1 mL of PBS(-) and lysed with a 2 mol / L sodium hydroxide aqueous solution containing 10 wt% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Melanin production was measured by absorbance at 405 nm. Furthermore, the amount of cell-derived protein was determined using the RC DCTM protein assay (BioRad). Based on the results, the amount of melanin per unit of cell-derived protein was calculated.

[0074] (The effect of green LED light on inhibiting melanin production)

[0075] It was confirmed that irradiation with green LED light at wavelengths of 505 nm and 525 nm reduced the survival rate and melanin production of B16 melanoma cells. This trend was more pronounced with 505 nm green LED light. This can be seen from... Figure 4A and Figure 4B The experimental results shown indicate that... Figure 4A This graph represents the number of surviving B16 melanoma cells when irradiated with green LED light at a wavelength of 505 nm. Figure 4B This graph shows the number of surviving B16 melanoma cells when irradiated with green LED light at a wavelength of 525 nm. In this experiment, the initial cell concentration was 1 × 10⁻⁶ cells. 4 (Cells / mL) sum to 2×10 4 When the concentration was measured (Cells / mL), the concentration was determined after 30 minutes and after 60 minutes.

[0076] (Evaluation of the inhibitory effect of HMV-II on melanin production in human HMV-II melanoma cells)

[0077] This study reported differences in the sensitivity of mouse B16 melanoma cells and human HMV-II melanoma cells to skin whitening agents. In the evaluation of B16 cells, 505nm green LED light showed a significant inhibitory effect on melanin production; therefore, the wavelength was reduced to 505nm in HMV-II cells to evaluate its effect.

[0078] Unlike B16 cells, the addition of the melanin synthesis inducer α-MSH resulted in low melanoma cell proliferation in HMV-II cells. Therefore, in the evaluation of HMV-II cells, Theophylline, an enhancer of MSH, was used as a melanin synthesis inducer.

[0079] 1×10 42 mL of HMV-II cell dispersion (Cells / mL) was dispensed into each of the 66 wells of a plate at a concentration of 1 × 10⁻⁶ cells / mL. 4 Cells were seeded at 1 / mL and cultured at 37°C and 5% CO2 for 3 days. After 40 mM culture, the medium was replaced with 2 mL of phenol red-free medium containing 25 μL of Theophylline. Irradiation with 505 nm LED light was performed once daily for 3 days. After 1 day of culture, cells were lysed with 300 μL of 2 M NaOH solution containing 10 wt% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 2 mol / L sodium hydroxide aqueous solution. Melanin production was determined based on absorbance at 405 nm. Furthermore, the amount of cell-derived protein was determined using the RC DCTM protein assay (BioRad). Based on the assay results, the amount of melanin per unit of cell-derived protein was calculated.

[0080] (HMV-II cell survival rate)

[0081] HMV-II cells were administered at a rate of 1×10⁻⁶. 4 Cells / mL were seeded into 6-well plates and cultured at 37°C and 5% CO2 for 3 days, then replaced with phenol red-free medium. Irradiation with a 505nm LED was performed once daily for 3 days, followed by 1 day of culture. CellCounting Kit-8 (manufactured by Tongren Chemical Co., Ltd.) was then added, and the plates were cultured for 3 hours. After culture, the medium was aliquoted, and the absorbance at 450nm was measured. The survival rate was calculated as a relative value of the absorbance at 450nm without LED irradiation.

[0082] (The effect of green LED light on inhibiting melanin production)

[0083] It was confirmed that HMV-II cells showed reduced survival rate and melanin production when irradiated with 505nm LED light.

[0084] This study validated that green LED light irradiation effectively inhibited melanin production in both B16 cells and HMV-II cells. This was achieved from... Figures 5A to 5D Other experimental results are shown. Figures 5A to 5D The other tests shown are also similar to the reference. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The aforementioned experiments were conducted in the same manner. Furthermore, Figure 5E From Figures 5A to 5D The evaluation results obtained from the experiments are shown in the table. These results indicate that the 505nm wavelength showed a higher inhibitory effect on melanin production than the 525nm wavelength, with a significant difference at 20 minutes compared to 10 minutes. Furthermore, inhibition was also observed at 30 and 60 minutes with the 505nm wavelength, while no inhibitory effect was observed at 30 minutes with the 525nm wavelength, but inhibition was observed at 60 minutes.

[0085] This embodiment confirms the effect of suppressing melanin production, which is the cause of spots in green LED light, especially at a wavelength of 505 nm. This is from Figures 6A to 7B The experimental results shown indicate that... Figure 6A and Figure 6B These represent the results of the first and second experiments, respectively. Figure 7A and Figure 7B These represent the results of the first and second experiments, respectively. Figures 6A to 7B The other tests shown are also similar to the reference. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The same experiment was conducted.

[0086] Figures 8 to 11 This is a graph representing the results of other experiments. Figure 8 This table shows the relationship between the radiation intensity of green LED light and its effect (the effect of inhibiting melanin production). Figures 9 to 11 This is a graph showing the relationship between the radiation intensity and effect of green LED light. Figure 11A This is a graph showing other experimental results related to the relationship between the radiation intensity and effect of green LED light.

[0087] Figures 8 to 11 The other tests shown are conducted as follows.

[0088] B16 melanoma 4A5 was treated with a substance provided by Riken BRC. Regarding the content of this experiment, the term "cell" as used below refers to this. The cells and cell cultures described in steps S1 to S3 below were performed using the following culture media.

[0089] The medium used was Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM, Cat No. 10566-016, Gibco, USA) containing 10.0% (v / v) Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS, Cat No. SH30071.03, Hyclone (registered trademark), UK) and 1.0% (v / v) of antifungal agent (Antibiotic-Antimycotic 100X, Cat No. 15240-062, Invitrogen, USA). The medium was modified with DMEM containing 10% FBS and containing 100 nM α-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH, Cat No. M4135, Sigma-Aldrich, USA) and 100 μM theophylline (Cat No. T1633, Sigma-Aldrich, USA).

[0090] Step S1: Cell Culture and Passaging

[0091] In a 60mm dish (Cat No. 353002, Falcon (registered trademark), USA) with a diameter of 3.0 × 10 mm. 5 Cells were seeded at a density of cells / dish and cultured in a CO2 incubator (CO2 concentration = 5%, 37°C) for 24 hours.

[0092] Step S2: Irradiate with green LED light

[0093] After removing the culture medium, wash with Phosphate buffer saline (PBS(-), Cat No. 198601, Nissui, Japan), and replace with 8 mL of Hanks balanced salt solution (+) (HBSS(+), Cat No. 084-08965, Wako, Japan), then apply the irradiation equipment according to the irradiation conditions. Further remove HBSS(+), replace with 3 mL of test culture medium, and incubate for 72 hours. Regarding the irradiation conditions, the irradiation time was set to 3 minutes.

[0094] Step S3: After culturing, wash with PBS, then dilute alamarBlue (registered trademark) (Cat No. DAL1100, Invitrogen, USA) 10-fold with serum-free DMEM. Add 2 mL of the resulting alamarBlue solution to the cells and incubate at 37°C for 2 hours in a CO2 incubator. Recover the alamarBlue solution and add 200 μL to a 96-well plate (Cat No. 9017, Costa, USA). Measure the absorbance (OD570, OD600) at 570 nm and 600 nm using a microplate reader (SPARK 10M, TECAN, Switzerland). Use the alamarBlue solution as a blank. Remove the alamarBlue solution from the 60mm dish, wash with PBS(-), and to dissolve the melanin, add 1 mL of 1M sodium hydroxide aqueous solution containing 10% DMSO. Incubate at 85°C for 10 minutes. 100 μL of melanin dissolving solution was added to each 96-well plate, and the absorbance at 405 nm (OD405) was measured using a microplate reader. The OD570-600 of the control group was set to 100%, and the cell viability of the LED application group was calculated. Additionally, the melanin production rate was calculated by setting the OD405 of the control group and the LED irradiation group to 100%. Furthermore, the melanin production rate per unit cell was calculated by dividing the OD405 of both the control and LED irradiation groups by the OD570-600 measured using AlamarBlue. Significance differences were tested using a t-test without corresponding counterparts between the control and LED application groups. The significance level for both sides of the test was set to less than 5%.

[0095] Depend on Figures 8 to 11 It was found that when B16 melanoma cells were irradiated with green LED (505 nm), the melanin production rate was significantly lower than that of the control in all outputs, thus confirming the inhibition of melanin production. Even at 0.5 mW / cm², this effect was observed. 2 ~11.5mW / cm 2 In the middle, the highest output was 11.5mW / cm. 2 In this application, the melanin production rate per unit cell also showed a significantly lower value compared to the control, exhibiting the highest inhibitory tendency for melanin production under these conditions. Therefore, as described above, the radiation intensity of the specified light from the light irradiation unit 30 is preferably 0.5 mW / cm². 2 The above range is more preferably 11.5 mW / cm 2 above.

[0096] in addition, Figure 11AThe different effects of irradiating 520nm wavelength green LED light with different irradiance intensities are shown. Furthermore, for Figure 11A The experiment shown is also in line with Figure 8 Implemented in the same manner. Figure 11A In the comparison, the result represents the test result without any irradiation. Here, for the comparison, 9mW / cm² is used. 2 and 62W / cm 2 The results of each experiment are shown in Figures A, B, and C, which correspond to cell viability, melanin production rate, and melanin production rate per unit cell, respectively.

[0097] from Figure 11A It is known that if the radiation intensity of the specified light from the light irradiation unit 30 is high enough, the effect will not increase significantly (i.e., saturation). Therefore, as described above, the radiation intensity of the specified light from the light irradiation unit 30 is preferably 0.5 mW / cm². 2 Above and 62mW / cm 2 The following range is more preferably 11.5 mW / cm 2 Above and 62mW / cm 2 The following range. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of power consumption, 30mW / cm² is preferable. 2 The upper limit value on the left and right sides is used to replace 62mW / cm 2 .

[0098] In addition, Figures 8 to 11A In the experiment shown, the irradiation energy of the specified light from the light irradiation unit 30 was 0.09 J / cm². 2 Above and 11J / cm 2 The following range. Furthermore, other test results disclosed in this specification also indicate that the irradiation energy of the light from the light irradiation unit 30 is 0.09 J / cm². 2 Above 45J / cm 2 Experiments were conducted within the following range. Furthermore, even at relatively low irradiation energy of 0.09 J / cm²... 2 Above and 11J / cm 2 Effective results were also confirmed within the following range.

[0099] Furthermore, the light irradiation device 1 can irradiate the aforementioned green LED light onto a user's dry skin, but it can also irradiate green LED light onto skin coated with a gel or liquid containing a skin-penetrating agent. In this case, the object of penetration is arbitrary. The object is a substance that can be applied to human skin, typically a substance that can produce various effects such as cosmetic benefits.

[0100] Next, refer to Figure 12The accompanying figures further illustrate the preferred wavelength range of light irradiating the skin.

[0101] Referring to the above Figure 4A and Figure 4B The above experiments showed that when irradiated with green LED light at wavelengths of 505 nm and 525 nm, the number of surviving B16 melanoma cells decreased and the amount of melanin produced was reduced.

[0102] Figure 12 This is a graph showing the results of other tests, illustrating the results when LED light was irradiated at wavelengths of 450 nm, 520 nm, and 850 nm (near-infrared wavelengths). Figure 12 The results regarding cell viability, melanin production rate, and melanin production rate per unit cell are shown, presented by irradiating LED36 at wavelengths of 450 nm, 520 nm, and 850 nm, respectively. Furthermore, in... Figure 12 In the middle, the comparison shows the results of the experiment when nothing was irradiated.

[0103] also, Figure 12 The test results shown are compared with those mentioned above. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The above-mentioned experiments were conducted by different agencies, but the experimental methods were essentially the same.

[0104] Depend on Figure 12 It was found that melanin production inhibition was preferentially confirmed at wavelengths of 520 nm and 450 nm. Specifically, this showed a decrease in the number of surviving B16 melanoma cells and a reduction in melanin production. Furthermore, it was observed that the melanin production inhibition effect at 520 nm was potentially improved compared to 450 nm. In addition, some inhibitory tendency was observed at 850 nm, but no significant difference was observed, and the results were the lowest.

[0105] Figure 13 This is a graph showing the results of another experiment, illustrating the difference in melanin production inhibition caused by the differences in the three wavelengths. Figure 13 Regarding the melanin production rate per unit cell, experimental results are shown for irradiation of LED36 at wavelengths of 505 nm, 525 nm, and 630 nm (the red wavelength), respectively. Furthermore, in... Figure 13 In the comparison, the results of the experiment without any irradiation are also shown.

[0106] also, Figure 13 The test results shown are compared with those mentioned above. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The above-mentioned experiments were conducted by different agencies, but the experimental methods were essentially the same.

[0107] Depend on Figure 13It can be seen that no significant inhibition of melanin production was confirmed at wavelengths of 525nm and 630nm, as was observed at wavelength 505nm.

[0108] Figure 14 This is a graph showing the results of another experiment, illustrating the differences in melanin production inhibition caused by the differences in the four wavelengths. Figure 14 Regarding cell viability, experimental results are shown for LED36 irradiation at wavelengths of 470 nm (blue wavelength), 490 nm, 505 nm, and 525 nm, respectively. Furthermore, in... Figure 14 In the comparison, the results of the experiment without any irradiation are also shown.

[0109] also, Figure 14 The test results shown are compared with those mentioned above. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The above-mentioned experiments were conducted by different agencies, but the experimental methods were essentially the same.

[0110] Depend on Figure 14 It can be seen that the survival rate of B16 melanoma cells is lower at wavelengths of 470nm, 505nm, and 525nm compared to wavelength 490nm. That is, the superiority of wavelengths of 470nm, 505nm, and 525nm over wavelength 490nm is demonstrated (superiority in melanin production inhibition).

[0111] Figure 15 This is a graph showing the experimental results regarding the expression level of keratin 10. In Figure 15 Regarding the expression level of keratin 10, the experimental results are shown when LED36 is irradiated at wavelengths of 470 nm, 505 nm, and 590 nm (yellow wavelength), respectively.

[0112] The experimental method is summarized below.

[0113] (Step S1) Pre-cell culture

[0114] Human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) were quiescent in T-75 flasks using culture medium and cultured in a CO2 incubator (5% CO2, 37°C, humidified). At approximately 80% confluence, the cells were passaged in T-225 flasks and cultured to the required cell count for subsequent experiments. Cell passage was performed as follows: after washing cells with PBS (- / -), cells were dissected using 0.05% Trypsin-EDTA, and trypsin neutralization solution was added to neutralize trypsin. The cell suspension was then collected in centrifuge tubes and centrifuged (room temperature, 180 x g, 5 min). The supernatant was removed, and culture medium was added to resuspend the cells, and the cell count was performed. The cells were then resuspended in culture medium to the target cell density and seeded into the culture vessels used in the experiments.

[0115] (Step S2) Cell treatment

[0116] Cells were seeded at a rate of 900,000 cells / dish / 3 mL in 60 mm dishes. On the second day after seeding, 5 mL of culture medium was added, for a total of 8 mL, and the cells were processed using a machine for 30 seconds. Processing was repeated every 24 hours ± 1 hour, for a total of 3 machine treatments. For the initial machine treatment, the culture medium was set to 8 mL with added calcium chloride. Then, a 72-hour treatment was performed.

[0117] (Step S3) RNA extraction

[0118] RNA extraction was performed using cells 24 hours after final machine processing, based on the RNeasy Plus Mini Kit. The method followed the kit protocol. RNA concentration was determined using NanoDrop Eight after extraction and stored at -80°C.

[0119] (Step S4) Quantitative PCR

[0120] One-step real-time RT-PCR was performed using the QuantiTect Probe RT-PCR Kit included with the Fast Lane Cell Probe Kit, according to the composition shown in the table below. RNA samples were diluted to approximately 100 ng / μL before use. The RT-PCR reaction was performed at 50°C, 30 min–95°C, 15 min–(94°C, 15 sec–60°C, 60 sec) × 40 cycles. The GAPDH gene was used as an internal standard gene.

[0121] Depend on Figure 15It can be seen that the expression level of keratin 10 is significantly increased at a wavelength of 505 nm compared to wavelengths of 470 nm and 590 nm. That is, the superiority of wavelength 505 nm over wavelengths of 470 nm and 590 nm is demonstrated (superiority of keratin 10 expression effect).

[0122] Here, we explain the mechanism of metabolism. The epidermis is arranged in four layers: the basal layer, the spinous layer, the granular layer, and the stratum corneum. Cellular metabolism occurs through four stages: cell proliferation in the basal layer, keratin (K10) synthesis in the spinous layer, cell death (apoptosis and necrosis) in the granular layer, and the cleavage of proteases (KLK8) in the stratum corneum. In human skin, the process by which epidermal cells are generated in the basal layer, mature as they move upwards, and shed into the stratum corneum is called metabolism.

[0123] If keratin synthesis decreases, the epidermis cannot maintain its structure, resulting in wrinkles and sagging. In rapid metabolism, immature epidermal cells are exposed to the external environment before becoming keratin. Furthermore, excessive metabolism can cause pathological atopic dermatitis. In slow metabolism, keratin that should become dirt and shed will remain and thicken. Consequently, abnormal delays can cause psoriasis, keratosis, etc. Therefore, indicators other than cell proliferation are also essential factors in considering normal metabolism.

[0124] Thus, according to the metabolic mechanism, keratin 10 is expressed in the stratum spinosum and is useful in the metabolic process. The expression of keratin 10 indicates that normal metabolism is underway.

[0125] Furthermore, there are known reports of inhibiting TGF-β transport pathways by irradiating with blue light, thereby suppressing cell proliferation and collagen expression in human skin fibroblasts (Ge Ge et al., “Induced skin aging by blue-light irradiation in human skin fibroblasts via TGF-β, JNK and EGFR pathways,” Journal of Dermatological Science). From this perspective, it can be strongly inferred that a wavelength of 505 nm is more advantageous than 470 nm.

[0126] Based on the above Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figures 12 to 15 The experimental results show that, compared with the case of irradiating the skin with light of a central wavelength in other wavelength ranges, irradiating the skin with light of a central wavelength in a wavelength range longer than 490 nm and lower than 525 nm is advantageous from the point of view of melanin production inhibition and keratin 10 expression effects.

[0127] The embodiments have been described in detail above, but are not limited to specific embodiments. Various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the patent claims. Furthermore, all or more of the structural elements of the above embodiments can be combined.

[0128] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0129] 1. Light irradiation device (skin treatment device)

[0130] 2. Control Department

[0131] 3 heads

[0132] 3a Skin Relative Area

[0133] 30 light irradiation part

[0134] 36 LED (Light Emitting Diode)

[0135] 100 Control device (control unit).

Claims

1. A melanin production inhibition device, characterized in that, have: A light source that produces light with a defined center wavelength in a wavelength range longer than 490 nm and less than 525 nm. The melanin production inhibition device is capable of irradiating the skin with the specified light from the light source at a concentration of 0.09 J / cm². 2 Above 45J / cm 2 The specified light is irradiated with irradiation energy within the following range.

2. The melanin production inhibition device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specified light has a center wavelength of 505 nm.

3. The melanin production inhibition device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At 0.5mW / cm 2 Above and 62mW / cm 2 The specified light is irradiated with the following radiation intensities.

4. The melanin production inhibition device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The light source includes LEDs.

5. The melanin production inhibition device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The melanin production inhibition device further includes a control unit that controls light irradiation in one or more operating modes. The one or more action patterns have a prescribed action pattern corresponding to the melanin production inhibition effect, or a prescribed action pattern corresponding to an effect related to the melanin production inhibition effect. The control unit outputs the specified light under the specified operating mode.

6. The melanin production inhibition device according to claim 5, characterized in that, It has an irradiation unit that can be positioned opposite a part of the user's body. In the operating mode, the control unit outputs the specified light independently from the irradiation unit.

7. The melanin production inhibition device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It is capable of providing continuous light irradiation for 1 minute or more, accounting for more than 1 / 2 of the specified light irradiation time.

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