Skin treatment device

Abstract

The utility model provides a skin treatment device. Disclosed is a skin treatment device that produces effects relating to laxity, elasticity, spots, wrinkles, and lifting of skin by applying an alternating current stimulus in the range of 10 kHz or more and less than 200 kHz to the skin. Therefore, the skin treatment device can generate the effect related to the laxity, elasticity, spots, wrinkles and lifting of the skin, which is equal to or higher than that of the condition of applying 1MHz alternating current stimulation to the skin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a skin treatment device. Background Art

[0002] There is known the following technique: by stimulating a circuit that generates physical stimuli (ultrasonic oscillation circuit, low-frequency generation circuit, heat generation circuit, light wavelength oscillation circuit), fibroblasts present in the skin are activated, thereby promoting the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid.

[0003] However, in the prior art as described above, for a variety of physical stimuli, it is difficult to efficiently produce effects related to skin relaxation, elasticity, spots, wrinkles, and lifting.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-334517 Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present utility model is to efficiently produce effects related to skin relaxation, elasticity, spots, wrinkles, and lifting.

[0006] In one aspect, there is provided a skin treatment device that applies an alternating current stimulus in the range of more than 10 kHz and less than 200 kHz to the skin.

[0007] According to the present utility model, it is possible to efficiently produce effects related to skin relaxation, elasticity, spots, wrinkles, and lifting. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the skin treatment device of this embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is to illustrate Figure 1 the head of the skin treatment device, wherein Figure 2A is a front view showing the arrangement of a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of outer edge electrodes. Figure 2B is a front view of the electrode.

[0010] Figures 3A - 3C is a front view showing an example of the arrangement method of the plurality of electrodes.

[0011] Figure 4 is to illustrate Figure 2B the linear parallel output region and the equally spaced output region of the electrode.

[0012] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the skin treatment device of another embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6It is an explanatory diagram of the control device built in the skin treatment device of this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware structure of the control device.

[0015] Figure 8 It is an explanatory diagram of two examples of AC waveforms.

[0016] Figure 9 It shows the results of a cell test for the effect of indicating cell viability.

[0017] Figure 10 It shows the results of a cell test for the effect of indicating collagen production.

[0018] Figure 11 It shows the results of a cell test for the effect of indicating hyaluronic acid production.

[0019] Figure 12 It shows the results of a cell test for the effect of indicating cell viability (Experiment 1).

[0020] Figure 13 It shows the results of a cell test for the effect of indicating cell viability (Experiment 2).

[0021] Figure 14 It shows the results of a cell test for the effect of indicating cell viability (Experiment 3).

[0022] Figure 15 It shows the results of a cell test for the effect of indicating cell viability (Experiment 4). Detailed implementation mode

[0023] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] (Overall structure of the skin treatment device)

[0025] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the skin treatment device 1 of this embodiment, which is an example of a specific configuration method of the skin treatment device 1. Figure 2A and Figure 2B It explains the head 3 of the skin treatment device 1 of this embodiment.

[0026] The skin treatment device 1 of this embodiment is configured in the form of a beauty device and is used to impart beauty-related effects to the facial skin of the user. However, in a modified example, the skin treatment device 1 can also be configured to impart the same beauty-related effects to parts other than the user's face or instead of the user's face. In addition, the skin treatment device 1 can also be used to impart effects different from beauty-related effects (for example, the effect of promoting the transdermal absorption of pharmaceuticals).

[0027] The beauty-related effects are arbitrary and may include elimination of slackness, firming, fat burning, lifting, face slimming, skin elasticity, luster, improvement of moisture, or any combination of one or more of them. In addition, the beauty-related effects may be effects that can be quantified or effects that cannot be quantified.

[0028] The skin treatment device 1 of the present embodiment is configured to apply various outputs via a plurality of electrodes that are in contact with the user's skin, thereby imparting beauty-related effects to the user's skin.

[0029] The skin treatment device 1 of the present embodiment is portable and can be held by the user's hand, but can also be applied to a movable mode that is movably supported by a fixed device via an arm or the like.

[0030] The skin treatment device 1 of the present embodiment includes a grip portion 2 and a head portion 3. In this case, the user holds the grip portion 2 and brings the head portion 3 into contact with a desired portion of their own face or the face of another person (such as a patient), thereby enabling various outputs from the skin treatment device 1 to be imparted to the desired portion.

[0031] The grip portion 2 is configured to be easily held by the user's hand. The grip portion 2 may include a user interface 20 that 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. Further, a display portion (not shown) for displaying the state of the skin treatment device 1 or the like may be provided on the grip portion 2. Additionally, electrodes (not shown) that come into contact with the user's hand may be provided on the grip portion 2.

[0032] The head portion 3 is provided at the end of the grip portion 2. Further, the head portion 3 may be fixed relative to the grip portion 2, detachable, or movable relative to the grip portion 2.

[0033] The head portion 3 can come into contact with the user's skin and has a shape suitable for coming into contact with the user's skin. For example, the head portion 3 may have a substantially planar shape (including a curved surface shape with a relatively large radius of curvature). The contact surface 3a is a plane whose extension direction (basic plane) can be approximated as a substantially straight line when viewed from the side. The shape of the contact surface 3a when viewed from the front (i.e., when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 3a) is arbitrary, such as a rectangle, a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, etc. In the present embodiment, as an example, as Figure 2A shown, the shape of the contact surface 3a when viewed from the front is a circle. Regarding the contact surface 3a of the head portion 3, the center when the contact surface 3a is viewed from the front (i.e., the center of gravity position when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 3a) is referred to as "the center C of the contact surface 3a".

[0034] In the head 3, a plurality of electrode groups are arranged for each attribute. Specifically, a first electrode group and a second electrode group are arranged.

[0035] The first electrode group includes a plurality of electrodes 30 arranged in an array on the abutting surface 3a. The second electrode group includes a plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 arranged on the abutting surface 3a in a mutually rotationally symmetric manner with the center C of the abutting surface 3a (which is also the center of the first electrode group) as the center so as to surround the plurality of electrodes 30. These electrodes 30 and the outer edge electrodes 33 are formed to be easily abutted against the user's skin and can be in the same planar shape as the basic surface of the abutting surface 3a of the head 3, or can also be in a form that slightly protrudes from the basic surface of the abutting surface 3a of the head 3.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the head 3 has seven electrodes 30 as the first electrode group, but the number of electrodes 30 as the first electrode group is not limited to seven, and can be any number as long as it is two or more. In this present embodiment, the head 3 also has three outer edge electrodes 33 as the second electrode group, but the number of outer edge electrodes 33 as the second electrode group is not limited to three, and can be any number as long as it is two or more.

[0037] Each of the plurality of electrodes 30 has an inner electrode 31 and an outer electrode 32 that is separated from and surrounds the inner electrode 31. The inner electrodes 31 and the outer electrodes 32 of each of the plurality of electrodes 30 form a pair of electrodes for applying an output waveform of a predetermined frequency having, for example, an effect related to beauty (specifically, the effects of relaxation, elasticity, spots, wrinkles, and lifting, which will be described later) to the user's skin.

[0038] That is, in the first electrode group, the inner electrodes 31 and the outer electrodes 32 of each of the plurality of electrodes 30 are paired and can generate a desired output waveform. In this case, the output waveform is arbitrary. For example, it can be an AC waveform or a pulsed DC waveform. A preferred example of the frequency band of the AC waveform output waveform will be described later. In addition, several examples of the output waveforms achieved by pairing the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 will be described later.

[0039] By disposing a plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 that surround at least a part of the plurality of electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group, a synergistic effect of the functions imparted by the first electrode group and the functions imparted by the second electrode group can be achieved. Further, by forming the shape or arrangement of the plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group to be along the shape of the entire aggregate of the plurality of electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group, the abutting surface 3a of the head 3 can be used without waste, and an appropriate (in other words, sufficient) area can be ensured as the electrodes constituting the second electrode group. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation where discomfort is caused due to a strong stimulus felt by the body when a low-frequency current flows through an electrode with a small area.

[0040] The plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 form, for example, paired electrodes for applying an output waveform of a predetermined frequency having a beauty-related function (specifically, a skin electrostimulation function, etc.) to the skin of the user.

[0041] That is, in the second electrode group, the outer edge electrodes 33 are paired with each other, and a desired output waveform can be generated. In this case, the output waveform is arbitrary. For example, it may be an alternating current waveform or a pulsed direct current waveform. In this case, the frequency band of the output waveform is arbitrary. For example, it is a high frequency or a low frequency having a skin electrostimulation function. Several examples of the output waveform realized by pairing the outer edge electrodes 33 with each other will be described later.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 of each of the plurality of electrodes 30 is formed as a regular hexagon, and the shapes of the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 are formed as a regular hexagon. The outer electrode 32 is formed as a regular hexagonal belt shape so as to surround the inner electrode 31 while being separated from the inner electrode 31. That is, the outer electrode 32 is disposed on the outer surface (in other words, radially outside) of the outer periphery of the inner electrode 31 in such a manner that the center of the inner electrode 31 (the center of gravity position when viewed from the front; the same applies hereinafter) coincides with the center of the outer electrode 32 (the center of gravity position when viewed from the front; the same applies hereinafter).

[0043] In the present embodiment, the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 of each of the plurality of electrodes 30 and the shapes of the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 are formed as rounded regular hexagons, whereby the dimension between the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 is constant throughout the entire space S between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 (refer to Figure 2B ). In this case, due to the symmetry and uniformity of the distance from the inner electrode 31 to the outer electrode 32, uniform electric application with suppressed electric deviation is achieved between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32. However, the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the shapes of the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 may also be formed as non-rounded shapes.

[0044] In this embodiment, all of the plurality of electrodes 30 have the same shape. However, a part of the plurality of electrodes 30 may have different shapes (in other words, a part has the same shape), or all of the plurality of electrodes 30 may have mutually different shapes. That is, as the plurality of electrodes 30, electrodes having all the same shape may be arranged, or electrodes having two or more mutually different shapes may be arranged.

[0045] One electrode 30 ( Figure 2A reference numeral 30c therein) is arranged such that the center of the inner electrode 31 coincides with the center C of the contact surface 3a. And six electrodes 30 ( Figure 2A reference numeral 30a therein) are arranged at equal intervals on a circumference centered on the center C of the contact surface 3a around the electrode 30 ( Figure 2A reference numeral 30c therein) arranged at the center of the contact surface 3a.

[0046] The dimension Li between opposite sides of the outer periphery of the inner electrode 31 of the electrode 30 is not limited to a specific value, but for example, it can be set to any value within a range of about 2 to 5 mm.

[0047] The dimension between the centers of the inner electrodes 31 of adjacent electrodes 30 is not limited to a specific value, but for example, it can be set to any value within a range of about 4 mm to 12 mm.

[0048] In this embodiment, as described above, the outer periphery of the inner electrode 31 of each of the plurality of electrodes 30 is formed in a regular hexagon shape (specifically, a rounded regular hexagon, the same hereinafter), and the inner periphery and the outer periphery of the outer electrode 32 are formed in a regular hexagon shape, and the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 are combined such that the centers of the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 coincide.

[0049] On this basis, the plurality of electrodes 30 are arranged in an array in such a manner that one outer electrode 32 of the plurality of outer electrodes 32 approaches another outer electrode 32 (see Figure 3A ), the plurality of outer electrodes 32 are in contact (see Figure 3B ), or the plurality of outer electrodes 32 are integrated (see Figure 3C ; this embodiment). Among adjacent electrodes 30, the outer electrodes 32 may be integrated with each other (in other words, may overlap or may be shared), but are arranged without crossing.

[0050] In this embodiment, the plurality of electrodes 30 are arranged such that at least a part of the outer electrodes 32 of adjacent electrodes 30 is shared, that is, Figure 3CIt is configured in the manner shown. In this case, the outer electrode 32 is formed in a mesh shape when viewed from the front, specifically in a honeycomb shape. Further, the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 is formed as a regular hexagon, and a plurality of electrodes 30 are arranged such that at least a part of the outer electrodes 32 of the adjacent electrodes 30 are integrated (in other words, overlapped and shared). Thereby, it is possible to adjust the number and arrangement of the electrodes 30 according to the size and shape of the abutment surface 3a without a gap (in other words, without wasted space) between the electrodes 30, and the electrodes 30 are arranged so as to cover the entire surface of the abutment surface 3a.

[0051] In addition, a plurality of electrodes 30 each composed of an inner electrode 31 and an outer electrode 32 surrounding the inner electrode 31 are assembled to form an electrode assembly. Thereby, it is possible to improve the expandability of the electrode arrangement and the degree of freedom of the arrangement, and to freely adjust the shape of the entire electrode assembly according to the part where a beauty-related effect or the like is to be imparted. Specifically, for example, the shape of the entire electrode assembly can be formed into a shape that fills a substantially circular range as in this embodiment, or into a shape that fills a substantially elliptical range, or into a shape that fills a substantially rectangular range, or further into a shape that fills a substantially gourd-shaped range.

[0052] By forming a pair of electrodes composed of an inner electrode 31 and an outer electrode 32 that is separated from and surrounds the inner electrode 31, it is possible to adjust the interval between the pair of electrodes (that is, the dimension d between the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32) to an arbitrary value by changing the size of the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 or by changing the width of the outer electrode 32. The dimension d between the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 is not limited to a specific value, preferably 1.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.6 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and most preferably about 1.8 mm.

[0053] As in this embodiment, it is preferable that the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 of the electrode 30 both have straight and parallel portions. Thereby, it is possible to achieve uniform electric application with further good suppression of electric deviation.

[0054] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 of the electrode 30 and the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 both have straight and parallel portions SP, and in the region between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 at the parallel portions SP ( Figure 4In the dark gray shaded part (i.e., the "linear parallel output region"), uniform electrical application with better suppression of electrical deviation is achieved. Additionally, by forming the outer peripheral shape of the inner electrode 31 and the inner peripheral shape of the outer electrode 32 into a rounded regular hexagon, the dimension d between the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 is constant throughout the entire space S between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32, and in the region between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 at the rounded part ( Figure 4 the part between the linear parallel output regions in Figure 4 , i.e., the "equally spaced output region") uniform electrical application with suppressed electrical deviation is achieved.

[0055] The ratio of the area of the outer electrode 32 to the area of the inner electrode 31 of each electrode 30 (referred to as the "inner-outer electrode area ratio") is preferably within a predetermined range. The inner-outer electrode area ratio is preferably 0.8 or more and 1.2 or less, more preferably 0.9 or more and 1.1 or less, further preferably 0.95 or more and 1.05 or less, and most preferably 1.0. By setting the inner-outer electrode area ratio within an appropriate range, good electrical application between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 can be achieved.

[0056] The ratio of the total area of the spaces S between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 of the plurality of electrodes 30 to the total area of the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 (referred to as the "inter-electrode area relative to electrode area ratio") is preferably within a predetermined range. The inter-electrode area relative to electrode area ratio is preferably 0.6 or more and 1.6 or less, more preferably 0.6 or more and 1.2 or less, further preferably 0.7 or more and 1.1 or less, and most preferably 0.9 or more and 1.0 or less. By setting the inter-electrode area relative to electrode area ratio within an appropriate range, good electrical application between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 can be achieved.

[0057] In addition, Figures 1 - 4 The electrode structure shown is merely an example, and the electrode structure can be arbitrary as long as it can apply an output waveform of an alternating current stimulus in the range of 10 kHz or more and less than 200 kHz as described below to the user's skin. Therefore, for example, it can also be applied to Figure 5 various electrode structures such as the concentric two-ring electrode structure shown, the concentric three-ring electrode structure shown, the linearly arranged electrode structure, the electrode structure including circumferentially separated ring electrodes, etc.

[0058] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the control device 100 built in the skin treatment device 1 of this embodiment. Figure 7 shows an example of the hardware structure of the control device 100. In Figure 7Peripheral device 160 is schematically illustrated in relation to the hardware structure of control device 100.

[0059] Control device 100 is electrically connected to power source 90, and is also electrically connected to first electrode 31, second electrode 32, and third electrode 33. Power source 90 can be implemented by an internal battery that can be installed in skin treatment device 1, and / or can also be implemented by an external power source that can be connected to skin treatment device 1. In addition, control device 100 can have a power supply circuit and the like that generate various operation power supplies based on power source 90. Additionally, control device 100 can include a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, an integrated circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), and the like.

[0060] In Figure 7 In the example shown, control device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 113, an auxiliary storage device 114, a drive device 115, a communication interface 117, and a wired transmission / reception unit 125 and a wireless transmission / reception unit 126 that are connected to communication interface 117, all of which are connected via bus 119.

[0061] Auxiliary storage device 114 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc., and is a storage device that stores data related to application software and the like.

[0062] Wired transmission / reception unit 125 includes a transceiver that can communicate using a wired network. Peripheral device 160 is connected to wired transmission / reception unit 125. However, part or all of peripheral device 160 can be connected to bus 119, or can also be connected to wireless transmission / reception unit 126. In addition, peripheral device 160 can include the above-mentioned multiple electrodes 30, a portable terminal such as the user's smart phone, and the like. When a portable terminal is included, the user can perform various settings related to skin treatment device 1 via the portable terminal.

[0063] The wireless transmission / reception unit 126 is a transceiver unit capable of communicating using a wireless network. The wireless network may include a wireless communication network of a mobile phone, the Internet, a virtual private network (VPN), a wide area network (WAN), etc. In addition, the wireless transmission / reception unit 126 may also include a near field communication (NFC) unit, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity) transceiver unit, an infrared transceiver unit, etc.

[0064] In addition, the control device 100 can also be connected to the recording medium 116. The recording medium 116 stores a predetermined program. The program stored in the recording medium 116 is installed in the auxiliary storage device 114 etc. of the control device 100 via the drive device 115. The installed predetermined program can be executed by the CPU 111 of the control device 100. For example, the recording medium 116 can be a recording medium that optically, electrically, or magnetically records information such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, a floppy disk, an optical disk, etc., or a semiconductor memory that electrically records information such as a ROM, a flash memory, etc. In addition, the recording medium 116 does not include a carrier wave.

[0065] The control device 100 generates one or more output waveforms that can be applied to the skin via a plurality of electrodes 30 based on the power supply 90.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the control device 100 generates an alternating current waveform M0 (alternating current stimulation) having a frequency within the range of 10 kHz or more and less than 200 kHz during the alternating current stimulation period. In this case, the control device 100 generates the alternating current waveform M0 so that electricity can be applied to the skin of the user via the first electrode 31 (inner electrode 31) and the second electrode 32 (outer electrode 32). That is, the generated alternating current waveform M0 can be applied to the skin of the user with the first electrode 31 as the positive electrode (or negative electrode) and the second electrode 32 as the negative electrode (or positive electrode).

[0067] In addition, in this specification, unless otherwise specifically mentioned, the "alternating current waveform" is not only a sine wave, but includes the concept of an arbitrary waveform having bipolarity.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the alternating current waveform M0 may be a rectangular wave, but preferably has a sine wave-like form, that is, a form that gradually changes toward the peak value. In this case, it is possible to eliminate or reduce the drawbacks that may occur in the case of a rectangular wave (for example, the discomfort of the user caused by a sharp increase in current).

[0069] For example, the alternating current waveform M0 may have Figure 8 the waveforms shown in two of the examples. In Figure 8shows the output waveform (time series waveform) of the AC waveform M0 when the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents voltage values. In addition, in Figure 8 ΔT1 and ΔT3 represent intervals (ranges) corresponding to one cycle of the output waveform.

[0070] In Figure 8 the upper side of this embodiment, the AC waveform M0 has multiple peak voltage values during a half cycle (ΔT1 / 2). In this case, the multiple peak voltage values include the first peak voltage value Vp1 and one or more second peak voltage values Vp2.

[0071] The first peak voltage value Vp1 is the peak voltage value that first appears in the half cycle, and the second peak voltage value Vp2 appears after the first peak voltage value Vp1 and is smaller in magnitude than the first peak voltage value Vp1. As Figure 8 shown, multiple second peak voltage values Vp2 can be generated in a gradually decreasing manner. The second peak voltage value Vp2 is preferably less than half the magnitude of the first peak voltage value Vp1.

[0072] Here, the AC waveform M0 has a frequency during the AC stimulation period in the range of 10 kHz or more and less than 200 kHz, thereby being able to impart the following excellent effects to the applied skin.

[0073] Figures 9 - 12 shows several test results demonstrating the superiority of AC stimulation in the range of 10 kHz or more and less than 200 kHz.

[0074] Figures 9 - 11 shows the test results of the effect at 165 kHz within the range of AC stimulation in the range of 10 kHz or more and less than 200 kHz, with the comparison objects being the control and 1 MHz. "Control" corresponds to the result when the head 3 of the skin treatment device 1 is in contact with the skin but no output waveform is applied to the skin from the head 3 at all.

[0075] Here, the test method is as follows.

[0076] (Step S1) Inoculate fibroblasts NB1RGB from normal human neonates at a density of 2.0×105 cells / dish in a 60 mm culture dish, and culture them in a CO 2 incubator (CO 2 concentration = 5%, 37°C) for 24 hours. NHDF (NB) cells can also be used instead of NB1RGB cells.

[0077] (Step S2) Replace with a test medium (8 mL of EMEM) containing 0.5% FBS, and use a beauty device for 3 days every 24 hours according to the test conditions. In addition, measure the temperature of the culture medium liquid level and in the liquid before and after the application of the beauty device.

[0078] (Step S3) Collect the culture supernatant into a 15 mL test tube (Cat No. 23-2265, Crystalgen, USA) and store it frozen (-20 °C). Use Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) to evaluate the promoting effects on the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the recovered culture supernatant respectively. In addition, evaluate the number of cells in a 60 mm culture dish from which the culture supernatant has been removed by MTT assay.

[0079] The method for measuring collagen using the ELISA method is as described below.

[0080] (Step S1) Add 150 μL of PBS to a high-binding 96-well plate (Cat No. 3855, Thermo scientific, USA), and further add 50 μL of the culture supernatant sample, and let it stand overnight at 4 °C. Use a type I collagen solution (CatNo. 009-001-103, RCK, USA) as a standard substance.

[0081] (Step S2) Wash the microplate with 200 μL of PBS(-) containing 0.05% Tween20 (PBS-T, Tween20: CAS No. 9005-64-5, Sigma-Aldrich, USA), add 150 μL of a 1% Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA, CatNo. PRL 68700-50G, Proliant, USA) solution, and let it stand at 37 °C for 1 hour.

[0082] (Step S3) After washing with 200 μL of PBS-T, add 100 μL of a 100 ng / mL Biotin-labeled anti-type I collagen antibody (Cat No. 600-406-103, ROCKLAND, USA) solution, and let it stand at 37 °C for 1 hour.

[0083] (Step S4) After washing with 200 μL of PBS-T, add 100 μL of a Streptavidin-HRP (CatNo. CJ30H-1, Agilent Technologies, USA, diluted 1:10000) solution, and let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

[0084] (Step S5) After washing with 200 μL of PBS-T, 100 μL of 2,2’-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS, CatNo.5110-0010, KPL, USA) solution was added, and color development was confirmed.

[0085] (Step S6) After making the pigments in the 96-well plate uniform, the absorbance at 405 nm (OD 405) was measured using a microplate reader.

[0086] (Step S7) Taking the OD 405 of the control as 100%, the collagen production rate of the beauty device application group was calculated. In addition, the value obtained by dividing the OD405 of the beauty device application group by the OD 570 measured by MTT assay was calculated as the collagen production rate per cell.

[0087] The method for measuring hyaluronic acid using the ELISA method is as described below.

[0088] (Step S1) 100 μL of a solution of Hyaluronan Binding Protein (HABP, CatNo.BC40, Hokudo, Japan, 1:5500) prepared with PBS was added to a high-binding 96-well plate and incubated overnight at 4°C.

[0089] (Step S2) The solid-phase HABP solution was removed, washed with 200 μL of PBS-T solution, and then 150 μL of 1% BSA solution was added and incubated at room temperature for 1 hour.

[0090] (Step S3) The BSA solution was removed, washed with 200 μL of PBS-T, and then 100 μL of the culture supernatant diluted 100-fold with PBS(-) was added and incubated at room temperature for 1 hour. Sodium hyaluronate (Cat No.087-04511, Wako, Japan) was used as the standard substance.

[0091] (Step S4) The culture supernatant was removed, washed with 200 μL of PBS-T, and then 100 μL of a solution of biotin-labeled HABP (Cat No.BC41, Hokudo, Japan, diluted 1:2000) prepared with PBS(-) containing 0.5% BSA was added and left standing overnight at 4°C.

[0092] (Step S5) Remove the biotin-labeled HABP solution. After washing with 200 μL of PBS-T, add 100 μL of Streptavidin-HRP solution (1:10,000) prepared with PBS(-) containing 0.5% BSA and let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

[0093] (Step S6) Remove the Streptavidin-HRP solution. After washing with 200 μL of PBS-T, add 100 μL of ABTS solution and confirm the color development.

[0094] (Step S7) After making the pigments in the 96-well plate uniform, use a microplate reader to measure the absorbance at 405 nm (OD 405).

[0095] (Step S8) Set the OD 405 of the control group as 100% and calculate the hyaluronic acid production rate of the beauty device application group. In addition, calculate the value obtained by dividing the OD 405 of the beauty device application group by the OD 570 measured by MTT as the hyaluronic acid production rate per cell.

[0096] The inventors of the present utility model found that by repeating the above experiments while changing the frequency, when applying an alternating current stimulation in the range of 10 kHz or more and less than 200 kHz, the effects on skin relaxation, elasticity, spots, wrinkles, and lifting are equal to or higher than those of 1 MHz or more RF used in medical devices, etc. Hereinafter, the test results will be described in detail.

[0097] In addition, as is well known, when fibroblasts increase, it promotes collagen production and hyaluronic acid production. It is known that when the collagen production rate and hyaluronic acid production rate increase, the effects related to skin relaxation, elasticity, wrinkles, and lifting can be improved (for example, refer to the following papers).

[0098] Paper 1: "Radiofrequency facial rejuvenation: Evidence-based effect" by Moetaz El-Domyati et al., J Am Acad Dermatol. 2011 March; 64(3):524–535.doi:10.1016 / j.jaad.2010.06.045

[0099] Paper 2: "The Limits of Whitening by Cosmetics Opened by IF-06RF" by Saki Ayako Koike et al., Proceedings of the First Japanese Cosmetics Technologists Conference, Conference Theme: What’s next for SCCJ? The Colorful Cosmetics Technologies Spinning the Future

[0100] Figures 9 - 11 It represents the test results, which is a graph showing the effect of the cell survival rate when applying an AC stimulus of 165 kHz by comparing the control situation with the situation of applying an AC stimulus of 1 MHz. Additionally, in each figure, "*" indicates a significant difference based on the T-test, and "*" indicates a p-value of 0.05 or less.

[0101] In the case of applying an AC stimulus of 165 kHz, as Figure 9 shown, the cell survival rate (the survival rate of fibroblasts) increased by 31% relative to the control, and this increase is more significant than the 20.9% increase when applying an AC stimulus of 1 MHz. Additionally, in the case of applying an AC stimulus of 165 kHz, as Figure 10 shown, the collagen production rate increased by 8.3% relative to the control, and this increase is more significant than the 7.5% increase when applying an AC stimulus of 1 MHz. Additionally, when applying an AC stimulus of 165 kHz, as Figure 11 shown, the hyaluronic acid production rate increased by 16.3% relative to the control, and this increase is more significant than the 9.6% increase when applying an AC stimulus of 1 MHz.

[0102] Figure 12 It is a graph showing the results of a new Experiment 1 conducted on a different occasion from the Figures 9 - 11 test. In Experiment 1, the control, 165 kHz, 1 MHz, and 500 kHz were compared. The cell survival rate of 165 kHz increased by 19.7% relative to the control, and it increased equally or more than 1 MHz (an increase of 10%) or 500 kHz (an increase of 9.4%). Additionally, according to the Figure 12 results, the same effect as that of the Figure 9 was confirmed. Additionally, according to the Figure 12 results, it can be seen that 1 MHz and 500 kHz have roughly the same effect. Additionally, according to Table 1 below, the cell survival rate of 165 kHz also increased significantly compared to 500 kHz or 1 MHz, and a significant increase was observed.

[0103] Table 1

[0104]

[0105] Figure 13It is a graph showing the results of a new Experiment 2. In Experiment 2, a comparison was made among a control, 1 MHz, 40 kHz, 199 kHz, and 1 kHz. The cell survival rates of 40 kHz and 199 kHz increased by 15.3% and 13.3% respectively relative to the control, and increased to the same level or higher than that of 1 MHz (2.0%). In addition, it was found that the cell survival rate of 1 kHz did not increase relative to the control, and no increase to the same level or higher than that of 500 kHz or 1 MHz was observed. In addition, compared with 500 kHz or 1 MHz, the cell survival rates of 40 kHz and 199 kHz also increased significantly, and a significant increase was observed. In addition, compared with 1 kHz, the cell survival rates of 40 kHz and 199 kHz also increased significantly, and a significant increase was observed. The following Table 2 is a table graph showing the results of Experiment 2.

[0106] Table 2

[0107]

[0108] Figure 14 It is a graph showing the results of a new Experiment 3. In Experiment 3, instead of 1 MHz, a comparison was made with 500 kHz which showed the same cell survival rate as that in Experiment 1. The cell survival rate of 40 kHz increased by 10.9% relative to the control respectively, and increased to the same level or higher than that of 500 kHz (2.3%). In addition, compared with 500 kHz and 300 kHz, the cell survival rate of 40 kHz also increased significantly, and a significant increase was observed. The following Table 3 is a table graph showing the results of Experiment 3.

[0109] Table 3

[0110]

[0111] Figure 15 It is a graph showing the results of a new Experiment 4. In Experiment 4, a comparison was made of the cell survival rates of 1 MHz with 90 kHz, 70 kHz, 20 kHz, and 10 kHz respectively. It was found that 90 kHz, 70 kHz, 20 kHz, and 10 kHz grew significantly compared with 1 MHz. The following Table 4 is a table graph showing the results of Experiment 4.

[0112] Table 4

[0113]

[0114] As described above, by using a frequency above 10 kHz and less than 200 kHz, fibroblast growth is significantly enhanced to the same extent as or greater than that at 1 MHz. Therefore, it can be seen that by applying AC stimulation in the range of above 10 kHz and less than 200 kHz to the skin, beauty-related effects equivalent to or greater than those at 1 MHz can be obtained (effects caused by fibroblast growth, such as effects related to skin relaxation, elasticity, spots, wrinkles, and lifting).

[0115] However, when using a frequency region called RF, specifically 500 kHz, although effects caused by fibroblast growth can be expected, such as effects related to skin relaxation, elasticity, spots, wrinkles, and lifting, there are drawbacks due to the high frequency. For example, there is a higher power consumption and a risk of burns.

[0116] Regarding this, according to the present embodiment, effects equivalent to or greater than those of RF can be obtained without using the frequency domain called RF. That is, according to the present embodiment, since AC stimulation at a frequency significantly lower than the frequency domain called RF (in the range of above 10 kHz and less than 200 kHz) is applied to the skin, safety can be improved, making it a structure suitable for home use, and beauty-related effects equivalent to or greater than those of RF can be obtained.

[0117] As described above, each embodiment has been described in detail, but it is not limited to a specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope described in the protection scope. In addition, all or multiple constituent elements of the above embodiments can be combined.

[0118] Description of Reference Numerals

[0119] 1 Skin treatment device

[0120] 2 Gripping part

[0121] 3 Head.

Claims

1. A skin treatment device, characterized in that the skin treatment device comprises an inner electrode and an outer electrode separated from the inner electrode and surrounding the inner electrode, the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode and the shape of the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode have straight and mutually parallel parts, and an AC stimulation within a range of greater than 10 kHz and less than 200 kHz is applied to the skin.

2. The skin treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that The skin treatment device produces effects related to skin sagging, elasticity, spots, wrinkles, and lifting that are equal to or greater than those in the case where 1 MHz AC stimulation is applied to the skin.

3. The skin treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that The AC stimulation within the range of 10 kHz or more and less than 200 kHz produces the effect by promoting the growth of fibroblasts or collagen production in the skin.

4. A skin treatment device, characterized in that: Include: a plurality of electrodes capable of abutting against the user's skin; a power source electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes; as well as a control device that generates, based on the power supply, one or more output waveforms that can be applied to the skin via the plurality of electrodes, The one or more output waveforms include AC stimulation in a range of 10 kHz or more and less than 200 kHz, The AC stimulation within the range of 10 kHz or more and less than 200 kHz produces effects related to skin sagging, elasticity, spots, wrinkles, and lifting that are equal to or greater than the case where 1 MHz AC stimulation is applied to the skin.

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