Pulse energization device, pulse energization method, pulse energization program, and sagging improvement beauty method

Abstract

To provide a pulse energization device, a pulse energization method, a pulse energization program, and a sagging improvement beauty method that cause significant expression of I-type collagen, VI-type collagen, and fibrillin-1 (elastic fiber).SOLUTION: A pulse energization device is for outputting a pulse to an electrode part and includes: a voltage signal generation part; a pulse generation part; and a control part that controls the voltage signal generation part and the pulse generation part. The voltage signal generation part generates a predetermined voltage from a power supply voltage and outputs the predetermined voltage on the basis of control of the control part. The pulse generation part generates a first pulse, a second pulse, a third pulse, and a fourth pulse belonging to a frequency band exceeding 960 Hz and less than 15600 Hz and having different frequencies from each other, on the basis of control of the control part. The pulse generation part periodically outputs the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse in this order to the electrode part on the basis of control of the control part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pulse current application device, a pulse current application method, a pulse current application program, and a cosmetic method for reducing sagging. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in response to increasing awareness of beauty among people, various pulse current methods for applying electrical stimulation to the face or the like have been proposed.

[0003] For example, the beauty device disclosed in Patent Document 1 employs a method of energizing in which a first pulse of 80 kHz and a second pulse of 90 kHz are alternately output at a predetermined interval, and a third pulse of 1 MHz is steadily output. This method of energizing makes it difficult for cells and skin to become accustomed to the frequency stimulation compared to when pulses of a single frequency are continuously applied, thereby improving the activity of cells and skin. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6632166 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As people become more beauty-conscious, there is a growing need to improve sagging skin. Recent research has shown that sagging skin is caused by a contraction of the collagen network in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Therefore, in order to improve sagging skin, it is effective to significantly express type I collagen, type VI collagen, and fibrillin-1 (elastic fiber), which constitute the collagen network in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. However, the beauty device disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not focus on the significant expression of type I collagen, type VI collagen, and fibrillin-1 (elastic fiber).

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a pulse current device, a pulse current method, a pulse current program, and a cosmetic method for improving sagging skin that significantly express type I collagen, type VI collagen, and fibrillin-1 (elastic fiber). [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the pulse current application device of the present invention is (1) a pulse current application device for outputting pulses to an electrode portion, comprising: a voltage signal generation unit; a pulse generation unit; and a control unit that controls the voltage signal generation unit and the pulse generation unit, wherein the voltage signal generation unit generates and outputs a predetermined voltage from a power supply voltage based on the control of the control unit, and the pulse generation unit generates, from the output from the voltage signal generation unit, a first pulse, a second pulse, a third pulse, and a fourth pulse, the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse having different frequencies and belonging to a frequency band greater than 960 Hz and less than 15,600 Hz based on the control of the control unit, and the pulse generation unit periodically outputs the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse to the electrode portion in this order based on the control of the control unit.

[0008] (2) The pulse current application device described in (1), characterized in that the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse all belong to a frequency band of 1000 Hz or more and 10,000 Hz or less.

[0009] (3) The pulse current application device described in (2), characterized in that among the first pulse, the second pulse, and the third pulse, one belongs to a first frequency band for significantly expressing type VI collagen, one belongs to a second frequency band for significantly expressing type I collagen, and one belongs to a third frequency band for significantly expressing fibrillin-1, and the fourth pulse belongs to a fourth frequency band that is used together with the first pulse, the second pulse, and the third pulse to significantly express type VI collagen, type I collagen, and fibrillin-1.

[0010] (4) The pulse current application device described in (3), characterized in that the first frequency band is 1000 Hz or more and 1250 Hz or less, the second frequency band is 8000 Hz or more and 10000 Hz or less, the third frequency band is 2000 Hz or more and 2500 Hz or less, and the fourth frequency band is 4000 Hz or more and 5000 Hz or less.

[0011] (5) A cosmetic method for improving sagging skin by applying pulsed current using the pulsed current device described in any one of (1) to (4) (excluding medical procedures).

[0012] (6) A pulse current application method for outputting pulses to an electrode section, comprising: a voltage signal generation step of generating a predetermined voltage from a power supply voltage and outputting the voltage signal; a pulse generation step of generating, from the output by the voltage signal generation step, a first pulse, a second pulse, a third pulse, and a fourth pulse, the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse having different frequencies and belonging to a frequency band exceeding 960 Hz and less than 15,600 Hz; and an external output step of periodically outputting the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse generated in the pulse generation step to the electrode section in this order.

[0013] (7) A pulse current application program that causes a computer to execute a voltage signal generating means that generates and outputs a predetermined voltage from a power supply voltage, a pulse generating means that generates, from the output of the voltage signal generating means, a first pulse, a second pulse, a third pulse, and a fourth pulse that belong to a frequency band greater than 960 Hz and less than 15,600 Hz and have different frequencies, and an external output means that periodically outputs the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse generated by the pulse generating means to an electrode portion in this order. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, type I collagen, type VI collagen, and fibrillin-1 (elastic fiber) can be significantly expressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a block circuit diagram showing an example of a pulse current applying device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of pulse current application by the pulse current application device in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first pulse, a second pulse, a third pulse, and a fourth pulse for one period output to the electrode unit 2. FIG. [Figure 4] The results of immunofluorescence staining of each cultured cell are shown. [Figure 5] The figures show the calculation results of the relative value of the amount of type I collagen obtained by frequency-varying current when the amount of type I collagen in the comparative example (when no current is applied) is set to 1, and the relative value of the amount of type VI collagen obtained by frequency-varying current when the amount of type VI collagen in the comparative example (when no current is applied) is set to 1. [Figure 6] This shows the results of calculating the relative amount of fibrillin-1 in the case of frequency-varying energization, with the amount of fibrillin-1 in the comparative example (without energization) set to 1. [Figure 7] This shows the collagen density of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue of the cheek at 0 weeks (0w), 1 week later (1w), 2 weeks later (2w), and 8 weeks later (8w) in subjects randomly selected from the frequency-varying current group and the non-current group. [Figure 8] In the image shown in FIG. 7, the amount of intradermal collagen at 0 weeks (before the test) is set to 1, and the calculation results of the amount of intradermal collagen after 1 week, 2 weeks, and 8 weeks are shown. [Figure 9] This shows the changes in R5 and R7 at 0 weeks (0w), 1 week later (1w), 2 weeks later (2w), and 8 weeks later (8w) in the frequency-varying current group and the non-current group. [Figure 10] The graph shows the degree of sagging improvement in the frequency-varying energization group and the non-energization group. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] (About the pulse current device) The pulse current application device of this embodiment will be described in detail. Fig. 1 is a block circuit diagram showing an example of the pulse current application device of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of pulse current application by the pulse current application device of Fig. 1.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the pulse energization device 1 in this embodiment includes a voltage signal generating unit 11 that generates a predetermined voltage from a power supply voltage, a pulse generating unit 12 that generates a pulse from the output of the voltage signal generating unit 11, a CPU 13 (corresponding to the control unit in claim 1) that controls the voltage signal generating unit 11 and the pulse generating unit 12, and a clock oscillator 14 that supplies a clock signal to the CPU 13.

[0018] In this pulse energization device 1, the CPU 13 is driven based on a clock signal excited by the clock oscillator 14, and pulses of a predetermined frequency based on the clock signal are output from the CPU 13 to the voltage signal generation unit 11.

[0019] The voltage signal generating unit 11 generates a predetermined output level (output voltage value) from the power supply voltage based on the pulse from the CPU 13, and outputs it to the pulse generating unit 12 (voltage signal generating step (S101) in FIG. 2). As the voltage signal generating unit 11, for example, a DC-DC converter can be adopted, but this can be changed as appropriate depending on the type of the power supply voltage, etc.

[0020] The pulse generating unit 12 generates a first pulse, a second pulse, a third pulse, and a fourth pulse having different frequencies from the output voltage of the voltage signal generating unit 11 based on a control signal output from the CPU 13 (a pulse generating step (S102) in FIG. 2). The first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse will be described later.

[0021] The pulse generating unit 12 is controlled by the CPU 13 and outputs a first pulse, a second pulse, a third pulse, and a fourth pulse in this order continuously and periodically to the electrode unit 2 (external output step (S103) in FIG. 2). FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse for one cycle output to the electrode unit 2. That is, in this embodiment, the pulse generating unit 12 continuously outputs to the electrode unit 2 a pulse group (FIG. 3) formed by the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse arranged continuously in this order.

[0022] (1st to 4th pulses) Next, the first to fourth pulses that are generated by the pulse generating section 12 and periodically output to the electrode section 2 in this embodiment will be described.

[0023] As described above, in order to improve sagging skin, it is effective to significantly express type I collagen, type VI collagen, and fibrillin-1 (elastic fiber), which constitute the collagen network in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Therefore, the present inventors investigated combinations of pulses with various frequencies in order to significantly express type I collagen, type VI collagen, and fibrillin-1 (elastic fiber).

[0024] As a result, it was found that by applying pulsed current (hereinafter referred to as frequency-varying current) in which a first pulse, a second pulse, a third pulse, and a fourth pulse, which belong to a frequency band greater than 960 Hz and less than 15,600 Hz and have different frequencies, are output continuously and periodically in this order, it is possible to significantly express type I collagen, type VI collagen, and fibrillin-1 (elastic fiber). This means that by applying the frequency-varying current to human skin, type I collagen, type VI collagen, and fibrillin-1 (elastic fiber) in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue are significantly expressed, and the effect of improving skin sagging is expected. The first pulse, second pulse, third pulse, and fourth pulse each preferably belong to a frequency band of 1,000 Hz or more and 10,000 Hz or less.

[0025] In the frequency-varying energization of this embodiment, one of the first pulse, second pulse, and third pulse belongs to a first frequency band for significantly expressing type VI collagen, one belongs to a second frequency band for significantly expressing type I collagen, and one belongs to a third frequency band for significantly expressing fibrillin-1. In this embodiment (FIG. 3), the first pulse belongs to the first frequency band, the second pulse belongs to the second frequency band, and the third pulse belongs to the third frequency band. However, this is not limited thereto, and for example, the first pulse may belong to the second frequency band, the second pulse may belong to the first frequency band, and the third pulse may belong to the third frequency band, or the first pulse may belong to the second frequency band, the second pulse may belong to the third frequency band, and the third pulse may belong to the first frequency band.

[0026] The first frequency band is a frequency band for significantly expressing type VI collagen. After examining various frequencies, the inventors found that the first frequency band should be set to 1000 Hz or more and 1250 Hz or less.

[0027] The second frequency band is a frequency band for significantly expressing type I collagen. As a result of examining various frequencies, the inventors have found that the second frequency band should be set to 8000 Hz or more and 10000 Hz or less.

[0028] The third frequency band is a frequency band for significantly expressing fibrillin-1. As a result of examining various frequencies, the inventors have found that the third frequency band should be set to 2000 Hz or more and 2500 Hz or less.

[0029] Furthermore, in the frequency-varying energization of this embodiment, the fourth pulse belongs to a fourth frequency band that is used together with the first, second, and third pulses to significantly express type VI collagen, type I collagen, and fibrillin-1. After examining various frequencies, the inventors found that the fourth frequency band should be set to 4000 Hz or more and 5000 Hz or less.

[0030] In the examples described below, 1200 Hz is used as the pulse of a frequency belonging to the first frequency band, 9600 Hz is used as the pulse of a frequency belonging to the second frequency band, 2400 Hz is used as the pulse of a frequency belonging to the third frequency band, and 4800 Hz is used as the pulse of a frequency belonging to the fourth frequency band. This is because, in each frequency band, overlapping values ​​between the range of 119.5% to 120% of the lower limit and the range of 96% to 96.5% of the upper limit are used as representative values, thereby suppressing fluctuations in the representative values ​​in each frequency band.

[0031] 3, when the output time of the first pulse is T1 (seconds), the output time of the second pulse is T2 (seconds), the output time of the third pulse is T3 (seconds), and the output time of the fourth pulse is T4 (seconds) in one cycle in which the first to fourth pulses are output, it is preferable to set 0.7≦(T2 / T1)≦1.3, 0.7≦(T3 / T1)≦1.3, and 0.4≦(T4 / (T1+T2+T3))≦1. By setting 0.7≦(T2 / T1)≦1.3 and 0.7≦(T3 / T1)≦1.3, it is possible to ensure a better balance between T1, T2, and T3, thereby achieving balanced expression of type VI collagen, type I collagen, and fibrillin-1 (elastic fiber). By setting the value of T4 / (T1+T2+T3) to 0.4≦(T4 / (T1+T2+T3)), the current application time (T4) of the fourth pulse can be ensured sufficiently relative to the total output time (T1+T2+T3) of the first to third pulses, which facilitates significant expression of type VI collagen, type I collagen, and fibrillin-1. On the other hand, if the output time (T4) of the fourth pulse is excessively long, significant expression of type VI collagen, type I collagen, and fibrillin-1 will saturate, so it is preferable to set the value of T4 / (T1+T2+T3))≦1.

[0032] The upper and lower limits of T1 to T4 are not particularly limited, but are preferably 10≦T1≦720, 10≦T2≦720, 10≦T3≦720, and 20≦T4≦1440, respectively.

[0033] Furthermore, although there are no particular limitations on the T1:T2:T3:T4 ratio, it is preferable to set it to 1:1:1:2 in order to facilitate significant expression of type VI collagen, type I collagen, and fibrillin-1 while ensuring a good balance between T1, T2, and T3.

[0034] In one embodiment, for example, the frequency belonging to the first frequency band can be approximately 1200 Hz, the frequency belonging to the second frequency band can be approximately 9600 Hz, the frequency belonging to the third frequency band can be approximately 2400 Hz, and the frequency belonging to the fourth frequency band can be approximately 4800 Hz. Here, "approximately 1200 Hz" includes ±5% (i.e., 1140 Hz to 1260 Hz) due to manufacturing errors, etc., and the same applies to "approximately 9600 Hz," "approximately 2400 Hz," and "approximately 4800 Hz."

[0035] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to examples.

[0036] <First Example> Example 1 First, mouse preadipocytes (3T3-L1) were precultured in a T-75 flask. Specifically, they were cultured in 10% FCS-DMEM (high glucose) at 5% CO2 and 37°C for 3 to 5 days. When the cells reached 80-90% confluence, they were harvested by trypsinization and seeded onto a 24-well plate. One day after seeding, the medium was replaced, and one day later, frequency-varying current was applied. In Example 1, the first pulse was set to a frequency in the first frequency band (1200 Hz), the second pulse to a frequency in the second frequency band (9600 Hz), the third pulse to a frequency in the third frequency band (2400 Hz), and the fourth pulse to a frequency in the fourth frequency band (4800 Hz). Frequency-varying current, with the first to fourth pulses forming one cycle, was applied for 18 cycles (15 min) for 4 days. Six hours after the four-day frequency-varying current treatment, gene expression analysis was performed for type I collagen, type VI collagen, and fibrillin-1. Thermo Fisher Scientific's TaqMan probes for type I collagen, type VI collagen, and fibrillin-1 were used as the probes for gene expression.

[0037] Meanwhile, mouse preadipocytes (3T3-L1) were cultured for 8 days without applying electric current, and the resulting cultured cells were subjected to gene expression analysis for type I collagen, type VI collagen, and fibrillin-1 using the same method as described above (Reference Example). The expression level of type I collagen in this Reference Example was defined as 1, and the expression level of type I collagen in Example 1 was calculated. If the expression level was 1.09 or higher, the result was evaluated as "significantly expressed" and marked with an "O." If the expression level was less than 1.09, the result was evaluated as "not significantly expressed" and marked with an "X." Furthermore, the expression level of type VI collagen in this Reference Example was defined as 1, and the expression level of type VI collagen in Example 1 was calculated. If the expression level was 1.09 or higher, the result was evaluated as "significantly expressed" and marked with an "O." If the expression level was less than 1.09, the result was evaluated as "not significantly expressed" and marked with an "X." Furthermore, the expression level of fibrillin-1 in Example 1 was calculated, assuming that the expression level of fibrillin-1 in this Reference Example was 1. If the expression level was 1.09 or higher, it was determined that "fibrillin-1 was significantly expressed" and the evaluation was "○", and if the expression level was less than 1.09, it was determined that "fibrillin-1 was not significantly expressed" and the evaluation was "×".

[0038] Example 2 In Example 2, the first pulse was set to a frequency in the first frequency band (1200 Hz), the second pulse was set to a frequency in the third frequency band (2400 Hz), the third pulse was set to a frequency in the second frequency band (9600 Hz), and the fourth pulse was set to a frequency in the fourth frequency band (4800 Hz), and experiments and evaluations were performed in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0039] Example 3 In Example 3, the first pulse was set to a frequency in the second frequency band (9600 Hz), the second pulse was set to a frequency in the first frequency band (1200 Hz), the third pulse was set to a frequency in the third frequency band (2400 Hz), and the fourth pulse was set to a frequency in the fourth frequency band (4800 Hz), and experiments and evaluations were performed in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0040] Example 4 In Example 4, the first pulse was set to a frequency in the third frequency band (2400 Hz), the second pulse was set to a frequency in the first frequency band (1200 Hz), the third pulse was set to a frequency in the second frequency band (9600 Hz), and the fourth pulse was set to a frequency in the fourth frequency band (4800 Hz), and experiments and evaluations were performed in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0041] Example 5 In Example 5, the first pulse was set to a frequency in the second frequency band (9600 Hz), the second pulse was set to a frequency in the third frequency band (2400 Hz), the third pulse was set to a frequency in the first frequency band (1200 Hz), and the fourth pulse was set to a frequency in the fourth frequency band (4800 Hz), and experiments and evaluations were performed in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0042] Example 6 In Example 6, the first pulse was set to a frequency in the third frequency band (2400 Hz), the second pulse was set to a frequency in the second frequency band (9600 Hz), the third pulse was set to a frequency in the first frequency band (1200 Hz), and the fourth pulse was set to a frequency in the fourth frequency band (4800 Hz), and experiments and evaluations were performed in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0043] Example 7 In Example 7, the first pulse was set to a frequency in the first frequency band (1000 Hz), the second pulse was set to a frequency in the second frequency band (9600 Hz), the third pulse was set to a frequency in the third frequency band (2400 Hz), and the fourth pulse was set to a frequency in the fourth frequency band (4800 Hz), and experiments and evaluations were performed in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0044] Example 8 In Example 8, the first pulse was set to a frequency in the first frequency band (1200 Hz), the second pulse was set to a frequency in the second frequency band (10000 Hz), the third pulse was set to a frequency in the third frequency band (2400 Hz), and the fourth pulse was set to a frequency in the fourth frequency band (4800 Hz), and experiments and evaluations were performed in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0045] (Comparative Example 1) In Comparative Example 1, the first pulse was set to a frequency of the first frequency band (1200 Hz), the second pulse to a frequency of the second frequency band (9600 Hz), and the fourth pulse to a frequency of the fourth frequency band (4800 Hz), and the third pulse was omitted, and experiments and evaluations were performed in the same manner as in Example 1. That is, in the energization of Comparative Example 1, one cycle consisted of "first pulse (1200 Hz) → second pulse (9600 Hz) → fourth pulse (4800 Hz)".

[0046] (Comparative Example 2) In Comparative Example 2, the first pulse was set to a frequency of the first frequency band (1200 Hz), the fourth pulse was set to a frequency of the fourth frequency band (4800 Hz), and the second and third pulses were omitted, and experiments and evaluations were performed in the same manner as in Example 1. That is, in the energization of Comparative Example 2, "first pulse (1200 Hz) → fourth pulse (4800 Hz)" constitutes one cycle.

[0047] (Comparative Example 3) In Comparative Example 3, the first pulse was set to 960 Hz, the second pulse to a frequency in the second frequency band (9600 Hz), the third pulse to a frequency in the third frequency band (2400 Hz), and the fourth pulse to a frequency in the fourth frequency band (4800 Hz), and experiments and evaluations were performed in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0048] Comparative Example 4 In Comparative Example 4, the first pulse was set to a frequency in the first frequency band (1200 Hz), the second pulse to a frequency of 15600 Hz, the third pulse to a frequency in the third frequency band (2400 Hz), and the fourth pulse to a frequency in the fourth frequency band (4800 Hz), and experiments and evaluations were performed in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0049] In each Example and Comparative Example, when type VI collagen, type I collagen, and fibrillin-1 were all evaluated as "good," the overall evaluation was rated as "good." On the other hand, when at least one of type VI collagen, type I collagen, and fibrillin-1 was evaluated as "bad," the overall evaluation was rated as "bad."

[0050] Table 1 shows the set frequencies and evaluation results for each of the examples and comparative examples. [Table 1]

[0051] In Examples 1 to 6, the frequencies of the first pulse, second pulse, and third pulse were interchanged, but the overall evaluation was "good" for all of them. In Example 7, the frequency of the first pulse was set to 1000 Hz, but the overall evaluation was "good". In Example 8, the frequency of the second pulse was set to 10000 Hz, but the overall evaluation was "good".

[0052] On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, the pulse of a frequency belonging to the third frequency band (third pulse) was omitted, so fibrillin-1 was not significantly expressed, and the evaluation was "×". In Comparative Example 2, the pulse of a frequency belonging to the second frequency band (second pulse) and the pulse of a frequency belonging to the third frequency band (third pulse) were omitted, so type I collagen and fibrillin-1 were not significantly expressed, and both were evaluated as "×". In Comparative Example 3, the first pulse was 960 Hz, so type VI collagen was not significantly expressed, and the evaluation was "×". In Comparative Example 4, the second pulse was 15,600 Hz, so type I collagen was not significantly expressed, and the evaluation was "×". Therefore, the overall evaluation for all of Comparative Examples 1 to 4 was "×".

[0053] <Second Example> Immunofluorescent staining was performed on mouse preadipocytes (3T3-L1) using type I collagen antibody and type VI collagen antibody four days after the completion of the frequency-varying current application (15 min × 4 days) described in Example 1 of the first example. As a comparative example, mouse preadipocytes (3T3-L1) were cultured for eight days without current application, and the resulting cultured cells (Reference Example of the first example) were subjected to immunofluorescent staining using type I collagen antibody and type VI collagen antibody. For each immunofluorescent staining, primary antibodies used were anti-collagen I antibody [EPR7785] (ab138492) (Abcam) and collagen type VI polyclonal antibody (17023-1-AP) (Proteintech), and secondary antibody was goat anti-rabbit IgG H&L (Alexa Fluor® 488) (ab150077) (Abcam). Figure 4 shows the results of immunofluorescence staining for each cultured cell. Furthermore, the amounts of type I collagen and type VI collagen from Figure 4 were analyzed and quantified using image analysis software (ImageJ), and the amount of type I collagen obtained with frequency-varying current was calculated when the amount of type I collagen in the comparative example (without current) was set to 1, and the amount of type VI collagen obtained with frequency-varying current was calculated when the amount of type VI collagen in the comparative example (without current) was set to 1. Figure 5 shows the calculation results of the relative value of the amount of type I collagen obtained with frequency-varying current when the amount of type I collagen in the comparative example (without current) was set to 1, and the relative value of the amount of type VI collagen obtained with frequency-varying current when the amount of type VI collagen in the comparative example (without current) was set to 1.

[0054] 4, it was found that when frequency-varying current was applied, the amounts of both type I collagen and type VI collagen were higher than when no current was applied. Also, referring to FIG. 5, it was found that when frequency-varying current was applied, the amounts of both type I collagen and type VI collagen were significantly increased compared to when no current was applied.

[0055] <Third Example> Two days after the end of the frequency-varying current application (15 min × 4 days) of Example 1 in the first example, mouse preadipocytes (3T3-L1) were cultured, and the culture supernatant was collected and subjected to Western blotting using fibrillin-1 antibody. As a comparative example, mouse preadipocytes (3T3-L1) were cultured for 6 days without current application, and the resulting culture supernatant was subjected to Western blotting using fibrillin-1 antibody. For Western blotting, the primary antibody used was Fibrillin 1 antibody [11C1.3] (GTX23090) (Genetex), and the secondary antibody used was Horse anti-mouse IgG, HRP-linked Antibody #7076 (Cell Signaling). GAPDH was used as the internal standard protein. GAPDH antibody (GTX100118) (Genetex) was used as the primary antibody for GAPDH. The results of Western blotting for each culture supernatant were analyzed using image analysis software (ImageJ) to quantify the amount of fibrillin-1, and the amount of fibrillin-1 after frequency-varying current was calculated, with the amount of fibrillin-1 in the comparative example (without current) set to 1. Figure 6 shows the results of calculating the relative value of the amount of fibrillin-1 after frequency-varying current, with the amount of fibrillin-1 in the comparative example (without current) set to 1.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 6, it was found that fibrillin-1 was significantly expressed during frequency-varying current application compared to when no current was applied.

[0057] <Fourth Example> Five monitors in their 40s to 60s served as subjects. A face mask with electrical conductivity was impregnated with the test serum, and electrical current was applied to the cheeks twice a week for 5 minutes each time for 8 weeks. The electrical current was applied using the frequency-varying electrical current of Example 1 in the first embodiment. Furthermore, as a comparative example, two other monitors served as subjects. The test serum alone was applied to their faces twice a week (i.e., no electrical current was applied), and this was continued for 8 weeks. Then, the amount of collagen in the cheeks and parameters related to sagging were measured using the following methods.

[0058] [Collagen content measurement] The intradermal collagen density of each subject's cheek was measured using the DermaLab ultrasound skin imaging diagnostic device (manufactured by Cortex Technology). Figure 7 shows the collagen density of the cheek dermis and subcutaneous tissue at 0 week (0w), 1 week (1w), 2 weeks (2w), and 8 weeks (8w) for subjects randomly selected from the frequency-variable current group (hereinafter referred to as the frequency-variable current group) and the no-current group (hereinafter referred to as the no-current group). In Figure 7, darker colors indicate lower collagen density, while lighter colors indicate higher collagen density. The color shading in the image shown in Figure 7 was analyzed using dedicated software (DermaLab USB SkinLab), and the intradermal collagen levels at 1 week, 2 weeks, and 8 weeks were calculated, with the intradermal collagen level at 0 week (before the test) set at 1. Figure 8 shows the calculation results.

[0059] [Measurement of sagging-related parameters (1)] Using a skin viscoelasticity measuring device, Cutometer DUAL MPA580 (manufactured by Courage+Khazaka), R5 and R7 were measured on the cheeks of each subject. Here, R5 is the ratio of the instantaneous deformation when the skin is pulled to the instantaneous return amount when the skin is released from tension (net elasticity of the skin), i.e., an index of skin elasticity. Furthermore, R7 is the ratio of the instantaneous return amount when the skin is released from tension to the maximum suction height when the skin is pulled (skin elasticity), i.e., an index of skin firmness. Figure 9 shows the changes in R5 and R7 at 0 week (0w), 1 week (1w), 2 weeks (2w), and 8 weeks (8w) in the frequency-varying energization group and the non-energization group. In Figure 9, the change in R5 for each group was calculated by taking the R5 value before the test (0w) as the initial value, calculating the R5 values ​​one week (1w), two weeks (2w), and eight weeks (8w), subtracting the R5 value before the test (0w) from each R5 value to calculate the difference, and averaging these differences for each group. In Figure 9, the change in R7 for each group was calculated by taking the R7 value before the test (0w) as the initial value, calculating the R7 values ​​one week (1w), two weeks (2w), and eight weeks (8w), subtracting the R7 value before the test (0w) from each R7 value to calculate the difference, and averaging these differences for each group.

[0060] [Measurement of sagging-related parameters (2)] Using a 3D image capture and analysis device, VECTRA Handy H2 (Canfield Scientific), photographs of each subject's face were taken in the supine and sitting positions at week 0 (before the test) and week 8, respectively. The changes in skin morphology when the subject changed from the supine to sitting position were displayed as vectors. Next, three vectors were randomly selected from the cheeks, and their average vector was calculated. A difference vector was calculated by subtracting the average vector at week 0 (before the test) from the average vector at week 8. Based on this difference vector, the degree of sagging improvement was evaluated. The magnitude of the difference vector was used to determine the degree of sagging improvement. If the gravity direction component of the difference vector was a component pointing downward in the direction of gravity, the subject's sagging was deemed to have worsened, and the degree of sagging improvement was assigned a negative value. If the gravity direction component of the difference vector was a component pointing upward in the direction of gravity, the subject's sagging was deemed to have improved, and the degree of sagging improvement was assigned a positive value. Figure 10 shows the degree of improvement in sagging in the frequency-varying energization group and the non-energization group. The degree of improvement in sagging for each group in Figure 10 is the average value for each group of the degree of improvement in sagging calculated for each subject using the method described above.

[0061] Referring to Figure 7, it was found that when frequency-varying current was applied, the amount of collagen in the skin was greater than when no current was applied. Also, referring to Figure 8, it was found that when frequency-varying current was applied, the amount of collagen significantly increased after 8 weeks compared to before the test, whereas when no current was applied, the amount of collagen barely changed after 8 weeks compared to before the test.

[0062] Referring to Fig. 9, when frequency-varying current was applied, the increases in R5 and R7 after 8 weeks were significantly greater than when no current was applied. Also referring to Fig. 9, it was found that when frequency-varying current was applied, the R5 and R7 values ​​after 8 weeks were significantly increased compared to before the test, whereas when no current was applied, R5 and R7 after 8 weeks were almost unchanged compared to before the test. In other words, when frequency-varying current was applied (corresponding to Example 1 of the first embodiment), the net elasticity of the skin and the elastic modulus of the skin were significantly improved compared to when no current was applied.

[0063] 10, it was found that when frequency-varying current was applied, the degree of improvement in sagging after 8 weeks was improved compared to when no current was applied. In other words, when frequency-varying current was applied (corresponding to Example 1 of the first embodiment), the skin shape of the cheeks moved in the direction of improving sagging compared to when no current was applied.

[0064] (Variation) Each function constituting the pulse current application device 1 described above can be realized by a program, and a computer program prepared in advance to realize each function is stored in an auxiliary memory device, and a control unit such as CPU 13 reads the program stored in the auxiliary memory device into a main memory device, and the control unit executes the program read into the main memory device, thereby operating the functions of each unit.

[0065] The program can also be provided to a computer in a state in which it is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include optical discs such as CD-ROMs, phase-change optical discs such as DVD-ROMs, magneto-optical discs such as MOs (Magnet Optical) and MDs (Mini Disks), magnetic discs such as floppy disks and removable hard disks, and memory cards such as CompactFlash (registered trademark), SmartMedia, SD memory cards, and memory sticks. Also included as recording media are hardware devices such as integrated circuits (e.g., IC chips) specially designed and configured for the purposes of the present invention.

[0066] (Variation) In the above-described embodiment, frequency-varying energization is performed by continuously and periodically outputting a first pulse, a second pulse, a third pulse, and a fourth pulse in this order. However, in the periodically output first to fourth pulses, an appropriate non-energizing time may be provided between the first and second pulses, between the second and third pulses, between the third and fourth pulses, and between the fourth pulse and the first pulse of the next period. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1: Pulse current application device 2: Electrode unit 11: Voltage signal generation unit 12: Pulse generation unit 13: CPU

Claims

1. A pulse current applying device for outputting a pulse to an electrode portion, a voltage signal generating unit; a pulse generating unit; a control unit that controls the voltage signal generating unit and the pulse generating unit; Equipped with the voltage signal generating unit generates and outputs a predetermined voltage from a power supply voltage under the control of the control unit; the pulse generating unit generates, under control of the control unit, a first pulse, a second pulse, a third pulse, and a fourth pulse from the output of the voltage signal generating unit, the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse having different frequencies and belonging to a frequency band greater than 960 Hz and less than 15,600 Hz; The pulse generating unit periodically outputs the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse to the electrode unit in this order under the control of the control unit. A pulse current applying device.

2. The first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse all belong to a frequency band of 1000 Hz or more and 10000 Hz or less.

2. The pulse current applying device according to claim 1 .

3. one of the first pulse, the second pulse, and the third pulse belongs to a first frequency band for significantly expressing type VI collagen, one belongs to a second frequency band for significantly expressing type I collagen, and one belongs to a third frequency band for significantly expressing fibrillin-1; The fourth pulse belongs to a fourth frequency band that is used together with the first pulse, the second pulse, and the third pulse to significantly express type VI collagen, type I collagen, and fibrillin-1.

3. The pulse current applying device according to claim 2.

4. The first frequency band is equal to or greater than 1000 Hz and equal to or less than 1250 Hz. The second frequency band is equal to or greater than 8000 Hz and equal to or less than 10000 Hz. The third frequency band is between 2000 Hz and 2500 Hz, The fourth frequency band is equal to or greater than 4000 Hz and equal to or less than 5000 Hz. The pulse current applying device according to claim 3 .

5. A cosmetic method for reducing sagging skin by applying pulsed current using the pulsed current applying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 (excluding medical procedures).

6. A pulse current application method for outputting a pulse to an electrode portion, comprising: a voltage signal generating step of generating and outputting a predetermined voltage from a power supply voltage; a pulse generating step of generating, from the output of the voltage signal generating step, a first pulse, a second pulse, a third pulse, and a fourth pulse, the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse having different frequencies and belonging to a frequency band greater than 960 Hz and less than 15,600 Hz; an external output step of periodically outputting the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse generated in the pulse generating step to the electrode unit in this order; Equipped with A pulse current application method.

7. On the computer, a voltage signal generating means for generating and outputting a predetermined voltage from a power supply voltage; a pulse generating means for generating, from the output of the voltage signal generating means, a first pulse, a second pulse, a third pulse, and a fourth pulse, the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse having different frequencies and belonging to a frequency band greater than 960 Hz and less than 15,600 Hz; an external output means for periodically outputting the first pulse, the second pulse, the third pulse, and the fourth pulse generated by the pulse generating means to an electrode unit in this order; Run A pulse current program.

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