Beauty devices

Abstract

The objective is to provide a method for improving facial aging, utilizing a novel mechanism different from known methods for improving facial aging, such as loss of firmness and sagging, and from existing agents for improving facial aging. [Solution] Focusing on the relationship between skin sagging and the arrector pili muscles, this invention provides a cosmetic method to improve sagging, wrinkles, or hollowness by activating or proliferating arrector pili muscle cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a beauty device that activates arrector pili muscle cells.

Background Art

[0002] Skin sagging has a significant impact on the perceived age. Maintaining skin firmness and improving sagging are major challenges in beauty. When skin firmness is lost, sagging, wrinkles, or slackening appear, giving an aged impression. Skin firmness is mainly due to the thickness of the dermis layer, and firm skin contains abundant elastic fibers such as collagen and elastin that fill the dermis layer. Due to the effects of aging and exposure to ultraviolet rays, etc., it is known that the function of dermal fibroblasts decreases and matrix metalloproteinases are activated. As a result, elastic fibers including collagen and elastin decrease, causing the dermis layer to become thinner, and the skin loses firmness, resulting in sagging, wrinkles, or slackening. On the other hand, it is also known that the cause of decreased skin firmness is not necessarily only the thickness of the dermis layer, and sagging, wrinkles, or slackening may occur due to the decline of facial muscles or the increase of subcutaneous fat, etc., resulting in the loss of firmness. In conventional beauty methods, in order to achieve improvement of sagging, efforts have been focused on increasing collagen, elastic fibers, etc. by activating dermal fibroblasts, or suppressing the decomposition of collagen, elastic fibers, etc. Components having an activating effect on dermal fibroblasts, a promoting effect on collagen production, or a decomposition-suppressing effect have been discovered and applied to cosmetics.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The objective is to provide a method for improving sagging skin that utilizes a novel mechanism different from those previously discovered. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The inventors of this invention conducted intensive research to identify the causes of facial aging, such as loss of firmness and sagging, and surprisingly discovered a correlation between skin sagging and elasticity and the amount of arrector pili muscle. Further research revealed that stem cell-like cells exist in the arrector pili muscle, and that these stem cell-like cells proliferate when physical stimulation is applied. Furthermore, the inventors discovered that stem cell-like cells present in the arrector pili muscle express adrenaline receptors, and that these stem cell-like cells can be activated and / or proliferated by activating these adrenaline receptors, leading to the present invention.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention relates to the following: [1] A cosmetic method comprising activating and / or increasing arrector pili cells. [2] Beauty treatments described in item 1 that improve sagging, wrinkles, or hollowness. [3] The cosmetic method according to item 1 or 2, wherein arrector pili cells proliferate in response to physical stimulation of the skin or stimulation via adrenaline receptors of arrector pili cells. [4] The beauty treatment described in item 3, in which the physical stimulation is an extension stimulus in the direction of the arrector pili muscles. [5] The method according to item 3, wherein stimulation via adrenaline receptors in arrector pili cells is stimulation by skin administration of a catecholamine compound. [6] The method described in item 3, wherein the stimulation of arrector pili cells via adrenaline receptors is the stimulation caused by the release of noradrenaline in vivo in response to emotional stimulation. [7] A screening method for treatments to improve sagging, wrinkles, or hollowness, using the activity of stem cell-like cells present in the arrector pili muscle as an indicator. [8] The screening method according to item 7, wherein the stem cell-like cells are CD34-positive cells. [9] The screening method described above is as follows: The process of culturing skin organs; A process of performing candidate treatment on skin organs; A process for measuring the activity of stem cell-like cells present within the arrector pili muscle; A screening method as described in item 7 or 8, including the method described in item 7 or 8.

[10] The screening method according to item 9, wherein the candidate treatment is the culture of skin organs in a solution containing the candidate drug.

[11] A step of culturing adrenaline receptor-expressing cells in a solution containing a candidate drug, A process for measuring the activity of adrenaline receptor-expressing cells. A screening method for sagging skin and arrector pili muscle cell activators, including one that uses the activity of adrenaline receptor-expressing cells as an indicator.

[12] The method for screening arrector pili cell activators according to item 11, wherein the adrenaline receptor-expressing cells are selected from the group consisting of smooth muscle cells, cardiomyocytes, nerve cells, and adrenaline receptor-modified cells.

[13] The screening method according to item 11 or 12, wherein the arrector pili cell activator is a sagging, wrinkle, or moss-reducing agent.

[14] The method according to item 12, wherein the smooth muscle cells are selected from the group consisting of vascular muscle cells, arrector pili muscle cells, and uterine muscle cells.

[15] A composition for the activation of smooth muscle cells, containing licorice extract.

[16] The activating composition described in item 15, further comprising raspberry extract.

[17] The activating composition according to item 15 or 16, wherein the smooth muscle cells are selected from the group consisting of vascular muscle cells, arrector pili muscle cells, and uterine muscle cells.

[18] A composition for improving sagging, wrinkles, or hollowness, comprising a smooth muscle cell activation composition described in any one of items 15 to 17.

[19] A beauty device comprising an imaging unit, a probe unit with an extension direction adjustment mechanism, and an information processing unit, The information processing unit processes the images captured by the photography unit to determine the direction of the hair growth; The information processing unit determines the direction of extension based on the direction of hair growth; The extension direction adjustment mechanism of the probe part adjusts the angle of the probe part in the determined extension direction The beauty device including the above

[20] An apparatus for determining the skin stretching direction for massage, comprising A photographing unit that photographs a face image; An information processing unit that analyzes the photographed face image to determine the hair flow and / or the stretching direction along the hair flow; and An output unit that displays the hair flow and / or the stretching direction along the hair flow; The apparatus including the above

[21] A program for controlling an apparatus for determining the skin stretching direction for massage, including a photographing unit, an information processing unit, and an output unit, comprising A command to operate the information processing unit to analyze the face image photographed by the photographing unit and determine the hair flow and / or the stretching direction along the hair flow; A command to cause the output unit to display the determined hair flow and / or the stretching direction along the hair flow The program including the above [Effect of the Invention]

[0007] Regarding the improvement of facial aging such as sagging, slackening, wrinkles, or kinks, by using a new mechanism, the improvement of aging can be effectively achieved. Also, by focusing on the new mechanism, a new screening method can be provided, and a new drug selected by such a screening method can be provided [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an image showing, as a heat map, the amount of movement for a three-dimensional display in a state where a cylindrically obtained skin section is subjected to X-ray CT imaging as it is or with pressure applied from the epidermal side [Figure 2]Figure 2A shows the coordinates of circular skin. Figure 2B is a diagram showing that pressure is applied to the circular sample from above. Figure 2C is a graph showing the resistance to vertical deformation in the skin of the young group and the elderly group of subjects. [Figure 3] Figure 3A is a diagram showing the mobility of the skin as a heat map when pressure is applied to circular skin from above. Figure 3B shows the heat map image of the circular sample and the structure within the circular sample superimposed. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a graph showing the deformation rate of each tissue in the three-dimensionally reconstructed skin tissue before and after pressing. [Figure 5] Figure 5A shows the arrector pili muscles present in a certain skin area in the samples obtained from young subjects and the samples obtained from elderly subjects. Figure 5B is a graph showing the amount of arrector pili muscles per certain skin area in the young group of subjects and the elderly group of subjects. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a fluorescence micrograph of a skin sample stained with CD49f / CD34 markers. When comparing young subjects and elderly subjects, there were many cells that were double positive with the CD49f / CD34 marker in the young subjects. Figure 6B shows the density of cells that are double positive with the CD49f / CD34 marker (stem cell marker) in young subjects and elderly subjects. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the change in CD34 (stem cell marker) positive cells in the skin sample without stretching stimulation and the skin sample with stretching stimulation. Figure 7A is the result of tissue staining, and Figure 7B shows the result of staining under a fluorescence microscope. [Figure 8] Figure 8A shows the relationship between the hair follicles and arrector pili muscles of the lanugo reconstructed three-dimensionally by X-ray CT. It shows that the orientation of the hair follicles and the arrector pili muscles coincides, and the orientation of the arrector pili muscles coincides with the hair flow. Figure 8B shows the hair flow on the human face. Figure 8C shows the difference in the hair flow on the forehead and its ratio. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the dynamic belt of the face. [Figure 10]Figure 10 shows the percentages when the degree of improvement in sagging is classified into four stages: marked improvement, effective, moderate improvement, and ineffective. [Figure 11] Figure 11A shows cultured smooth muscle cells stained with the CD49f / CD34 marker (stem cell marker). Figure 11B shows cultured smooth muscle cells stained with CD34 and ADRA1. Figure 11C shows skin samples stained with CD34 and ADRA1. [Figure 12] Figure 12A shows CD49f / CD34 marker (stem cell marker) double-positive cells in cultured smooth muscle cells with and without phenylephrine stimulation. Figure 12B shows the proliferation rate of CD49f / CD34 marker (stem cell marker) double-positive cells in a phenylephrine concentration-dependent manner. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a graph showing that licorice extract activates smooth muscle cells. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows that licorice extract activates smooth muscle cells, while raspberry extract does not (Figure 14A). However, when licorice extract and raspberry extract are used together, raspberry extract does not inhibit the efficacy of licorice extract (Figure 14B). [Figure 15] Figure 15A shows a schematic diagram of the beauty device 10 according to the present invention. Figure 15B is a block diagram showing the configuration of the beauty device 10 according to the present invention. [Figure 16] Figure 16A shows a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an apparatus for determining the direction of skin stretching for massage according to the present invention. Figure 16B shows a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a system in which information processing is performed in an external device connected to the Internet in such an apparatus. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the process of an apparatus for determining the direction of skin stretching for massage. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] One aspect of the present invention relates to a cosmetic method that includes increasing the proliferation of arrector pili muscle cells. Since increasing the proliferation of arrector pili muscle cells and activating the arrector pili muscles improves skin sagging, this can be called a method for improving sagging. Furthermore, since sagging and decreased skin viscoelasticity are related to decreased skin firmness, wrinkles, or hollowness, giving an aged appearance, the cosmetic method of the present invention can also be called a method for improving firmness, wrinkles, or hollowness, or a method for improving aging.

[0010] The arrector pili muscle is a type of smooth muscle located between the hair follicle and the upper dermis. It is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system and contracts in response to cold stress, fear, surprise, and other emotional stresses. Hair roots grow obliquely to the skin surface, creating the direction of hair growth. Furthermore, since the arrector pili muscle is oriented approximately parallel to the hair or hair follicle, the direction of the hair or hair follicle can also be considered the direction of the arrector pili muscle. When the arrector pili muscle contracts, the hair root moves perpendicular to the skin surface, causing the hair to stand on end and creating what is commonly known as goosebumps. Our press tests on cylindrical skin samples have shown that facial skin exhibits directional resistance to deformation stimuli (Figure 2), and that the arrector pili muscle is involved in this resistance (Figure 3). A correlation exists between the amount of arrector pili muscle and skin laxity or viscoelasticity (Example 2). Since the arrector pili muscles decrease with age (Figure 5), increasing the amount of arrector pili muscles can improve skin sagging or viscoelasticity-related phenomena, such as firmness, wrinkles, or hollowness.

[0011] Arrector pili cells are muscle cells that make up the arrector pili muscle. Arrector pili cells are mononuclear cells. The inventors have found that many cells expressing the CD49f / CD34 marker are present in the cells contained in the arrector pili muscle (Figure 6). CD49f and CD34 markers are known as markers for smooth muscle stem cells present in smooth muscle, and in this invention, CD49f and CD34 markers can also be referred to as stem cell markers. Furthermore, it has been found that cells expressing stem cell markers exist in the arrector pili muscle of the skin, indicating that stem cell-like cells also exist in the arrector pili muscle. In this invention, arrector pili cells include arrector pili cells and arrector pili stem cells. In the arrector pili muscle, CD34-positive cells were also positive for the CD49f marker, so the CD34 marker can be referred to as a stem cell marker on its own, and CD34-positive arrector pili cells will be referred to as arrector pili stem cells. The inventors found that applying mechanical stimulation further increased the proportion of cells expressing CD34 (Figure 7). CD34 has been reported to be expressed in various somatic stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery (2015) 31(3): 80-87). In the arrector pili muscle before mechanical stimulation, CD34-positive cells were negative for αSMA, a smooth muscle cell marker. On the other hand, in the arrector pili muscle after mechanical stimulation, most CD34-positive cells were αSMA-positive (Figure 7B). Although not intended to be limited to theory, it is thought that the number of cells positive for both CD34 and αSMA increased as arrector pili stem cells contained in the arrector pili cells were activated, proliferated, and further differentiated.

[0012] The inventors have discovered that arrector pili muscle stem cells express α1-adrenergic receptors (ADRA1) similar to cardiomyocytes and other smooth muscle cells (Figure 11), and that administering an α1-adrenergic receptor agonist induces proliferation of arrector pili muscle cells (Figure 12). Therefore, arrector pili muscle cells can be proliferated via the α1-adrenergic receptor. Any compound known in the art can be used to activate the α1-adrenergic receptor. For example, catecholamine compounds such as adrenaline, noradrenaline, and phenylephrine are known as α1-adrenergic receptor agonists. Therefore, by directly applying an α1-adrenergic receptor agonist to the skin, it can act on arrector pili muscle cells, activating them and thereby inducing proliferation and differentiation into arrector pili muscles, thus activating the arrector pili muscles and improving sagging, hollowness, and wrinkles. Therefore, α1 adrenergic receptor agonists can be described as arrector pili muscle cell activators, or activators of stem cell-like cells present in arrector pili muscles. In this invention, activation means an increase in cell activity. Cell activation can promote proliferation, metabolism, or differentiation, for example. Activation of α1 adrenergic receptors can also be measured by measuring intracellular signal transduction by α1 adrenergic receptors and the associated calcium influx.

[0013] Norepinephrine, an agonist of the α1 adrenergic receptor, is a type of neurotransmitter, but it is also released into the bloodstream from the adrenal glands and acts as a hormone. Norepinephrine contributes to the activation of the autonomic nervous system, particularly the sympathetic nervous system, in response to emotional stimuli. Arrector pili muscles contract under the action of norepinephrine, resulting in the phenomenon known as goosebumps. Goosebumps are caused by cold stress and fear, but they can also be caused by emotional stimuli such as strong joy and emotion. Therefore, by applying emotional stimuli, it is possible to induce emotion and activate arrector pili muscle cells through the action of norepinephrine, which can then be used as a beauty treatment to improve sagging, hollowness, and wrinkles. Examples of emotional stimuli that induce emotion include stimuli from the five senses: sight, taste, hearing, touch, and smell. In particular, auditory stimulation through music, stimulation through specific smells, and visual stimulation through images, color changes, and videos are preferred as emotional stimuli that induce emotion. As an example, a cosmetic method is provided that improves sagging, wrinkles, or hollowness by using fragrances to induce emotional stimulation through the sense of smell and activate arrector pili muscle cells. Examples of such fragrances include grapefruit, pepper, hyssop, and sage. Such fragrances may be used as perfumes, aromas, or air fresheners, or may be incorporated into cosmetics.

[0014] Physical stimulation refers to mechanical stimulation applied to the skin. Mechanical stimulation can be applied, for example, by bringing a roller or probe into contact with the skin. However, from the perspective of applying stretch stimulation to the arrector pili muscle, it is preferable to apply a roller or probe to cause stretching of the skin and hair follicles, thereby guiding the stretching of the arrector pili muscle. Since the arrector pili muscle is located along the direction of hair growth (Figure 8A), the direction of mechanical stimulation can be determined based on the direction of hair growth (Figures 8B, C). Mechanical stimulation causes deformation of the skin, thereby applying stretch stimulation along the direction of the arrector pili muscle, i.e., along the direction of hair growth. In particular, the direction of hair growth on the forehead differs from person to person, so by analyzing the hair growth direction for each individual, it is possible to provide the optimal massage. Dynamic analysis of skin deformation in 3D reconstructed skin has shown that pressing stimulation restricts skin movement at the anchoring point of the arrector pili muscle to the epidermis, and it is thought that sagging is prevented by lifting the epidermis at the anchoring point. This orientation of the arrector pili muscles that improves sagging is called the dynamic belt, and by applying stretch stimulation along this orientation, arrector pili muscle cells can be activated (Figure 9). From the viewpoint of applying stretch stimulation to the arrector pili muscles located in the dermis, when mechanical stimulation is applied to the cheeks of the face, for example, it is applied with a strength that results in deformation of 5% to 50%, preferably 10% to 40%, and most preferably about 30%. The deformation can be determined by measuring the amount of deformation, such as by analyzing the captured surface morphology or by measuring the surface morphology, or by using strain gauges or force gauges. In addition, by determining the relationship between the amount of deformation and the stretching force in a group of subjects in advance, the deformation can be measured using the stretching force as an indicator.

[0015] This specification relates to cosmetic methods for improving sagging, wrinkles, or hollowness by activating arrector pili muscle cells, and is distinct from treatments performed by physicians or medical professionals. Such cosmetic methods may be performed personally or in beauty salons, cosmetic stores, or spas.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a screening method for improving sagging, wrinkles, or hollowness, using the activity of stem cell-like cells present in the arrector pili muscle as an indicator. More specifically, this screening method comprises the following steps: The process of culturing skin organs; A process of performing candidate treatment on skin organs; A process for measuring the activity of stem cell-like cells present within the arrector pili muscle; Includes.

[0017] The process may further include a step of comparing the activity of stem cell-like cells present in the arrector pili muscles of the treatment group that received the candidate treatment with the activity of stem cell-like cells present in the arrector pili muscles of the treatment group that did not receive the candidate treatment, which is the only difference. Experiments with the control group may be conducted in parallel, or experiments with the control group may be conducted beforehand. If the activity of stem cell-like cells present in the arrector pili muscles increases compared to the activity of stem cell-like cells present in the arrector pili muscles of the control group, the candidate treatment can be screened as a treatment for improving sagging, wrinkles, or hollowness.

[0018] In skin organ culture, it is particularly preferable to culture organs that include arrector pili muscles. The culture process shall include only the step of seeding skin organs. Any culture medium commonly used for skin organ culture can be used as the culture medium; for example, DMEM medium, MEM medium, etc., can be used. Candidate treatments may be any treatment that is expected to enhance the activity of stem cell-like cells present in the arrector pili muscles, and may include physical stimulation treatment or drug stimulation treatment, for example. Physical stimulation is not limited to mechanical stimulation, but includes temperature stimulation, light stimulation, etc. Drug treatment includes the step of replacing the culture medium with a solution containing a candidate drug or adding a candidate drug and culturing. Drug treatment may be carried out for, for example, 1 hour to 7 days. The activity of stem cell-like cells present in the arrector pili muscles can be determined using methods known in this field, and for example, it can be determined based on at least one of the following: the degree of reduction of the culture medium, the number of cells expressing CD34, the proliferative capacity of the arrector pili cells, and the morphology of the arrector pili cells.

[0019] Another aspect relates to a screening method for arrector pili muscle activators using the activity of adrenaline receptor-expressing cells as an indicator. More specifically, this screening method involves the following steps: A step of culturing adrenaline receptor-expressing cells in a solution containing a candidate drug, A process for measuring the activity of adrenaline receptor-expressing cells. Includes.

[0020] The process may include a pre-culture step in a medium without the candidate drug before culturing adrenaline receptor-expressing cells in a solution containing the candidate drug. It may further include a step of comparing the activity of adrenaline receptor-expressing cells in the group cultured in a solution containing the candidate drug with the activity of adrenaline receptor-expressing cells in a control group that differs only in that it does not contain the candidate drug. The experiment with the control group may be conducted in parallel or prior to the experiment with the control group. If the activity of adrenaline receptor-expressing cells increases compared to the activity of adrenaline receptor-expressing cells in the control group, the candidate drug can be screened as an arrector pili muscle activator. The arrector pili muscle activator can activate arrector pili cells or stem cells present in the arrector pili muscle through the excitation of adrenaline receptors. Stem cells proliferate and differentiate into arrector pili cells, increasing the volume of arrector pili muscles and thereby improving sagging, wrinkles, or hollowness. Therefore, arrector pili muscle activators screened by this method can also be called sagging, wrinkle, or hollowness improving agents.

[0021] The solution containing the candidate drug may be any solution, but is preferably a culture medium. Any culture medium commonly used for skin organ culture can be used; for example, DMEM medium, MEM medium, etc. can be used. The step of culturing adrenaline receptor-expressing cells in a solution containing the candidate drug can be carried out by replacing the solution with the solution containing the candidate drug, or by adding the candidate drug to the pre-culture medium and culturing. The culture period can be, for example, 1 hour to 7 days. The activity of smooth muscle cells can be determined using methods known in this art, for example, based on at least one of the following: the reduction degree of the culture medium, the number of CD34-expressing cells, the proliferative capacity of the adrenaline receptor-expressing cells, and the morphology of the adrenaline receptor-expressing cells.

[0022] Candidate drugs can be any drug contained in a drug library, such as cosmetic materials, food materials, or pharmaceutical materials. These drug libraries may be compound libraries or extract libraries. When the screening method according to the present invention was performed using an extract library of cosmetic materials, licorice extract was screened as an agent that activates smooth muscle cells and is effective in improving sagging, wrinkles, or hollowness (Figure 13). Raspberry extract did not activate smooth muscle cells, but when used in combination with licorice, it did not interfere with the smooth muscle cell activating effect of licorice extract (Figure 14).

[0023] Adrenergic receptor-expressing cells can be any cells that express adrenergic receptors, including cells that express adrenergic receptors through gene transfer. Examples of adrenergic receptor cells include smooth muscle cells, cardiomyocytes, and nerve cells. Smooth muscle cells can be any type of smooth muscle cell, and examples include those selected from the group consisting of vascular muscle cells, tracheal smooth muscle cells, arrector pili muscle cells, and uterine muscle cells. These cells may be established cell lines, primary cultured cells from tissue samples, or their progeny.

[0024] Licorice extract refers to an extract obtained from the plant body, particularly the roots and / or rhizomes, of licorice, a perennial herb belonging to the genus Glycyrrhiza in the legume family, which grows wild in the Mediterranean region, Asia Minor, southern Russia, Central Asia, northern China, and North America. Any solvent can be used for extraction, such as water, alcohol, such as ethanol, butylene glycol, or a mixture thereof. As an example, a 50% aqueous solution of ethanol or a 50% aqueous solution of butylene glycol is used.

[0025] Raspberry extract refers to an extract obtained from the plants of the genus Rubus, particularly the fruits, that grow naturally in the polar to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Any solvent can be used for extraction, such as water, alcohol, ethanol, butylene glycol, or mixtures thereof. For example, an extract obtained with butylene glycol may be used.

[0026] In another aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to a composition for activating smooth muscle cells, comprising licorice extract. In yet another aspect, the present invention also relates to a composition for improving sagging, wrinkles, or sagging, comprising licorice extract. The composition for improving sagging, wrinkles, or sagging can also be called an anti-aging agent. This composition for improving sagging can improve skin sagging, wrinkles, or sagging by activating smooth muscle cells, particularly arrector pili cells. The activating composition and / or composition for improving sagging, wrinkles, or sagging according to the present invention may be incorporated into cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or quasi-drugs, or into foods, such as nutritional supplements. When licorice extract and / or raspberry extract are incorporated into cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or quasi-drugs, the amount can be arbitrarily selected within a range that can activate arrector pili cells, for example, 0.01 to 1%. From the viewpoint of activating arrector pili cells, 0.01% or more is preferred, and 0.1% or more is more preferred. From the viewpoint of avoiding side effects, a concentration of 1% or less is preferred, and 0.3% or less is even more preferred. Since arrector pili muscle cells are present around hair follicles in the skin, transdermal application is preferred, and it is preferable to incorporate it into cosmetics applied to the skin. Examples of cosmetics in which it can be incorporated include lotions, serums, beauty creams, sunscreens, bath additives, massage creams, and makeup products, but it can be incorporated into any cosmetic that is applied to the skin. Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals containing the smooth muscle cell activating composition and / or composition for improving sagging, wrinkles, or hollowness of the skin of the present invention may contain other commonly used optional ingredients as needed. Examples of such optional ingredients include oils and fats, surfactants, powders, colorants, water, alcohols, thickeners, chelating agents, silicones, antioxidants, UV absorbers, moisturizers, fragrances, various pharmaceutically active ingredients, preservatives, pH adjusters, and neutralizing agents. Other pharmaceutically active ingredients may include, for example, collagen production promoters.

[0027] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the invention relates to an application that senses the direction of hair growth and instructs stretching stimulation along the direction of hair growth, and also to a beauty device 10 that applies stretching force along the direction of hair growth. To perform such an application, the present invention relates to a device 30 for determining the direction of skin stretching for massage, specifically Camera unit 11 for capturing facial images; An information processing unit 13 analyzes the captured facial image to determine the direction of hair growth and / or the direction of extension along the hair growth direction; and Output unit 21 that displays the direction of hair growth and / or the direction of extension along the direction of hair growth; The device may also include the following: Such device 30 may store the data of the captured facial image and the determined hair flow and / or extension direction along the hair flow in the storage unit 23. In yet another embodiment, the invention may relate to a program for operating such a device. Such a program may be as follows: A command is issued to activate the information processing unit to analyze the facial image captured by the imaging unit 11 and to determine the direction of hair growth and / or the direction of extension along the hair growth direction; A command to display the determined hair flow and / or the direction of extension along the hair flow on the output unit 21. This includes, and furthermore, such a program may include a command to activate the imaging unit 11 to capture a facial image.

[0028] The apparatus of the present invention may also be a system 50 including an external device 40 in which the information processing unit 13 is located externally. Such a system includes a terminal device 31 and an external device 40, wherein the terminal device 31 is: Camera unit 11 for capturing facial images; A communication unit 22 transmits captured data to an external device and receives data on the direction of hair growth and / or extension along the direction of hair growth; Output unit 21 that displays the direction of hair growth and / or the direction of extension along the direction of hair growth. The external device 40 includes, A communication unit 22 for receiving the image data and transmitting data on the determined hair flow and / or extension direction along the hair flow; An information processing unit 13 analyzes the facial image data from the captured images to determine the direction of hair growth and / or the direction of growth along the hair growth direction; This includes, in yet another embodiment, a program that operates such a system. Such a program is: A command to activate the communication unit 22 and transmit the facial image captured by the imaging unit 13; A command to activate the communication unit 22 to receive data about the hair flow and / or the direction of extension along the hair flow; A command to the output unit 21 to display the direction of hair growth and / or the direction of extension along the direction of hair growth; This includes. Furthermore, the program that operates the external device is A command to activate the communication unit 22 and receive the facial image captured by the imaging unit 11; The information processing unit 13 is activated to analyze the facial image captured by the imaging unit 22 and to issue a command to determine the direction of hair growth and / or the direction of extension along the hair growth. A command to activate the communication unit 22 to transmit data about the direction of hair growth and / or the direction of extension along the direction of hair growth; Includes.

[0029] The beauty device 10 comprises an imaging unit 11 and a probe unit 12, and further includes an information processing unit 13 (Figure 15). The imaging unit 11 is a camera, preferably a microscope, capable of photographing facial vellus hairs. The probe unit 12 is an extension probe equipped with an extension direction adjustment mechanism 15 that can apply extension force to the skin surface from any direction. The surface size of the skin contact portion 14 of the probe unit 12 can be arbitrarily determined, up to 1 mm. 2 ~100cm 2This can be set. For example, the extension direction adjustment mechanism 15, together with an angle adjustment mechanism 17 that adjusts the angle relative to the base 19, and a rotation mechanism 18 that rotates the base 19, can adjust the probe to any angle. The angle adjustment mechanism may have one axis, or it may have two or more axes. The extension force adjustment mechanism 16 allows the skin contact portion 14 of the probe portion 12 to expand and contract, thereby adjusting to apply an appropriate extension force to the skin. The image captured by the imaging unit 11 is processed in the information processing unit 13 to determine the hair flow. Based on the determined hair flow, the extension direction and / or extension force of the probe portion 12 is adjusted. More specifically, the information processing unit 13 can determine the extension direction along the hair flow. The extension mechanism direction adjustment mechanism 15 adjusts the angle of the probe portion 12 relative to the determined extension direction. As a result of the extension of the probe 12, when applied to the cheek of the face, it deforms by 5% to 50%, preferably 10% to 40%, and most preferably about 30%. Deformation can be determined by measuring the amount of deformation, such as by analyzing the captured surface morphology or by measuring the surface morphology, or by using strain gauges or force gauges. Furthermore, by pre-determining the relationship between deformation and force in a group of subjects, deformation can be measured using stretching stimulation (force) as an indicator. The beauty device 10 may have multiple probe units 12. In that case, an imaging unit 11 may also be installed for each probe unit 12. Such a beauty device may also include any configuration typically found in a facial beauty device, such as a light irradiation unit, a temperature control mechanism, and a voltage application mechanism. The beauty device 10 further includes an operating unit 20, which can be used to turn the power on / off and switch modes.

[0030] The storage unit 23 is any device for storing data, such as memory devices like RAM, ROM, and flash memory; fixed disk devices like hard disk drives; or portable storage devices like flexible disks and optical disks. The storage unit 23 stores image data and instructions captured by the imaging unit 11, programs used for various computer processes, processing results from the information processing unit 13, a database, and forms to be output to the output unit 21. Computer programs may be installed, for example, on computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs, or via the internet. Computer programs are installed in the storage unit 23 using a known setup program or the like.

[0031] The information processing unit 13 is any device that performs arithmetic processing and usually has one or more processors or their peripheral circuits. The information processing unit 13 comprehensively controls the overall operation of the device 30 and is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The information processing unit 13 executes various arithmetic processes according to the program stored in the storage unit 23. The arithmetic processing is performed by the processor included in the information processing unit 13. This processor includes a functional module that controls the imaging unit 11, the storage unit 23, and the output unit 21, and can perform various controls. Each of these parts may be composed of an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, etc. The information processing unit 13 determines the direction of hair growth on the face from the image data captured by the imaging unit 11. By recognizing each individual hair growing on the face using image recognition technology and determining the direction from each hair follicle to the tip, the overall hair growth direction on the face can be determined. The information processing unit 13 further determines the direction of extension along the hair growth direction based on the hair growth. The information about the hair flow and / or the direction of extension along the hair flow, determined by the information processing unit 13, may be temporarily stored in the storage unit 23.

[0032] The output unit 21 is any device capable of outputting the results of processing by the information processing unit 13, such as a display device like a liquid crystal display that directly displays the results, or an output means like a printer, and may include an interface. The output unit 21 outputs the results processed by the information processing unit 13, i.e., the hair flow and / or the direction of extension along the hair flow. At this time, it retrieves a form or face image stored in the storage unit 23 and displays the hair flow and / or the direction of extension along the hair flow over the form or face image.

[0033] The communication unit 22 may be connected via an interface to a communication unit for outputting via a network, or to an external storage device. The communication unit used in the imaging unit 11 and the output unit 14 relates to a communication interface such as a LAN or port for connecting the information processing device to a network.

[0034] Based on the skin's resistance to aging output from the output unit 14, counseling can be provided. During counseling, preventive measures can be offered that correspond to the skin's resistance to aging. "According to the skin's resistance to aging" means providing measures that can compensate for low resistance. The relationship between skin's resistance to aging and preventive measures may be stored in the memory unit 12 beforehand, and the output unit 14 can output information on preventive measures along with the output of skin's resistance to aging. Preventive measures may include cosmetics, ingredients, and beauty treatments such as frequency and method of use, as well as measures that change lifestyle habits and the external environment.

[0035] All references made herein are incorporated herein by citation in their entirety.

[0036] The embodiments of the present invention described below are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the technical scope of the invention. The technical scope of the invention is limited solely by the claims. Modifications to the invention, such as additions, deletions, and substitutions of constituent elements of the invention, can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Examples]

[0037] Example 1: Three-dimensional analysis of the arrector pili muscle X-ray CT observation Skin specimens were obtained from excess skin excised during reconstructive surgery. Cylindrical skin sections, several millimeters in diameter, were cut from these specimens and subjected to X-ray CT scanning using an Xradia device (ZEISS) in an unfixed, moist environment. Observation in an unfixed state allowed for the observation of tissue in a deformed state. Even when the skin was deformed by pressure, the deformation returned to its original state when the pressure was removed. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the skin was performed on the images acquired from the X-ray CT scans using an automated classification technology based on artificial intelligence, Dragonfly (Object Research Systems).

[0038] X-ray CT scans were performed while applying vertical pressure from the epidermal side, and 3D reconstruction was carried out. Landmark points were densely placed on the surface of each 3D reconstructed tissue, and the amount of displacement of the pore tissue structure before and during pressure application was analyzed. The amount of displacement of each landmark is shown as a heat map in Figure 1. It was shown that deformation was not uniform due to pressure, but that the amount of deformation varied depending on the tissue inside the skin.

[0039] Skin samples obtained from young individuals (14 years old) and elderly individuals (76 years old) were subjected to X-ray CT imaging and 3D reconstruction to show the arrector pili muscles (Figure 5A), and the amount of arrector pili muscle per unit area of ​​skin was compared (Figure 5B).

[0040] Skin section after applying pressure stimulation Vertical pressure was applied to cylindrical skin sections (from young and elderly subjects) (Figures 2A, B). When vertical pressure was applied, the skin of elderly subjects stretched uniformly, while the skin of young subjects stretched horizontally but resisted stretching in the vertical direction. The resistance to stretching was graphed (Figure 2C). The degree of skin movement when pressure was applied from above to a circular skin sample from young subjects was represented by a heat map (Figure 3A). It was found that there were localized areas in the skin sample where the amount of movement was limited (Figure 3A). Three-dimensional reconstruction of this circular skin sample using X-ray CT showed that arrector pili muscles were present at the locations where the amount of movement was limited (Figure 3B). Arrector pili muscles, hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands present in the circular skin sample were identified, and the amount of deformation due to pressure was compared (Figure 4). It was shown that stretching was suppressed in areas where arrector pili muscles were present within the skin.

[0041] Example 2: Correlation between arrector pili muscles and skin laxity or elasticity For 30 middle-aged subjects, skin viscoelasticity of the cheek area was measured using a cutometer. The severity of skin laxity was also assessed photographically. The relationship between skin viscoelasticity and arrector pili muscle mass in the cheek area of ​​each subject was analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman's correlation coefficient for the relationship between skin viscoelasticity and arrector pili muscle mass, and between the severity of skin laxity and arrector pili muscle mass. The results are shown in the table below. [Table 1] These results showed an inverse correlation between arrector pili muscle mass and the severity of sagging, as well as a correlation between arrector pili muscle mass and skin viscoelasticity. Therefore, a relationship was demonstrated between arrector pili muscle mass and sagging, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

[0042] Example 3: Observation of skin sections stem cell-like cells Immunostaining was performed on skin samples obtained from young and elderly subjects according to standard procedures. Labeling was performed using the CD49f / CD34 marker (Abcam). The nuclei were stained with DAPI and observed under a fluorescence microscope (Figure 6A). It was shown that the arrector pili muscle contained cells expressing the CD49f / CD34 marker (stem cell marker). Comparing the skin samples from young and elderly subjects, the number of cells expressing the CD49f / CD34 marker (stem cell marker) decreased in the elderly subjects (Figure 6B). This suggests that the decrease in stem cells in the arrector pili muscle with aging leads to a decrease in arrector pili muscle mass.

[0043] Organ culture experiment A cylindrical skin sample with a diameter of 10 mm was obtained. One sample was cultured without stretching stimulation, while the other sample was stretched to deform approximately 30% in the longitudinal direction. It was then immersed in DMEM medium containing 10% FBS and cultured for 7 days under a 5% CO2, 37°C atmosphere.

[0044] staining Skin sections treated with and without stretching stimulation were reacted with an anti-CD34 antibody (cell signaling), followed by a reaction with 3,3-diaminobenzidine (DAB) using the Emvision system (DAKO) to stain for CD34. Hematoxylin staining was then performed as a post-stain (Figure 7A). The nuclei were stained blue (shown as black ovals to flattened shapes in the figure), and the presence of CD34 was stained brown (shown as arrows in the figure).

[0045] Fluorescent staining Immunostaining was performed on skin samples that had been subjected to stretch stimulation and those that had not, according to standard procedures. Anti-CD34 antibody (Abcam) and anti-αSMA antibody (Abcam) were used, and the cells were labeled with the corresponding fluorescently labeled secondary antibody and observed under a fluorescence microscope (Figure 7B). In the case without stretch stimulation, a small number of CD34-positive αSMA-negative cells were present in the arrector pili muscle (indicated by white triangles in the figure). On the other hand, when stretch stimulation was applied, a large number of CD34-αSMA double-positive cells were present (indicated by white arrows in the figure). From these results, it is thought that stretch stimulation activates and proliferates CD34-positive αSMA-negative stem cells, and then differentiates them, resulting in an increase in CD34-αSMA double-positive cells.

[0046] Example 4: Orientation of the arrector pili muscle in the face The relationship between hair follicles forming vellus hairs and the arrector pili muscles was investigated from facial skin specimens using X-ray CT imaging and 3D reconstruction (Figure 8A). For facial vellus hairs, the orientation of the arrector pili muscles coincided with the orientation of the hairs. Since hair growth in the direction of the hair follicle creates hair flow, the orientation of the arrector pili muscles can be determined by analyzing the hair flow. Hair orientation was analyzed from facial photographs of 62 female volunteers (Figure 8B). The hair flow on the face was consistent except for the forehead (Figure 8C).

[0047] Massage the orientation of the arrector pili muscles. Eight female volunteers (middle-aged) received stretching stimulation once a day for four weeks, aligned with the direction of hair growth, and photographs were taken. Based on the photographs, the degree of improvement in lower eyelid sagging was classified into four stages: marked improvement, effective, slow improvement, and no improvement (Figure 10). Stretching stimulation aligned with the direction of the arrector pili muscle improved sagging.

[0048] Example 5: Activation of stem cells via adrenaline receptor 1 (ADRA1) ADRA1 expression in stem cell-like cells Smooth muscle cells (PromoCel) were cultured in smooth muscle culture medium. Primary cultured smooth muscle cells were labeled with the CD49f / CD34 marker (Abcam). The nuclei were then stained with DAPI and observed under a fluorescence microscope (Figure 11A). This showed that primary smooth muscle cells also contained stem cell-like cells. Next, fixed primary cultured smooth muscle cells and skin sections were labeled with anti-ADRA1 antibody (Abcam) and anti-CD34 antibody (Abcam). The nuclei were then stained with DAPI and observed under a fluorescence microscope. Similar to primary smooth muscle cells, stem cells in arrector pili muscle also expressed adrenaline receptors (Figures 11B, 11C).

[0049] Norepinephrine stimulation Smooth muscle cells were cultured for 48 hours in phenylephrine-supplemented smooth muscle culture medium (3 μM, 10 μM). After culturing, the cells were labeled with the CD49f / CD34 marker (Abcam) using the corresponding fluorescently labeled secondary antibody according to standard procedures and observed under a fluorescence microscope. The number of CD49f / CD34 marker-double positive cells was counted. Stem cell marker-positive cells increased in a dose-dependent manner with phenylephrine (Figure 12A, B), suggesting that stem cell-like cells proliferated due to the action of phenylephrine.

[0050] Example 6: Measurement of smooth muscle cell activity Smooth muscle cells (Promo Cell) 1 × 10 4 Cells were suspended in smooth muscle cell proliferation medium 2 (Promo Cell) at a density of cells / well and seeded into 24-well plates. Licorice extract (Maruzen Pharmaceutical) was added to a concentration of 0.1%, while 50% butylene glycol was added to the control group. Almar Blue (Invitrogen) was then added to the medium to a concentration of 10%, and the cells were incubated for 3 hours at 37°C under a 5% CO2 atmosphere. The fluorescence intensity of the 24-well plates was measured using a fluorescence plate reader (Figure 13). Fluorescence increased in the licorice extract-added group compared to the control group, indicating enhanced cell activity.

[0051] Smooth muscle cells (Promo Cell) 1 × 10 4Cells were suspended in smooth muscle cell proliferation medium 2 (Promo Cell) at a density of cells / well and seeded into 24-well plates. Licorice extract (Maruzen Pharmaceutical) and raspberry extract (Maruzen Pharmaceutical) were added to each to create test groups at a concentration of 0.1%, while 50% butylene glycol was added to the control group. Furthermore, test groups were prepared with both licorice extract (Maruzen Pharmaceutical) and raspberry extract (Maruzen Pharmaceutical) added. Almar Blue (Invitrogen) was added to these media to a concentration of 10%, and the cells were incubated for 3 hours at 37°C in a 5% CO2 atmosphere. The fluorescence intensity of the 24-well plates was measured using a fluorescence plate reader (Figure 14). Licorice extract had a smooth muscle cell activating effect, while the raspberry extract-added group did not. On the other hand, the groups treated with licorice extract and raspberry extract showed cell-activating effects, indicating that raspberry extract does not interfere with the cell-activating effect of licorice extract. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 10 Beauty equipment 11. Photography Department 12 Probe section 13 Information Processing Department 14 Skin contact parts 15 Extension direction adjustment mechanism 16 Extension force adjustment mechanism 17 Angle adjustment mechanism 18 Rotation mechanism 19 Base 20 Control section 21 Output section 22 Communications Department 23 Memory section 30 equipment 31 Terminal device 40 External device 50 Systems

Claims

1. A beauty device comprising an imaging unit, a probe unit with an extension direction adjustment mechanism, and an information processing unit, The information processing unit processes the images captured by the photography unit to determine the direction of the hair growth; The information processing unit determines the direction of extension based on the direction of hair growth; The extension direction adjustment mechanism of the probe adjusts the angle of the probe in the determined extension direction. The aforementioned beauty device, including the aforementioned beauty device.

2. A device for determining the direction of skin stretching for massage, The photography department that takes facial images; An information processing unit that analyzes captured facial images to determine the direction of hair growth and / or the direction of extension along the hair growth direction; and An output unit that displays the direction of hair growth and / or the direction of extension along the direction of hair growth; The apparatus, including the above.

3. A program for controlling a device for determining the direction of skin stretching for massage, which includes an imaging unit, an information processing unit, and an output unit, A command is issued to activate the information processing unit to analyze the facial image captured by the imaging unit and to determine the direction of hair growth and / or the direction of extension along the hair growth direction; A command to display the determined hair flow and / or the direction of extension along the hair flow on the output unit. The program, including the program.

Images