Cosmetic treatment methods, preparations and products for scalp and hair

Abstract

A product and method for cosmetic treatment of the scalp and hair are provided. The product is a water-containing cosmetic composition or an ultrasonic atomizer filled with a water-containing cosmetic. The cosmetic treatment method uses the ultrasonic atomizer to atomize the water-containing cosmetic into droplets in the range of 10 nanometers to 100 micrometers, spray the atomized water-containing cosmetic against the flow of hair onto the scalp, and massage the scalp against the flow of hair.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to cosmetic treatment methods, formulations, and products for the scalp and hair, and in particular to water-containing cosmetic formulations and products that can be atomized using ultrasonic atomization technology, and their application for the cosmetic treatment of the scalp and hair. [Background technology]

[0002] When applying cosmetics or pharmaceuticals to human skin, it is important to maximize the effectiveness of the product by optimizing percutaneous absorption. However, the physiological function of human skin as a natural barrier limits the exchange between the subcutaneous tissue and the environment. The natural barrier function of the skin is mainly provided by interconnected dead keratinocytes. Furthermore, naturally produced sweat and sebum make it difficult for cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredients to penetrate and reach primary target tissues such as the dermis, epidermis, or subcutaneous tissue. Therefore, in the field of cosmetics, increasing dermal absorption has become an extremely important research topic.

[0003] Human scalp hair and skin differ significantly from those on other parts of the body. Hair is the only continuous growth on the human body, and its structure primarily consists of the medulla, cortex, and cuticle layers, from the inside to the outside. The cortex, which accounts for 70% to 80% of hair volume, is the main structure of hair and is composed of protein fibers that readily bind water. The moisture content in hair significantly affects its strength and appearance. The cuticle layers, also known as hair scales, grow from the end of the hair follicle to the tip, overlapping like bamboo shoot skin with slightly raised outer edges, forming gaps of approximately 3 micrometers under normal conditions. The surface of these scales contains natural lipids that protect the inner hair and act as a barrier against external damage. Factors such as washing, dyeing, and heat treatment reduce the moisture content in the cortex, affecting the overall health and appearance of hair. When the gaps between the scales widen, hair tends to become frizzy. In hair care products, moisturizing the hair and smoothing scales are often important objectives apart from changing its color, curl pattern or shape.

[0004] The scalp has the highest density of hair follicles in the human body, with the number of hairs reaching up to 100,000 depending on genetic, age, and gender differences between individuals. These hair follicles contain sebaceous glands, which, when combined with numerous sweat pores, form a sebaceous film on the scalp under normal physiological conditions. Continuous secretion of sebum and sweat provides a breeding environment for bacteria and fungi, making the scalp the area with the highest microbial population on the body's skin. When the balance of oil and moisture is disrupted by physiological, pathological, or environmental changes, it often results in fluctuations in the microbial population. Secretions from these microorganisms further affect scalp health and hair growth. Scalp hair follicles are significantly different from those on other parts of the body. Scalp hair follicles typically grow one to four hairs at a time, and their openings form a funnel shape. Under healthy conditions, adequate sebum secretion and its outward movement prevent microorganisms from entering the lower part of the hair follicle. Conversely, excessive or insufficient sebum secretion can cause inflammation in the open area or penetrate deep into the hair follicle. Therefore, by properly replenishing hair moisture or enhancing scalp cell hydration, the health and aesthetic appeal of the scalp and hair can be improved.

[0005] In addition to their normal physiological functions, hair follicles also serve as a pathway for the absorption of cosmetics or pharmaceuticals through the scalp. With funnel-shaped openings measuring approximately 60-70 micrometers, hair follicles offer a larger passageway compared to sweat glands or the stratum corneum of the skin. The hair bulb, located deeper within the dermis, is in close proximity to the subcutaneous capillary system. Therefore, by miniaturizing cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredients, it is possible to guide these active ingredients through the hair follicle opening and the gaps surrounding the stratum corneum, facilitating their delivery to deeper layers of the skin and thereby enhancing absorption.

[0006] When applying cosmetics to the scalp or hair, the effects of gravity often lead to product runoff and loss. As a result, many scalp and hair care products aim to extend their adhesion time by adding increased product viscosity through the addition of high-molecular-weight polymers. However, the scalp surface is not a smooth, flat surface; it is a complex three-dimensional structure formed by layers of pores, hair, and dead keratinocytes. High viscosity increases the surface tension of the formulation, leading to the formation of gaps when the formulation comes into contact with the skin structure. This does not actually increase the contact surface area. High-viscosity cosmetics are also difficult to cleanse after application to remove excess product, especially around the initial application site. Other formulation methods to enhance ingredient penetration may introduce compositions that physically or chemically modify either the hair protein structure or the integrity of scalp keratinocytes. However, these methods often require disrupting normal cellular structures, resulting in different types of physiological damage.

[0007] Another area of ​​research to enhance the absorption of cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredients is through the technology of liquid atomization.

[0008] Liquid atomization has found widespread applications across a variety of fields, including industry, manufacturing, agriculture, and medicine. The objectives for utilizing liquid atomization vary across these fields, including increasing the total liquid surface area and increasing the burn rate, improving efficiency in surface coating processes, increasing accuracy in spray printing, enhancing plant fertilizer absorption, and facilitating drug delivery. The use of atomization technology in the cosmetics field aligns with the objectives in the medical field. Both aim to reduce the unit volume of the liquid, disperse the total volume, and increase the surface area to promote skin contact and enhanced absorption.

[0009] According to the energy transfer method, atomization technology can be classified into two main types: mechanical atomization and ultrasonic atomization. Mechanical atomization includes methods such as pressure atomization, two-fluid atomization, and rotating disk atomization. Despite being widely used in various fields, mechanical atomization has drawbacks such as higher energy consumption and difficulty in controlling the size and velocity of aerosol particles.

[0010] The use of pressurized atomization is a known method for spraying cosmetics onto scalp and hair.Pressure atomization has the advantage that application time is relatively short.However, its spray speed is both an advantage and a disadvantage.When mist droplets hit a surface, the high speed of arrival causes a bounce effect, and a large part of ingredients scatter in the air, reducing the time that ingredients stay on scalp or hair surface.

[0011] Ultrasonic atomization involves electrically controlling a piezoelectric element to vibrate at frequencies reaching millions of times per second, generating fine standing waves on a liquid film, which separates the liquid from the wave front and atomizes it. By adjusting factors such as vibration frequency, power, and the physicochemical properties of the liquid, this technology can produce mist droplets with average diameters of 10 micrometers or even submicron levels. Furthermore, the size distribution tends to be more concentrated than with mechanical atomization. Therefore, ultrasonic atomization is more suitable than mechanical atomization for industries that rely heavily on droplet size, such as drug delivery.

[0012] Although ultrasonic atomization has been used in research to apply cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredients to the scalp, the mist generated by ultrasonic atomization has a slow flight speed and tends to float in the air before finally settling due to gravity. As a result, the deposition position of these droplets is affected by the contour of the contact surface. In practical application on the scalp, it is necessary to ensure that the droplets penetrate the physical barrier presented by the hair shaft to settle on the surface of the scalp or preferably reach the opening of the hair follicle. Only then can the advantages of ultrasonic atomization, such as smaller and more concentrated droplet size, be fully utilized to enhance the absorption of cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredients.

[0013] The majority of hair follicle openings are not perpendicular to the skin but are aligned with the direction of hair flow, forming an angle ranging from 0 to 90 degrees relative to the skin surface. Therefore, these funnel openings have a specific orientation. Furthermore, smearing and massaging have been shown to enhance scalp absorption and delivery of liquid formulations to deeper layers of the skin.

[0014] Currently, there is no cosmetic method that involves applying cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredients to the scalp by ultrasonic atomization, followed by massaging the scalp to enhance absorption and effectiveness. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] The present invention provides a water-containing cosmetic formulation that can be atomized using ultrasonic technology and applied to the scalp and hair, with the aim of enhancing scalp cell hydration and replenishing hair moisture, thereby improving the overall health and aesthetic appearance of the scalp and hair. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water-containing cosmetic formulation has a viscosity in the range of 0.5 mPa·S to 1000 mPa·S and a water content of 1 to 99% by weight.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the water-containing cosmetic formulation comprises at least one ingredient selected from the following: 5% by weight of German chamomile, 1% by weight of vitamin B5, 3% by weight of hydrolyzed keratin, and 1% by weight of sodium glycyrrhizinate.

[0018] Meanwhile, the present invention provides a cosmetic treatment method for scalp and hair, which includes the following steps: introducing a water-containing cosmetic formulation into an ultrasonic atomizer; atomizing the water-containing cosmetic formulation using the ultrasonic atomizer; lifting the hair to expose the scalp underneath in the direction against the hair flow; positioning the ultrasonic vibrating blade of the ultrasonic atomizer near the scalp; spraying the atomized water-containing cosmetic formulation onto the scalp in the direction against the hair flow; and massaging the scalp in the direction against the hair flow.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a cosmetic treatment method for scalp and hair comprises spraying an atomized water-containing cosmetic formulation onto the scalp in a direction against the direction of hair growth for a duration ranging from 5 to 20 minutes.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a cosmetic treatment method for the scalp and hair comprises massaging the scalp in a direction against the direction of hair growth for a duration ranging from 5 to 20 minutes.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a cosmetic treatment method for scalp and hair includes maintaining the shortest linear distance between the ultrasonic vibrating element of the ultrasonic atomizer and the surface of the scalp in the range of 0.1 centimeters to 5 centimeters.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a cosmetic treatment method for scalp and hair includes setting the vibration frequency of an ultrasonic vibrating element of an ultrasonic atomizer to 20 kHz to 4 million Hz.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a cosmetic treatment method for scalp and hair comprises utilizing an ultrasonic atomizer to atomize a water-containing cosmetic formulation into mist droplets having an average diameter in the range of 10 nanometers to 100 micrometers.

[0024] In another aspect, the present invention provides a cosmetic product suitable for the scalp and hair, comprising: a water-containing cosmetic formulation; and an ultrasonic atomizer suitable for atomizing the water-containing cosmetic formulation into mist droplets having an average diameter in the range of 10 nanometers to 100 micrometers.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic atomizer includes at least one piezoelectric element electrically controlled to vibrate at a frequency between 20 kilohertz and 4 million hertz. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing steps of a cosmetic treatment method for scalp and hair according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the direction of hair flow and the direction against the hair flow. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 shows a comparison of scalp moisture levels when spraying with hair flow versus against hair flow. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 shows a comparison of scalp moisture levels between no massage and massage against the direction of hair growth. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 shows a comparison of scalp moisture levels after using water-containing cosmetic formulations with different water contents.

[0027] Explanation of key symbols: 101-106 - Process steps in a cosmetic treatment method for scalp and hair. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The following sections, in conjunction with the accompanying figures, provide detailed descriptions of embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] See FIG. 1 , which illustrates the process steps of a cosmetic treatment method for scalp and hair according to one embodiment of the present invention. First, in step 101, a water-containing cosmetic formulation is obtained and introduced into an ultrasonic atomizer. The water-containing cosmetic formulation has a water content of 1 to 99% by weight and a viscosity of 0.5 mPa·S to 1000 mPa·S. This cosmetic formulation may contain one or more major cosmetic ingredients to provide various benefits to hair and scalp, including, but not limited to, moisturizing, antibacterial, oil control, deodorizing, anti-dandruff, cleansing, anti-inflammatory, soothing, relaxing, repairing, hair growth, strengthening, and reducing hair loss. For example, the water-containing cosmetic formulation may further contain at least one ingredient selected from the following: 5% by weight German chamomile, 1% by weight vitamin B5, 3% by weight hydrolyzed keratin, and 1% by weight sodium glycyrrhizinate. The ultrasonic vibrating blade of the ultrasonic atomizer used in the present invention may include at least one piezoelectric element. Furthermore, the ultrasonic atomizer of the present invention may be a handheld device, which improves user convenience. Next, in step 102, the ultrasonic vibrating blade of the ultrasonic atomizer is electrically controlled to vibrate at a frequency of 20 kHz to 4 million Hz, facilitating atomization of the water-containing cosmetic formulation by the ultrasonic atomizer, resulting in mist droplets with an average diameter ranging from 10 nanometers to 100 micrometers being emitted from the ultrasonic atomizer. In step 103, as shown in FIG. 2, the hair is lifted against the direction of hair growth to expose the underlying scalp. Next, in step 104, the ultrasonic atomizer is brought close to the exposed scalp, and the ultrasonic vibrating blade is positioned close to the scalp, for example, with the shortest linear distance between the ultrasonic vibrating blade and the scalp being 0.1 centimeters to 5 centimeters. Following this, in step 105, the atomized water-containing cosmetic formulation is sprayed against the direction of hair growth onto the scalp for an optimal spray duration of 5 to 20 minutes, preferably 5 minutes. Finally, in step 106, the scalp is massaged in a direction against the direction of hair growth for an optimal duration of 5 to 20 minutes, preferably 5 minutes.

[0030] The cosmetic treatment method for scalp and hair according to the present invention is not limited to the order shown in Figure 1. Steps 102 and 103 can be performed before step 104.

[0031] A feature of the water-containing cosmetic formulation of the present invention is that its ultrasonic atomization technology enables the formation of fine mist droplets with an average diameter ranging from 10 nanometers to 100 micrometers, thereby facilitating skin / scalp absorption. Figure 3 shows a comparison of scalp moisture levels after applying the ultrasonic mist sprayer of the present invention and spraying the atomized water-containing cosmetic formulation both in the direction of hair flow and in the opposite direction (i.e., against the hair flow). From Figure 3, it can be observed that after spraying the water-containing cosmetic formulation atomized by the ultrasonic sprayer of the present invention against the hair flow for 5 minutes, the scalp moisture level exceeds 75%. However, when sprayed in the direction of hair flow, the scalp moisture level after 5 minutes is approximately 48%.

[0032] Figure 4 shows a comparison of scalp moisture levels after applying the atomized water-containing cosmetic formulation of the present invention to the scalp with and without scalp massage. Figure 4 clearly shows that massaging the scalp for 5, 10, or 20 minutes after applying the atomized water-containing cosmetic formulation of the present invention increases scalp moisture by about 10% compared to not massaging the scalp.

[0033] According to the test results from Figures 3 and 4, the water-containing cosmetic formulation provided by the present invention can be atomized into fine mist droplets using ultrasonic atomization technology, which can promote skin absorption. Furthermore, the cosmetic treatment method for scalp and hair introduced by the present invention can effectively enhance the moisturizing properties of both scalp and hair.

[0034] Figure 5 shows a comparison of the moisturizing effect on the scalp after spraying different water-containing cosmetic formulations with various water content levels atomized by the ultrasonic atomization technology provided by the present invention. Figure 5 clearly shows that when these different water-containing cosmetic formulations are sprayed on the scalp for 5, 10, or 20 minutes, scalp moisture increases by 10% to 50% compared to before application. In particular, the best effect was observed when the ultrasonically atomized water-based cosmetic formulation was sprayed on the scalp for 5 minutes, with scalp moisture increasing significantly by 40% to 50% compared to before application.

[0035] Meanwhile, the present invention also provides a cosmetic product suitable for the scalp and hair. It involves packaging the water-containing cosmetic formulation provided by the present invention in an ultrasonic atomizer capable of atomizing the formulation into fine mist droplets having an average diameter of 10 nanometers to 100 micrometers. The cosmetic product of the present invention may include packaging for the water-containing cosmetic formulation designed to be suitable for atomization into fine mist droplets having an average diameter of 10 nanometers to 100 micrometers in a handheld ultrasonic atomizer.

[0036] Based on the above embodiment, it is demonstrated that the water-containing cosmetic formulation provided by the present invention can be atomized using ultrasonic technology and applied to the scalp and hair. Utilizing this method for the cosmetic treatment of scalp and hair can actually enhance the hydration of scalp cells and replenish hair moisture, thereby improving the health and aesthetics of the scalp and hair.

Claims

1. A cosmetic treatment method (excluding medical procedures) that improves the health and aesthetic appearance of the scalp and hair, introducing a water-containing cosmetic formulation into an ultrasonic atomizer; atomizing the water-containing cosmetic formulation using the ultrasonic atomizer into mist droplets having an average diameter in the range of 10 nanometers to 100 micrometers; lifting the hair against the direction of hair growth to expose the underlying scalp; Positioning an ultrasonic vibrating piece of the ultrasonic atomizer near the scalp; spraying the atomized water-containing cosmetic formulation onto the scalp in a direction against the hair flow; and massaging the scalp in a direction against the direction of hair growth after spraying the atomized water-containing cosmetic formulation onto the scalp.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of spraying the atomized water-containing cosmetic formulation onto the scalp in a direction against the hair flow is for a duration ranging from 5 to 20 minutes.

3. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the shortest linear distance between the ultrasonic vibrating element of the ultrasonic atomizer and the surface of the scalp is maintained in the range of 0.1 centimeter to 5 centimeter.

4. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the water-containing cosmetic formulation has a viscosity of 0.5 mPa·S to 1000 mPa·S.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the water-containing cosmetic formulation has a water content ranging from 1 to 99% by weight.

6. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the water-containing cosmetic formulation comprises at least one ingredient selected from 5% by weight of German chamomile, 1% by weight of vitamin B5, 3% by weight of hydrolyzed keratin, and 1% by weight of sodium glycyrrhizinate.

7. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the step of atomizing the water-containing cosmetic formulation using the ultrasonic atomizer, the ultrasonic vibrating blade of the ultrasonic atomizer vibrates at a frequency of 20 kilohertz to 4 million hertz.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic vibrating reed comprises at least one piezoelectric element.

9. A water-containing cosmetic formulation for the scalp and hair adapted to be used in the cosmetic treatment method of claim 1, the water-containing cosmetic formulation for the scalp and hair having a viscosity of 0.5 mPa·S to 1000 mPa·S and a water content in the range of 1 to 99% by weight.

10. 10. The water-containing cosmetic formulation for scalp and hair according to claim 9, further comprising at least one ingredient selected from 5% by weight of German chamomile, 1% by weight of vitamin B5, 3% by weight of hydrolyzed keratin, and 1% by weight of sodium glycyrrhizinate.

11. A cosmetic product for the scalp and hair adapted to be used in the cosmetic treatment method of claim 1, comprising: a water-containing cosmetic formulation; and an ultrasonic atomizer capable of atomizing the water-containing cosmetic formulation into fine mist droplets having an average diameter of 10 nanometers to 100 micrometers, wherein the water-containing cosmetic formulation has a viscosity of 0.5 mPa·S to 1000 mPa·S and a water content in the range of 1 to 99% by weight.

12. 12. The cosmetic product for scalp and hair according to claim 11, wherein the ultrasonic atomizer comprises at least one piezoelectric element vibrating at a frequency of 20 kilohertz to 4 million hertz.

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