Classification method of skin barrier type

Abstract

To grasp how the barrier properties of skin or lips (hereafter, called as "skin") vary according to environmental temperature and humidity.SOLUTION: A skin classifying method is configured to: acquire a measured value of barrier properties of skin by changing environmental temperature and humidity for the skin, and on the basis of the measured value, classify a type of the skin's barrier properties based on at least two axes of a level of the barrier properties in a certain environmental temperature and humidity and a level of the barrier properties in an environmental temperature and humidity where temperature or humidity is different from that of the certain environmental temperature and humidity. For example, the barrier properties are classified into following four types of (i) to (iv): (i) a skin having low barrier properties in a low humidity environment and a high humidity environment; (ii) a skin having low barrier properties in the low humidity environment and having high barrier properties in the high humidity environment; (iii) a skin having high barrier properties in the low humidity environment and the high humidity environment; (iv) a skin having high barrier properties in the low humidity environment and having low barrier properties in the high humidity environment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a method for classifying skin barrier properties, which classifies how skin barrier properties change depending on ambient temperature and humidity. [Background technology]

[0002] Skin barrier function refers to the skin's characteristic of protecting against the effects of external factors on the skin's surface, superficial layer, and internal layers. It is known that keeping the skin moist by wearing masks, diapers, rubber gloves, etc., can affect the skin's barrier function and cause problems. Regarding this skin barrier function, Patent Document 1 describes that when moisture is applied to the skin, the stratum corneum thickness increases, and furthermore, the microstructure of the skin changes, forming a pore-like structure, which increases the permeability of indicator substances in the skin, that is, the skin's barrier function decreases, and therefore, the effect of a test substance on the skin's barrier function can be evaluated based on images of the pore-like structure when the test substance is in contact with the skin.

[0003] Furthermore, it has been reported that mask wearers are aware of changes in their skin condition, such as roughness, dryness, and itching, regardless of the season, and are more aware of changes in their skin condition, such as breakouts, acne, and stickiness, in the summer (Non-Patent Literature 1).

[0004] On the other hand, as a method of providing skincare advice that takes living environment into account, it is known to use a database that links living environment factors such as temperature and humidity with the level of skin irritation and advice information (Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6326558 [Patent Document 2] WO2018 / 216678 publication [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Cosmetic Stage 16(4),6-10,2022 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, considering that some people experience skin or lip irritation from wearing masks while others do not, it is difficult to predict how the barrier function of a subject's skin and lips will change depending on the ambient temperature and humidity. Therefore, it is not possible to uniformly advise on cosmetics or skincare methods that are effective in improving a subject's skin barrier function based on ambient temperature and humidity.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a novel skin classification method that enables understanding how the barrier properties of a subject's skin or lips (hereinafter simply referred to as "skin") change with environmental temperature and humidity, and to enable the classification of the skin based on this classification method, and to provide advice on cosmetics, skincare methods, makeup methods, etc., that are suitable for that skin. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a method for classifying skin barrier properties by changing the ambient temperature and humidity of the skin, obtaining measured values ​​of skin barrier properties, and classifying the type of skin barrier property on at least two axes based on these measured values: the level of barrier properties at a certain ambient temperature and humidity, and the level of barrier properties at an ambient temperature and humidity different from that ambient temperature and humidity.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a database in which information on cosmetics, makeup methods, or skincare methods suitable for improving the skin barrier properties of a given type, as classified by the above-described classification method, is stored in association with the types of skin barrier properties classified by the above-described classification method, and The present invention provides a skin barrier care system equipped with a computing device that, when a skin barrier type is input using the database, outputs information on cosmetics, makeup methods, or skincare methods associated with that type. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the skin classification method of the present invention, the type of skin barrier function is classified along at least two axes: the level of skin barrier function at a certain ambient temperature and humidity, and the level of skin barrier function at an ambient temperature and humidity different from that ambient temperature and humidity. Therefore, it is possible to accurately understand how a subject's skin barrier function changes with ambient temperature and humidity.

[0012] Therefore, by classifying the skin of a subject using the method of the present invention, it becomes possible to develop cosmetics, makeup methods, and skincare methods suitable for that skin based on the classification results, and to advise cosmetic users accordingly.

[0013] Furthermore, in the skin barrier care system of the present invention, information on cosmetics, makeup methods, or skincare methods suitable for improving the skin barrier properties of each type is accumulated, so it is possible to easily advise on cosmetics, makeup methods, or skincare methods suitable for a subject in order to improve the subject's skin barrier properties in response to environmental temperature and humidity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a flowchart of the classification method of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for classifying skin barrier properties using two axes: skin barrier properties in high-humidity environments and skin barrier properties in low-humidity environments. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a barrier care system. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the variability of skin erythema scores for different environmental humidity levels. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram of the classification results of the skin barrier property in Experimental Example 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the measured values (Δa*) of the skin barrier property for each environmental temperature in Experimental Example 2. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the measured values (Δa*) of the skin barrier property for each retention time in Experimental Example 3.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. (Measurement of Skin Barrier Property at Different Environmental Temperatures and Humidities) Figure 1 is a flowchart of the classification method of the present invention. [[ID=2​2]]In the present invention, first, the environmental temperature and humidity of the skin are changed, and the measured values of the skin barrier property at a plurality of different environmental temperatures and humidities are obtained.

[0016] (Skin) The skin to be classified in the present invention includes the whole body skin and lips. That is, the skin is a tissue that covers the outer surface of the body having a three-layer structure of the epidermis including the stratum corneum, the dermis, and the subcutaneous tissue. The skin includes the face such as the forehead, cheeks, mouth area, eye area, nose, etc., hands and feet, scalp, ears, neck, buttocks, chest, abdomen, delicate zone, back, elbows, knees, and parts in contact with diapers and underwear, etc., the whole body skin. The lips have a thinner stratum corneum than the skin of the cheeks, etc., and have no sebaceous glands or sweat glands, but have a laminated structure of the stratum corneum, epidermis, and dermis like the skin of the cheeks, etc. Therefore, in the present invention, it is classified in the same way as the skin of the cheeks, etc.

[0017] (Measurement Method of Barrier Property) Barrier properties can be measured as an evaluation of the permeability of indicator substances from the outside to the inside of the skin. Here, indicator substances used to evaluate permeability from the outside to the inside of the skin include compounds such as pigments, secretions and excretions of biological origin, moisturizers, topical preparations, and cosmetics. Specifically, these include water or water vapor, physiological saline, phosphate-buffered physiological saline, methyl nicotinate, hexyl nicotinate, lactic acid, Yellow No. 4 (tartrazine), Red No. 215 (rhodamine B stearate), caffeine, ubinal, carotenoids, retinol, urine, sweat, menstrual blood, feces, simulated urine, simulated menstrual blood, simulated feces, and active ingredients and medicinal components contained in skin moisturizers, topical skin preparations, skin cosmetics, or steam heating devices.

[0018] As a method for measuring barrier properties, the evaluation method and measuring instruments for permeability can be appropriately determined depending on the type of indicator substance. The measured values ​​include numerical values ​​measured by measuring instruments, judgment values ​​determined by visual observation and scoring of the surface properties of the skin, and subjective evaluation values ​​using VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) etc. after stimulation. For example, when methyl nicotinate is used as an indicator substance, the a value of erythema that occurs on the skin upon penetration into the skin * The colorimeter was used to measure the skin's barrier properties, and a was used as the measurement value. * You may use the measured values, or you may use the score values ​​obtained when evaluating the degree of erythema using a multi-level scoring system. Alternatively, you may measure the water infiltration status with a corneometer and use those measurements.

[0019] Furthermore, since the amount of water evaporating through the stratum corneum differs between normal and irritated skin, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) may be measured as a measure of skin barrier function. As barrier function decreases due to stratum corneum thickening and a decrease in stratum corneum water content, stratum corneum thickness and stratum corneum water content, which are indicators of barrier function, may be measured using Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, optical coherence tomography, etc., and these measurements may be used as indicators of barrier function. In addition, indicators of barrier function may include measuring capillary distribution, blood flow, skin temperature, sebum secretion, and sweating, measuring the area of ​​scales, etc. from microscope images, and quantifying the unevenness of skin texture, etc.

[0020] (Maintaining at a specified ambient temperature and humidity) The measurement of skin barrier properties is performed after the skin has been kept in a predetermined environment at a predetermined temperature and humidity for a predetermined period of time. The environment temperature and humidity refer to the temperature and humidity of the environment in which the skin is placed. The environment humidity may be either relative humidity or absolute humidity. The present invention can be used to measure skin barrier properties when relative humidity is changed, as well as when absolute humidity is changed.

[0021] To experimentally alter the ambient temperature and humidity of the skin, the skin can be placed in a constant temperature chamber, a variable environment chamber, or a device that can control local temperature and humidity for a predetermined period of time. This period is preferably 3 to 60 minutes, more preferably 10 to 30 minutes.

[0022] The ambient temperature and humidity of the skin can be changed in various ways. For example, the ambient humidity may be changed while maintaining a constant temperature and holding time, or the ambient temperature may be changed while maintaining a constant ambient humidity and holding time. The holding time may also be changed while maintaining a constant ambient temperature and humidity. Furthermore, the ambient temperature or humidity within the holding time may be raised or lowered under predetermined conditions. It is sufficient to obtain measured values ​​of the skin's barrier function when the ambient temperature and humidity are changed.

[0023] The range of change in ambient temperature and humidity for skin is preferably within a range where individual differences in skin barrier function occur due to changes in ambient temperature and humidity. In other words, it is undesirable to expose any person's skin to high humidity or high temperature conditions that impair skin barrier function. Therefore, when obtaining skin barrier function measurements for multiple people by changing ambient temperature and humidity, it is preferable to obtain skin barrier function measurements within a temperature and humidity range that is sandwiched between high temperatures or high humidity that significantly reduce skin barrier function and low temperatures or low humidity.

[0024] A suitable range for changing the ambient temperature and humidity of the skin is, for example, an ambient temperature of 10°C to 40°C, with an ambient humidity of over 10%RH and less than 90%RH when the holding time is 10 minutes or more. If the ambient humidity is set to less than 10%RH or above 90%RH within this temperature range, the skin's barrier function will be impaired in all individuals, making it difficult to identify individual differences, and potentially rendering the classification of skin barrier types meaningless.

[0025] (Skin classification based on varying levels of barrier function depending on ambient temperature and humidity) After obtaining measurements of skin barrier function under different environmental temperature and humidity conditions, the skin barrier function type is classified based on these measurements along at least two axes: one axis representing the level of barrier function under a certain environmental temperature and humidity, and another axis representing the level of barrier function under different environmental temperature and humidity conditions. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, for example, the skin barrier function type is classified along two axes: one axis representing the level of skin barrier function in a high-humidity environment and another axis representing the level of skin barrier function in a low-humidity environment. Conventionally, skin barrier function is generally measured under temperature and humidity conditions of 20°C and 40%RH, whereas the present invention is characterized by classifying the skin barrier function type based on the level of barrier function under different temperature and humidity conditions.

[0026] It is known that a decrease in skin barrier function in high-humidity environments occurs because the stratum corneum swells and becomes macerated due to excessive moisture, while a decrease in skin barrier function in low-humidity environments (i.e., dryness) occurs because the skin loses moisture due to dryness, the sebum film thins, and the stratum corneum becomes more prone to peeling. Thus, the mechanisms of barrier function decline differ between high-humidity and low-humidity environments. Therefore, skin that is less prone to barrier function decline in high-humidity environments cannot be said to be less prone to barrier function decline in low-humidity environments, and the changes in barrier function in high-humidity and low-humidity environments reflect the characteristics of each individual's skin. Accordingly, in this invention, for example, when obtaining measured values ​​of skin barrier function by changing the ambient humidity at a constant ambient temperature, the type of skin barrier function is classified on at least two axes: the level of barrier function in high-humidity environments and the level of barrier function in low-humidity environments. As shown in Figure 2, the type of skin barrier function is classified along at least two axes: the level of skin barrier function in a high-humidity environment and the level of skin barrier function in a low-humidity environment. Alternatively, the evaluation axis for barrier function may be a three-stage axis of high, medium, and low. In that case, the measured value of barrier function in a medium-humidity environment can be used as a standard for the measured value of barrier function in a high-humidity environment and the measured value of barrier function in a low-humidity environment, and the type of skin barrier function can be classified in the same way as in Figure 2.

[0027] According to Figure 2, skin can be classified into the following four types: (i) to (iv). (i) Skin with low barrier properties in low humidity and high humidity environments (ii) Skin with low barrier function in low humidity environments and high barrier function in high humidity environments. (iii) Skin with high barrier properties in low humidity and high humidity environments (iv) Skin that has high barrier function in low humidity environments and low barrier function in high humidity environments

[0028] Furthermore, this two-axis classification of skin is not limited to the above-mentioned (i) to (iv). For example, we may also consider skin types that are intermediate between (i) and (ii), intermediate between (ii) and (iii), intermediate between (iii) and (iv), intermediate between (iv) and (i), etc.

[0029] Similar to the classification shown in Figure 2, in the present invention, the type of skin barrier may be classified along at least two axes: barrier performance against high-temperature environments and barrier performance against low-temperature environments, by obtaining measured values ​​of skin barrier performance while varying the ambient temperature at a constant ambient humidity. Alternatively, the type of skin may be classified along two axes: the level of skin barrier performance against a certain ambient temperature and humidity, and the level of skin barrier performance against a different ambient temperature and humidity.

[0030] According to the skin barrier classification method of the present invention described above, cosmetic and skincare advisors can accumulate cosmetic information such as cosmetic ingredients and product names useful for improving barrier function in environmental temperatures and humidity levels where barrier function is evaluated as low, as well as skincare methods, for each type of skin barrier function. This makes it possible to provide subjects with the most suitable cosmetic information, skincare methods, and makeup methods according to their skin barrier function type.

[0031] For example, for skin of type (iii) described above, it is recommended that subjects use a steamer before applying their usual cosmetics, or use skincare products that can be used during bathing. For skin of type (ii), it is recommended that moisturizers be used in the usual way.

[0032] Furthermore, cosmetic and skincare advisors can combine the aforementioned skin barrier classification method with existing skin classification methods such as dry skin and oily skin to understand the characteristics of the skin and recommend cosmetics, skincare methods, etc., that are suitable for the subject.

[0033] Furthermore, changes in ambient temperature and humidity can be caused by external environmental factors such as season and region, as well as by actions such as wearing clothing like masks, clothes, hats, and diapers, and using saunas, baths, face washes, steamers, and steam sheets. Therefore, when advising on skincare methods, it is desirable to recommend suppressing actions that reduce the skin's barrier function and using baths and saunas that keep the skin moist, depending on the type of skin barrier function.

[0034] (Barrier care system) As shown in Figure 3, the barrier care system 1 of the present invention includes a database 2 in which the types of skin barrier properties classified by the above-described skin classification method are associated and stored with cosmetic information such as active ingredients and product names of cosmetics suitable for improving each type of skin barrier property, as well as makeup methods, skincare methods, etc., and a computing device 3 which, when the type of skin barrier property of a subject is input, uses the database to output cosmetic information, makeup methods, or skincare methods corresponding to the subject's skin barrier property type.

[0035] The cosmetic information stored in this database includes cosmetics for the skin, scalp or hair, and lips, depending on the area of ​​application. It also includes cosmetics for various purposes, such as basic cosmetics like cleansers and moisturizers, UV protection cosmetics, and makeup cosmetics.

[0036] The makeup methods stored in the database include makeup methods to avoid and recommended methods for each type of skin barrier function. For example, for skin with a low barrier function in both low-humidity and high-humidity environments, it may be recommended to use a makeup base that does not contain fragrances or alcohol, minimizes the appearance of rough texture and flaking, naturally covers dullness, and covers uneven skin tone and irregularities caused by pores and skin problems. As for makeup application methods, it may be recommended to apply foundation in small amounts to the areas to be covered. It may also be recommended to apply a preparation that improves the skin barrier function before applying makeup cosmetics to the skin.

[0037] Skincare methods include massage techniques, humidification methods, and the order in which basic cosmetics are applied.

[0038] In Database 2, it is preferable to store information on cosmetics, makeup methods, and skincare methods that improve barrier function in low-humidity or high-humidity environments where the skin type is considered to have low barrier function. It is also preferable to store information on cosmetics, makeup methods, and skincare methods that mitigate barrier function and promote the penetration of a predetermined active ingredient in low-humidity or high-humidity environments where the skin type is considered to have high barrier function.

[0039] Therefore, this barrier care system 1 allows for easy acquisition of cosmetic information, makeup methods, and skincare methods suitable for a subject by inputting the subject's skin barrier type. This is useful for skincare advisors to provide skincare advice to customers, for cosmetic manufacturers to explain makeup and skincare methods using cosmetics to cosmetic users, and for determining the direction of development for environmentally resistant skincare products that suppress the deterioration of skin barrier function in response to changes in environmental temperature and humidity. It is also useful for cosmetic users to learn about cosmetic information, skincare methods, and makeup methods suitable for improving their own skin barrier function. [Examples]

[0040] The present invention will be described in detail below based on experimental examples. (1) Experimental Example 1 The barrier function of the skin on the arms of 15 healthy individuals (4 men and 11 women) was measured after keeping their arms in a constant temperature bath for 30 minutes. In this study, the temperature of the constant temperature bath was kept constant at 30°C, and the humidity was varied to 30%RH, 40%RH, 50%RH, 60%RH, 70%RH, 80%RH, or 90%RH. Before placing their arms in the constant temperature bath, each subject washed their arms and underwent acclimatization by waiting for 15 minutes in a room with ambient temperature and humidity (25°C, 50%RH).

[0041] Before placing the arm in the constant temperature bath and immediately after removing it, filter paper impregnated with methyl nicotinate (0.01%) was applied to the arm for 15 seconds. Twenty minutes later, the erythema that developed on the arm was visually observed and scored according to the following criteria to obtain the measured values. The results are shown in Figure 4. Score: Criteria 0: No redness 0.5: Slightly red 1: More than half of the filter paper's surface area is red. 2: The area where the filter paper was applied is red. 3: The reddish area is larger than the surface area of ​​the filter paper. 4: The reddened area is larger than the surface area of ​​the filter paper and is swollen.

[0042] Figure 4 shows that when the ambient temperature is 30°C, the subjects' erythema scores vary between 30%RH and 80%RH ambient humidity, indicating individual differences in skin barrier function within this range. Furthermore, the scores are higher at both higher and lower humidity levels compared to the ambient humidity level of 50%RH, suggesting that skin barrier function is impaired at both levels above and below 50%RH.

[0043] On the other hand, the score values ​​were significantly higher at an ambient humidity of 90%RH, indicating that the skin barrier function was greatly impaired in all subjects at 30°C and 90%RH.

[0044] Furthermore, the subjects' arms were subjected to the same environmental temperature and humidity for the same amount of time as described above, and after applying methyl nicotinate, the erythema on the skin was measured using a colorimeter a * Even when measured using the D65 light source, the subjects' erythema scores varied when the ambient humidity was between 30%RH and 80%RH, and the scores were significantly higher at 90%RH, confirming that the skin's barrier function was greatly impaired in all subjects.

[0045] As mentioned above, the score values ​​were high at both humidity levels above and below 50%RH, suggesting that the skin's barrier function was impaired in each of these conditions. Therefore, the results shown in Figure 4 were divided into the following types (i) to (iv). (i) Type: A type with low barrier properties in high humidity (70%RH) (score value of 0.5 or higher) and low barrier properties in low humidity (30%RH) (score value of 0.5 or higher). (ii) Type: A type with high barrier properties in high humidity (70%RH) (score value less than 0.5) and low barrier properties in low humidity (30%RH) (score value 0.5 or higher). (iii) Type: A type with high barrier properties in high humidity (70%RH) (score value less than 0.5) and high barrier properties in low humidity (30%RH) (score value less than 0.5). (iv) Type: Low barrier performance in high humidity (70%RH) (score value 0.5 or higher), and high barrier performance in low humidity (30%RH) (score value less than 0.5)

[0046] Table 1 shows the average score values ​​for each type at a temperature of 30°C and humidity levels of 30%RH, 50%RH, 70%RH, and 90%RH, as well as the occurrence rate of each type.

[0047] [Table 1]

[0048] The results are shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the skin barrier function at a temperature of 30°C and a humidity of 30-70%RH can be classified into four types based on the axis of barrier function against high humidity and the axis of barrier function against low humidity.

[0049] Table 1 shows that even types (ii) and (iii), which have high barrier properties at high humidity, lose their barrier properties when the humidity reaches 90% RH. In other words, at 30°C and 90% RH, the barrier properties are impaired for all types of subjects.

[0050] (2) Experimental Example 2 In the same manner as in the above (1) Experimental Example 1, for three subjects, the environmental temperature and humidity in the thermostatic chamber were changed such that the temperature was changed to 10°C or 30°C and the humidity was kept constant at 90%RH. Then, a filter paper impregnated with methyl nicotinate (0.01%) was brought into contact with the arm for 15 seconds. Before the filter paper was brought into contact with the arm and 20 minutes after the contact, the a * of the arm was measured with a colorimeter, and the difference Δa * (that is, a * after the action of methyl nicotinate minus a * before the action of methyl nicotinate) was determined. The results are shown in Fig. 6.

[0051] From Fig. 6, it can be seen that at 30°C and 90%RH, the skin barrier property is impaired, but when the temperature is 10°C at the same humidity, the skin barrier property is less impaired than in the case of 30°C. Therefore, it can be seen that it is desirable to classify the skin barrier property based on the measured values of the barrier property on two axes with different environmental temperature and humidity by keeping the environmental temperature constant and changing the environmental humidity.

[0052] (3) Experimental Example 3 For the three subjects classified as (i) type in the above (1) Experimental Example 1, the environmental temperature and humidity in the thermostatic chamber were kept constant at a temperature of 30°C and a humidity of 90%RH, and the holding time was changed to 10 or 30 minutes. After this holding time elapsed, a filter paper impregnated with methyl nicotinate (0.01%) was brought into contact with the arm for 15 seconds. Before the filter paper was brought into contact with the arm and 20 minutes after the contact, the a * of the arm was measured with a colorimeter, and the difference Δa * (that is, a * after the action of methyl nicotinate minus a * before the action of methyl nicotinate) was determined. The results are shown in Fig. 7.

[0053] From Fig. 7, it can be seen that there is no difference in the way the skin barrier property is impaired between the holding times of 10 minutes and 30 minutes. Therefore, it can be seen that 10 minutes is sufficient as the holding time for examining the change in the skin barrier property at 30°C and 90%RH.

[0054] From the above experimental examples, it can be seen that skin can be classified into several types depending on how its barrier function changes with environmental temperature and humidity. Therefore, it is desirable to find substances that are effective in improving the barrier function for each type and to accumulate that information. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 1. Barrier Care System 2 Databases 3 Computing device

Claims

1. A method for classifying skin barrier properties based on measured values ​​of the barrier properties of a subject's skin or lips (hereinafter simply referred to as "skin") obtained by varying the ambient humidity in a low-humidity environment greater than 10% RH and less than 50% RH, and in a high-humidity environment greater than 50% RH and less than 90% RH, at a constant ambient temperature of 10°C to 40°C, Barrier properties are measured values ​​such as the permeability of indicator substances, transepidermal water loss, stratum corneum thickness or stratum corneum water content, scale area, or the texture of the skin. This method classifies the skin barrier properties of a subject into one of the following four types: (i) to (iv). (i) Type: A type with low barrier properties in low humidity environments and low barrier properties in high humidity environments. (ii) Type: A type with low barrier properties in low humidity environments and high barrier properties in high humidity environments. (iii) Type: A type that has high barrier properties in low humidity environments and high barrier properties in high humidity environments. (iv) Type: A type that has high barrier properties in low humidity environments and low barrier properties in high humidity environments. In the four types (i) to (iv), skin with low barrier function has a permeability evaluation value of 0.5 or higher when methyl nicotinate (0.01%) is used as the indicator substance, and skin with high barrier function has an evaluation value of less than 0.5 on the following criteria. The criteria for the score value are as follows, applied to erythema caused by the penetration of the indicator substance into the skin by impregnating the filter paper in the low-humidity and high-humidity environments: Score: Criteria 0: No redness 0.5: Slightly red 1: More than half of the filter paper's surface area is red. 2: The area where the filter paper was applied is red. 3: The reddish area is larger than the surface area of ​​the filter paper.

4. The reddened area is larger than the surface area of ​​the filter paper and is swollen. A method for classifying the types of skin barrier properties.

2. A database in which information on cosmetics, makeup methods, or skincare methods suitable for improving the skin barrier properties of a given type, as classified by the skin classification method described in claim 1, is associated and stored, and A skin barrier care system comprising a computing device that, when a skin barrier type is input using the database, outputs information on cosmetics, makeup methods, or skincare methods associated with that type.

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