Beauty method

Abstract

Provided is a beauty method that makes it possible to efficiently and effectively improve skin sagging and the like as compared to conventional beauty methods.　This beauty method includes extending the skin by pressing one part of the skin while moving another part of the skin.

Description

beauty method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cosmetic method that can improve sagging skin and the like.

[0002] In recent years, various cosmetic methods have been proposed.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a beauty massage method that includes, in this order, a step of massaging the scalp at the top of the head of a person to whom a scalp cosmetic containing a seaweed extract has been applied, a step of massaging the scalp at the sides of the head, and a step of lifting the scalp at the sides of the head, maintaining this position for several seconds, and then returning the lifted position to its original state.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a facial massage method using a cork ball, which involves (1) massaging by a reciprocating motion from the center of the chin to just below the ear, (2) massaging by a reciprocating motion from the corners of the mouth to just below the ear, and (3) compressing the center of the cheek and the depression at the lower edge of the cheekbone, followed by a reciprocating massage to the temples, all at least once.

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses a massage beauty method in which a cosmetic preparation containing at least one of a component that promotes blood circulation or a component that inhibits capillary vessel formation is applied in combination with a massage method that provides a light stimulus to the skin surface around the eyes.

[0006] Patent Document 4 discloses a cosmetic method that includes activating and / or proliferating arrector pili muscle cells.

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-043973 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-062296 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-037542 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-172862

[0008] For example, sagging skin has a significant impact on the apparent age of the person, so maintaining skin firmness and improving sagging skin is one of the major cosmetic challenges.

[0009] Loss of skin firmness leads to sagging, wrinkles, or sagging, which gives the impression of aging. Skin firmness is mainly due to the thickness of the dermis layer, and firm skin is rich in elastic fibers such as collagen and elastin that fill the dermis layer. For example, it is known that aging or exposure to ultraviolet rays reduces the function of dermal fibroblasts and activates matrix metalloproteinases. This reduces elastic fibers such as collagen and elastin, causing the dermis layer to thin. As a result, the skin loses firmness, resulting in sagging, wrinkles, or sagging. In addition to the thickness of the dermis layer, loss of skin firmness can also be caused by, for example, weakening of facial muscles or an increase in subcutaneous fat.

[0010] It is known that conventional beauty treatments such as those described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 can also have the effect of improving sagging skin. However, conventional beauty treatments typically require cosmetics containing special ingredients, or require complicated techniques or a long treatment time. Therefore, there is a demand for more efficient and effective beauty treatments that can improve sagging skin.

[0011] The cosmetic method described in Patent Document 4, which was filed by the present inventor, is a cosmetic method based on a new mechanism that focuses on arrector pili muscle cells, which differs from conventional cosmetic methods. However, further improvements have been desired for this cosmetic method so that it can more efficiently and effectively improve sagging skin and the like.

[0012] Therefore, a subject of the present disclosure is to provide a cosmetic method that can improve sagging skin and the like more efficiently and effectively than conventional cosmetic methods.

[0013] Aspect 1: A cosmetic method comprising stretching the skin by pressing one part of the skin while moving another part of the skin. Aspect 2: The cosmetic method of Aspect 1, comprising maintaining the stretched state of the skin for one second or more. Aspect 3: The cosmetic method of Aspect 1 or 2, wherein the skin is stretched at a speed of 5 cm / sec or less. Aspect 4: The cosmetic method of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the skin is stretched two or more times at the same site and / or different sites. Aspect 5: The cosmetic method of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the skin is stretched substantially parallel to the direction in which the arrector pili muscles support the skin. Aspect 6: The cosmetic method of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the skin is stretched while applying a cosmetic to the skin or after applying a cosmetic to the skin. Aspect 7: The cosmetic method of Aspect 6, wherein the cosmetic contains licorice extract, or licorice extract and raspberry extract. Aspect 8: The cosmetic method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, wherein the skin is skin of the face, neck, arm, or hand. Aspect 9: The cosmetic method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, wherein the stretching of the skin is carried out by holding a part of the skin with a hand while moving another part of the skin with rollers of a cosmetic tool. Aspect 10: The cosmetic method according to Aspect 9, wherein the stretching of the skin is carried out while applying a cosmetic to the skin, and wherein the cosmetic tool is equipped with the cosmetic. Aspect 11: The cosmetic method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, which improves sagging, wrinkles, or sagging skin. Aspect 12: A cosmetic preparation for the cosmetic method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11. Aspect 13: The cosmetic preparation according to Aspect 12, which is housed in a container and / or package bearing a description that it is for the cosmetic method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11. Aspect 14: The cosmetic preparation according to Aspect 12 or 13, comprising licorice extract, or licorice extract and raspberry extract. <Aspect 15> A beauty tool for the beauty method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11. <Aspect 16> The beauty tool according to Aspect 15, which is housed in a container and / or package bearing a description that the beauty tool is for the beauty method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11.Aspect 17: The beauty tool according to Aspect 15 or 16, comprising a roller that comes into contact with the skin. Aspect 18: A sheet or display that displays the beauty method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11.

[0014] According to the present disclosure, a beauty method can be provided that can improve sagging skin and the like more efficiently and effectively than conventional beauty methods.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a method for performing a cosmetic method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an image showing the amount of movement in a 3D display of a cylindrically obtained skin section, either directly or with pressure applied from the epidermal side, as a heat map. FIG. 3A shows the orientation of a circular sample obtained from facial skin. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the circular sample when pressure is applied from above. FIG. 3C is a graph showing the resistance to vertical deformation of the skin of subjects in their 20s (young subjects) and 50s (elderly subjects). FIG. 4A is a diagram showing the amount of movement when pressure is applied from above to a circular sample obtained from facial skin as a heat map. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing the heat map image of the circular sample superimposed with the structure within the circular sample. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the deformation rate of each tissue in 3D reconstructed skin tissue before and after pressure. Figure 6A shows 3D reconstructions of hair follicles and arrector pili muscles obtained by X-ray CT of samples from a subject in his 20s (young subject) and a subject in his 50s (elderly subject), with the arrector pili muscles indicated by arrows. Figure 6B shows the arrector pili muscles present in a given skin area in samples from a subject in his 20s (young subject) and a subject in his 50s (elderly subject). Figure 6C is a graph showing the amount of arrector pili muscles per given skin area in subjects in their 20s (young subject) and subjects in their 50s (elderly subject). Figure 7A shows fluorescent micrographs of skin samples co-stained with CD49f / CD34, demonstrating the presence of more CD49f / CD34 co-stained cells in the subject in his 20s (young subject) compared to the subject in his 50s (elderly subject). Fig. 7B is a graph showing the density of cells co-stained with CD49f / CD34 in subjects in their 20s (young subjects) and subjects in their 50s (old subjects). Fig. 8 is a diagram showing changes in CD34-positive cells in skin samples in which stretching stimulation was not applied and in which stretching stimulation was applied. Fig. 8A shows the results of tissue staining, and Fig. 8B shows the results of staining under a fluorescent microscope.FIG. 9A is a diagram showing the relationship between vellus hair follicles and arrector pili muscles, reconstructed three-dimensionally using X-ray CT. The diagram shows that the orientation of the hair follicles and arrector pili muscles is consistent, and that the orientation of the arrector pili muscles is consistent with the direction of hair flow. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing the direction of hair flow (direction of the arrector pili muscles) on a human face. FIG. 9C shows the difference in muscle direction and its proportion in the forehead. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a facial dynamic belt. FIG. 11A is a photograph showing the degree of improvement in sagging before and after stretch stimulation of the lower eyelid. FIG. 11B shows the percentage of improvement in sagging when classified into four levels: marked, effective, moderate, and ineffective. FIG. 12A is a photograph showing cells stained with CD49f and CD34 in cultured smooth muscle cells. FIG. 12B is a photograph showing cells stained with ADRA1 and CD34 in cultured smooth muscle cells. FIG. 12C is a photograph showing cells stained with ADRA1 and CD34 in a skin sample. Figure 13A is a diagram showing CD49f / CD34-positive cells in cultured smooth muscle cells with or without noradrenaline stimulation. Figure 13B is a graph showing the number of CD49f / CD34-positive cells depending on the concentration of noradrenaline. Figure 13C is a diagram showing fluorescent micrographs of CD34 / αSMA co-stained arrector pili muscles with or without noradrenaline stimulation in skin tissue culture. Figure 14 is a graph showing that licorice extract proliferates smooth muscle cells. Figure 15 is a graph showing that licorice extract proliferates smooth muscle cells, while raspberry extract does not (Figure 15A), but also showing that raspberry extract does not inhibit the efficacy of licorice extract when used in combination with licorice extract (Figure 15B). Figure 16 is a graph showing the effect of stretching the skin while pressing the skin below the face line and stretching the skin without pressing the skin below the face line. Fig. 17A is a diagram for explaining a conventional method of massaging the facial muscles around the mouth and cheeks. Fig. 17B is a diagram for explaining a conventional method of massaging the facial muscles around the eyes. Fig. 18A is a diagram for explaining a method of performing the cosmetic method of the present disclosure on the left cheek. Fig. 18B is a diagram for explaining a method of performing the cosmetic method of the present disclosure on the right cheek. Fig. 19 is a diagram for explaining a conventional method of hand stretching.Fig. 20A is a graph showing the perceived effect of performing only facial muscle massage. Fig. 20B is a graph showing the perceived effect of performing facial muscle massage and the beauty method (stretching beauty method) of the present disclosure. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a sheet displaying how to perform the beauty method of the present disclosure. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing another embodiment of a sheet displaying how to perform the beauty method of the present disclosure. Fig. 23 is a diagram showing a display displaying how to perform the beauty method of the present disclosure.

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

[0017] The cosmetic method of the present disclosure includes stretching the skin by holding down one part of the skin while moving another part of the skin.

[0018] Although not limited by the principle, the principle of action by which the cosmetic method of the present disclosure can efficiently and effectively improve sagging skin and the like is believed to be as follows.

[0019] It was generally believed that stretching loose skin would only stretch it further, exacerbating the sagging, so until now, cosmetic methods that actively stretch the skin have been avoided when trying to improve loose skin.

[0020] Pores exist in human skin, and muscles generally referred to as arrector pili muscles are located there. As described in Patent Document 4, the present inventors have found that applying a physical stimulus to the skin causes stem cell-like cells in the arrector pili muscles to proliferate and differentiate into arrector pili muscle cells, thereby increasing the arrector pili muscle mass and improving skin sagging. The present inventors have also found that a stretching stimulus that stretches the skin in the thickness direction is an effective physical stimulus.

[0021] As described above, when applying a stretching stimulus to the skin, it is generally performed so as not to stretch the skin excessively. However, the present inventor discovered that when one part of the skin is pressed while another part of the skin is moved, the skin is stretched more than when the skin is not pressed. Surprisingly, the inventor discovered that, contrary to conventional common knowledge, simply pressing and stretching the skin can more efficiently and effectively improve sagging skin and the like.

[0022] The definitions of terms used in this disclosure are as follows:

[0023] In this disclosure, "cosmetic method" means a method for beautifying and adjusting the condition of the skin by pressing one part of the skin while moving another part of the skin, and does not include methods of surgery, therapy, or diagnosis of humans. Also, in this disclosure, "cosmetic method" is sometimes written as "massage," but this "massage" also has the purpose of beauty and does not include methods of surgery, therapy, or diagnosis of humans.

[0024] The cosmetic method of the present disclosure is performed by pressing one part of the skin while moving another part of the skin. Such a cosmetic method may be performed personally or by a professional practitioner in a beauty salon, a cosmetics store, an esthetic salon, etc.

[0025] The target population for the cosmetic method of the present disclosure is not particularly limited and can be either male or female, for example, those in their 20s or older. In particular, it is advantageous to target males or females in their 40s or older, or those in their 50s or older, whose arrector pili muscle mass tends to decline. Subjects of this age group (sometimes referred to as "elderly subjects") have poorer skin resilience than younger subjects in their 20s and 30s. Therefore, it has been believed that stretching loose skin, especially in elderly subjects, would further stretch the skin, amplifying the sagging, and therefore cosmetic methods that stretch the skin have not been actively implemented. The cosmetic method of the present disclosure can also be suitably used for such elderly subjects.

[0026] <Method of Pressing the Skin> The method of pressing the skin is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method of directly pressing the skin with the hands as shown in FIG. 1 , and a method of indirectly pressing the skin with the hands via any member such as a towel or a face mask.

[0027] <Method of Stretching Skin> A method of stretching the skin can typically be performed by pressing one part of the skin while moving another part of the skin away from the pressed part. Specifically, for example, this can be performed by sliding a hand or a beauty tool over the skin in the directions shown as No. 1 to No. 3 in Figure 1. In addition to this method, a method such as pinching the skin can also be used.

[0028] When the skin is stretched using the method of the present disclosure, it can exhibit an elongation rate of 10% or more, 11% or more, 12% or more, 13% or more, 14% or more, or 15% or more in the elongation rate test described below. There is no particular upper limit to the elongation rate, and it can be, for example, 30% or less, 27% or less, 25% or less, 23% or less, or 20% or less. It is preferable that the skin be stretched to exhibit such an elongation rate once or more, twice or more, or three or more times during the treatment of the cosmetic method of the present disclosure, for example, in the area where the cosmetic effect is desired. There is no particular upper limit to the number of times, and it can be, for example, 20 times or less, 15 times or less, 10 times or less, 8 times or less, or 6 times or less. Furthermore, such skin stretching may be performed so that the elongation rate is approximately constant during the treatment of the cosmetic method of the present disclosure, or so that the elongation rate varies from area to area.

[0029] Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the strength with which the skin is stretched, and for example, it can be set appropriately depending on the user of the cosmetic method of the present disclosure.

[0030] <Retention Time of Skin in Stretched State> In some embodiments, from the viewpoint of increasing arrector pili muscle mass and the associated effect of improving skin sagging, it is preferable to maintain the stretched state of the skin for 1 second or more after stretching the skin. Such a retention time can be, for example, 3 seconds or more, 5 seconds or more, 7 seconds or more, or 10 seconds or more. There is no particular limit to the upper limit of the retention time, and it can be, for example, 1 minute or less, 30 seconds or less, 15 seconds or less, or 10 seconds or less. The retention time of the skin in the stretched state may be approximately constant during the treatment of the cosmetic method of the present disclosure, or may vary from site to site.

[0031] <Skin Stretching Speed> Skin stretching, which is performed by holding down one part of the skin while moving another part of the skin, is preferably performed at a speed that allows the arrector pili muscles to be stretched slowly and thoroughly. Stretching the skin at such a speed effectively stretches the arrector pili muscles, thereby improving the effect of increasing the arrector pili muscle mass and thereby improving skin sagging. Specifically, the movement speed of the hands or beauty tool when stretching the skin can be, for example, 5 cm / sec or less, 4 cm / sec or less, 3 cm / sec or less, or 2 cm / sec or less. There is no particular limit to the lower limit of this speed, and it can be, for example, 0.5 cm / sec or more, 1 cm / sec or more, or 1.5 cm / sec or more. The movement speed of the hands or beauty tool when stretching the skin may be approximately constant during the treatment of the beauty method of the present disclosure, or it may vary from area to area.

[0032] <Number of times skin is stretched> There is no particular limit to the number of times skin is stretched in a single treatment in the cosmetic method of the present disclosure, but from the viewpoint of efficient and effective cosmetic effects, it is preferable to perform it, for example, two or more times on the same site and / or different sites. Such number of times can be, for example, three or more times, four or more times, or five or more times. There is no particular limit to the upper limit of the number of times, and it can be, for example, 20 times or less, 15 times or less, 10 times or less, 8 times or less, or 6 times or less. In addition, when the term "cosmetic effect" is simply used in this disclosure, it means the effect of improving sagging, wrinkles, or sagging skin.

[0033] From the viewpoint of efficient and effective cosmetic effects, the cosmetic method of the present disclosure is preferably performed at least once a week, at least once every five days, or at least once every three days, and more preferably at least once every day.

[0034] <Direction of Application of Skin Stretching> Skin stretching in the cosmetic method of the present disclosure may be performed by pressing one part of the skin while moving another part of the skin in a direction away from the pressed part.

[0035] On the other hand, as described below, the present inventors have discovered that applying physical stimulation, particularly stretching stimulation, to the skin causes stem cell-like cells in the arrector pili muscles to proliferate and differentiate into arrector pili muscle cells, thereby increasing the amount of arrector pili muscles and improving skin sagging and the like. Therefore, it is preferable that the direction of skin stretching is approximately parallel to the direction in which the arrector pili muscles support the skin. Specifically, the direction of skin stretching can be, for example, within ±30°, ±20°, or ±10° relative to the direction in which the arrector pili muscles support the skin. When skin stretching is performed in such a direction, the arrector pili muscles can be suitably stretched, resulting in more efficient and effective improvement of skin sagging and the like.

[0036] <Areas to which the Cosmetic Method is Applied> The cosmetic method of the present disclosure can be applied to the skin of any part of the body. For example, it can be applied to the skin surface of the head, face (eyes, cheeks, forehead, lips, nose, etc.), neck, ears, hands, arms, legs, feet, chest, abdomen, back, buttocks, etc. The cosmetic method of the present disclosure can efficiently and effectively improve, for example, sagging, wrinkles, sagging skin, etc., and therefore it is advantageous to apply the cosmetic method of the present disclosure to the skin of the face, neck, arms, or hands, which are easily visible among the above-mentioned skins.

[0037] <Application of Cosmetics> In some embodiments, the skin stretching in the cosmetic method of the present disclosure is performed while applying a cosmetic to the skin, or after applying a cosmetic to the skin. The cosmetic effect can be further improved by using a cosmetic in combination. Furthermore, a cosmetic may be further applied to the skin after performing the cosmetic method of the present disclosure and any other cosmetic method.

[0038] The cosmetic preparation for use in the beauty treatment method of the present disclosure is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include skin care cosmetic preparations such as beauty serums, lotions, moisturizing gels, massage gels, emulsions, and creams. The cosmetic preparations may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The cosmetic preparations may also be used by impregnating a face mask or the like.

[0039] As will be described later, the inventors of the present disclosure have found that licorice extract can be used as a drug that can increase the activity of arrector pili muscle cells and improve sagging, wrinkles, or dandruff. Therefore, it is preferable that cosmetics contain licorice extract, or licorice extract together with raspberry extract, etc.

[0040] Cosmetics can contain optional ingredients that are commonly used, as needed. Examples of such optional ingredients include oils and fats, surfactants, powders, coloring materials, water, alcohols, thickeners, chelating agents, silicones, antioxidants, UV absorbers, moisturizers, fragrances, various medicinal ingredients, preservatives, pH adjusters, and neutralizing agents. Other medicinal ingredients, such as collagen production promoters, may also be included. These ingredients can be used alone or in combination.

[0041] Furthermore, the cosmetic preparation can be stored in a container and / or package bearing a description indicating that the cosmetic preparation is for use in the above-described beauty method of the present disclosure, thereby making it clear that the cosmetic preparation to be used is for use in the above-described beauty method of the present disclosure. Such a description can be written on at least one of the outside and inside of the container or package.

[0042] <Use of a Cosmetic Tool> In some embodiments, stretching of the skin in the cosmetic method of the present disclosure is performed by holding a portion of the skin with a hand while moving another portion of the skin with a cosmetic tool. The cosmetic tool used in the cosmetic method of the present disclosure is not particularly limited, and various commercially available cosmetic tools can be used, for example. In particular, a cosmetic tool equipped with a roller that comes into contact with the skin can be preferably used. When the cosmetic method of the present disclosure is performed using such a cosmetic tool, the skin can be effectively stretched while reducing friction with the skin compared to when using a hand. Furthermore, a cosmetic tool equipped with a roller that comes into contact with the skin and a cosmetic product can also be preferably used. Since the cosmetic product is integrated into such a cosmetic tool, the skin can be stretched while the cosmetic product is being applied to the skin.

[0043] Furthermore, the beauty tool can be housed in a container and / or package bearing a description indicating that the beauty tool is for use in the beauty method of the present disclosure, thereby making it clear that the beauty tool to be used is for use in the beauty method of the present disclosure. Such a description can be written on at least one of the outside and inside of the container or package.

[0044] In some embodiments, the skin stretching in the cosmetic method of the present disclosure can be performed by hand (sometimes referred to as "hand stretching") in addition to the stretching using the cosmetic tool described above. Hand stretching in this case may be performed without pressing down on a portion of the skin. However, from the perspective of efficient and effective cosmetic effects, it is preferable to press down on a portion of the skin while moving another portion of the skin to stretch the skin, as described above.

[0045] The hand stretching may be performed before the stretching with the beauty tool, or may be performed after the stretching with the beauty tool.

[0046] <Other Cosmetic Methods> The cosmetic method of the present disclosure may be used in combination with a conventional cosmetic method. Such cosmetic methods are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include methods that stimulate the facial muscles, such as facial muscle massage to relax the muscles of the facial muscles and facial muscle exercises to strengthen the muscles of the facial muscles.

[0047] The beauty method of the present disclosure can be performed before and / or after a conventional beauty method. For example, when a facial muscle massage is used as a conventional beauty method, it is preferable to perform the beauty method of the present disclosure using the above-mentioned beauty tool, followed by a facial muscle massage, and then the above-mentioned hand stretching. Performing the beauty method of the present disclosure in this order can further enhance the beauty effect.

[0048] <Sheet Displaying a Cosmetic Method> In some embodiments, a sheet displaying the above-described cosmetic method of the present disclosure can be provided ( FIGS. 21 and 22 ). Examples of such sheets include, but are not limited to, flyers, product descriptions, instruction manuals, pamphlets, and catalogs. A sheet displaying a cosmetic method of the present disclosure allows a user to accurately implement the method while looking at the sheet, thereby enabling more efficient and effective improvement of sagging skin, etc.

[0049] There are no particular limitations on the content and format of the beauty method of the present disclosure to be written on the sheet, and the content of the beauty method described above can be written appropriately using, for example, text, drawings, photographs, etc.

[0050] Such a sheet may consist of one sheet or two or more sheets, and may be in a folded state.

[0051] The shape of the sheet is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polygons (e.g., triangles, squares, rectangles, diamonds, pentagons, hexagons, and octagons), circles, and ellipses. The sheet shape may be irregular. FIG. 22 shows an example of an irregularly shaped sheet, and such a sheet can form a container capable of storing, for example, the above-mentioned cosmetics or beauty tools. In this case, the display of the beauty method of the present disclosure may be written on the inner and / or outer surface of the container. However, from the viewpoint of the design of the container's appearance, it is preferable that such display be written on the inner surface of the container.

[0052] Furthermore, a sheet that is not irregular in shape, for example, a rectangular sheet as shown in Fig. 21, can be joined at its short sides and long sides to form a package capable of storing, for example, the above-mentioned cosmetics or beauty tools. In this case, the labeling of the beauty method of the present disclosure may be written on the inner and / or outer surface of the package, but from the viewpoint of the design quality of the package appearance, it is preferable that such labeling be written on the inner surface of the container.

[0053] <Display Displaying Cosmetic Method> In some embodiments, a display displaying the above-described cosmetic method of the present disclosure can be provided ( FIG. 23 ). Such a display is not particularly limited, and examples include various displays such as smartphones, mobile phones, tablet devices, laptops, monitors, televisions, and goggle-type displays. A display displaying the cosmetic method of the present disclosure also allows a user to accurately perform the method of the present disclosure while viewing the display, thereby more efficiently and effectively improving sagging skin, etc.

[0054] The content and display format of the beauty method of the present disclosure to be displayed on the display are not particularly limited, and the content of the beauty method described above can be appropriately displayed as images such as still images (e.g., text, drawings, photographs) and / or moving images (e.g., animations). For example, the beauty method of the present disclosure can be displayed by practicing or teaching a massage method in a virtual space (e.g., a three-dimensional virtual space using the Metaverse).

[0055] There are no particular limitations on the means for providing an image to the display, and it is possible to employ, for example, a monitor image, a touch panel image, etc. The image may be provided based on image information stored in the display, or may be provided via wired or wireless means.

[0056] In addition to the beauty treatment method, the display can also display, for example, how to operate the beauty equipment and information about the user's skin.

[0057] <Activation of Arrector Pili Muscle Cells> Next, activation of arrector pili muscle cells and the associated cosmetic effects will be described below.

[0058] The present inventors have conducted extensive research to identify the causes of facial aging, such as loss of firmness or sagging, which have been previously known, and have surprisingly discovered a correlation between skin sagging or elasticity and the amount of arrector pili muscle. Further research has revealed that stem cell-like cells exist in the arrector pili muscle, and that applying physical stimulation causes the proliferation of these stem cell-like cells. The present inventors have also found that stem cell-like cells present in the arrector pili muscle express adrenergic receptors, and that activating these adrenergic receptors allows the proliferation of these stem cell-like cells.

[0059] In some embodiments, the cosmetic method of the present disclosure can improve sagging skin by proliferating arrector pili muscle cells, and can therefore be referred to as a method for improving sagging. Furthermore, sagging or a decrease in skin viscoelasticity is associated with loss of skin firmness, wrinkles, or sagging, giving the impression of aging. Since the cosmetic method of the present disclosure can improve firmness, wrinkles, or sagging, it can also be referred to as a method for improving these, or a method for improving aging.

[0060] The arrector pili muscle is a type of smooth muscle present between the hair follicle and the upper dermis. The arrector pili muscle is innervated by the sympathetic nerve and contracts due to cold stress and emotional stress such as fear and surprise. The hair root grows obliquely relative to the skin surface, thereby creating hair flow. The arrector pili muscle is oriented approximately parallel to the hair or hair follicle, so the direction (direction of travel) of the hair or hair follicle can also be referred to as the direction (direction of travel) of the arrector pili muscle. Furthermore, when the arrector pili muscle contracts, the hair root moves perpendicular to the skin surface, causing the hair to stand upright, resulting in the condition known as goosebumps.

[0061] A compression test on cylindrical skin samples conducted by the present inventors showed that facial skin has a directional resistance to deformation stimuli (Fig. 3), and that the arrector pili muscles are involved in this resistance (Fig. 4). The amount of arrector pili muscles is correlated with skin sagging or viscoelasticity, and arrector pili muscles decrease with age (Fig. 6). Therefore, by increasing the amount of arrector pili muscles, phenomena related to skin sagging or viscoelasticity, such as firmness, wrinkles, or sagging, can be improved.

[0062] Arrector pili muscle cells are mononuclear muscle cells that make up the arrector pili muscle. The present inventors have discovered that many cells expressing the stem cell markers CD34 and CD49f are present among the cells contained in the arrector pili muscle (FIG. 7). CD34 and CD49f are known as markers for smooth muscle stem cells present in smooth muscle, and it has been shown that stem cell-like cells also exist in the arrector pili muscle. In the arrector pili muscle, CD34-positive cells were also positive for CD49f, so CD34-positive arrector pili muscle cells will be referred to as arrector pili muscle stem cells.

[0063] The present inventors further found that the proportion of cells expressing CD34 increased by applying mechanical stimulation (Figure 8). CD34 is known to be expressed in various somatic stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells. Before mechanical stimulation, CD34-positive cells in the arrector pili muscle were negative for αSMA, a smooth muscle cell marker. On the other hand, after mechanical stimulation, many of the CD34-positive cells in the arrector pili muscle were αSMA-positive (Figure 8). While not intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the number of cells positive for both CD34 and αSMA increased as a result of activation, proliferation, and further differentiation of the arrector pili muscle stem cells contained in the arrector pili muscle cells.

[0064] The present inventors have found that arrector pili muscle stem cells, like cardiac myocytes and other smooth muscle cells, express α1-adrenergic receptors (ADRA1) (FIG. 12), and that administration of an agonist of the α1-adrenergic receptor causes proliferation of arrector pili muscle cells (FIG. 13). Therefore, arrector pili muscle cells can be proliferated via the α1-adrenergic receptor.

[0065] Any compound known in the art is known as a substance that activates α1-adrenergic receptors. For example, catecholamine compounds such as adrenaline and noradrenaline 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 and activate them. This induces proliferation of arrector pili muscle cells and differentiation into arrector pili muscle, thereby improving sagging, sagging, or wrinkles. In other words, an α1-adrenergic receptor agonist can be referred to as an activator of arrector pili muscle cells or an activator of stem cell-like cells present in arrector pili muscle. Here, in the present disclosure, "activation" refers to increased cell activity, which promotes proliferation, metabolism, or differentiation. Activation of α1-adrenergic receptors can also be measured by measuring intracellular signaling by α1-adrenergic receptors and the associated calcium influx.

[0066] Noradrenaline, an agonist of α1-adrenergic receptors, is a type of neurotransmitter that is released into the bloodstream from the adrenal glands and also acts as a hormone. Emotional stimulation contributes to the activation of the autonomic nervous system, particularly the sympathetic nervous system. The arrector pili muscles contract under the action of noradrenaline, resulting in the phenomenon known as goosebumps. Goosebumps can also be caused by cold stress or emotional stimuli such as fear, intense joy, or emotion. Therefore, emotional stimulation can induce emotion, activating arrector pili muscle cells through the action of noradrenaline. As a result, sagging, sagging, or wrinkles can be improved.

[0067] Examples of emotional stimuli that induce emotion include stimulation of the five senses, such as sight, taste, hearing, touch, and smell. In particular, auditory stimulation by music, olfactory stimulation by a specific smell, and visual stimulation by images, color changes, videos, etc. are preferred as emotional stimuli that induce emotion.

[0068] Physical stimulation refers to a mechanical stimulation applied to the skin. For example, the mechanical stimulation can be applied by contacting a roller or a probe with the skin. The mechanical stimulation to the arrector pili muscles is preferably a stimulation (stretching stimulation) that causes the stretching of the skin or the stretching of pores by applying a roller or a probe, thereby leading to the stretching of the arrector pili muscles.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 9A, the arrector pili muscles are located along the hair flow, and the direction of applying mechanical stimulation can be determined based on the hair flow as shown in Fig. 9B. The direction of hair flow (direction of the arrector pili muscles) can be determined, for example, by image analysis of a photograph of the skin. The mechanical stimulation causes deformation of the skin, thereby applying a stretching stimulus along the direction of the arrector pili muscles, i.e., along the long axis of the hair. Since the hair flow, particularly in the forehead area, differs from person to person, analyzing the hair flow for each individual can provide an optimal beauty treatment method.

[0070] Dynamic analysis of skin deformation in three-dimensionally reconstructed skin has shown that the anchoring points of the arrector pili muscles to the epidermis restrict skin movement with pressure stimulation. It is believed that the arrector pili muscles prevent sagging by lifting the epidermis with their anchoring points. In this disclosure, the orientation of the arrector pili muscles that can improve such sagging can be referred to as a dynamic belt. Applying stretching stimulation along this orientation can activate arrector pili muscle cells (FIG. 10).

[0071] <Screening Method> The above-mentioned cosmetic composition can be blended with a drug capable of increasing the activity of arrector pili muscle cells. Such a drug can be selected, for example, using the screening method described below, but is not limited to the following.

[0072] One embodiment is a method for screening for treatments to improve sagging, wrinkles, or sagging, using the activity of stem cell-like cells present in the arrector pili muscles as an indicator. Specifically, this screening method includes the following steps: a step of performing skin organ culture; a step of performing a candidate treatment on the skin organ; and a step of measuring the activity of stem cell-like cells present in the arrector pili muscles.

[0073] The method may further include a step of comparing the activity of stem cell-like cells present in the arrector pili muscles in a treatment group that has been subjected to the candidate treatment with the activity of stem cell-like cells present in the arrector pili muscles in a control group that differs only in that the candidate treatment has not been performed. Experiments on the control group may be conducted in parallel, or experiments on the control group may be conducted in advance. If the activity of stem cell-like cells present in the arrector pili muscles is increased 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 baldness.

[0074] In skin organ culture, it is particularly preferable to culture an organ containing the arrector pili muscle. The culture process includes only the step of seeding the skin organ. Any medium commonly used for skin organ culture can be used, and examples thereof include DMEM medium, MEM medium, etc.

[0075] The candidate treatment may be any treatment expected to enhance the activity of stem cell-like cells present in the arrector pili muscles, and may be, for example, a physical stimulation treatment or a drug stimulation treatment. Physical stimulation treatment is not limited to mechanical stimulation treatment, but may also include thermal stimulation, light stimulation, etc. Drug stimulation treatment may include a step of replacing the solution with a solution containing a candidate drug, or adding a candidate drug and culturing the cells. Drug stimulation treatment may be carried out for, for example, 1 hour to 7 days.

[0076] The activity of stem cell-like cells present in the arrector pili muscle can be determined using methods known in the art, and for example, 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 proliferation ability of the arrector pili muscle cells, and the shape of the arrector pili muscle cells.

[0077] Another embodiment is a method for screening for an arrector pili muscle activator using the activity of adrenergic receptor-expressing cells as an index. Specifically, this screening method comprises the following steps: culturing adrenergic receptor-expressing cells in a solution containing a candidate drug; and measuring the activity of the adrenergic receptor-expressing cells.

[0078] The method may include a pre-culturing step in a medium not containing the candidate drug prior to the step of culturing the adrenergic receptor-expressing cells in a solution containing the candidate drug. The method may further include a step of comparing the activity of the adrenergic receptor-expressing cells in a group cultured in a solution containing the candidate drug with the activity of the adrenergic receptor-expressing cells in a control group that differs only in that the candidate drug is not present. Experiments on the control group may be conducted in parallel, or experiments on the control group may be conducted in advance. If the activity of the adrenergic receptor-expressing cells increases compared to the activity of the adrenergic 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 muscle cells or stem cells present in the arrector pili muscle through excitation of the adrenergic receptor. The stem cells proliferate and differentiate into arrector pili muscle cells, increasing the arrector pili muscle mass and thereby improving sagging, wrinkles, or sagging. Therefore, the arrector pili muscle activator screened by this method can also be referred to as an agent for improving sagging, wrinkles, or sagging.

[0079] The solution containing the candidate drug may be any solution, but is preferably a culture medium. Any medium commonly used in skin organ culture can be used as the culture medium, and examples thereof include DMEM medium and MEM medium. The step of culturing the adrenergic receptor-expressing cells in a solution containing the candidate drug can be performed by replacing the pre-culture medium with a 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 the art, and 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 proliferation ability of the adrenergic receptor-expressing cells, and the shape of the adrenergic receptor-expressing cells.

[0080] Candidate drugs can be drugs contained in any drug library, such as a cosmetic material, food material, or pharmaceutical material. These drug libraries can be compound libraries or extract libraries. For example, the above screening method was performed using a cosmetic material extract library, and as a result, licorice extract was screened as a drug that can increase the activity of arrector pili muscle cells and improve sagging, wrinkles, or moss (Figure 14). Note that while raspberry extract did not increase the activity of arrector pili muscle cells, when used in combination with licorice extract, it did not interfere with the arrector pili muscle cell-activating effect of licorice extract (Figure 15).

[0081] Adrenergic receptor-expressing cells may be any cells that express an adrenergic receptor, or may be cells that express an adrenergic receptor by gene transfer. Examples of adrenergic receptor cells include smooth muscle cells, cardiac muscle cells, and nerve cells. The smooth muscle cells may be any smooth muscle cells, and may be selected from the group consisting of vascular muscle cells, tracheal smooth muscle cells, arrector pili cells, and uterine muscle cells. These cells may be established cell lines, or may be cells primarily cultured from tissue samples or their progeny.

[0082] Licorice extract refers to an extract extracted from the plant, particularly the roots and / or rhizomes, of the licorice plant, a perennial plant of the genus Glycyrrhiza of the Leguminosae family that grows naturally in the Mediterranean region, Asia Minor, southern Russia, Central Asia, northern China, North America, etc. Any solvent, such as water, alcohol (e.g., ethanol), butylene glycol, or a mixture thereof, may be used for the extraction. For example, a 50% aqueous ethanol solution or a 50% aqueous butylene glycol solution may be used.

[0083] Rubus extract refers to an extract extracted from the plant, particularly the fruit, of the Rubus genus, which grows naturally in the cold to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Any solvent, such as water, alcohol, such as ethanol, butylene glycol, or a mixture thereof, may be used for the extraction. For example, an extract extracted with butylene glycol may be used.

[0084] Licorice extract and / or raspberry extract can be appropriately blended into the above-mentioned cosmetic composition within a range that can activate arrector pili muscle cells. For example, from the viewpoint of activating arrector pili muscle cells and avoiding side effects, these agents are preferably blended independently in an amount of 0.01% by mass or more, 0.05% by mass or more, or 0.1% by mass or more, and 1% by mass or less, 0.5% by mass or less, or 0.3% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the cosmetic composition.

[0085] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0086] Examples and Comparative Examples Regarding Activation of Arrector Pili Muscle Cells Example 1: Three-Dimensional Analysis of Arrector Pili Muscle (X-ray CT Observation) A facial skin specimen was obtained from the excess skin under excision during plastic surgery. Cylindrical skin slices several millimeters in diameter were cut from the skin specimen and subjected to X-ray CT imaging in an unfixed, moist environment using an Xradia device (manufactured by ZEISS). Observation in an unfixed state enabled observation of the tissue in a deformed state of the skin. Even when the skin was deformed by pressure, the skin deformation returned to its original state when the pressure was stopped. For the images obtained by X-ray CT imaging, 3D reconstruction of the skin was performed using automatic classification technology using Dragonfly (manufactured by Object Research Systems), an artificial intelligence-based deep learning system (Figure 2).

[0087] X-ray CT scans were taken while applying pressure vertically from the epidermis side, and 3D reconstruction was performed. Landmark points were densely placed on the surface of each 3D-reconstructed tissue, and the amount of movement of the pore tissue structure before and during pressure application was analyzed. The amount of movement of each landmark was displayed as a heat map, and it was shown that pressure did not cause uniform deformation, but rather the amount of deformation varied depending on the tissue inside the skin.

[0088] Skin samples obtained from young subjects (in their 20s) and elderly subjects (in their 50s) were subjected to X-ray CT imaging and 3D reconstruction, showing the arrector pili muscles and hair follicles (Figure 6A). Arrows in the images indicate the arrector pili muscles. Similarly, the arrector pili muscles in a certain area of ​​skin were shown for skin samples obtained from young subjects (in their 20s) and elderly subjects (in their 50s) (Figure 6B), and the amount of arrector pili muscles per certain area of ​​skin was compared (Figure 6C).

[0089] (Skin slices subjected to pressure stimulation) Cylindrical skin slices (young and elderly subjects) were subjected to vertical pressure (Fig. 3B). When pressure was applied vertically, the skin of the elderly subject stretched uniformly, whereas the skin of the young subject stretched horizontally and was resistant to vertical stretching.

[0090] The resistance to stretching was shown graphically (Fig. 3C). The deformation of a circular skin sample from a young subject when pressed was shown as a heat map (Fig. 4A). We found that there were localized areas within the skin sample where movement was restricted (Fig. 4A). X-ray CT imaging of this circular skin sample was performed and 3D reconstruction was performed, revealing the presence of arrector pili muscles at the locations where movement was restricted (Fig. 4B).

[0091] We identified the arrector pili muscles, hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands present in the circular skin samples and compared the amount of deformation of the skin surface due to pressure (Figure 5). It was shown that extension was suppressed in areas where the arrector pili muscles were present inside the skin. Dynamic analysis of skin deformation in 3D reconstructed skin showed that the anchoring points of the arrector pili muscles to the epidermis restricted skin movement due to pressure stimulation.

[0092] Example 2: Correlation between arrector pili muscle and skin sagging or elasticity For 30 subjects in their 30s to 50s, the skin viscoelasticity of the cheeks on the face was measured using a Cutometer. The severity of skin sagging was also evaluated using photographs. The relationship between the amount of arrector pili muscle in the skin on the cheeks on the face of each subject was analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman's correlation coefficient for skin viscoelasticity and arrector pili muscle amount, and for the severity of skin sagging and arrector pili muscle amount. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0093] The results showed an inverse correlation between arrector pili muscle mass and the severity of sagging, and a correlation between arrector pili muscle mass and skin viscoelasticity. Therefore, the relationship between arrector pili muscle mass and sagging, wrinkles, and moss was demonstrated.

[0094] Example 3: Observation of Skin Sections (Stem Cell-Like Cells) Skin samples obtained from young subjects and elderly subjects were immunostained according to standard methods. Anti-CD49f antibody (Abcam) and anti-CD34 antibody (Abcam) were used, and labeling was performed using corresponding fluorescently labeled secondary antibodies. Nuclei were stained with DAPI and observed under a fluorescent microscope (Figure 7A). It was shown that the arrector pili muscle contains cells expressing the stem cell marker CD49f / CD34. When comparing skin samples from young subjects with those from elderly subjects, the number of cells expressing CD49f / CD34 was reduced in the elderly subjects (Figure 7B). It was shown that the decrease in stem cells contained in the arrector pili muscle with aging also reduces the arrector pili muscle mass.

[0095] (Organ culture experiment) Skin samples were obtained, and one was cultured without applying a stretching stimulus, while the other was stretched so that it deformed in the vertical direction (length direction) by about 30%. The skin samples were then immersed in DMEM medium containing 10% FBS and cultured in 5% CO ２ The cells were cultured at 37°C for 7 days.

[0096] (Staining) Skin sections with and without mechanical stimulation were reacted with anti-CD34 antibody (Cell Signaling) and then with 3,3-diaminobenzidine (DAB) using the Emvision system (DAKO) to stain for CD34, followed by hematoxylin staining ( Figure 8A ). Nuclei were stained blue (indicated by black ovals or flattened shapes in the figure), and the presence of CD34 was stained brown (indicated by white arrows in the figure).

[0097] (Fluorescent Staining) Immunostaining was performed according to standard methods on skin samples with and without stretch stimulation. Anti-CD34 antibody (Abcam) and anti-αSMA antibody (Abcam) were used, and labeling was performed with the corresponding fluorescently labeled secondary antibody. The samples were then observed under a fluorescent microscope (Figure 8B). Without stretch stimulation, a small number of CD34-positive αSMA-negative cells were present in the arrector pili muscle. On the other hand, with stretch stimulation, a large number of CD34-αSMA double-positive cells were present. These results suggest that stretch stimulation activates and proliferates CD34-positive αSMA-negative stem cells, which then differentiate, resulting in an increase in CD34-αSMA double-positive cells.

[0098] Example 4: Orientation of the arrector pili muscles on the face The relationship between the hair follicles that form vellus hair and the arrector pili muscles was investigated from facial skin specimens using X-ray CT imaging and 3D reconstruction ( FIG. 9A ). For facial vellus hair, the orientation of the arrector pili muscles coincided with the orientation of the hair itself. Because hair flow occurs when hair grows in the direction of the hair follicles, analyzing the hair flow can determine the orientation of the arrector pili muscles. The hair orientation was analyzed from facial photographs of 62 female volunteers (aged 20-40) ( FIG. 9B ). The hair flow on the face was consistent except for the forehead ( FIG. 9C ).

[0099] (Massage along the direction of the arrector pili muscles) Eight female volunteers (ages in their 40s) were given stretching stimulation once a day for four weeks on the lower eyelids against the direction of hair growth, and photographs were taken (Fig. 11A). Based on the photographs, the degree of improvement in sagging was classified into four levels: markedly effective, effective, mildly effective, and ineffective (Fig. 11B). Sagging was improved by stretching stimulation along the direction of the arrector pili muscles. Note that the stretching stimulation here is not a method of stretching while pressing down on part of the skin.

[0100] Example 5: Stem Cell Activation via Adrenergic Receptor 1 (ADRA1) (Expression of ADRA1 in Stem Cell-Like Cells) Smooth muscle cells (Promo Cell) were cultured in smooth muscle culture medium. Primary cultured smooth muscle cells were labeled with anti-CD49f antibody (Abcam) and anti-CD34 antibody (Abcam) and corresponding fluorescently labeled secondary antibodies. Nuclei were further stained with DAPI and observed under a fluorescent microscope ( Figure 12A ). This demonstrated that primary smooth muscle cells also contain 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). Nuclei were further stained with DAPI and observed under a fluorescent microscope. Similar to primary smooth muscle cells, stem cells in the arrector pili muscle also expressed adrenergic receptors ( Figures 12B and 12C ).

[0101] (Noradrenaline Stimulation) Smooth muscle cells were cultured for 48 hours in noradrenaline-supplemented smooth muscle culture medium (3 μM, 10 μM). After culture, the cells were labeled with anti-CD49f antibody (Abcam) and anti-CD34 antibody (Abcam) using corresponding fluorescently labeled secondary antibodies and observed under a fluorescent microscope. CD34 and CD49f double-positive cells were counted. The number of CD34 and CD49f double-positive cells increased in a noradrenaline dose-dependent manner (Figures 13A and 13B), suggesting that stem cell-like cells proliferated due to the action of noradrenaline. Skin samples were cultured for 7 days in noradrenaline-supplemented DMEM medium (100 μM). After culture, the cells were labeled with anti-CD34 antibody (Abcam) and anti-αSMA antibody (Abcam) using corresponding fluorescently labeled secondary antibodies and observed under a fluorescent microscope. The arrow indicates CD34 and αSMA double-positive cells in the arrector pili muscle (Fig. 13C). This indicates that the action of noradrenaline activated stem cells present in the arrector pili muscle and further differentiated them into smooth muscle cells.

[0102] Example 6: Measurement of smooth muscle cell activity Smooth muscle cells (Promo Cell) were cultured at 1 x 10 ４ The cells were suspended in smooth muscle cell growth medium 2 (Promo Cell) at a density of 1 cell / well and seeded onto a 24-well plate. Licorice extract (Maruzen Pharmaceuticals) was added to a concentration of 0.1%, and 50% butylene glycol was added to the control group. Furthermore, Alamar Blue (Invitrogen) was added to the medium to a concentration of 10%, and the cells were incubated at 37°C and 5% CO for 3 hours. ２ The cells were cultured under an ambient atmosphere. The fluorescence intensity of the 24-well plate was measured using a fluorescent plate reader (Fig. 14). The fluorescence increased in the licorice extract-added group compared to the control group, indicating increased cell activity.

[0103] Smooth muscle cells (Promo Cell) were added at 1 × 10 ４The cells were suspended in smooth muscle cell growth medium (Promo Cell) at a density of 10 cells / well and seeded onto a 24-well plate. Licorice extract (Maruzen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) and raspberry extract (Maruzen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) were added to a concentration of 0.1% to form test groups, while 50% butylene glycol was added to the control group. Furthermore, a test group was prepared to which both liquorice extract (Maruzen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) and raspberry extract (Maruzen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) were added. Furthermore, Alamar Blue (Invitrogen) was added to these media to a concentration of 10%, and the cells were incubated at 37°C and 5% CO for 3 hours. ２ The cells were cultured under atmospheric conditions. The fluorescence intensity of the 24-well plate was measured using a fluorescent plate reader (Figure 15). Licorice extract had a smooth muscle cell activating effect, while the group to which raspberry extract was added had no cell activating effect. On the other hand, the groups to which liquorice extract and raspberry extract were added showed cell activating effects, indicating that raspberry extract did not interfere with the cell activating effect of licorice extract.

[0104] <<Examples and Comparative Examples of a Cosmetic Method of Stretching While Pressing with Hands>> <Difference in Skin Elongation Rate Depending on Whether or Not the Skin is Pressed> The following elongation rate test was conducted on a total of three subjects, two in their 50s and one in their 30s, to examine the difference in skin elongation rate depending on whether or not the skin is pressed.

[0105] Marks were made with a marker on the skin of the chin and upper cheeks on both the left and right sides of the face, with the distance between two points being 5 cm. Next, using the three test methods shown below, the skin was stretched in the direction near No. 2 in Figure 1, and the distance between the markers at that time was measured. From the measurement results obtained by each method, the skin stretch rate was calculated, and the differences between the methods were tested using a t-test. The results are shown in Table 2. The beauty tool used in this example was a beauty tool equipped with a roller that comes into contact with the skin and a cosmetic.

[0106] (Test Method) (1) While holding the skin around the chin with a hand, the roller of the beauty device was used to pull up the cheek and stretch the skin. (2) Without holding the skin around the chin with a hand, the roller of the beauty device was used to pull up the cheek and stretch the skin. (3) Without holding the skin around the chin with a hand, the cheek was used to pull up the skin and stretch the skin.

[0107]

[0108] (Results) From the results in Table 2, it was confirmed that when the skin was stretched while being held down by hand, the skin could be stretched approximately twice as much as when the skin was not held down by hand.

[0109] <Perceived effect with or without pressing the skin> A total of five subjects, three in their 50s, one in their 40s, and one in their 20s, were tested. The subjects stretched the skin by pulling up the cheeks with the roller of the beauty device while pressing the skin around the chin with their hands, and by pulling up the cheeks with the roller of the beauty device without pressing the skin around the chin with their hands. The perceived effect was evaluated based on the following evaluation items and scored according to the following evaluation criteria. Figure 16 shows a graph based on the average values ​​of the evaluation results. Here, the evaluation item "seems to make it easier to make facial expressions" means, for example, that it is easier to smile and that facial expressions become more expressive. The evaluation criteria indicate that a higher score indicates a greater effect (maximum: 5 points, minimum: 1 point).

[0110] (Evaluation items) (1) My skin feels stretched. (2) It seems to become firmer. (3) My facial lines seem to tighten. (4) My cheeks seem to tighten. (5) My eyes seem to tighten. (6) It seems to make it easier to make facial expressions. (7) It seems to improve blood circulation. (8) My skin seems brighter. (9) My cheeks seem to glow. (10) My face seems refreshed. (11) It seems to be effective against sagging skin. (12) If I continue to use it, I will see a positive change in my skin.

[0111] (Evaluation criteria) 5 points: I strongly agree. 4 points: I agree. 3 points: I can't say either way. 2 points: I don't agree. 1 point: I don't agree at all.

[0112] (Results) From the results in Figure 16, it was confirmed that the overall effect was improved by stretching the skin by pulling up the cheeks with the roller of the beauty device while holding the skin around the chin with the hand. In particular, it was found that the effect was more noticeable for the items within the dashed circle in Figure 16.

[0113] <Perception of effect by conventional facial muscle massage, and perception of effect when conventional facial muscle massage is used in combination with a beauty method in which the facial muscles are stretched while being pressed with hands> (Comparative Example 3: Perception of effect by conventional facial muscle massage) A total of 15 subjects in their 30s to 50s were subjected to a conventional facial muscle massage, which is performed without pressing the skin, once a day for 30 days, according to the procedures shown in Figures 17A and 17B. The perceived effect after 1 day and 30 days was evaluated by scoring according to the following evaluation criteria. A graph based on the average values ​​of the evaluation results is shown in Figure 20A. Here, the evaluation criteria indicate that the higher the score, the more effective the effect (maximum: 5 points, minimum: 1 point). Furthermore, "1D" and "1M" in the figure refer to the results after 1 day and 30 days.

[0114] (Example 8: Perceived effect when conventional facial muscle massage and the beauty method of the present disclosure are used in combination) A total of 30 subjects in their 30s to 50s were subjected to the following procedure: while pressing the skin around the chin with their hands, the rollers of the beauty device were used to stretch the skin by pulling up both cheeks, following the procedure shown in Figures 18A and 18B; then, following the procedure shown in Figures 17A and 17B, the conventional facial muscle massage was performed; and then, following the procedure shown in Figure 19, the palm of the hand was moved in a sliding motion without pressing the skin around the chin with the hands. This series of procedures was performed once a day for 30 days. The perceived effect after 1 day and 30 days was evaluated by scoring according to the following evaluation criteria. A graph based on the average values ​​of the evaluation results is shown in Figure 20B.

[0115] (Evaluation items) (1) Skin feels firmer. (2) Cheeks are firmer. (3) It's easier to make facial expressions. (4) I feel like my blood circulation has improved. (5) My skin is brighter. (6) My cheeks are shinier. (7) My face looks refreshed. (8) My skin is no longer sagging.

[0116] (Evaluation criteria) 5 points: I strongly agree. 4 points: I agree. 3 points: I can't say either way. 2 points: I don't agree. 1 point: I don't agree at all.

[0117] (Results) From the results of Figures 20A and 20B, it was found that compared to the case of only the conventional facial muscle massage (Figure 20A) where the skin is not pressed, the case of the cosmetic method of the present disclosure, which presses and stretches the skin (Figure 20B), combined use of the cosmetic method of the present disclosure, which presses and stretches the skin, produced a more pronounced effect, at least for the items within the dashed circle in Figure 20B. This means that the cosmetic method of the present disclosure can improve sagging skin and the like more efficiently and effectively than the conventional cosmetic method.

Claims

1. A beauty method comprising extending the skin by pressing one part of the skin while moving another part of the skin.

2. The beauty method according to claim 1, comprising holding the extended state of the skin for 1 second or more.

3. The beauty method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extension of the skin is performed at a speed of 5 cm / second or less.

4. The beauty method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extension of the skin is performed two or more times at the same site and / or different sites.

5. The beauty method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extension of the skin is performed substantially parallel to the direction in which the arrector pili muscle supports the skin.

6. The beauty method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extension of the skin is performed while applying a cosmetic to the skin or after applying a cosmetic to the skin.

7. The beauty method according to claim 6, wherein the cosmetic contains licorice extract or licorice extract and strawberry extract.

8. The beauty method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the skin is the skin of the face, neck, arm, or hand.

9. The beauty method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extension of the skin is performed by pressing one part of the skin with the hand while moving another part of the skin with a roller of a beauty instrument.

10. The extension of the skin is performed while applying a cosmetic to the skin, and the beauty instrument is provided with the cosmetic, The beauty method according to claim 9.

11. The beauty method according to claim 1 or 2, which improves sagging, wrinkles, or roughness.

12. A cosmetic for the beauty method according to claim 1.

13. The cosmetic according to claim 12, which is housed in a container and / or package having a description indicating that it is for the beauty method according to claim 1.

14. The cosmetic according to claim 12 or 13, which contains licorice extract or licorice extract and strawberry extract.

15. A beauty instrument for the beauty method according to claim 1.

16. The beauty instrument according to claim 15, which is housed in a container and / or package having a description indicating that it is for the beauty method according to claim 1.

17. The beauty instrument according to claim 15 or 16, which is provided with a roller that contacts the skin.

18. A sheet or display showing the beauty method according to claim 1 or 2.