Skin treatment device

Abstract

The present invention effectively increases the permeation effect of an active ingredient into a user's skin.　Disclosed is a skin treatment device that comprises: a plurality of electrodes which can be attached to the skin of a user; a power supply which is electrically connected to the electrodes; and an electric circuit which, on the basis of the power supply, generates a first output waveform toward the skin through the electrodes. The first output waveform is an alternating-current waveform which has a first peak voltage value at the beginning, halfway, or end of a half cycle and which also has, in the remaining section of the half cycle, either second peak voltage values that are smaller in magnitude than the first peak voltage value or a substantially constant voltage value.

Description

Skin treatment device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a skin treatment device.

[0002] A technique is known in which an electrical stimulus is applied via electrodes placed against the user's skin, the electrical stimulus being a combination of a high-voltage, extremely short electrical pulse and a group of electrical pulses that are lower in voltage than the extremely short electrical pulse and each pulse has a pulse width or half cycle that is longer than the width of the extremely short electrical pulse.

[0003] JP 2013-78514 A

[0004] However, with the above-described conventional techniques, it is difficult to effectively increase the penetration effect of active ingredients into the user's skin.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to effectively increase the penetration effect of active ingredients into the user's skin.

[0006] In one aspect, a skin treatment device is provided that includes: a plurality of electrodes that can be brought into contact with a user's skin; a power source electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes; and an electrical circuit unit that generates a first output waveform to the skin via the plurality of electrodes based on the power source, wherein the first output waveform is an AC waveform that has a first peak voltage value at the beginning, middle, or end of a half cycle, and has a second peak voltage value that is smaller in magnitude than the first peak voltage value, or a substantially constant voltage value, during the remaining section of the half cycle.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to effectively increase the penetration effect of active ingredients into the user's skin.

[0008] 6C is an enlarged view of a portion Q6 in FIG. 6C. FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating a preferred example of an output waveform for high-frequency mode M3. FIG. 6D is a diagram comparing the penetration effects of active ingredients according to various output waveforms. FIG. 6E is a diagram comparing the penetration effects of other active ingredients according to various output waveforms. FIG. 6F is a diagram illustrating an output waveform according to a first comparative example. FIG. 6G is a diagram illustrating an output waveform according to a second comparative example. FIG. 6H is a diagram illustrating the difference in effect according to the difference in frequency of the output waveform for infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 6C. FIG. 6H is a diagram illustrating the difference in effect according to the difference in current value of the output waveform for infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 6C. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of differences in effect depending on differences in the use time of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram of differences in effect depending on differences in the characteristics of another output waveform when the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in Fig. 6 is applied in combination with another output waveform. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of differences in effect depending on differences in the specific waveform form of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1.

[0009] Each embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a skin treatment device 1 of this embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a two-sided view of the skin treatment device 1 of Fig. 1, with the left side being a side view and the right side being a front view. Note that the appearance of the skin treatment device is not limited to the examples shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and may be, for example, a skin treatment device having an appearance as shown in Fig. 2A.

[0011] The skin processing device 1 of this embodiment is in the form of a facial beauty device and is configured to impart beauty-related effects to the skin of the user's face. However, in a modified example, the skin processing device 1 may be configured to impart similar beauty-related effects to parts of the user's body other than the user's face, in addition to or instead of the user's face. Furthermore, the skin processing device 1 may be used to impart effects other than beauty-related effects (for example, the effect of promoting transdermal absorption of medicines).

[0012] The beauty-related effect is optional and may include any combination of one or more of the following: reduction of sagging skin, firming, fat burning, lifting, facial slimming, improving skin firmness, radiance, and moisture. The beauty-related effect may be a quantifiable effect or a non-quantifiable effect.

[0013] The skin processing device 1 of this embodiment is configured to impart beauty-related effects to the user's skin by applying various outputs via a plurality of electrodes that come into contact with the user's skin.

[0014] The skin treatment device 1 of this embodiment is a portable type that can be held by the user's hand, but may also be applied to a movable type that is movably supported on a fixed device via an arm or the like.

[0015] The skin processing device 1 includes a grip portion 2 and a head portion 3. In this case, the user can apply various outputs from the skin processing device 1 to a desired part of their face by holding the grip portion 2 and applying the head portion 3 to the desired part of their face.

[0016] The grip portion 2 has a shape that allows it to be easily held by a user's hand. The grip portion 2 may include a user interface 20 including various buttons such as a power on / off button, a mode switching button, an intensity adjustment button, etc. The various buttons may be mechanical buttons or touch switches. The grip portion 2 may also be provided with a display unit (not shown) that displays the status of the skin treatment device 1, etc. The grip portion 2 may also be provided with electrodes (not shown) that come into contact with the user's hand.

[0017] The head portion 3 is provided at the end of the grip portion 2. The head portion 3 may be fixed to the grip portion 2, may be detachable, or may be movable relative to the grip portion 2.

[0018] The head unit 3 can contact the user's skin and has a shape suitable for contacting the user's skin. For example, the head unit 3 may have a contact surface 3a that is substantially planar (including a curved surface with a relatively large radius of curvature). In FIG. 2, the extension direction (basic plane) of the contact surface 3a in a side view is indicated by a dashed line. In this case, the contact surface 3a is a plane that can be approximated as a substantially straight line in a side view. The shape of the contact surface 3a in a front view (the shape when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 3a) can be any shape, such as a rectangle, a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, etc. In this embodiment, the shape is a circle, as shown in FIG. 2, as an example.

[0019] The head unit 3 has a plurality of electrodes 30 arranged on the contact surface 3 a. The plurality of electrodes 30 may be configured to slightly protrude from the base surface of the contact surface 3 a of the head unit 3 so as to easily contact the user's skin.

[0020] In this embodiment, as an example, the plurality of electrodes 30 are three electrodes arranged in a ring shape centered near the center of the contact surface 3 a of the head portion 3. However, the number, shape, arrangement, etc. of the plurality of electrodes 30 are arbitrary.

[0021] In this embodiment, the electrodes 30 are paired to generate a variety of output waveforms with various effects. Hereinafter, an output mode in which the electrodes 30 are paired to generate an output waveform with the effect of penetrating active ingredients (beauty ingredients) into the skin (hereinafter also referred to simply as "penetration effect") will be referred to as "infiltration mode M1," and an output mode in which the electrodes 30 are paired to generate a high-frequency output waveform with a heating effect will be referred to as "high-frequency mode M3." Furthermore, an output mode in which the electrodes 30 are paired to generate an output waveform with the effect of introducing ions (ions related to active ingredients) into the skin or extracting ions (ions related to dirt, etc.) from the skin will also be referred to as "ion introduction / extraction mode M7."

[0022] Next, the configuration of the control system of the skin treatment device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0023] Fig. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of an example control system 100. Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating functions realized by the control device 110 of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of setting values ​​of various parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 116. In Fig. 3, in addition to the control system 100, a power supply 150 is also shown.

[0024] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the control system 100 includes a control device 110 and an electric circuit section 200 , and the electric circuit section 200 includes a drive circuit section 120 , an output waveform generating section 130 , and a switching circuit section 140 .

[0025] The control device 110 includes a computer and may be formed by, for example, a microcomputer. The control device 110 may operate based on power from the power source 150.

[0026] The control device 110 selectively forms various modes such as the infiltration mode M1 and high frequency mode M3 described below, and controls the multiple electrodes 30 via the drive circuit unit 120, the output waveform generating unit 130, and the switching circuit unit 140 so that a corresponding output waveform is generated in each mode.

[0027] 4 , the control device 110 includes a user input acquisition unit 111, a mode setting unit 112, a control parameter setting unit 113, a control signal generation unit 114, a switching control unit 115, and a parameter storage unit 116. Each unit from the user input acquisition unit 111 to the switching control unit 115 can be realized by, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) (not shown) of the control device 110 executing one or more programs in a storage device (not shown) of the control device 110. The parameter storage unit 116 can be realized by the storage device (not shown) of the control device 110.

[0028] The user input acquisition unit 111 acquires various user inputs from the user via the above-described user interface 20. The various user inputs may include power on / off, mode selection input, intensity adjustment input, and the like.

[0029] The mode setting unit 112 sets the operation mode desired by the user based on the user input from the user input acquisition unit 111. In a modified example, the mode setting unit 112 may set the operation mode based on other parameters instead of or in addition to the user input. Various operation modes may be prepared, and the number and types of the operation modes are arbitrary. In this embodiment, as an example, a plurality of operation modes are prepared, including operation mode A0 and operation mode A1.

[0030] The operation mode A0 is one of various modes such as the above-mentioned infiltration mode M1 that is realized alone. For example, the operation mode A0 may be the infiltration mode M1. In this case, while the operation mode A0 is formed, only the infiltration mode M1 is continuously realized.

[0031] The operation mode A1 is a mode realized by combining two or more of various modes such as the infiltration mode M1 and the high-frequency mode M3 described above. A plurality of operation modes A1 may be prepared, each of which is combined in a different manner.

[0032] In operation mode A1, each mode is intermittently and periodically repeated for its respective duration, outputting a corresponding output waveform.

[0033] The control parameter setting unit 113 sets the values ​​of various control parameters to realize a corresponding output waveform according to the operation mode set by the mode setting unit 112. The various control parameters may include a first parameter indicating whether the waveform is AC or DC, a second parameter indicating a frequency, a third parameter indicating a duration, and a fourth parameter indicating the pair of electrodes that generate the output waveform. The duration corresponds to the output time of the output waveform related to the mode, i.e., the continuous output time from the start to the end of the corresponding output waveform. Note that the third parameter is used only in the above-described operation mode A1 and need not be used in operation mode A0. Note that in operation mode A0, the duration may be, for example, until the power is turned off, or may be determined based on other factors (e.g., a factor based on temperature information from a thermistor, not shown).

[0034] The control parameter setting unit 113 may set the values ​​of various control parameters to realize the corresponding output waveform based on the setting values ​​of each parameter in the parameter storage unit 116. FIG. 5 shows an example of the setting values ​​of various parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 116. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the setting values ​​of various parameters are associated with each mode, such as the infiltration mode M1 and the high-frequency mode M3. In FIG. 5, the value "1" of the first parameter represents an AC waveform, and the value "0" represents a DC waveform. The values ​​of the fourth parameter PT1, PT3, and PT7 may represent a change pattern of the electrode pair that generates the output waveform. The electrode pair that generates the output waveform may be a one-to-one pair or a one-to-many pair.

[0035] The control signal generating unit 114 generates a control signal in the form of a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal based on the values ​​of various parameters set by the control parameter setting unit 113. The control signal generating unit 114 provides the generated control signal to the drive circuit unit 120.

[0036] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the control system 100 includes a drive circuit unit 120, which generates various output waveforms via a plurality of electrodes 30. Fig. 3 schematically shows some waveforms of control signals CT1 and CT2. In this case, the control signals CT1 and CT2 may be applied to the drive circuit unit 120 via separate control lines L1 and L2, respectively. The frequencies (duty ratios) of the control signals CT1 and CT2 may be determined according to the setting value of the second parameter.

[0037] Furthermore, when a certain mode is realized, whether or not the control signals CT1 and CT2 (and the associated control lines L1 and L2) are output may be determined according to the set value of a first parameter associated with the certain mode. For example, with respect to a certain mode, when the set value of the first parameter is "1," both of the control signals CT1 and CT2 may be output, and when the set value of the first parameter is "0," only one of the control signals CT1 and CT2 may be output. Furthermore, when a certain mode is realized, the duration of the control signals CT1 and CT2 associated with the certain mode may be determined according to the set value of a third parameter.

[0038] The drive circuit unit 120 includes drivers for driving a plurality of switching elements Tr, which will be described later. The drive circuit unit 120 generates drive signals for turning on / off the switching elements Tr of the output waveform generating unit 130 in response to control signals CT1 and CT2 from the control signal generating unit 114, and supplies the generated drive signals to the corresponding switching elements Tr.

[0039] The output waveform generating units 130 each generate an output waveform based on a DC power supply 150. The output waveform generating units 130 each include a pair of switching elements Tr and a transformer 135.

[0040] The pair of switching elements Tr are, for example, transistors or other switching elements, one of which is connected to terminal Ta of the transformer 135, and the other of which is connected to terminal Tb of the transformer 135. The power supply 150 is connected to terminal Tc of the transformer 135, which is associated with the center tap. In this embodiment, the transformer 135 has a frequency specification adapted to the frequency of the high frequency mode M3. For example, if the induced voltage E of the transformer 135 is E = √2πfnφm, the frequency f is approximately equal to the frequency of the high frequency mode M3 (the set value α3 of the second parameter in FIG. 5 ). In this case, n is the number of turns, and φm is the magnetic flux. The transformer 135 may be adapted to the frequency of the high frequency mode M3 based on settings (adjustments), such as changing the set multiplier of the peripheral circuit or the material or degree of adhesion of the ferrite core (an internal component of the transformer 135).

[0041] The switching circuit section 140 controls the electrode pair that generates the output waveform among the plurality of electrodes 30 by switching the connection destination of the output terminals Td, Te of the output waveform generating section 130 (i.e., the output terminals of the transformer 135) among the plurality of electrodes 30. In this case, the switching circuit section 140 may control the electrode pair that generates the output waveform based on the setting value of the fourth parameter.

[0042] The control system 100 shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example and may be modified as appropriate depending on the type of output waveform to be generated, requirements for generating different types of output waveforms, costs, etc. For example, in the switching circuit unit 140, the output terminals Td and Te of the output waveform generating unit 130 (i.e., the output terminals of the transformer 135) may be connected to other electrodes (not shown). In this case, the pair of electrodes generating the output waveform may be switched in a time-division manner. Alternatively, two or more systems of drive circuit units 120 and output waveform generating units 130 may be provided. Furthermore, if the configuration does not require switching of the pair of electrodes, the switching circuit unit 140 may be omitted. Furthermore, the PWM signal may be applied directly to the drive circuit unit 120 (without going through the control device 110) using an oscillator.

[0043] Figure 6 shows a preferred example of the output waveform of infiltration mode M1. Figures 6A to 6C show other examples of the output waveform of infiltration mode M1. Figure 6 (also Figures 6A to 6C) shows the output waveform (time-series waveform) of infiltration mode M1 when the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents voltage value. In Figure 6 (also Figures 6A to 6C), ΔT1 represents one period of the output waveform.

[0044] In this embodiment, the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 (an example of a first output waveform) is an AC waveform having multiple peak voltage values ​​within a half cycle (ΔT / 2), including a first peak voltage value Vp1 and one or more second peak voltage values ​​Vp2.

[0045] The first peak voltage Vp1 is the peak voltage that appears first in a half cycle, and the second peak voltage Vp2 appears after the first peak voltage Vp1 and is smaller in magnitude than the first peak voltage Vp1. The second peak voltage Vp2 may occur multiple times in succession in a manner that gradually decreases, as shown in Figure 6. The second peak voltage Vp2 is preferably smaller than half the magnitude of the first peak voltage Vp1.

[0046] The frequency of the output waveform in the infiltration mode M1 is significantly lower than the frequency of the output waveform in the high-frequency mode M3, preferably between 10 kHz and 500 kHz, and more preferably between 50 kHz and 200 kHz. Figures 6A to 6C show other output waveforms that may be used instead of the output waveform in the output mode M1 shown in Figure 6. Figure 6D is an enlarged view of section Q6 in Figure 6C. The examples shown in Figures 6A and 6C differ from the output waveform shown in Figure 6 primarily in the absence of the second peak voltage value Vp2. In this case, the voltage value of the output waveform for one half cycle varies from the first peak voltage value Vp1 in a manner that maintains a substantially constant value (a substantially constant voltage value). In this case, the substantially constant value may be at a level similar to the second peak voltage value Vp2. Alternatively, the substantially constant value may be at a level slightly smaller than the second peak voltage value Vp2, as shown in Figure 6C. In this case, the peak waveform associated with the first peak voltage value Vp1 has an electroporation-like effect, and subsequent electrical stimulation (a substantially constant value section) is expected to promote penetration. The term "substantially constant value" refers to a concept that allows for error that occurs with a relatively small sawtooth waveform, such as that shown in FIG. 6D, and is intended to allow for an error of within 10% relative to the constant value. In FIG. 6D, BVp1 represents the magnitude (amplitude) of the first peak voltage value Vp1, and δ represents the fluctuation range of the substantially constant value. While FIG. 6D illustrates the substantially constant value of FIG. 6C, the same applies to FIG. 6A.

[0047] The example shown in FIG. 6B differs from the output waveform shown in FIG. 6 primarily in that the first peak voltage value Vp1 does not appear at the beginning of a half cycle but appears midway through. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6B, the second peak voltage value Vp2 may appear at the beginning of the half cycle. Note that, while the example shown in FIG. 6B shows the first peak voltage value Vp1 near the middle of the half cycle, it may also appear significantly later (e.g., at the end) (or significantly earlier) than near the middle. This also applies to the output waveforms shown in FIGS. 6A and 6C. That is, in the output waveforms shown in FIGS. 6A and 6C, the first peak voltage value Vp1 does not necessarily have to appear at the beginning of the half cycle, but may appear midway through or at the end of the half cycle.

[0048] The various waveforms shown in FIGS. 6 to 6C may be substantially symmetrical in the positive and negative directions, but may have a slight offset on the positive or negative side.

[0049] In the various waveforms shown in Figures 6 to 6C, the duration (ΔTVp1) of the first peak voltage value Vp1 is preferably equal to or less than 1 / 5 of the half cycle (= ΔT / 2) or the remaining time (= ΔT / 2 - ΔTVp1) within the half cycle (= ΔT / 2). That is, ΔTVp1 ≤ 1 / 5 × (ΔT / 2 - ΔTVp1). For example, in the example shown in Figure 6, the duration (ΔTVp1) of the first peak voltage value Vp1 is preferably equal to or less than 1 / 5 of the duration of the second peak voltage value Vp2 (= ΔTVp2 = ΔT / 2 - ΔTVp1). 6B , the duration (ΔTVp1) of the first peak voltage value Vp1 is preferably equal to or less than ⅕ of the sum of the durations of the two second peak voltage values ​​Vp2 (= 2 × ΔTVp2 = ΔT / 2 − ΔTVp1). In these cases, the duration (ΔTVp1) of the first peak voltage value Vp1 may be measured as the period during which 80% or more of the magnitude of the first peak voltage value Vp1 is maintained.

[0050] The effect of such an output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 will be described later with reference to FIG. 8 and subsequent figures.

[0051] 7 is a diagram showing a preferred example of an output waveform (an example of a third output waveform) of the high frequency mode M3. In FIG. 7, the output waveform (time series waveform) of the high frequency mode M3 is shown, with time on the horizontal axis and voltage value on the vertical axis. In FIG. 7, ΔT3 represents one period of the output waveform.

[0052] The output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 is a high frequency AC waveform, and as described above, has a frequency significantly higher than the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1. The frequency of the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 may be, for example, 900 kHz or higher.

[0053] Incidentally, the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 shown in FIG. 6 is significantly different from the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 shown in FIG. 7 in terms of waveform characteristics other than frequency, but can be generated using the same hardware resources as the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3. Specifically, the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 and the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 can both be generated via the output waveform generating unit 130 of the control system 100 shown in FIG. 3 (i.e., the output waveform generating unit 130 is an example of an AC generating unit). In this case, the only difference between generating the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 and generating the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 is the frequency of the control signals CT1 and CT2 from the control signal generating unit 114. That is, when generating the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1, the frequency of the control signals CT1 and CT2 from the control signal generating unit 114 corresponds to the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1, whereas when generating the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3, the frequency of the control signals CT1 and CT2 from the control signal generating unit 114 corresponds to the frequency of the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3.

[0054] As described above, in this embodiment, the transformer 135 has a frequency specification adapted to the frequency of the high frequency mode M3, so that for the control signals CT1 and CT2 corresponding to the frequency of the high frequency mode M3, a sinusoidal output waveform of the desired frequency (frequency of the high frequency mode M3) as shown in FIG. 7 can be generated. On the other hand, the transformer 135 cannot generate a sinusoidal output waveform (sinusoidal output waveform corresponding to the frequency related to the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1) as shown in FIG. 7 for the control signals CT1 and CT2 corresponding to the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 that is significantly lower than the frequency of the high frequency mode M3. On the other hand, the transformer 135 can generate an output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 6 for the control signals CT1 and CT2 corresponding to the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 that is significantly lower than the frequency of the high frequency mode M3.

[0055] In this way, according to this embodiment, the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 shown in Fig. 6 can be generated without requiring special hardware resources for generating the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 shown in Fig. 6. That is, according to this embodiment, the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 shown in Fig. 6 can be generated by utilizing the hardware resources for generating the output waveform of the high-frequency mode M3. As a result, a variety of output waveforms (output waveforms having various effects as described above or below) including the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 shown in Fig. 6 can be generated while minimizing the component variations and number of components in the control system 100.

[0056] Next, the effect of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 6 (or FIGS. 6A to 6C, hereinafter) will be described with reference to FIG. 8 and subsequent figures.

[0057] Figure 8 is a diagram comparing the penetration effects of active ingredients using various output waveforms. On the left side of Figure 8, the vertical axis represents the absorption amount within the stratum corneum for tapes 2 to 5, and the horizontal axis represents various test conditions C1 to C5, showing the absorption amount within the stratum corneum under each of the test conditions C1 to C5. On the right side of Figure 8, the vertical axis represents the absorption amount within the stratum corneum for tapes 6 to 10, and the horizontal axis represents various test conditions C1 to C5, showing the absorption amount within the stratum corneum under each of the test conditions C1 to C5. Test condition C1 corresponds to a condition under which no output waveform is generated from the skin treatment device 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "output non-use condition"), test conditions C2 to C5 correspond to conditions under which the skin treatment device 1 is used, test condition C2 corresponds to a condition under which only the output waveform of high frequency mode M3 is applied, test condition C3 corresponds to a condition under which only the output waveform of the first comparative example (the positive output waveform shown in FIG. 9) is applied, test condition C4 corresponds to a condition under which only the output waveform of the second comparative example (the negative output waveform shown in FIG. 10) is applied, and test condition C5 corresponds to a condition under which only the output waveform of infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 6 is applied.

[0058] 9 and 10 are diagrams showing examples of output waveforms according to the first and second comparative examples. In Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the output waveform (time-series waveform) according to the first comparative example is shown, with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing voltage values. In Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, ΔT2 represents one period of the output waveform.

[0059] In the first comparative example, a continuous waveform that periodically changes at least twice within a single duration is generated. The output waveform according to the first comparative example (an example of a second output waveform) is a pulsed DC waveform and may be similar to the output waveform used in the iontophoresis / extraction mode M7. Note that in the iontophoresis / extraction mode M7, instead of the waveform shown in FIG. 9, a polarity-inverted output waveform (an example of a second output waveform) as shown in FIG. 10 may be used as a second comparative example.

[0060] This test was performed according to the following procedure. 1) First, to confirm skin homeostasis, the forearm was washed and allowed to acclimate for 15 minutes. The amount of water evaporation at the application sites (five locations) was measured, and it was confirmed that there were no significant fluctuations or scratches. 2) Next, quantitative measurements were performed after facial beauty treatment as follows: 2-1: The sample was dropped onto the forearm. 2-2: After treatment in 2-1, the device was used for 1.5 minutes, moving in a circular motion at a speed of one rotation per second over the sample. Note that under non-output conditions, the same operation was performed using the skin treatment device 1 with the power turned off (i.e., the skin treatment device 1 in a state where no output waveform was generated). 2-3: After treatment in 2-2, the remaining sample was wiped off with cotton, and the skin surface was wiped with cotton soaked in 50% ethanol solution and washed. 2-4: After the treatment of 2-3, the stratum corneum of the application site is peeled off with adhesive tape (keratin checker commercially available under the trade name "D-Squame (registered trademark)"), and the amount of VCPMg (L-ascorbyl magnesium phosphate) contained in tapes 2-5 and tapes 6-10 is quantified. Note that in this test, test condition C1 was started in consideration of the electrical influence of the skin treatment device 1.

[0061] As shown in Figure 8, it was found that the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 shown in Figure 6 can be expected to have a significantly higher penetration effect than the output waveforms of other modes for both tapes 2-5 and tapes 6-10. The output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 shown in Figure 6 has a peak (first peak voltage value Vp1) compared to a normal sine wave or square wave, which is thought to add an effect similar to expulsion and improve the penetration effect.

[0062] While the first and second comparative examples are suitable for some substances and not others, it was found that the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 shown in FIG. 6 can be expected to have a high penetration effect for all components with various characteristics, as described below. For example, FIG. 8A shows similar test results when niacinamide (vitamin B3) is used instead of magnesium L-ascorbyl phosphate. However, the details of the test conditions may be different, such as the component concentrations. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8A, it was found that the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 shown in FIG. 6 can be expected to have a significantly higher penetration effect than the output waveforms of other modes. Note that the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 shown in FIG. 6 is effective in promoting the penetration of useful ingredients of topical skin preparations suitable for penetration, regardless of whether they are low-molecular-weight, high-molecular-weight, or oil-soluble, although examples of useful ingredients will be described later.

[0063] Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram of differences in effect depending on differences in the frequency of the output waveform of infiltration mode M1 as shown in Fig. 6. In Fig. 11, the vertical axis represents the absorption amount within the stratum corneum, and the horizontal axis corresponds to various test conditions C10 to C12 and C1. The absorption amounts within the stratum corneum for each of test conditions C10 to C12 and C1 are shown as the absorption amount within the stratum corneum for tapes 2 to 5 (see reference numeral 2301), the absorption amount within the stratum corneum for tapes 6 to 10 (see reference numeral 2302), and the sum of these (absorption amount within the stratum corneum for tapes 2 to 10) (see reference numeral 2303).

[0064] Test conditions C10 to C12 correspond to conditions where the frequencies of the output waveform in infiltration mode M1 are 50 kHz, 70 kHz, and 156 kHz, respectively, and test condition C1 is the above-mentioned no-output condition (condition where no output waveform is generated from the skin treatment device 1). The test procedure is as described above with reference to FIG. 8.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 11, when the output waveform of infiltration mode M1 shown in Fig. 6 was used, effective results were obtained at all frequencies, as is clear from the results for test condition C1. It can also be seen that the lower the frequency of the output waveform of infiltration mode M1, the slightly higher the absorption amount within the stratum corneum.

[0066] Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram of differences in effect depending on different current values ​​of the output waveform of infiltration mode M1 as shown in Fig. 6. In Fig. 12, the vertical axis represents the absorption amount within the stratum corneum, and the horizontal axis corresponds to various test conditions C20, C21, and C1, and the absorption amounts within the stratum corneum for each of test conditions C20, C21, and C1 are shown as the absorption amount within the stratum corneum for tapes 2-5 (see reference numeral 2301), the absorption amount within the stratum corneum for tapes 6-10 (see reference numeral 2302), and the sum of these (absorption amount within the stratum corneum for tapes 2-10) (see reference numeral 2303).

[0067] Test conditions C20 and C21 correspond to the condition where the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 is 70 kHz, and test condition C20 is the same as test condition C21 except that the current value is twice that of test condition C21. Note that test condition C1 is the above-mentioned output non-use condition.

[0068] As shown in Figure 12, it can be seen that the higher the current value, the greater the absorption amount in all layers. Specifically, when the current value is doubled (test condition C20 compared to test condition C21), the absorption amount is 1.5 times greater. This shows that, at the same frequency, the higher the current value, the greater the absorption amount.

[0069] Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram of differences in effect depending on the duration of use of the output waveform of infiltration mode M1 as shown in Fig. 6. In Fig. 13, the vertical axis represents the absorption amount within the stratum corneum, and the horizontal axis corresponds to various test conditions C30, C31, and C1. The absorption amounts within the stratum corneum for each of test conditions C30, C31, and C1 are shown as the absorption amount within the stratum corneum for tapes 2-5 (see reference numeral 2301), the absorption amount within the stratum corneum for tapes 6-10 (see reference numeral 2302), and the sum of these (absorption amount within the stratum corneum for tapes 2-10) (see reference numeral 2303).

[0070] Test conditions C30 and C31 correspond to conditions where the frequency of the output waveform in infiltration mode M1 is 70 kHz, with test condition C30 corresponding to a usage time of 90 seconds and test condition C31 corresponding to a usage time of 15 seconds. Note that test condition C1 corresponds to the above-mentioned output non-use condition.

[0071] As shown in Figure 13, it can be seen that the longer the usage time, the higher the absorption amount in all layers. Specifically, when the usage time is six times longer (test condition C31 "15 seconds" compared to test condition C30 "90 seconds," which is six times longer), the absorption amount is 3.6 times greater for tapes 2 to 10. This shows that, at the same frequency, the longer the usage time, the higher the absorption amount. Therefore, for example, by including the wet mode M1 in the operating mode A1 and increasing the proportion of the time spent in the wet mode M1 in one cycle of the operating mode A1, it is expected that the absorption amount per unit time can be efficiently increased.

[0072] Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the difference in effect depending on the characteristics of the other output waveform when the output waveform of infiltration mode M1 as shown in Fig. 6 is applied in combination with other output waveforms. In Fig. 14, the vertical axis represents the absorption amount within the stratum corneum, and the horizontal axis represents various test conditions C60 to C63. The absorption amounts within the stratum corneum for each of test conditions C60 to C63 are shown as the absorption amount within the stratum corneum for tapes 2 to 5 (see reference numeral 2301), the absorption amount within the stratum corneum for tapes 6 to 10 (see reference numeral 2302), and the total (absorption amount within the stratum corneum for tapes 2 to 10) (see reference numeral 2303).

[0073] The test procedure was the same as that described above, except that the usage time of the skin treatment device 1 was 1.0 minute and the content corresponding to the output non-use condition (see the content below regarding test condition C60). Figure 14 (A) shows the results when the sample was VCPMg (L-ascorbyl magnesium phosphate), and Figure 14 (B) shows the results when the sample was niacinamide (vitamin B3).

[0074] Test condition C60 is a condition in which no output waveform is generated from the skin treatment device 1, but unlike the above-mentioned no-output condition, the skin treatment device 1 was used to drop the sample onto the forearm and leave it as it was, without performing any specified actions on the sample.

[0075] In test condition C61, the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 (frequency 70 kHz, 1 second) and the negative DC waveform (1 second) as shown in FIG. 6 were alternately switched and repeatedly applied. In test condition C62, the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 (frequency 70 kHz, 1.6 seconds) and the negative DC waveform (0.4 seconds) as shown in FIG. 6 were alternately switched and repeatedly applied. In test condition C63, the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 (frequency 70 kHz, 0.3 seconds) and the negative DC waveform (0.3 seconds) as shown in FIG. 6 were alternately switched and repeatedly applied.

[0076] When the sample was niacinamide, the frequency was 130 kHz and the waveform was positive DC for test conditions C61 to C63. Note that the component concentrations of VCPMg (L-ascorbyl magnesium phosphate) and niacinamide (vitamin B3) dropped onto the forearm were different.

[0077] As shown in Figure 14 (A), when the infiltration mode M1 output waveform shown in Figure 6 was applied in combination with other output waveforms (i.e., test conditions C61 to C63), it was found that a significantly higher penetration effect could be expected for both tapes 2 to 5 and tapes 6 to 10, as compared to the results when the infiltration mode M1 output waveform was not used (i.e., test condition C60). Specifically, a particularly good penetration effect was achieved when the time allocation of the infiltration mode M1 output waveform as shown in Figure 6 was 40% or more of the total, and it was confirmed that the longer the time allocation of the infiltration mode M1 output waveform, the higher the amount of absorption into the stratum corneum. Furthermore, when the infiltration mode M1 output waveform and a DC waveform as shown in Figure 6 were repeatedly applied by alternating at a relatively high speed, it was confirmed that the amount of absorption into the stratum corneum tended to be higher when the infiltration mode M1 output waveform was continuously output and switched for 1 second or more.

[0078] 14(B), when the infiltration mode M1 output waveform shown in FIG. 6 was applied in combination with other output waveforms (i.e., test conditions C61 to C63), it was found that a significantly higher penetration effect could be expected for both tapes 2 to 5 and tapes 6 to 10, as compared to the results when the infiltration mode M1 output waveform was not used (i.e., test condition C60). Specifically, when the time allocation of the output of the infiltration mode M1 output waveform as shown in FIG. 6 was 40% or more of the total, a particularly good penetration effect was achieved, and it was confirmed that the longer the time allocation of the output of the infiltration mode M1 output waveform, the higher the amount of absorption into the stratum corneum, at least for tapes 2 to 10. Furthermore, when the infiltration mode M1 output waveform and a DC waveform as shown in FIG. 6 were repeatedly applied by alternating at a relatively high speed, it was confirmed that the amount of absorption into the stratum corneum tended to be higher when the infiltration mode M1 output waveform was continuously output for 1 second or more and then switched. Although not shown in the figure, it was also confirmed that the amount of absorption into the stratum corneum was greater than that under test condition C60 when the output waveform of infiltration mode M1 and a DC waveform were switched every 30 seconds as shown in Figure 6.

[0079] From the results shown in Figure 14, it can be seen that when applying a combination of the infiltration mode M1 output waveform and other output waveforms as shown in Figure 6, it is preferable that the time allocation of the infiltration mode M1 output waveform be 40% or more of the total, and that the infiltration mode M1 output waveform be output continuously for at least one second. In this case, the electrical circuit unit 200 of the skin treatment device 1 generates the other output waveforms, and the details of the combination of the infiltration mode M1 output waveform and other output waveforms as shown in Figure 6 (e.g., the proportion of the time allocation occupied by the infiltration mode M1 output waveform in the total, the time interval for alternating between the infiltration mode M1 output waveform and other waveforms, etc.) may be controlled. Regarding the distribution of control within a treatment mode, it is preferable that the time allocation of the infiltration mode M1 output waveform be 40% or more of the total in each predetermined range of penetration. In treatment modes in which the combination of output waveforms varies depending on the area or purpose within the treatment mode, preferred treatment waveforms may be combined with the infiltration mode M1 output waveform depending on the area or purpose.

[0080] 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the difference in effect depending on the specific waveform of the output waveform of infiltration mode M1. In FIG. 15, the vertical axis represents the absorption amount within the stratum corneum, and the horizontal axis represents various test conditions C70 to C72. The absorption amounts within the stratum corneum for each of test conditions C70 to C72 are shown as the absorption amount within the stratum corneum for tapes 2 to 5 (see reference numeral 2301), the absorption amount within the stratum corneum for tapes 6 to 10 (see reference numeral 2302), and the sum of these (the absorption amount within the stratum corneum for tapes 2 to 10) (see reference numeral 2303).

[0081] The test procedure was the same as that described above, except that the skin treatment device 1 was used for 1.0 minute and the content corresponded to the output non-use condition (see the content below regarding test condition C70). Figure 15 shows the results when the sample was VCPMg (L-ascorbyl magnesium phosphate).

[0082] Test condition C70 is a condition in which no output waveform is generated from the skin treatment device 1, but unlike the above-mentioned no-output condition, the skin treatment device 1 was used to perform no specified actions on the sample, and instead the action of spreading the sample and blending it in using a spatula was continued for 1.0 minute.

[0083] In test condition C71, an output waveform (frequency 130 kHz) of the infiltration mode M1 having the specific waveform configuration shown in Figure 6 (here, Figures 6A to 6C are not included) was applied. In test condition C72, an output waveform (frequency 130 kHz) of the infiltration mode M1 having the specific waveform configuration shown in Figures 6C and 6D was applied.

[0084] As shown in Figure 15, for both the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 having the specific waveform configuration shown in Figure 6 (here, Figures 6A to 6C are not included) and the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 having the specific waveform configuration shown in Figures 6C and 6D (i.e., test conditions C71 and C72), it was found that a significantly high penetration effect can be expected for both tapes 2 to 5 and tapes 6 to 10, as is clear from the results when the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 is not used (i.e., test condition C70).

[0085] Next, we will list some examples of useful ingredients in topical skin preparations suitable for penetration using the infiltration mode M1 output waveform shown in Figure 6. The infiltration mode M1 output waveform shown in Figure 6 is suitable for promoting the penetration of useful substances contained in topical skin preparations, and the purpose of use of the substance carrier can be any topical skin preparation, including pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, and cosmetics. For example, it is effective not only for cosmetics and quasi-drugs, but also for promoting the percutaneous absorption of pharmaceuticals that have been metabolized in the liver and have not yet fully exerted their effects. Furthermore, the purpose of use of topical preparations to be absorbed percutaneously is arbitrary, and includes topical preparations for percutaneous absorption, including analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents, whitening agents, moisturizing agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antibacterial agents, and antiviral drugs.

[0086] [Examples of useful ingredients in topical skin preparations] Low molecular weight, high molecular weight, and oil-soluble substances are all effective in promoting the penetration of useful ingredients in topical skin preparations suitable for penetration, and examples of useful ingredients include the following.

[0087] Positively charged compounds at a pH in the vicinity of weak acidity to weak alkalinity include tranexamic acid, tranexamic acid derivatives such as cetyl tranexamate hydrochloride, and niacinamide, as well as pyridoxine hydrochloride and its derivatives, which are known to be effective against acne and rough skin, benzalkonium chloride, which is used for sterilization and disinfection, and peptides with alkaline isoelectric points, such as palmitoyl tripeptide-5, acetyl hexapeptide-8, and dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, which are known to be effective in improving wrinkles. Other examples include allantoin, aldioxa, carnitine HCl, and urea as a moisturizer. However, any positively charged substance (even if the charge is small) at a pH in the vicinity of weak acidity to weak alkalinity may be used, and the present invention is not limited to these compounds. <Negatively charged compounds> Examples of negatively charged compounds include potassium 4-methoxysalicylate and disodium adenosine monophosphate, which are recognized as effective whitening agents, ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside, sodium L-ascorbyl phosphate, disodium L-ascorbyl sulfate, ascorbyl palmitate phosphate trisodium, and other ascorbic acid and derivatives thereof, sodium dl-α-tocopheryl phosphate, etc. Further examples include zinc paraphenolsulfonate, salicylic acid and its sodium salt, and further acidic amino acids such as sodium lactate, sodium L- or DL-pyrrolidonecarboxylate solution, sodium L-glutamate, and sodium L-aspartate. Furthermore, the substance may be, but is not limited to, any substance that is negatively charged (even if the amount of charge is minute) at a pH in the vicinity of weak acidity to weak alkalinity, such as glycyrrhizinic acid, dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, ammonium glycyrrhizinate, or other salts thereof, sodium guaiazulene sulfonate, or sodium dilauroyl glutamate lysine, which are believed to have an anti-inflammatory effect.<Compounds or ampholytes that hardly dissociate in aqueous solution> Kojic acid, arbutin, hydroquinone, 4-n-butylresorcinol, 5,5'-dipropyl-biphenyl-2,2'-diol, ellagic acid, ascorbic acid derivatives such as 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, 3-glyceryl ascorbic acid, bisglyceryl ascorbic acid, hexyl 3-glyceryl ascorbic acid, myristyl 3-glyceryl ascorbic acid, and 3-laurylglyceryl ascorbic acid, D-pantothenyl alcohol, and cholecalciferol, which are believed to have whitening effects. neutral amino acids and derivatives thereof such as glycerin, 3-o-cymen-5-ol (isopropylmethylphenol), glycine, proline, alanine, serine, acetylhydroxyproline, ε-aminocaproic acid, and γ-aminobutyric acid, ampholytes such as trimethylglycine, sugars such as xylose, sorbitol, and mannitol, polyols such as butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, pentylene glycol, and glycerin, and terpenes such as hinokitiol. Also useful ingredients include poorly soluble substances such as fullerene, oryzanol, ceramide EOP, ceramide EOS, ceramide NG, caprooylsphingosine, ceramide NP, N-stearoylphytosphingosine, N-stearoyldihydrosphingosine, ceramide AG, ceramide AP, hydroxystearylphytosphingosine, ceramide 6II, and phytosphingosine, whether or not they are encapsulated in liposomes. Further examples include extracts obtained from useful plants and animals, culture media and culture supernatants of stem cells and the like.

[0088] Flavonoids include, but are not limited to, isoflavones, licorice root extract, licorice flavonoids, and licorice flavonoids. Extracts include chamomilla ET, Sophora Angustifolia root extract, Swertia japonica extract, carrot and its root extract, soybean extract and soybean seed extract, tea leaf extract, Galactomyces ferment broth, Rice Power No. 11 (Rice Extract No. 11), astaxanthin solution, red algae extract, placenta extract and placenta extracts (1) to (5), water-soluble and hydrolyzed placenta extract, and the like. <Lipids and Oil-Soluble Substances> Examples of lipids and oil-soluble substances include retinol and derivatives thereof such as squalane, linoleic acid, ascorbyl tetra-2-hexyldecanoate, ascorbyl dipalmitate, retinol, retinol acetate, retinol palmitate, hydrogenated retinol, and retinol linoleate, tocopherol and derivatives thereof such as tocopherol nicotinate, dl-α-tocopherol, d-δ-tocopherol, natural vitamin E, and DL-α-tocopherol acetate, phospholipids such as stearyl glycyrrhetinate, estradiol, ethinyl estradiol, astaxanthin, rice germ oil, and sphingomyelin, synthetic and vegetable squalane, guaiazulene and guaiazulene sulfonate esters, fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid such as ascorbyl stearate and ascorbyl palmitate, di(phytosteryl / octyldodecyl) lauroyl glutamate, and oil-soluble placenta. <Compounds and polymeric compounds with relatively high molecular weights> Examples include human recombinant oligopeptide-1, palmitoyl hexapeptides including palmitoyl hexapeptide-4, palmitoyl pentapeptides, hydrolyzed collagen and derivatives thereof, hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid sodium, acetylated sodium hyaluronate and other hyaluronic acid and derivatives thereof, Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide, Alcaligenes-produced polysaccharide, and polyquaterniums.

[0089] According to the inventor's findings based on the results of the various test conditions described above and other test results, the preferred frequency of the output waveform varies depending on the characteristics of the component to be penetrated. Specifically, for active ingredients that are low molecular weight, water-soluble, and easily positively charged, a higher output waveform frequency results in a higher penetration effect; specifically, an output waveform frequency of approximately 70 to 165 kHz is preferred, for example. Furthermore, for active ingredients that are low molecular weight, water-soluble, and easily negatively charged, a lower output waveform frequency results in a higher penetration effect; specifically, an output waveform frequency of approximately 50 to 130 kHz is preferred, for example. In relation to this point, since low frequencies can be more intense, considering the balance between the tendency for lower frequencies to increase absorption into the stratum corneum and the degree of irritation felt by the user at (extremely) low frequencies, a frequency of approximately 70 kHz can be said to be preferred. Furthermore, for active ingredients that are low molecular weight, water-soluble, barely dissociate in aqueous solution, or are ampholytes, an output waveform frequency of approximately 40 to 200 kHz is preferred, for example.

[0090] Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, it is not limited to the specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the claims. It is also possible to combine all or a plurality of components of the above-described embodiments.

[0091] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the operating mode A1 may include a combination of an infiltration mode M1 that outputs an output waveform as shown in Fig. 6 and an output mode (iontophoresis / extraction mode M7) that outputs an output waveform according to the first comparative example shown in Fig. 9 and / or an output waveform according to the second comparative example shown in Fig. 10. In this case, the duration of the infiltration mode M1 and / or the duration of the iontophoresis / extraction mode M7 is preferably between 20 milliseconds and 70 milliseconds, more preferably between 30 milliseconds and 60 milliseconds, and most preferably between 40 milliseconds and 50 milliseconds.

[0092] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Skin treatment device 2 Grip unit 3 Head unit 3a Contact surface 20 User interface 30 Electrode 100 Control system 110 Control device 111 User input acquisition unit 112 Mode setting unit 113 Control parameter setting unit 114 Control signal generation unit 115 Switching control unit 116 Parameter storage unit 120 Drive circuit unit 130 Output waveform generation unit (an example of an AC generation unit) 135 Transformer 140 Switching circuit unit 150 Power supply 200 Electrical circuit unit

Claims

1. a plurality of electrodes that can be brought into contact with the user's skin; a power source electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes; an electrical circuit unit that generates a first output waveform to the skin via the plurality of electrodes based on the power source, the first output waveform is an AC waveform, and has a first peak voltage value at the beginning, middle, or end of a half cycle, and has a second peak voltage value that is smaller than the first peak voltage value or a substantially constant voltage value in the remaining section of the half cycle; The electrical circuit unit has a pair of switching elements that are turned on / off in response to a drive signal to generate the first output waveform.

2. The skin treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the first peak voltage value appears at the beginning or in the middle of a half cycle, and the second peak voltage value or the substantially constant voltage value appears after, before or after the first peak voltage value.

3. The skin treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the magnitude of the second peak voltage value or the substantially constant voltage value is smaller than half the magnitude of the first peak voltage value.

4. The skin treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of peak voltage values include a plurality of successive second peak voltage values whose magnitudes gradually decrease.

5. The skin treatment device of claim 1 , wherein the frequency of the first output waveform is between 10 kHz and 500 kHz.

6. The skin treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the duration of the first peak voltage value per half cycle is equal to or less than ⅕ of the half cycle.

7. The electrical circuit unit further generates a second output waveform to be applied to the skin via the plurality of electrodes based on the power source; The skin treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the second output waveform is a pulsed DC waveform.

8. the electrical circuit unit further generates a third output waveform to be applied to the skin via the plurality of electrodes based on the power source; The skin treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the third output waveform is an AC waveform and has a higher frequency than the first output waveform.

9. the electrical circuitry includes an AC generator adapted to generate an AC waveform corresponding to a frequency of the third output waveform; The skin treatment device according to claim 8 , wherein the first output waveform is generated using the AC generating unit.

10. The skin treatment device according to claim 8 , wherein the frequency of the third output waveform is 900 kHz or higher.

11. the electric circuit unit generates an output waveform different from the first output waveform and controls a combination of the first output waveform and the different output waveform; The skin treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the time distribution of the output of the first output waveform is 40% or more of the total.

12. the electric circuit unit generates an output waveform different from the first output waveform and controls a combination of the first output waveform and the different output waveform; The skin treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the first output waveform is output continuously for one second or more.