Skin treatment system and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a non-therapeutic skin treatment method comprising: an activation step that alternates steps involving the application of light, with a frequency greater than 20Hz, filters of between 530 and 690nm and intensities of between 1 and 10J / cm2, and intervals of darkness in which no amount of light is applied; and a stimulation step in which an IPL light is applied with a wavelength in the ranges 420-480nm, 530-590nm and 800-950nm, with frequencies of between 1 and 10Hz and intensities of between 1 and 10J / cm2. The present invention also relates to a skin treatment system comprising a high-intensity pulsed light (IPL) emitter with filters configured to deliver specific wavelength cuts for facial and body treatments and configured to carry out the steps of the method of the invention, and one or more compounds for treating the skin with bioluminescent active ingredients.

Description

[0001] SKIN TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD

[0002] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of skin care methods and systems, more specifically, it relates to the use of photon-activated cosmetic products.

[0004] The object of the present invention is a system for skin treatment that allows greater action of a set of compounds for skin treatment by light irradiation.

[0005] The invention also relates to a non-therapeutic skin treatment method that makes use of the system of the invention and allows obtaining maximum benefits for the skin.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The field of bioluminescent cosmetics refers to the use of cosmetic products that are activated by photons of light.

[0008] To achieve this, active ingredients used for skin treatment are combined with a light-attracting complex that is activated when irradiated with a specific light. State-of-the-art cosmetics have used this type of product in combination with LED or low-power laser therapies.

[0009] It is currently a rapidly growing segment, especially in anti-aging devices, and among all the techniques, those that use phototherapy, such as red light LEDs.

[0010] In recent years, cosmetic science has become interested in these types of procedures, and various studies have demonstrated the ability of red LED light to treat wrinkles, photoaging, irregular pigmentation, and rosacea by increasing collagen and procollagen synthesis and fibroblast migration.

[0011] Intense pulsed light (IPL), on the other hand, is a widely used technology for various skin treatments for aesthetic and therapeutic purposes, including hair removal, photorejuvenation (e.g., treatment of skin pigmentation, sun damage, and varicose veins), and for the relief of dermatological conditions such as acne.

[0012] The technology uses a high-power light emitter to emit a pulse of high-intensity, broad-spectrum visible light, typically in the visible spectral range of 400 to 1200 nm.

[0013] Various cut-off filters are commonly used to selectively filter out shorter wavelengths, especially ultraviolet light, which is potentially harmful.

[0014] The resulting light has a spectral range that targets specific structures and chromophores (e.g., melanin in hair or oxyhemoglobin in blood vessels) that are heated until they are destroyed and reabsorbed by the body.

[0015] IPL light shares some similarities with laser treatments, as both use light to heat and destroy their targets. But unlike lasers, which use a single wavelength of light, IPL uses a broad spectrum that, when used with interchangeable filters, allows it to be used against a variety of conditions.

[0016] However, no solution has been found in the state of the art that would optimize the use of luminescent cosmetic products using different types of light for their activation.

[0017] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The invention focuses on a non-therapeutic treatment method that combines photosensitive active ingredients with the application of light energy. Although the combination of bioluminescent cosmetic products with LED light is known in the state of the art, the present invention aims to optimize the activation process of bioluminescent active ingredients by modifying the type of light used in the process.

[0019] Thus, the method of the invention makes it possible to increase the benefits of the active ingredients in the skin treatment of applied cosmetics by applying a particular type of light.

[0020] To achieve this, it combines two complementary elements: the application of cosmetics containing photosensitive active ingredients and the subsequent application of an IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment.

[0021] The present invention describes a non-therapeutic method of skin treatment comprising the steps of:

[0022] • Activation: alternating stages of light application with maximum photon charge and low thermal power, with a frequency greater than 20 Hz, with intervals of darkness in which no light is applied; and

[0023] • stimulation: alternating stages of applying IPL light with a wavelength in the range of 420-950nm and a frequency of 1 to 10Hz, with intervals of darkness in which no amount of light is applied.

[0024] Since the method of the invention involves the use of dark intervals, it allows for cellular re-oxygenation, thus allowing for more effective activation of products and regeneration.

[0025] Preferably, the activation stage may last approximately 5 minutes and, likewise, the stimulation stage may last approximately 5 minutes.

[0026] Thus, the total protocol is very short, around 15 minutes, and allows for improved aesthetic results on the face and body.

[0027] Furthermore, the activation and / or stimulation stage is preferably carried out with an energy between 1 and 10 J / cm2. The use of a limited intensity and variable frequency allows heat generation to be avoided in part of the method, resulting in a type of athermic light. Preferably, light with maximum light load and minimum thermal load is used during the activation stage, and light with heat in the stimulation stage, a lower intensity IPL light current.

[0028] Regarding the wavelength used, during the activation phase, a wavelength range of 530-690 nm is preferred. If the area treated is the face, during the stimulation phase, filters in the 420-480 nm range are used for oily skin, and 515-590 nm for other facial treatments. For body treatments, the filter range used is between 530 and 950 nm.

[0029] The invention also relates to a skin treatment system comprising: an IPL emitter configured to emit two types of light current: either activation: with high photonic charge, high frequency and low thermal intensity, with a frequency greater than 20Hz and with a power between 1 to 10J / cm2, and / or stimulation: with a frequency between 1 to 10Hz, with a power between 1 to 10J / cm2 and one or more bioluminescent compounds for the treatment of skin in facial and body aesthetics; where the IPL emitter comprises filters configured to make specific wavelength cuts for facial and body treatments and is configured to carry out the steps of the method of the invention described.

[0030] The IPL light emitter of the system of the invention preferably makes use of filters that are crystals, to deliver a specific wavelength cut for facial and body treatments.

[0031] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To complement the description being made and in order to help better understand the characteristics of the invention, in accordance with a preferred example of practical embodiment thereof, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description, in which the following has been represented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes:

[0032] Figure 1 shows a diagram of an embodiment of the method of the invention.

[0033] Figure 2.- Shows a diagram representing the evolution of hydration values ​​measured before each application session of the method of the invention for 4 weeks.

[0034] Figure 3.- Shows a diagram representing the evolution of hydration values ​​measured after each application session of the method of the invention for 4 weeks.

[0035] Figure 4.- Shows a diagram representing the evolution of elasticity values ​​measured before each application session of the method of the invention for 4 weeks.

[0036] Figure 5.- Shows a diagram representing the evolution of pigmentation values ​​measured before each application session of the method of the invention for 4 weeks.

[0037] Figure 6.- Shows a diagram representing the evolution of sebum values ​​measured before each application session of the method of the invention for 4 weeks.

[0038] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0039] The invention focuses on the use of non-therapeutic treatments with bioluminescent cosmetic products in combination with high-intensity pulsed light (IPL) equipment. The IPL equipment has been modified to provide a different type of light than conventional light, optimizing the results by combining this type of light with bioluminescent cosmetics. This type of light, called activation, is a light with a high photon charge and very low thermal output. This is achieved through a very high frequency, above 20 Hz, and with low power (1 to 10 J / cm2).

[0040] Figure 1 shows a diagram representing an embodiment of the method of the invention.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the method of the invention comprises an initial step of applying cosmetic products with bioluminescence active ingredients to the skin.

[0042] Preferably, the cosmetic product may comprise an exfoliant, a serum, and a cream, depending on the type of problem. Each of these products preferably contains two groups of active ingredients: on the one hand, "conventional" active ingredients to treat the problem: exfoliants, tighteners, volumizers, purifying for oily skin, anti-cellulite, soothing, depigmenting, moisturizing, anti-hair loss, anti-aging, antioxidants, etc.; and, on the other hand, bioluminescent active ingredients.

[0043] As for bioluminescent active ingredients, they are preferably naturally derived. More preferably, the active ingredients are selected from among: Holobionts (plankton) and Homeostatin™ and chlorophyll.

[0044] The light absorption peaks of all the active ingredients of natural origin used with the method of the invention are found in various wavelength ranges:

[0045] (i) 530-690nm for pre-activation;

[0046] (i) The following filters are used for stimulation: a. 420-480 nm for oily skin b. 515-590 nm for facial treatments c. 530-950 nm for body treatments

[0047] The activation of some cosmetic products through some type of light treatment is performed in aesthetic and medical aesthetic centers using LED technology, which is why an IPL device is chosen, which offers a different protocol, with better results.

[0048] Furthermore, Figure 1 also shows that the method of the invention comprises activation and stimulation steps. In this case, an activation current is first used for 5 minutes, followed by a stimulation current for another 5 minutes.

[0049] The activation stage is carried out by alternating stages of applying a maximum amount of light but low thermal power, with a frequency greater than 20Hz, with intervals of darkness in which no amount of light is applied.

[0050] The process of activating bioluminescent products in the present invention differs from other light treatments by:

[0051] (i) use of athermal light due to the shape, speed, and low intensity of energy delivery, and

[0052] (i) because it has periods of “darkness”, in which no light is applied, neither lasers nor LEDs, which allows cellular reoxygenation, all of this allows the activation of the products and regeneration to be more effective.

[0053] For its part, in the stimulation stage, it is carried out by alternating stages of applying an IPL current by applying specific filters (crystals) for the non-therapeutic treatment of the skin to deliver specific wavelength cuts: 420-480, 515-590 and 800-950nm, with intervals of darkness in which no amount of light is applied.

[0054] Thus, the method of the invention allows for better results to be achieved than other methods known in the state of the art.

[0055] Example 1:

[0056] A study was conducted on 20 patients aged 40 to 55 years, with Fitzpatrick skin type III. The objective was to measure hydration levels before and after each session, and to anonymously survey patients (using the validated SGAIS (Subjective Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale)) for their subjective opinions at the end of the four treatment sessions.

[0057] • Number of sessions: four.

[0058] • Session frequency: one per week.

[0059] • Duration of each session: 15 minutes: o Preparation: 2.5 minutes (remove makeup, disinfect, etc.) o Activation (phase 1 of treatment): 5 minutes. o Stimulation (phase 2 of treatment): 5 minutes. o Completion: 2.5 minutes (remove conductive gel, apply Analyzer cream and sun protection).

[0060] • Method used: the method of the invention (called FHOS) > Facial > Dehydrated skin was selected.

[0061] • Parameters: o Activation:

[0062] ■ Filter: 640nm.

[0063] ■ Fluence: 5J / cm2

[0064] ■ Frequency 35Hz.

[0065] ■ Product used: FHOS 01 Exfoliant. or Stimulation:

[0066] ■ Filter: 530nm.

[0067] ■ Fluence: 9J / cm2.

[0068] ■ Frequency: 2Hz.

[0069] ■ Product used: FHOS 05 Hydrating.

[0070] Results obtained:

[0071] Subjective results:

[0072] We used the SGAIS scale using anonymous, manually reviewed questionnaires. The results are shown in the following table:

[0073] This means that 100% of patients freely and anonymously indicated that they noticed improvement after four sessions of the FHOS Dehydrated Skin program. No complications were reported in any patient, nor were any lost to follow-up.

[0074] Objective results:

[0075] The validated skin meter for scientific studies Microcaya Corneometer CM825 (Courage+Khazaka) was used.

[0076] Two measurements were made in each session (1-4): the first measurement before carrying out the treatment, shown in figure 2, and the second after it, shown in figure 3. In this way, the baseline value could be verified to evaluate the evolution between weeks, as well as the maximum result that could be obtained at the end of each session.

[0077] Figure 2 shows the increase in hydration values ​​as the sessions progress (A: first session, B: second session, C: third session, D: fourth session). This implies that the hydration value before each session increases each week, demonstrating the evolution and maintenance of results over the medium term. The results show a statistically significant improvement (K=148.69, p<0.05).

[0078] As with the pre-treatment measurements, the post-treatment measurements shown in Figure 3 show significant increases in results from the first session (A: first session; B: second session; C: third session; D: fourth session). Each session also yielded increasingly higher maximum values ​​(K=71.37, p<0.05).

[0079] In subsequent studies, in addition to hydration levels, measurements have been made on elasticity, pigmentation and sebum levels (all those markers of skin quality) and the activation of the bioluminescent products themselves has been compared with the method of the invention vs. other equipment (LEDs and IPL), obtaining in all cases a clinically and statistically significant difference in favor of the method of the invention.

[0080] In fact, the results of the inventive method are consistent and achieve improvement in all parameters, while the results with the other devices improve certain parameters without improving others, thus lacking consistency. At the 4-month follow-up (the last measurement taken to date), the results are greater than those measured at the end of the four sessions, demonstrating a medium-term regenerative effect.

[0081] Example 2:

[0082] A study was conducted on 35 patients between the ages of 40 and 55, with Fitzpatrick phototype III. The objective was to measure hydration levels, elasticity, pigmentation, and sebum before and after each session.

[0083] • Number of sessions: four.

[0084] • Session frequency: one per week.

[0085] • Duration of each session: 15 minutes: o Preparation: 2.5 minutes (remove makeup, disinfect, etc.) o Activation (phase 1 of treatment): 5 minutes. o Stimulation (phase 2 of treatment): 5 minutes. o Completion: 2.5 minutes (remove conductive gel, apply Analyzer cream and sun protection).

[0086] • Method used: the method of the invention (called FHOS) was selected > Facial > Dry skin.

[0087] • Parameters: o Activation:

[0088] ■ Filter: 640nm.

[0089] ■ Fluence: 5J / cm2

[0090] ■ Frequency 35Hz.

[0091] ■ Product used: FHOS 01 Exfoliant. or Stimulation: ■ Filter: 530nm.

[0092] ■ Fluence: 9J / cm2.

[0093] ■ Frequency: 2Hz.

[0094] ■ Product used: FHOS 03 Tensor.

[0095] Results obtained:

[0096] Objective results:

[0097] The validated skin meter for scientific studies Microcaya Corneometer CM825 (Courage+Khazaka) was used.

[0098] Measurements were taken at each session (1-4): for elasticity, pigmentation, and sebum, one measurement was taken before each session. For hydration, the first measurement was taken before the treatment.

[0099] In the case of pre- and post-treatment hydration, the data obtained in the study shown in Example 1 were corroborated.

[0100] In the case of elasticity, a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) is obtained between the first and fourth sessions, as can be seen in Figure 4. The increase in elasticity represents an improvement in the quality of both the dermis and epidermis, the elastic and collagen fibers.

[0101] In the case of pigmentation, a decrease in the absolute value is evident, although without statistical significance (p = 0.34), as can be seen in Figure 5. These measurements were obtained before each session on the forehead and left cheek. A decrease in pigmentation is important due to the known negative effects of photoaging. It is likely that increasing the sample size would be possible to achieve statistical significance.

[0102] A rapid decrease in sebum levels was confirmed between the first and second sessions, with a plateau and a minimal increase in the final measurement, as can be seen in Figure 6. It should be noted that sebum levels can increase in women of childbearing age, as this could be a slight increase due to confounding factors. However, it is minimal, and the comparison between the first and fourth sessions shows statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05).

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Non-therapeutic skin treatment method comprising the steps of: a) activation: alternating stages of applying light with a frequency greater than 20Hz with intervals of darkness during which no light is applied; b) stimulation: alternating stages of applying IPL light with a wavelength in the range of 420-950nm, and a frequency of 1 - 10Hz, with intervals of darkness during which no light is applied.

2. Non-therapeutic skin treatment method according to claim 1, wherein the activation step has a duration of 5 minutes.

3. Non-therapeutic skin treatment method according to claim 2, wherein the stimulation step lasts 5 minutes.

4. Non-therapeutic skin treatment method according to claim 1, wherein the activation and / or stimulation step is carried out with an energy between 1 to 10 J / cm 2 .

5. Non-therapeutic skin treatment method according to claim 1, wherein the stimulation step is carried out with a wavelength in the range of: 420-480, for facial treatment of oily skin; 515-590 for other facial treatments; 530-950nm for body treatments.

6. Non-therapeutic skin treatment method according to claim 1, wherein the activation step is carried out with a wavelength in the range of 530-690nm.

7. Skin treatment system comprising: a pulsed light emitter configured to emit two types of light current: • activation: with high photonic charge, high frequency and low thermal intensity, with a frequency greater than 20Hz and with a power between 1 to 10J / cm2, and • stimulation: with a frequency between 1 and 10 Hz, with a power between 1 and 10 J / cm2 and one or more bioluminescent compounds for skin treatment in facial and body aesthetics; where the IPL emitter comprises filters configured to deliver specific wavelength cuts for facial and body treatments and is configured to carry out the steps of the method according to any of claims 1 to 6.

8. Skin treatment system according to claim 7, wherein the filters are crystals.

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