Skin Trace Element Sensing for Objective Condition Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face difficulties in determining their individual skin condition and selecting suitable cosmetic products without expert advice, as existing methods lack standardized and objective means to assess trace element levels in the skin, which are crucial for skin physiology, and the effectiveness of cosmetic treatments is often uncertain.
Innovation Solution
A device and method using ion-selective electrodes, integrated with smartphones or tablets, to measure trace element content in the skin, providing customizable treatments and recommendations based on trace element levels, allowing continuous monitoring and personalized cosmetic product suggestions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a trace element test of the user's blood is performed, then trace element levels can be determined, but the test is unsuitable for determining trace element levels in the skin because the epidermis is not connected to the bloodstream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a solvent as an intermediary medium that facilitates the extraction and measurement of trace elements from the skin. The solvent is applied to the skin surface, allowing trace elements to be transferred from the skin into the solvent, which can then be analyzed. This intermediary approach overcomes the limitation of direct blood testing by creating a separate measurement pathway that directly samples skin trace elements.
2Ease of operation
If cosmetic products are used without expert advice, then users can treat their skin at home, but they cannot verify the success of the treatment because they lack standardized and objective means to assess treatment results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by enabling users to repeatedly measure their skin's trace element levels at home using the portable device. By comparing measurements taken before and during cosmetic treatment, users receive objective feedback on whether their treatment is effective. This feedback loop allows users to verify treatment success without needing expert intervention, thereby solving the verification problem while maintaining home treatment accessibility.
3Measurement precision
If a device for measuring skin trace elements is developed, then objective assessment of skin condition is enabled, but the device complexity increases compared to simple cosmetic product application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the measurement device to be self-service oriented, allowing users to perform their own skin trace element measurements at home without requiring complex laboratory equipment or expert operators. The device integrates all necessary functions (solvent application, trace element extraction, and measurement) into a single portable unit that users can operate independently. This self-service approach enables objective skin condition assessment while minimizing the complexity burden on users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the solvent application mechanism, the trace element extraction system, and the measurement apparatus are merged into one portable device. This consolidation reduces the overall system complexity compared to having separate equipment for each function, while still providing comprehensive skin trace element analysis capability.
4Reliability
If personalized cosmetic treatments are recommended based on trace element content, then treatment effectiveness is optimized, but the need for continuous monitoring and assessment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary assessment of skin trace element levels before starting cosmetic treatment, allowing for personalized treatment recommendations from the outset. By measuring baseline trace element levels and identifying deficiencies beforehand, users can receive tailored treatment plans without needing frequent subsequent assessments. This preliminary action approach optimizes treatment effectiveness while minimizing the time investment required for ongoing monitoring.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables objective assessment of skin condition and trace element levels, facilitating personalized cosmetic treatments and improving user motivation by ensuring effective and visible treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor detects the concentration of essential trace elements selected from the group consisting of chromium, cobalt, iron, copper, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, silicon, zinc, tin, vanadium, nickel, arsenic, barium, strontium, aluminum
Implementation Method 2
In various embodiments, ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) can be used as sensors
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Different embodiments relate to a method for ascertaining a skin condition. The method can have the following steps: ascertaining a trace element content of skin, including: for at least one skin region of a user, arranging a plurality of electrodes over the skin region, wherein the plurality of electrodes has at least one first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode contacts a selection layer arranged on the skin region, the second electrode contacts the skin region, and the selection layer is designed in a selective manner for a trace element such that only the trace element is suitable for generating a signal which is based on the concentration of the trace element and can be measured between the first and the second electrode when the selection layer is contacted; measuring the signal based on the concentration of the trace element; comparing the measured signal with reference signals for known trace element contents of skin; and ascertaining the skin condition on the basis of the ascertained trace element content of the skin.