EP3102280A1

EP3102280A1 - Electric mask comprising at least two compartments

Info

Publication number: EP3102280A1
Application number: EP15705672.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jennyfer Cazares Delgadillo; Thi Hong Lien PLANARD-LUONG
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2014-02-04
Filing date: 2015-01-30
Publication date: 2016-12-14
Also published as: WO2015118246A1; KR20160119093A; US20160346529A1; JP2017505188A; CN106456964A

Abstract

The present application relates to an article for cosmetic treatment of a body zone by an electric current comprising: (i) a support (13) comprising: - a first compartment (3) comprising a first cosmetic composition and a first electrode (31); - a second compartment (6) comprising a second cosmetic composition and a second electrode (61); (ii) at least one counter electrode (14, 32, 62).

Description

Electric mask comprising at least two compartments

The present invention relates to cosmetic treatment articles of human keratin materials by an electric current.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "article" means a mask, a patch, a pad, a strip or a strip that can be applied to human keratin materials.

"Cosmetic product" means any composition as defined in Council Directive 93/35 / EEC of 14 June 1993.

Passive masks for application of a cosmetic composition are known. US6702792, for example, discloses a cellulose mask impregnated with a facial lotion.

However, the quantity of molecules administered by the passive route remains reduced. To improve this aspect, patches or active masks have been developed using electrodes connected to a power source.

It is thus known to treat human keratin materials using iontophoresis devices (J. Singh, KS Bhatia, topical iontophoretic drug delivery: pathways, principles, factors and skin irritation, Med Res Res, vol 16 , No. 3, 285-296, 1996).

Iontophoresis allows the diffusion of actives through the skin through electrical stimulation in a non-invasive way. The current administered can be adjustable in intensity and direction (anodal or cathodal). Transcutaneous diffusion of molecules via iontophoresis is based on two principles that are electroepulsion and electroosmosis.

Electrorepulsion is the migration of an ionized molecule by repulsion of charges of the same sign. Thus, if a substance is positively charged, it will diffuse through the skin at the (+) anode.

Electroosmosis is the migration of a molecule, even if not ionized, by entrainment linked to the flow of water from the anode to the cathode during iontophoresis. The migration is due in particular to the negative charge of the skin. Under the effect of a current, the water or a solvent causes, during their migration, dissolved substances.

US 6157858, US 7069088, US 6157858 or US 7069088 disclose articles having at least one pair of electrodes. The electrodes are arranged on a malleable support. They are powered by a generator external to the support located within a housing. Before placing the article on a selected body area, a cosmetic composition is applied to this area. The article is then placed on the face and the electrodes are powered by electric current. The duration of treatment varies between 15 minutes and 1 hour.

Such an article allows to apply a cosmetic on the selected body area. Thus, the entire area is treated with the same composition. Such equality of treatment can be problematic in the case where the zone comprises regions of different natures. For example, if the chosen area is the face, some regions may be fatter than others. Other areas of the face may also be more fragile than others. Still others may be more marked by fine lines or wrinkles.

In addition, the composition is applied by the user to the target zone before treatment, which can lead to an inhomogeneous distribution of the active ingredient.

CN 200951261 describes an article whose active electrode covers the entire face while the return electrode is attached to another part of the body. Electrical contacts and electrical wires connect the electrodes to the power source. The latter is contained in an outer casing. The mask is composed of an absorbent layer in contact with the skin, surmounted by a conductive layer of rubber. The cosmetic composition is contained in the absorbent tissue.

The article described in US Patent 5443441 has a basic structure similar to that described in CN 200951261, with the difference that the cosmetic composition is not contained in an absorbent tissue but in a reservoir separated from the skin by a semi-membrane. -permeable.

Thus, the cosmetic composition is ready for use in the article. The user saves time since he does not need to apply the composition on the face. However, this article is not easy handling due to the integration of the power source within an external box.

In addition, the active electrode can produce an inhomogeneous contact between the article and the body area and, consequently, an inhomogeneous distribution of the current on the skin. However, an inhomogeneous distribution of current can affect the user's comfort, for example by creating tingling or a burning sensation locally, where the current density is the strongest.

Finally, these articles deliver the same cosmetic composition over the entire body area chosen. This whole area is treated in a uniform way, without taking into account any specificities.

There is therefore a need for an electrical article for selectively and simultaneously treating different regions of a selected body area. This article must also be easy to manipulate.

There is still a need to provide an article allowing the application of at least two distinct cosmetic compositions to two contiguous regions of a body area of a user.

There is also a need to reduce the clutter of existing articles.

There is also a need to provide an article allowing the homogeneous application of a cosmetic composition containing an active ingredient, on each region of the selected area.

The invention aims to solve all or part of the aforementioned needs as well as to further improve the cosmetic treatment articles of human keratin materials by an electric current.

The object of the invention is, according to a first of its aspects, an article for the cosmetic treatment of a body area by an electric current comprising:

(i) a carrier comprising:

a first compartment comprising a first cosmetic composition and a first electrode,

a second compartment comprising a second cosmetic composition and a second electrode,

(ii) at least one counter-electrode.

In particular, the article according to the invention is a mask for the face.

The article according to the invention may in particular be used with a separate housing of the article, this housing comprising a power supply source. In this case, a new article is connected to the case during each treatment. The item is usually disposable after use. The article works in association with the case. The article may also include its integrated power source. It then works autonomously. At the end of treatment, the user throws the article with its power source.

If the article is a mask, it may have openings for the eyes, nose and / or mouth.

The article may be occlusive or non-occlusive, for example being non-permeable to water vapor.

By "face", it is necessary to understand the external zone of the front part of the head of a human being. The face includes the chin, mouth, lips, philtrum, nose, cheeks, cheekbones, eyes, eyebrows and forehead.

Advantageously, each compartment covers an area chosen from the chin, the lips, the nose, the cheeks, the cheekbones, the eyebrows, and the forehead, when the article is in place on the face.

According to the invention, the term "electrode" means an electrode positively charged (anode) or negatively (cathode). This electrode is generally disposed on the outer surface of the article to come into direct contact with the keratin materials. But, the electrode can also be inserted into the outer wall of the article. In this case, it does not come into direct contact with the keratin materials. In general, the electrode is in contact with the area to be treated.

Throughout the text, the term "electrode" means a single isolated electrode.

An electrode may be for example in the form of a ball or block for example. The term "counter electrode" means a negatively charged electrode (cathode) or positively (anode) electrode. The charge of the counter-electrode is opposite to that of the electrode.

Advantageously, the article comprises a first counter electrode and a second counter electrode. In particular, the first counter electrode is placed facing the first electrode and the second counter electrode is placed facing the second electrode. Thus, the user has no counter-electrode to hold in his hand. The article is easier to use.

The article may alternatively comprise a single counter-electrode, especially if all the electrodes have the same polarity. The counter electrode is intended to come into contact with a body area of the person undergoing the treatment. For example, it can be grasped between the fingers of the person. In one configuration, the counter-electrode can be placed at the edge of the article, away from the compartments. In this event, it is separated from the electrodes by an insulating space.

The term "electrical supply system" means an electrical assembly capable of inducing a potential difference between the electrodes and the counter-electrode. If the article is placed on the face and if the counter-electrode is held in one hand, the potential difference makes it possible to establish a current between the face and the hand.

"Compartment" means a division practiced in an article for housing cosmetic compositions by separating them.

Advantageously, the first compartment and the second compartment are separated by a separation zone. The separation zone is generally devoid of cosmetic composition. Thus, the two compartments are easily identifiable by the user. It is easy to place them in front of a chosen area.

SOURCE OF ELECTRIC ENERGY

The article may comprise within it a source of electrical energy.

The integration of the electrical energy source of the mask can make it possible to dispense with electrical wires connecting the mask to an external source. The comfort of use of the mask is then increased and it becomes easier for the user to use the mask while moving or in his bath.

Advantageously, the article comprises a source of electrical energy, located on the support.

The source of electrical energy can be fixed removably or not on the article.

The source of electrical energy may, for example, be integrated into the mask during its manufacture. The energy source can be sandwiched between two outer layers of the article.

It is still possible that the source of electrical energy is put in place in the article just before the treatment. It can then be proposed to the user separately from the mask.

The power source may include a DC voltage source. As a variant, the source of electrical energy may comprise an electronic circuit to vary the amplitude of the voltage generated over time. This electronic circuit may, for example, be a chopper.

The source of electrical energy may, for example, be connected to the electrodes without a circuit breaker. In this case, the electrical resistance between the electrodes may be sufficiently high that the source of electrical energy will not discharge when the article is not in operation.

It is also possible to operate the source of electrical energy by pressing a portion of the mask to bring into contact said source of electrical energy with a conductive track.

The power source may include a DC voltage source.

Alternatively, the source of electrical energy may comprise an electronic circuit for varying the amplitude of the voltage generated over time. This electronic circuit may, for example, be a chopper or a constant current generator.

ELECTRICAL PARAMETERS

The power source may include any battery or accumulator. The potential difference between the electrodes is for example between 1.2 V and 24 V, preferably between 1.2 and 3.3 V. Where appropriate, the passage of the current can create a punctual heating.

At equivalent current density, the article may in particular deliver a current density, at the level of the skin, preferably less than or equal to 0.500 mA / cm ² , for example between 0.01 mA / cm ² and 0.500 mA / cm ² , for example between 0.01 mA / cm ² and 0.10 mA / cm ² .

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CURRENTS It is possible to use a direct current, an alternating current or a pulsed current to power the article according to the invention.

Preferably, the article is powered by a sequential current whose base element is a direct current, alternating or pulse.

The sequential current is obtained by setting up a switch. A current switching device, in other words a switch, is installed with the generator. This switch is used to change the active state of the current sent to each compartment. Precisely, the current is sent sequentially to each compartment. Each sequence lasts between 1 second and 1 minute and preferably between 1 second and 10 seconds.

The article can also be powered by a sequential current and a low intensity permanent current.

Advantageously, the generator is designed so that the user can change the polarity of the current.

Thus, the article allows for the extraction of impurities from the body area, the care of the body area or the makeup of the body area.

PADS

The electrodes may have an apparent free surface allowing them to directly contact the skin.

The electrode may be flat, for example in the form of a flat disk or a polygon.

The electrode may be porous. The electrodes may have various shapes and for example a surface intended to come into contact with the skin which is outwardly convex, outwardly concave, or planar. Preferably, the electrodes are smooth, so as not to hurt the skin.

The electrodes may be constituted by two spheres or rollers, which may or may not rotate in respective housings.

The electrode may be hollow, being for example formed by stamping or bending an electrically conductive sheet.

Materials that can be used for producing the electrodes The material (s) constituting the electrodes may be identical (s) or different (s).

At least one electrode may, for example, comprise:

- a metal (chrome, stainless steel), for example

a noble metal (gold, titanium), inert with respect to the composition,

a metal plated with a noble metal,

an alloy,

a composite material (plastic loaded with carbon microfibers),

a conductive fabric,

a conductive nonwoven,

a polymer material made conductive,

a fibrous material,

conductive polymeric fibers, for example as described in the publication CN101532190,

carbon fibers, for example as described in the publication

JP2009179915,

silicones rendered conductive by the addition of conductive fillers such as silver, copper or carbon. Such silicones are, for example, supplied by the companies Saint Gobain, Plastics Performance and Aquitaine Rubber 2000,

conductive metal fabrics, for example provided by the companies

Utexbel and Cousin Biotech,

carbon-based vinyl, for example supplied by the companies Copema and Rexam,

electrosurgical plates, for example provided by the companies Copema and 3 M,

intrinsic conducting polymers, for example provided by the Paniplast companies.

The article may comprise an electrically insulating layer, solidarisant the first and second electrodes. This layer can be an outer layer, the opposite of the skin.

The term "active surface of an electrode", the surface of an electrode in contact with the body area, when the article is in place on said body area.

"Active area of a compartment" means the area of the compartment in contact with the body area, when the article is in place on said body area.

Advantageously, the active surface of the first electrode is greater than one third of the active surface of the first compartment.

The effectiveness of the treatment is optimized at the level of the first compartment.

The treatment is more uniform on the body area next to the first compartment.

Advantageously, the active surface of the second electrode is greater than one third of the active surface of the second compartment

The effectiveness of the treatment is optimized at the level of the second compartment.

The treatment is more uniform on the body area next to the second compartment.

ELECTRICALLY INSULATING AREA

The electrically insulating zone forms a zone of separation between the compartments. It completely separates the compartments so as to isolate them electrically from each other. The electrically insulating area provides electrical insulation.

The electrically insulating zone may have an apparent free surface allowing them to directly contact the skin.

The term "electrically insulating zone", an area comprising an electrical insulator, also called dielectric material. This zone prohibits the passage of electric current between two compartments. She does not conduct electricity.

Advantageously, the compartments are separated by an electrically insulating zone,

More preferably, the electrically insulating zone is designed to prevent the diffusion of a cosmetic composition between the compartments.

PARAMETERS OF THE ELECTRICALLY INSULATING AREA

The electrically insulating zone has zero or near zero electrical conductivity and infinite resistance (Ω). The electrically insulating zone is also defined by its permittivity and by electrical rigidity.

Advantageously, the electrically insulating zone has an electrical conductivity of less than 10 ^-6 S.m- ¹ , preferably less than 10.sup.- ¹² S.sub.m- ¹ .

permittivity

The permittivity or dielectric constant of an insulator is expressed relative to that of air (equal to that of vacuum). It is represented by the letter epsilon S and expressed in pico farad / meter.

The permittivity of the vacuum is equal to:

_{£ q} = 8, 854187 - 1 (T ¹² F - m ~ ^{: 1}

The absolute permittivity of a material is the product of its relative permittivity (see table below) multiplied by the permittivity of the vacuum according to the formula: E - EQ XC _R

For Teflon it is 18.6pF / m

Permittivity and dielectric strength of some insulators

These values are approximate and can vary significantly depending on the frequency, temperature, hygrometry or even atmospheric pressure.

The permittivity is also called dielectric constant (symbol S _r ).

The dielectric strength is in kV / mm.

Dielectric strength

Insulation Relative Permitability S _r

(KV / mm)

Dry air 1 4

Rubber 4 15

Silicone rubber 4,2 -

Carton 4 10

Kapton® 110

Mica 6 70

Paper 2 6

Paraffin 2,2 -

PVC 5 20

Plexiglass 3,3 -

Polyester 3,3 -

Polyethylene 2,25 18

Polypropylene 2,2 -

Polystyrene 2.4 24

Polycarbonate 2.9 30

Steatite 5.8 -

Styroflex 2,5 -

Teflon 2.1 17

Glass 5 to 7 10

Laminate-glass-epoxy 5 20

Advantageously, the electrically insulating zone is defined by a relative permittivity greater than 0.5, preferably greater than 1, and preferably greater than 2.5, when the article is dry.

Advantageously, the electrically insulating zone is defined by an electrical rigidity greater than 3 kV / mm, preferably greater than 4 kV / mm, and preferably greater than 20 kV / mm.

These values are optimal to obtain optimal electrical insulation between the compartments of the article. Preferably, the electrically insulating zone comprises a material chosen from electrically insulating polymers, electrically insulating ceramics or air. Dimensions

The electrically insulating zone may have a width of between 2 and 10 mm, for example between 2 and 5 mm.

The electrically insulating zone may have a thickness of between 0.2 and 1 mm and preferably between 0.2 and 0.5 mm.

The electrically insulating area may be straight and / or curved.

Advantageously, the electrically insulating zone may take the form of a straight strip.

Electrically insulating polymers

Preferably, the electrically insulating zone comprises a material chosen from insulating thermoplastic materials, thermosetting insulating materials, insulating silicones, insulating thermoplastic elastomers, polyester or polyether based insulating thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic insulating elastomers based on PVC.

The electrically insulating zone advantageously comprises one of the following insulating thermoplastics: polyamides (PA), polyolefins or polyalkenes (for example polyethylene PE, polypropylene PP, polymethylpentene PMP, polybutene PB-1, PET polyethylene terephthalate), styrenic polymers ( for example polystyrene PS, expandable polystyrene EPS, terpolymer acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ASB), polyacrylics (polymethyl methacrylate PMMA) or vinyl polymers (for example polyvinyl methyl ether PMVE, vinyl polyacetate PVAc, polyvinyl chloride PVC).

Alternatively, the electrically insulating zone advantageously comprises the following thermosetting insulating materials: polyurethanes (PU) originating from the reaction of an isocyanate with hydroxyl groups to form an open-cell flexible foam adapted to contact with the skin.

Alternatively, the inorganic polymers whose chain main non-carbon atoms are advantageously used as material constituting the electrically insulating zone, especially polysiloxanes or silicones in the usual language. Some examples of the silicones used are dimethyl polysiloxane (PDMS), silicone rubber comprising methyl and phenyl groups (PMQ), silicone rubber comprising methyl, phenyl and vinyl groups (PVMQ) or silicone rubber comprising methyl groups and vinyls (VMQ).

The material constituting the separation zone can also be advantageously chosen from TPE insulating thermoplastic elastomers, such as styrenic thermoplastic elastomers (for example butadiene and styrene copolymers SBS and ethylene, butylene and styrene copolymers SEBS), TPU thermoplastic polyurethanes with polyester base (AU) or polyether base (EU), PVC-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPE / PVC).

The material constituting the electrically insulating zone may also be an ink, such as that described in WO 2009150972, EP-A-0 016 498 or ΕΡ0168849.

The material constituting the electrically insulating zone may be deposited on the article by pressurized jet followed by drying and evaporation of the solvents or by the screen printing process. The material constituting the electrically insulating zone may be chemically impregnated on the article.

REALIZING THE SEPARATION AREA

The method of producing the electrically insulating zone comprises the steps of:

- Provide a woven or non-woven support,

- Lay the support flat and possibly stretch it to have a flat surface,

- Define the dimension and the geometry of the electrically insulating zone,

- Possibly, materialize the electrically insulating zone by a boundary, in particular by a mold,

- Choosing an electrically insulating polymer whose melting temperature is significantly lower than the melting temperature of the material constituting the support,

- Deposit the electrically insulating polymer in the molten state at the border,

- Allow the electrically insulating polymer to cure while cooling to room temperature,

- Possibly, remove the mold.

- If necessary, return the support and repeat the same steps on the back of the support.

Another method of implementation is the screen printing of the insulating polymer ink on the support.

The steps previously described are part of a process of "double printing" a polymer on a support. This method advantageously makes it possible to have a deep and homogeneous diffusion of the material of the electrically insulating zone in the support. An electrically insulating barrier is formed between the compartments by preventing migration of active components out of the desired area.

The electrically insulating zone, made of one of the aforementioned electrical insulating materials, adheres perfectly to the body area, especially to the skin, at its contact surface. This adhesion ensures the absence of moisture or air between the surface of contact with the skin. Moreover, once the active components of the compartments are deposited on the surface of the skin, these components do not intermingle in the neighboring deposition zone. The active components therefore remain concentrated on the body area intended for them. This concentration makes the penetration of the components in the skin better by double mechanism: occlusion and iontophoresis.

COSMETIC COMPOSITION

The first cosmetic composition and the second cosmetic composition generally comprise at least one active principle.

The active ingredient is preferably loaded. "Charged" means any active ingredient present at least partially in ionic form whose ions have a net charge either positive or negative, able to ensure their mobility within the composition under the effect of an electric field. Thus, the asset is directly subject to the attraction or repulsion of the electrodes.

Advantageously, the first and second cosmetic compositions are chosen from compositions for care, washing, purification, exfoliation, desquamation, massage, thinning, makeup, make-up removal, cleaning or bleaching.

More preferably, the first composition and the second composition being in the form of an aqueous solution, an oil, an emulsion, a powder or a gel.

The first composition and the second composition may comprise different respective active principles, of opposite charges.

Both compositions are preferably in the form of gels.

Whatever the embodiments considered, the article may exert an action on the skin by iontophoresis and / or electroosmosis.

The article promotes the migration of a composition to two regions of a contiguous body area. The two compositions may be the same or different.

The composition may comprise an activating composition of an inactivated active ingredient present within the article, for example in lyophilized form. In this case, the composition may be devoid of a charged active ingredient. The composition may comprise a solvent having positively and negatively charged species, for example an ionic aqueous solution or deionized water or a solution of NaCl.

It is also possible for the user to apply an activating composition, for example a solvent, to the article. For example, it can apply running water, while it is not proposed in the same package with the article.

To bring the article into contact with the activation composition, the user may pour the composition onto the article. The latter is, for example, present in a pouch or tray to pour the composition. Alternatively, the user can apply the composition to the skin and then apply the article on it.

Advantageously, the first cosmetic composition and the second cosmetic composition are different from each other. In this case, two body areas of different natures can be treated with the same article.

ELECTROCHEMICAL REACTION In general, when one seeks to administer an active ingredient using the mask according to the invention, said active ingredient has the same polarity as the electrode. For example, compounds containing active ingredients of polarity / positive charge such as Vitamin A, tocopheryl acetate or other active principles of charge / positive polarity may be associated with a positive polarity electrode.

Compounds containing active principles of polarity / negative charge such as retinyl palmitate, tocopherol, mandelic acid may, in turn, be associated with a negative polarity electrode.

It is possible to treat a body area with an article whose compartments all allow the administration of active ingredients of the same polarity.

It is also possible that certain compartments allow the administration of an active principle of one polarity and the other compartments, the administration of an active principle of opposite polarity. In all cases, the polarity of the electrodes and the counter-electrodes is determined by the polarity of the active principles of each compartment.

THE SUPPORT

Dimensions and structure

The support may, in the unfolded state, have a larger dimension of between 15 and 80 cm, for example between 25 and 60 cm.

The support may, in the unfolded state, have a thickness of between 0.1 cm and 1 cm and preferably between 0.2 cm and 0.5 cm.

The support can be configured to produce a sound and / or light signal, for example, to warn the user that the exposure time on the skin is reached.

After use, the article can be thrown in its entirety.

Insulating layer

The support may comprise an insulating layer, which may make it possible to secure the first and the second electrode. The insulating layer may be flexible.

The insulating layer may comprise any electrically insulating material, for example chosen from insulating thermoplastic materials such as polyamides, styrenics, polyolefms or vinyls. The electrode materials can be fixed to the insulating layer by gluing, welding or hot rolling.

Conductive tracks can be formed on the insulating layer by printing, etching, transfer or screen printing.

Support material

Advantageously, the support comprises a nonwoven material. The support is thus more flexible. It adapts better to the contours of the selected area.

Nonwoven

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "nonwoven" is understood to mean a substrate comprising fibers in which the individual fibers or the filaments are arranged in a disordered manner in a sheet-like structure. The fibers of the nonwoven are generally bonded together, either under the effect of a mechanical action, or under the effect of a thermal action, or by the addition of a binder.

Such a nonwoven is for example defined by the ISO 9092 standard as a web or a layer of directionally or randomly oriented fibers, linked by friction and / or cohesion and / or adhesion, excluding paper and products obtained by weaving, knitting or stitching incorporating binding yarns or filaments.

Advantageously, the mass percentage of heat fusible fibers contained in the nonwoven is greater than 0.5% and is less than or equal to 100%, advantageously between 5% and 80%.

The heat-fusible fibers are, for example, polyolefin fibers, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers or acrylic fibers, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) fibers, polyurethanes or fibers of the following thermoplastics: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), styrenic polymers (for example PS polystyrene, EPS expandable polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ABS terpolymer, SAN styrene acrylonitrile copolymer, SB styrene butadiene copolymer), polyamides (PA), polycarbonates (PC), saturated polyesters (for example polyethylene terephthalate glycol PET, polybutylene terephthalate glycol PBT), polyacetals (for example polyoxymethylene POM trioxane copolymer ethylene oxide), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), or fluorinated polymers (by example polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE, polyvinylidene fluoride PVDF, polychlorotrifluoroethylene PCTFE)

The other fibers constituting the nonwoven are, for example, synthetic fibers derived from petroleum derivatives, natural fibers derived from plants or animals, and / or modified natural fibers, for example derived from treatment or regeneration processes for forming fibers.

The nonwoven may be formed from one or more consolidated fiber webs.

Conductivity of a nonwoven

The conductivity of a nonwoven network depends on the type, amount, orientation and distribution of the incorporated conductive fibers. A nonwoven may have a resistance of less than 1500 ohms / square, or even less than 100 ohms / square, for example less than 10 ohms / square.

The conductivity of a sample is calculated as the quotient of the sample resistance, expressed in Ohms, divided by the ratio of the length and width of the sample. The resistance obtained from the sample is expressed in Ohms-per-square. More specifically, the measurement of the resistance can follow the "Method for determining the Resistivity of a Printed Conductive Material" ASTM F 1896-98 as described in the patent application WO 2009/144684.

The invention also relates to a cosmetic process comprising the steps of

set up on a body area, especially on the face, an article as defined above,

circulating an electric current within said article thus put in place.

The invention also relates to an article for the cosmetic treatment of a body area with an electric current comprising:

(i) a support comprising at least two compartments each comprising an electrode,

said compartments being separated by an electrically insulating zone,

(ii) at least one counter-electrode. By decomposing the article of iontophoresis into several compartments, it becomes possible to increase the effectiveness of the mask while respecting regulatory currents.

In particular, the article according to the invention is a mask for the face.

Advantageously, the electrically insulating zone is designed to prevent the diffusion of a cosmetic composition between the compartments.

It is a fluid impervious zone or a fluid-tight zone. Description of figures

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of non-limiting examples of implementation thereof and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic front view of an exemplary embodiment of an article according to the invention,

FIG. 2 represents, schematically, an alternative embodiment of the article,

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic front view of an exemplary embodiment of an article according to the invention,

FIG. 4 represents a sectional view of one of the embodiment of FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 represents a sectional view of another embodiment of the article according to the invention,

FIG. 6 is a graph showing the effectiveness of a mask according to the invention with respect to a standard mask.

In the figures, the actual relative proportions of the various elements have not, for the sake of clarity, not always been respected.

FIG. 1 shows a mask according to the invention configured to cover the face. This mask comprises a nonwoven support 13 with four compartments:

- a compartment 1 to cover the forehead,

- a compartment 2 to cover the nose, - two compartments 3 and 4 to cover the eye area.

Each compartment has an electrode:

the electrode 11 extends over almost the entire length of the compartment 1,

the electrode 21 extends over almost the entire height of the compartment 2, the electrodes 31 and 41 extend over almost the entire length of the compartments 3 and 4.

In the example illustrated, the mask is configured to treat almost the entire face, that is to say at the same time the eye contour, nose and forehead F.

The mask may, for example, be in the form of a hood.

The mask may comprise, where appropriate, fixing means on the face.

The mask may, as shown in Figure 1, comprise within it a source of electrical energy 100. The electrical power source 100 may, for example, be a battery or accumulator. The electrical power source 100 is for example a flat and flexible battery type Enfucell.

A housing can be made within the mask to receive the source of electrical energy 100. This housing is for example cut into the thickness of one or more layers of the nonwoven.

The electrical power source 100 may comprise:

an electrical terminal connected to the conductive tracks 16, 17, 18 and 19,

an electrical terminal connected to the counter electrode 14.

When the mask is in place on the face, the counter-electrode 14 is held in the person's hand.

The supply of the electric current to the electrodes 11, 21, 31 and 41 can be effected via the conductive tracks 16, 17, 18 and 19. These can, for example, be metallic or formed by a conductive ink. .

The electrodes 11, 21, 31, 41 may be metallic or not. They may comprise, for example, silicones made conductive, metal fabrics or conductive polymers. Where appropriate, each electrode 11, 21, 31 and 41 is formed monolithically with its respective conductive track. The electrical conductivity of the electrodes 11, 21, 31 and 41 may also be linked to the presence within it of an electrically conductive electrolyte, this electrically conductive electrolyte being able to impregnate a substrate which itself is electrically conductive or not.

The outer surface of the mask may be defined at least partially, or totally, on the side opposite the skin, by an insulating support, which may extend over a larger area than the electrodes 11, 21, 31 and 41.

The insulating support can make it possible to secure the various underlying elements.

This insulating support may be flexible and, for example, chosen from films made of insulating thermoplastic material, for example films chosen from polyamides, styrenics, polyolefms or vinyls.

The conductive tracks 16, 17, 18 and 19 may be formed by etching on the insulating support, or by screen printing or else be applied by transfer. Other methods for reporting the conductive tracks 16, 17, 18 and 19 on the insulating support are also possible.

Table 1 below summarizes the assets delivered by each compartment of the mask of FIG. 1 and the polarity of the electrodes.

Table 1

In Figure 2 is schematically illustrated another example of mask according to the invention.

This mask comprises a nonwoven support 13 with four compartments:

- two compartments 3 and 4 to cover the eye area,

- two compartments 5 and 6 to cover the cheekbones.

Each compartment has an electrode 31, 41, 51, and 61.

It can be seen that the counter-electrodes 32, 42, 52 and 62 are arranged in each compartment 3, 4, 5 and 6 directly in front of the electrodes 31, 41, 51 and 61. In this case, the hands of the user are free. They do not hold a counter-electrode. The mask may comprise a source of electrical energy 100 therein.

The electrical power source 100 may comprise:

an electrical terminal connected to the conductive tracks 16, 17, 18 and 19 and

an electrical terminal connected to the conductive tracks 26, 27, 28 and 29.

The supply of electric current to the electrodes 31, 41, 51 and 61 can be effected via the conductive tracks 16, 17, 18 and 19.

The supply of the electric current to the electrodes 32, 42, 52 and 62 can be effected via the conductive tracks 26, 27, 28 and 29.

An insulating layer may be interposed locally between the skin of the user and the electrode array. This insulating layer may make it possible to increase the comfort of the mask and to retain the source of electrical energy 100 and the network of electrodes within the mask. It also makes it possible to electrically isolate the energy source 100 from the skin of the user.

As in the example of Figures 1 and 2, the conductive tracks may cover only slightly the electrodes.

Electric tracks may have other shapes than those shown.

In particular, they may be branched. It is also possible for the conductive tracks to have a substantially arcuate structure that better fits the shapes of the face.

Table 2 below summarizes the assets delivered by each compartment of the mask of Figure 2 and the polarity of the electrodes.

Table 2

It is also possible, for example, to use, for the mask of FIG. 2, the compositions and electrodes indicated in table 3. The electric tracks must in this case be arranged to be suitably connected to the corresponding polarities of the source of electrical energy. 100.

Table 3

To use the masks shown in FIGS. 1 or 2, the procedure is as follows.

The mask is set up on the face.

The user triggers his operation by a command button. The duration of the treatment varies between 15 and 20 min, the limiting factor being the operating time of the battery.

Once the treatment is finished, the mask is not reused but it could be otherwise.

In FIGS. 3 to 6, the actual relative proportions of the various elements have not always been respected for the sake of clarity.

The article shown in FIGS. 3-6 is a mask for the face.

The mask comprises a support 50 and a counter electrode 40.

It comprises three compartments 10, 20 and 30. Each compartment has an electrode 1, 2 and 3.

The compartments 10, 20 and 30 are separated from each other by electrically insulating zones 23, 12 and 13.

The article comprises a handle with the counter-electrode 40 on the outside thereof and three cables connected to each compartment 10, 20 and 30.

In the handle is the current generator, the control buttons, the battery and a programmable switch. The latter makes it possible to feed the three cables sequentially or synchronously as required. The maximum total current can be up to 5mA.

Another variant of the mask is to deport the counter electrode 40 on an area close to the face. This avoids the passage of the current through the heart and sensitive organs (nerves, muscles). We focus better on the penetration of active ingredients into the skin. In addition, the maximum total current is increased above 5mA without taking any risk in terms of electrical safety.

FIG. 4 represents a section of the nonwoven mask of FIG. 1 with two compartments 10 and 20. They are separated by an electrically insulating zone 12. This is made by double printing of an insulating barrier ink. Thus, the ink penetrates deeply into the fibers of the support 50. The barrier ink creates an electrically insulating zone. Each compartment 10 and 20 may be impregnated with a cosmetic composition.

In this case, the barrier ink prevents the conductive cosmetic composition from migrating into the thickness of the support 50.

An electrically insulating hermetic film 7 adheres to the support at the level of the barrier ink. It is chosen so that the flexibility of the entire mask is preserved. With the barrier ink, it defines an electrically insulating area 12 which further prevents the cosmetic composition from migrating from one compartment 10 to the other 20 bypassing the barrier ink.

In addition, the electrically insulating zone 12 generates a good contact with the skin 60 by adhesion. The conductive cosmetic composition can not pass from one compartment to another. Good electrical insulation between electrodes 1 and 2 is ensured. This mode of manufacture of the multilayer mask also ensures long-lasting moisture of the mask throughout the treatment time. It further enhances the penetration performance of cosmetic actives by the double mechanism of occlusion and iontophoresis.

The barrier ink print track does not need to be very wide,

2mm to 5mm is enough to create optimal insulation between treatment areas.

FIG. 5 represents a section of another non-woven mask with two compartments 10 and 20. They are separated by an electrically insulating zone 12. This zone 12 is formed by:

- air 121 and,

an electrically insulating hermetic film 7, for example a tesa® flexible PVC insulation adhesive film.

The hermetic film 7 is treated on its inner surface of tackifier to be able to adhere to the compartments 10 and 20. The support 50 is covered with teflon ® on its surface in contact with the film. The support 50 is also precut in separate compartments 10 and 20. After impregnation of a chemical composition on the support 50, for example at the moment of use, the mask is applied to the face. The tacky treatment on the inner surface of the film provides adhesion to the skin 60 and therefore creates separate and independent treatment areas.

FIG. 6 gives the evolution of the amount of active LR2412® which penetrates into the skin as a function of the dose of current delivered by the mask of FIGS. 1 and 2.

In this figure:

- The triangles represent the points obtained for the Visionnaire® cream marketed by Lancôme with a standard generator for a current intensity equal to 0.1 mA / cm ² ,

- The squares represent the points obtained for the Visionnaire® cream marketed by Lancôme with a Hitachi generator at 0.15 mA / cm ² ,

- The circles represent the points obtained for the Visionnaire® cream marketed by Lancôme with a standard 0.3mA / cm ² generator.

The comparison of the curves show that for the same electrical dose

(mA.min / cm ² ), the penetration of LR2412 ® reaches its optimum with a certain intensity of current. For this mask, the dose for 30 minutes of treatment is 10niA * 30mines / 300cm ² = ImA.min / cm ² .

In this case, the current intensity that gives the best amount of active penetrated is 0.1 mA / cm ² .

This explains the reason for cutting the mask into 3 zones and not into 2 or 4 or 5 zones.

To use the mask shown in Figure 1, proceed as follows.

The mask is set up on the face.

The user triggers his operation by a command button.

The duration of the treatment varies between 15 minutes and 1 hour, the limiting factor being the operating time of the battery.

The invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described.

The exemplary embodiments of the illustrated examples may be combined with one another in non-illustrated variants. The structure of the electrodes and the surface they occupy in each compartment may in particular be different. The nature of the support, the number and the size of the compartments may be different. It is the same for the nature of the chemical compositions and the polarity of the electrodes.

The phrase "with one" must be interpreted as synonymous with "having at least one".

Claims

An article of cosmetic treatment of a body area with an electric current comprising:

(i) a support (13) comprising:

a first compartment (3, 10) comprising a first cosmetic composition and a first electrode (31, 1),

a second compartment (6, 20) comprising a second cosmetic composition and a second electrode (61, 2),

(ii) at least one counter electrode (14, 32, 62).

An article according to claim 1 comprising a first counter electrode (32) and a second counter electrode (62).

3. Article according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a source of electrical energy (100) located on the support (13).

4. Article according to any one of the preceding claims, the first cosmetic composition and the second cosmetic composition being different from each other.

5. Article according to any one of the preceding claims, said compartments (10, 20, 3, 6) being separated by an electrically insulating zone (12),

6. Article according to claim 5, the electrically insulating zone (23, 12, 13) being designed to prevent the diffusion of a cosmetic composition between the compartments (10, 20).

7. Article according to any one of claims 5 or 6, the electrically insulating area (23, 12, 13) having an electrical conductivity less than 10 ^"6 Sm-1, preferably less than 10 ^{" 12} Sm-1.

8. Article according to one of claims 5 to 7, the electrically insulating zone (23, 12, 13) being defined by a relative permittivity greater than 0.5, preferably greater than 1, and preferably greater than 2.5, when the article is dry.

9. Article according to one of claims 5 to 8, the electrically insulating area (23, 12 or 13) comprising a material selected from electrically insulating polymers, electrically insulating ceramics or air.

10. Article according to one of the preceding claims fed by a sequential current whose base element is a direct current, alternating or pulse.

11. Article according to one of the preceding claims comprising a generator designed for the user to change the polarity of the current.

12. Article according to any one of the preceding claims, the first and second cosmetic compositions being chosen from compositions for care, washing, purification, exfoliation, desquamation, massage, thinning, makeup, removing makeup, cleaning or bleaching.

An article according to any one of the preceding claims, the support (13) comprising a nonwoven material.

An article according to any one of the preceding claims, the first composition and the second composition being in the form of an aqueous solution, an oil, an emulsion, a powder or a gel.

15. Cosmetic process comprising the steps of:

placing on an area of the body, particularly on the face, an article according to any one of the preceding claims,

circulating an electric current within said article and put in place.