FR2636241A1 - Method for cosmetic treatment of the skin and device for implementation thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for cosmetic treatment of the skin, characterised in that electrodes are applied against and held in a fixed position on the surface of the skin, and in that a low-frequency current is passed through each electrode, which low-frequency current is in the form of square-wave pulses, comprising a current flow period followed by a rest period, the negative pole of the electrodes being situated at the areas to the treated. Device, intended to be used for treatment of the skin and in particular for preventing wrinkles, characterised in that it comprises a low-frequency current generator, a linking cable, negative-pole skin electrodes, at least one positive-pole electrode, the electrodes being in the form of cups which can receive a gel in order to make electrical contact with the cells of the epidermis, and each electrode comprises a means for fastening it to the surface of the skin.

Description

Method for cosmetic treatment of the skin and device for implementing it.

 The subject of the invention is a method of cosmetic treatment of the skin and in particular of wrinkles and a device for implementing this method.

 Wrinkles are epidermal grooves existing on the face from an early age, arising from the constraints imposed on the skin by the skin muscles of the face during movements of expression and language.

 The exaggeration of these furrows constitutes during aging the most visible witness of the skin senescence process. Subsequently, numerous superficial fine lines are added to these constraint wrinkles, testifying to the atrophy of the epidermis and the loss of its mechanical qualities.

 This process of skin aging obeys essentially two types of factors, on the one hand, endogenous factors, the most important of which is probably a genetic determinism, but in which many metabolic phenomena, in particular hormonal, participate on the other hand, to exogenous factors; the appearance of wrinkles caused by sun exposure is a well-known phenomenon. It is the most obvious demonstration of the action of external factors on the skin aging process.

 This skin aging is mainly reflected at the cellular level by a rarefaction of collagen and an accumulation of glycosaminoglyans.

 Many authors have observed the action of electric current on various cellular mechanisms, in particular on tissue repair processes. Electric current is also used to activate bone repair in the event of an unconsolidated fracture.

 In addition, studies have also demonstrated the action of electric currents on the synthesis of coLagene by human fibroblasts.

 It is by stimulating cell cultures of human fibroblasts by electric currents that the synthesis of collagen and deoxyribonucleic acid has been demonstrated. This study was carried out by the incorporation into molecules of labeled precursors, such as Proline or Thymidine.

 In vitro studies carried out on cultures on special media placed on a milipore filter between two electrodes and subjected to various electric fields, have also made it possible to determine that only the cells placed near the cathode proliferate and increase their synthesis.

 The characteristics of the effective current are from 50 to 75 volts for a frequency of 100 Hz.

 The applicant has discovered, in particular, that it is not really during electrical stimulation that the synthesis of collagen increases, but for a short period following this electrical stimulation. This electrical stimulation would act as stress followed by a period of tissue repair. It was by repeating this stimulation and above all by leaving the cell a period of compensatory rest, which he found, that one could actually increase the synthesis of collagen.

 Finally, the Applicant's research has established that it was enough to simply put electrodes in contact with the skin without using needles that can make the current penetrate the epiaermis. However, as the increase in collagen takes place in a limited area strictly opposite the electrode, it is advisable to use perfectly fixed electrodes for the duration of the treatment.

 The subject of the invention is therefore a new method of treating the skin aiming, in particular, to remedy skin aging, comprising the application to the skin of cathodes crossed by a current delivered in the form of rectangular waves.

 The invention also relates to the device for implementing this method.

 Other objects of the invention will appear on reading the description and the example which follow.

 The method for treating the skin and in particular wrinkles, in accordance with the invention, is essentially characterized by the fact that electrodes are applied and maintained in a fixed position on the surface of the skin precisely opposite wrinkles and that a low frequency current is passed through each electrode in the form of rectangular pulses, comprising a period of current flow followed by a period of rest, the negative pole of the electrodes being located at the level of the areas to be treated.

 In accordance with the invention, the electrodes used are preferably cup-shaped electrodes in which a gel is placed ensuring perfect electrical contact with the epidermal cells.

 The electrode is fixed to the skin by means of an easily positionable double-sided self-adhesive disc.

 In accordance with the invention, the electrodes are placed on the areas of formation of wrinkles facing the muscles concerned.

 For example, when the treatment is aimed at preventing or treating wrinkles on the face, the electrodes are fixed two by two bilaterally and symmetrically at the muscles: forehead, orbicular of the eyelids, upper lip lifter, zygomatic, square chin and triangular drunk.

 The duration of the treatment is at least around 3G minutes per session.

 Each electrode delivers the low frequency current discontinuously in periods of 10 seconds to 1 minute and preferably in periods of approximately 30 seconds intersected by periods of 5 seconds to 1 minute of rest and preferably of approximately 10 seconds.

 The current used is between 50 and 75 volts and preferably is of the order of 75 volts. Its frequency is preferably of the order of 100 Hz.

The amperage can be adjusted between O and 10 mA.

 The treatment can be carried out two to three times a week for three weeks, then once a month to be repeated depending on the result obtained.

 The process according to the invention has essentially a cosmetic purpose insofar as it aims to improve the aesthetics of the skin by reducing or eliminating wrinkles.

 The device according to the invention used for the treatment and prevention of wrinkles, comprises a low frequency current generator, a connecting cable, skin electrodes with negative pole, and at least one electrode with positive pole, this device being characterized by the fact that the electrodes are in the form of cups capable of receiving a gel to ensure better electrical contact with the epidermal cells, each electrode comprising a means of attachment to the surface of the skin.

 The example which follows is intended to illustrate an embodiment of the invention and is not intended to be limiting.

 Is applied to the skin of the face facing wrinkles, cup-shaped electrodes into which a gel has been introduced to ensure electrical contact with the skin. The electrodes are fixed to the skin by means of double-sided self-adhesive discs. These electrodes were fixed two by two bilaterally and symmetrically at the following muscles: frontal, orbicular of the eyelids, levator of the upper lip, zygomatic, square of the chin and triangular of the lifts.

 This treatment is carried out for 30 minutes by applying to each electrode a current of 75 volts and at a period of 100 Hz. The current is delivered in the form of rectangular waves of duration of thirty seconds spaced 10 seconds each.

Claims (9)

 1. A method of cosmetic treatment of the skin, characterized in that electrodes are applied and maintained in a fixed position on the surface of the skin and that a low frequency current in the form of d is passed through each electrode. 'rectangular pulses, comprising a period of current flow followed by a period of rest, the negative pole of the electrodes being located at the areas to be treated.  2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a low frequency current of 50 to 75 volts is applied.  3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the current is applied discontinuously by periods of duration from 10 seconds to 1 minute and that the rest period varies between 5 seconds and 1 minute.  4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the current is applied precisely opposite the areas to be treated.  5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the duration of the treatment is at least 30 minutes per session.  6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that one uses electrodes in the form of cups comprising a gel ensuring electrical contact with the epidermal cells.  7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the electrode is fixed to the skin by means of a self-adhesive disc.  8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is applied for the treatment of wrinkles.  9. Device intended to be used for the treatment of the skin and in particular the prevention of wrinkles, characterized in that it comprises a low frequency current generator, a connection cable, skin electrodes with negative pole, at least a positive pole electrode, the electrodes being in the form of cups capable of receiving a gel to ensure electrical contact with the epidermal cells, and each electrode comprises a means for fixing the latter to the surface of the skin.