JP2006340928A - Device to improve flesh color around eye - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device which can reduce a shade, the dimness, a swelling or the like generated around an eye. <P>SOLUTION: The device 1 to improve the flesh color around the eye applies the heat accompanied by steam which is generated by utilizing the oxidation reaction of an oxidizable metal to the periphery of the eye. The device 1 has a steam generating section 6 having an area of 1,500-4,000 mm<SP>2</SP>which can transfer the heat accompanied by the steam. The steam generating section 6 has the width from the medial angle of the eye to the outside of 20 mm from the lateral angle of the eye and has a shape to cover the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid of the closed eye. Also, it has a steam generating capacity to keep the average skin temperature of a contacting section at 38°C or higher and lower than 45°C for 8-15 minutes in the condition that the device 1 comes in contact with the periphery of the eye of the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a device for improving skin color around an eye and an improvement method used for reducing dullness and dullness generated around the eyes.

  The present applicant previously has a water vapor generating part using chemical energy and is applied to the eyes and the periphery of the eyes, and the water vapor temperature released from the surface of the water vapor generating body is 50 ° C. The water vapor generator for eyes which is controlled below was proposed (refer to Patent Document 1). This water vapor generator is effective in dry eyes causing eye strain and other problems. Moreover, since the water vapor temperature is controlled to 50 ° C. or lower, it can be used comfortably and safely.

  As an instrument for improving eye function, the present applicant has proposed a vision improvement treatment tool and a meibomian gland function improvement treatment tool in addition to the water vapor generator (see Patent Documents 2 and 3).

  In today's flooded society, the number of scenes where eyes are overused is increasing, and the need for improving the functions of the eyes and the surroundings is increasing. Therefore, in addition to the various eye function improving devices described above, there is a need for devices having various eye function improving effects.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-5209 JP 2002-65714 A JP 2002-78727 A

  The objective of this invention is providing the instrument and improvement method which can improve the function of the periphery of eyes. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device and an improvement method that can reduce dullness and dullness generated around the eyes.

The present invention is a skin color improvement device around the eyes, which applies heat generated with water vapor to the surroundings of the eyes, which is generated by utilizing an oxidation reaction of an oxidizable metal,
The appliance has a water vapor generating part with an area of 1500 to 4000 mm ² that can apply heat accompanied by water vapor.
The water vapor generating part has a shape that covers the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid in a closed eye state over a width from the user's inner eye angle to the outside 20 mm of the outer eye angle, and further applies the device around the user's eyes. By providing a skin color improving device around the eyes having a water vapor generating ability capable of maintaining the average skin temperature of the contacted part at 38 ° C. or higher and lower than 45 ° C. for 8 to 15 minutes under the contact state. The goal has been achieved.

In addition, the present invention provides a skin average temperature of 38 to an area of 1500 to 4000 mm ² covering the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid in the closed eye state over a width from the inner eye angle to the outer 20 mm of the outer eye angle and covering the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid for 38 minutes. The present invention provides a method for improving the skin color around the eyes, which imparts heat accompanied by water vapor that can be maintained at a temperature of not lower than 45 ° C. and lower than 45 ° C.

  According to the present invention, blood circulation around the eyes is improved by applying heat accompanied by water vapor over a wide range around the eyes, and as a result, dullness, swelling, etc. generated around the eyes can be reduced.

  The skin color improving device around the eyes of the present invention imparts heat accompanied by water vapor over a wide range around the eyes. As used herein, the periphery of the eye refers to an area outside the eyelid in the open state, and includes an area including the orbital area and wider. In addition, the application of heat is to apply heat by directly bringing the skin color improving device into contact with the skin, and to apply heat by indirectly contacting the skin through an inclusion capable of water vapor transmission. Including both. In the following description, heat accompanied with water vapor is referred to as wet heat. In contrast to wet heat, heat not accompanied by water vapor, for example, heat generated from a commercially available disposable body warmer is referred to as dry heat.

  In the present invention, wet heat is generated by utilizing an oxidation reaction of an oxidizable metal. In the present invention, the wet heat generation site is referred to as a water vapor generation section. The water vapor generating part consists of powders of oxidizable metals made of iron, aluminum, zinc, copper, etc., salts to be used as catalysts (for example, alkali metal chlorides such as sodium chloride and potassium chloride, alkalis such as calcium chloride and magnesium chloride) It contains earth metal chlorides) and water. As will be described later, the oxidizable metal powder is contained in the water vapor generating part in the form of a powdery mixture containing it or in the form of a sheet containing the same.

  As means for generating wet heat, means utilizing an electric heater or ultrasonic waves are known in addition to means utilizing the oxidation reaction of an oxidizable metal employed in the present invention. However, means using electric heaters and ultrasonic waves are difficult to miniaturize the device and lack portability. Moreover, the use scene is limited. On the other hand, when the oxidation reaction of an oxidizable metal is used as in the present invention, portability is improved, and moist heat can be easily generated as needed in various usage situations.

The water vapor generating part in the skin color improving instrument of the present invention has a shape that covers the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid in a closed eye state over a width from the user's inner eye angle to the outer 20 mm of the outer eye angle. Furthermore the water vapor generating portion, the area of 1500～4000Mm ^2, preferably has a 2000~3000mm ^2. When the skin color improving instrument is applied to the user, wet heat is applied to a portion having an area corresponding to the area of the water vapor generating portion in the user's skin. By setting the area of the water vapor generating portion to 1500 mm ² or more, sufficient wet heat can be applied to the periphery of the eyes, and dullness, dullness, and the like can be improved. On the other hand, when the area is 4000 mm ² or less, a sufficient improvement effect can be obtained within a range that is not economically disadvantageous.

  The upper and lower eyelids are the parts indicated by A and B in FIG. Further, the inner eye angle is the inner (nose side) end portion of the upper eyelid A and the lower eyelid B, and is a portion indicated by C in FIG. The outer eye angle is an outer (ear side) end portion of the upper eyelid A and the lower eyelid B, and is a portion indicated by D in FIG. The water vapor generating unit applies wet heat to a region between the inner eye angle C and the position E 20 mm outside the outer eye angle in the width direction (lateral direction of the user's face). On the other hand, with respect to the vertical direction (the vertical direction of the user's face), the water vapor generating unit applies wet heat to at least the region from the upper end of the upper eyelid to the lower end of the lower eyelid.

  Although the size of the face varies depending on the user, the water vapor generating part is reliably around the eyes in the lateral direction of the user's face if the length in the width direction is 40 to 80 mm, particularly 50 to 70 mm. Moist heat can be imparted to. On the other hand, the length in the vertical direction of the water vapor generating portion is determined from the length in the width direction and the wet heat application area described above. Specifically, when the length in the vertical direction is 30 to 70 mm, particularly 40 to 60 mm, it is possible to reliably apply wet heat around the eyes in the vertical direction of the user's face.

  In the skin color improving device of the present invention, the water vapor generating portion has a skin average temperature of 38 for 3 to 15 minutes, preferably 8 to 15 minutes, in a state where the device is in contact with the user's eyes. More than 45 degreeC, Preferably it has the water vapor generating ability which can be maintained at 39-41 degreeC. By applying such a skin color improving device having the ability to generate water vapor to the periphery of the eyes, dullness, swelling, etc. generated around the eyes are remarkably reduced as illustrated in the examples described later. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, bears and swellings generated in the upper and lower regions I and II of the eyes, bears generated in the outer corners III and the like are significantly reduced. Skin surface temperature refers to the temperature of the skin surface measured by a contact thermometer, for example, a thermocouple. In addition, although the said water vapor generating ability is a measured value when a skin color improving instrument is applied to the circumference of the user's eyes, the skin color improving instrument is applied only to the periphery of the eyes without applying the skin color improving instrument. Therefore, in actual measurement, a skin color improving device is applied to both the eyes and the circumference of the eyes, and the skin surface temperature around the eyes is measured.

  In order for the skin color improving device to have the above-mentioned water vapor generating ability, it is preferable that the maximum temperature reached by the device due to heat generated by the oxidation reaction of the oxidizable metal is 38 ° C or higher. Further, from the viewpoint of preventing low temperature burns and the like, it is preferable that the maximum temperature reached is 60 ° C. or less. The maximum attained temperature is measured according to JIS S4100 and refers to the value of the temperature that has reached the highest point.

In addition, in order for the skin color improving device to have the water vapor generating ability, it is also preferable to control the amount of water vapor generated. Specifically, the cumulative amount of water vapor generated in the skin color improving device is preferably 0.1 to 30 mg / 10 min · cm ² , particularly preferably 5 to 10 mg / 10 min · cm ² . The cumulative amount of water vapor released refers to the total amount of water vapor released until 10 minutes have elapsed since the oxidation reaction of the oxidizable metal contained in the skin color improving device. The total amount of water vapor released is measured by the following method. In a closed system with a volume of 37867.5 cm ³ (length 25.5 cm x width 45.0 cm x depth 33.0 cm) at a temperature of 20 ° C and a humidity of 40% RH, the skin color improving device is statically placed so that water vapor can evaporate inside. To cause a chemical reaction. And the humidity of the air in the said closed system is measured with a hygrometer, and the amount of water vapor | steam generated after an oxidation reaction start is calculated | required. And the integrated value until 10 minutes passes is set as the integrated discharge amount.

  In order to control the water vapor generating ability, maximum temperature reached, and cumulative amount generated in the skin color improving device, for example, the amount of oxidizable metal and reaction accelerator oxidized in the water vapor generating part, the particle size thereof, the amount of reactant supplied, etc. The reaction rate may be adjusted by appropriately changing. Further, the water vapor generating ability may be controlled by adjusting the amount of water vapor permeated from the water vapor generating part by interposing a moisture permeable sheet between the oxidizable metal and the skin.

  In general, the bears around the eyes are classified into three types: (a) dermal type, (b) epidermal type, and (c) mixed type of both. The dermis type of (I) originates from poor circulation, and the lower part of the eye looks mainly reddish blue. When the eyes are closed, the color almost disappears after about 30 seconds. No color is observed with ultraviolet light. The epidermis type of (b) is derived from melanin pigment, and under the eyes looks brownish purple. The color does not disappear even if you close your eyes. A dark purple or brown color is observed by ultraviolet rays. (C) The mixed type color is blue to brown. When the eyes are closed, the color almost disappears after about 30 seconds. A dark purple or brown color is observed by ultraviolet rays. The skin color improving device of the present invention is effective in reducing these types of bears. In particular, as illustrated in the examples described later, this is effective in reducing dermal type bears.

  The skin color improving device is used so that the portion where water vapor can be released faces the user's skin. As a result of the study by the present inventors, when the area around the eyes is warmed by moist heat, compared with the case where the same part is heated with a general disposable warmer that generates less water vapor at the same temperature (that is, compared with the case where it is heated with dry heat) ), It was found that blood circulation around the eyes was promoted. It was also found that the temperature increase continued for several tens of minutes after the heating was stopped. When the present inventors examined this reason, it turned out that wet heat has high heat conductivity and can raise not only the skin surface temperature of an application site | part but the temperature of the deep part of a human body. It is considered that the congested state is resolved by increasing the blood flow, and it is easy to squeeze and swell around the eyes.

  Healing eye strain and dryness by applying a steaming towel to the eyes has been done as a folk remedy. However, it is not known that the dullness, dullness, and the like around the eyes are significantly reduced by applying a specific condition of wet heat to a specific area around the eyes, and the present inventors have found for the first time. Is.

  Next, a preferred embodiment of the skin color improving instrument of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the skin color improving device of the present invention. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. The skin color improving device 1 of the present embodiment has an eye mask shape. The skin color improving device 1 is configured by bonding a plurality of sheet materials. The basic constituent members of the skin color improving instrument 1 are a moisture permeable material portion 2 and a hardly moisture permeable material portion 3. Both raw material portions 2 and 3 have the same shape and are sealed by an annular sealing portion 4. Thereby, a bag-like space is formed. In this space, the oxidizable metal 5 is accommodated. As a result, two water vapor generating portions 6 corresponding to each eye are formed. Water vapor is released from the moisture permeable material portion 2 side. The moisture-permeable material portion 3 is difficult to pass water vapor. That is, water vapor is released to the outside only from the moisture permeable material portion 2 side, which is one side of the skin color improving instrument 1.

  As the moisture permeable material portion 2, synthetic paper or a film that allows water vapor to permeate but hardly permeate water is used. As such a material, for example, a synthetic paper of a polyolefin-based material, a polyolefin-based film having fine pores, and the like can be given. The polyolefin film is well known as a moisture-permeable back sheet in sanitary products such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins. In addition, since water vapor | steam is discharge | released outside through the moisture-permeable raw material part 2 as mentioned above, the skin color improvement instrument 1 of this embodiment is used so that the side of the moisture-permeable raw material part 2 may oppose skin. Therefore, from the viewpoint of enhancing the feeling of wearing, as shown in FIG. 3, a non-woven fabric 2 ′ such as an air-through non-woven fabric, which is a sheet material having a good texture, is disposed on the outer surface of the moisture permeable material portion 2. Therefore, the nonwoven fabric 2 'faces the body when the wet heat sheet 1 is used. The nonwoven fabric 2 ′ has the same shape as the moisture permeable material portion 2 and the hardly moisture permeable material portion 3.

  On the other hand, as the hardly moisture permeable material part 3, a film that hardly allows water vapor or water to pass therethrough, for example, a polyolefin film or a polyester film that does not have micropores, is used. As shown in FIG. 3, a non-woven fabric 3 ′ such as an air-through non-woven fabric is laminated on the outer surface of the hardly moisture permeable material portion 3 for the purpose of improving the texture of the skin color improving instrument 1. The nonwoven fabric 3 ′ has the same shape as the moisture permeable material portion 2 and the hardly moisture permeable material portion 3.

  The water vapor generation part 6 has a horizontally long, oval shape covering the periphery of the eyes. From the viewpoint of reliably covering the periphery of the eye, the water vapor generating part 6 has a major axis of 40 to 80 mm, particularly 50 to 70 mm, and a minor axis of 30 to 70 mm, particularly 40 to 60 mm. When the skin color improving device 1 having the water vapor generation unit 6 having such a size is applied to the eyes of the user, as shown in FIG. 4, the user's eyes are widely covered with the water vapor generation unit 6.

  Apart from the above-described annular sealing portion 4, the skin color improving instrument 1 is formed with a closed peripheral sealing portion 7. The peripheral sealing part 7 is used for sealing the peripheral edges of the moisture permeable material part 2 and the hardly moisture permeable material part 3 which are identical to each other. By this sealing, the overall shape stability of the skin color improving instrument 1 is maintained. In addition, since the peripheral sealing portion 7 has a closed shape, the adhesion between the skin color improving device 1 and the user's face is improved, and water vapor is easily filled between the two, so that the skin color is further improved. Become.

  The skin color improving instrument 1 has a notch-shaped inverted V-shaped cut portion S in the middle portion between the left and right water vapor generating portions 6. By forming the cut portion S, the skin color improving device 1 comes into close contact with the user's face while avoiding the user's nose. In particular, the adhesion to the user's eyelid is improved. From this point of view, the cut portion S preferably has a cut rate of 0.1 to 0.9, particularly 0.3 to 0.8 with respect to the short side length of the substantially elliptical water vapor generating portion 6. The cut rate is defined as a value obtained by dividing the distance D from the line connecting the lowermost portions of the substantially oval water vapor generating parts on the left and right sides of the skin color improving device 1 to the cut point P by the short side length of the water vapor generating part 6. The Further, it is preferable that the cut portion S forms an angle of 10 to 120 degrees, particularly 15 to 90 degrees from the cut point P to the lower eyelid side. When the cut portion S forms a curve as shown in FIG. 2, the angle intersects the line connecting the lowermost portions of the left and right substantially elliptical water vapor generating portions with the contour line of the skin color improvement device 1. When the points are T and T ′, the angle is defined as an angle formed by TPT ′. If necessary, in addition to the cut portion S, a linear slit extending upward from the cut point P may be provided. This slit further improves the adhesion of the skin color improving device 1 to the face.

  The skin color improving device 1 has a time from when an oxidizable metal starts an oxidation reaction until a desired water vapor is generated, that is, a rising time is fast, and a desired water vapor is generated for a relatively short time (for example, several minutes to Characterized by persistence (tens of minutes). From this viewpoint, it is preferable that the water vapor generation part 6 of the skin color improving device 1 includes a heat generating composition having such water vapor generation characteristics. The exothermic composition is preferably composed of a powder mixture containing an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, an electrolyte and water. In the present embodiment, a desired water vapor generating ability is obtained by adjusting the blending amounts of these components.

  Specifically, the amount of the oxidizable metal in the exothermic composition is 10 to 50% by weight, particularly 20 to 40% by weight. From the point of view, it is preferable. Examples of the oxidizable metal include powders and fibers of iron, aluminum, zinc, manganese, magnesium, calcium, and the like. Among these, iron powder is preferably used in terms of handleability, safety, and manufacturing cost. When the oxidizable metal is a powder, the particle size is preferably 0.1 to 300 μm because the control of the oxidation reaction is good. For the same reason, it is also preferable to use a material having a particle size of 0.1 to 150 μm containing 50% by weight or more.

Oxidizable metal, the area of the steam generator 6, 700~1600g / m ^2, to be particularly used in an amount of 900~1400g / m ^2, from the viewpoint of obtaining sufficient steam generation capability.

  The amount of the reaction accelerator is preferably 1 to 20% by weight, more preferably 5 to 15% by weight, from the viewpoint of controlling the exothermic temperature applicable to the skin and controlling the amount of steam produced. As the reaction accelerator, it is preferable to use a reaction accelerator that functions as a water retention agent and also has a function as an oxygen retention / supply agent for the oxidizable metal. For example, activated carbon (coconut shell charcoal, charcoal powder, calendar bituminous coal, peat, lignite), carbon black, acetylene black, graphite, zeolite, perlite, vermiculite, silica and the like can be mentioned. Among these, activated carbon is preferably used because it has water retention ability, oxygen supply ability, and catalytic ability. The particle size of the reaction accelerator is preferably 0.1 to 500 μm from the viewpoint that it can effectively contact the oxidizable metal. For the same reason, it is also preferable to use a material containing 50% by weight or more of 0.1 to 200 μm.

  The amount of the electrolyte is preferably 1 to 15% by weight, particularly 1 to 5% by weight, from the viewpoint of controlling the heat generation temperature applicable to the skin and controlling the amount of vapor production. Examples of the electrolyte include alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or transition metal sulfates, carbonates, chlorides or hydroxides. Among these, chlorides of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals or transition metals are preferably used from the viewpoint of excellent conductivity, chemical stability and production cost, and particularly sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, chloride. Ferrous and ferric chloride are preferably used.

  The amount of water is preferably 30 to 80% by weight, particularly 30 to 60% by weight, from the viewpoint of controlling the exothermic temperature applicable to the skin and controlling the amount of steam produced.

As another major factor affecting the water vapor generating ability of the skin color improving device 1, the moisture permeability of the moisture permeable material part 2 (JIS Z0208, 40 ° C., 90% RH, hereinafter referred to as the moisture permeability is a value measured by this method). ). Specifically, the moisture permeability of the moisture permeable material portion 2 is preferably 1000 to 10000 g / m ² · 24 hr, more preferably 5000 to 8000 g / m ² · 24 hr. By setting the moisture permeability to 1000 g / m ² · 24 hr or more, a desired water vapor generating ability is achieved. Moreover, control of desired temperature can be achieved by setting it as 100000 g / m < ² > * 24hr or less. The moisture permeable material part 2 preferably controls moisture permeability by combining a plurality of sheet materials.

From the viewpoint of obtaining appropriate temperature control of water vapor and the generation duration of water vapor at a desired temperature, the moisture permeable material part 2 has its air permeability (JIS P8117, hereinafter referred to as the value measured by this method when referred to as air permeability). ) is preferably a 20~1500s / 100cm ^3, and further preferably 30~900s / 100cm ^3. The moisture permeable material part preferably controls moisture permeability by combining a plurality of sheet materials.

  In the skin color improving device 1, the moisture-permeable material portion 2 and the hardly moisture-permeable material portion 3 are joined by a linear joining portion 8 inside the annular sealing portion 4. The linear joint portion 8 is located at a substantially central portion in the vertical direction of the water vapor generating portion 6 and is formed to extend in the lateral direction of the generating portion 6. The joint portion 8 extends so that the left and right end portions reach the annular sealing portion 4. Thereby, the water vapor generation part 6 is divided into an upper compartment 6a and a lower compartment 6b. By partitioning the water vapor generation unit 6 into upper and lower compartments, it is possible to effectively prevent the oxidizable metal contained in the water vapor generation unit 6 from being biased by gravity. Moreover, the softness | flexibility of the skin color improvement instrument 1 increases, and it becomes easy to touch a user's skin. From these viewpoints, the area ratio (the former / the latter) of the upper compartment 6a and the lower compartment 6b is preferably 0.3 to 0.99, particularly preferably 0.5 to 0.99.

Each of the upper compartment 6a and the lower compartment 6b contains a powder mixture containing an oxidizable metal. In this case, the weight ratio of the oxidizable metal accommodated in the upper compartment 6a and the oxidizable metal accommodated in the lower compartment 6b (the former / the latter) is 0.5 to 1.0, In particular, 0.6 to 0.8 is preferable from the viewpoint of controlling the heat generation temperature applicable to the skin and controlling the amount of steam production.

  As shown in FIG.2 and FIG.4, the junction part 8 which divides the water vapor | steam generation | occurrence | production part 6 up and down is a downward convex curve shape. This curved shape is a shape that generally follows the shape of the lid edge L (see FIG. 4) in the closed eye state. Since the joint portion 8 has such a curved shape, the upper compartment 6a and the lower compartment 6b come into contact with the upper and lower eyelids with good fit, respectively, and the wet heat transmission efficiency is further improved.

  In the present embodiment, the oxidizable metal accommodated in the water vapor generating unit 6 can be used in the form of a sheet-like material containing the oxidizable metal instead of the powder mixture containing the oxidizable metal. . As an example of such a sheet-like material, an exothermic sheet containing an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, a fibrous material, an electrolyte and water can be given. When the heat generating sheet comes into contact with air, an oxidation reaction of the oxidizable metal contained in the sheet occurs, and heat is generated. The water contained in the heat generating sheet is heated by this heat to become water vapor at a predetermined temperature, and is discharged to the outside through the moisture permeable sheet 2.

  The exothermic sheet is configured by containing an electrolyte aqueous solution in a molded sheet containing an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, and a fibrous material. As a result of studies by the present inventors, among these various materials, materials that greatly affect the water vapor generation ability of the skin color improving device 1 are oxidizable metals, reaction accelerators, and fibrous materials contained in the molded sheet. It has been found. Specifically, the amount of the oxidizable metal contained in the molded sheet is preferably 60 to 85% by weight, more preferably 65 to 80% by weight, and the amount of the reaction accelerator is preferably 5 to 35% by weight, more preferably. It is important that the amount of the fibrous material is 8 to 15% by weight, preferably 5 to 35% by weight, and more preferably 10 to 25% by weight. When the amount of these materials is in the above-mentioned range, a desired water vapor generating ability can be expected. Since the molded sheet is preferably obtained by papermaking, it contains 5% by weight or less of moisture in the state after the drying step in the papermaking process.

  The weight ratios of the reaction accelerator and the fibrous material with respect to the oxidizable metal also affect the water vapor generating ability of the skin color improving device 1. Specifically, in the heat generating sheet, the weight ratio of the reaction accelerator to the oxidizable metal is preferably 0.05 to 0.3, and more preferably 0.1 to 0.25. The weight ratio of the fibrous material to the oxidizable metal is preferably 0.1 to 0.5, and more preferably 0.12 to 0.4. If it is within these ranges, it is easy to improve the desired skin surface temperature to 38 ° C. or more and to obtain a desired amount of vapor generation, and after opening the pillow bag containing the skin color improving device 1, The time to reach the temperature is short, and it becomes easy to provide appropriate wet heat over a predetermined time.

  Other important factors affecting the water vapor generating ability of the skin color improving device 1 include the concentration of the aqueous electrolyte solution and the amount of the aqueous electrolyte solution added to the heat generating sheet. Specifically, the concentration of the aqueous electrolyte solution in the heating sheet is preferably 1 to 15% by weight, more preferably 2 to 10% by weight. If the concentration of the aqueous electrolyte solution is less than 1% by weight, the desired temperature may not be obtained. If it exceeds 15% by weight, a significant improvement in the effect cannot be expected. The electrolyte aqueous solution is preferably added in an amount of 40 to 80 parts by weight, more preferably 50 to 70 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the molded sheet. If the amount added is less than 40 parts by weight, the desired temperature may not be sustained. In addition, a desired steam generation amount may not be obtained. If it exceeds 80 parts by weight, the desired temperature may not be obtained.

As stated above, the molded sheet is preferably produced by papermaking. The molded sheet obtained by papermaking contains an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator and a fibrous material, and preferably contains 60 to 85% by weight of oxidizable metal, more preferably 70 to 80% by weight. The accelerator is preferably contained in an amount of 5 to 25% by weight, more preferably 8 to 15% by weight, and the fibrous material is contained in an amount of 5 to 35% by weight, more preferably 10 to 25% by weight. The molded sheet (that is, the heat-generating sheet before being hydrated) has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, particularly 0.15 to 1.5 mm, while maintaining the mechanical strength of the molded sheet. Is preferable, because the skin color improving device 1 can be easily fitted to the user's skin. Molded sheet for the same reason, it is preferable that the basis weight of 10 to 1000 g / m ^2, more preferably from 50~600g / m ^2, and still more preferably from 100 to 500 g / m ^2.

It is preferable that the skin color improving device 1 is sealed in a packaging bag made of an oxygen barrier material to form a packaging bag containing a skin color improving device as a final product. When the skin color improving device 1 is used, by removing the skin color improving device 1 from the packaging bag, the oxidizable metal contained in the skin color improving device 1 reacts with oxygen in the air, heat generation starts and water vapor is generated. To do. As an oxygen barrier material, for example, its oxygen permeability coefficient (ASTM D3985) is 10 cm ³ · mm / (m ² · d · MPa) or less, particularly 2 cm ³ · mm / (m ² · d · MPa) or less. Such a thing is preferable. Specific examples include ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and polyacrylonitrile.

  The skin color improving instrument 1 can be fixed to the user's skin by applying an adhesive to the moisture permeable sheet 3 side that is the skin contact surface. Alternatively, the left and right ends of the belt-like fixing belt may be attached to the left and right side edges of the skin color improving device 1, and the skin color improving device 1 may be fixed to the user's head by the belt.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment. For example, in the said embodiment, although the junction part 8 currently formed in the water vapor generation part 6 is extended so that the both ends may reach | attain on the cyclic | annular sealing part 4, it replaces with this and shows in FIG. As described above, both end portions of the joint portion 8 may be terminated before reaching the annular sealing portion 4. Also in such an embodiment, the water vapor generating unit 6 is in close contact with the user's upper and lower eyelids with good fit.

  Further, when the oxidizable metal is contained in the water vapor generating portion in the form of a sheet, it is not necessary to consider the bias of the oxidizable metal. It does not have to be.

  Moreover, since the skin color improvement instrument 1 of the said embodiment has the shape of an eye mask and has two water vapor | steam generation | occurrence | production parts, although it was able to provide wet heat simultaneously to both eyes, it replaced with this In addition, the skin color improving instrument may have only one water vapor generating part.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to such examples.

[Example 1]
The skin color improving instrument of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 was manufactured by the following procedure. The powdery mixture had the following composition.
・ Oxidizable metal: Iron powder, manufactured by Dowa Iron Mining Co., Ltd., trade name “RKH”, 30 g
・ Reaction accelerator: activated carbon, manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., trade name “Carborafine”), 10 g
Electrolyte: purified salt (NaCl), 1.5 g
45g water
Water retention agent, 14g

As the moisture permeable material portion 2, two layers of synthetic paper made of polyolefin material (moisture permeability of 8000 g / m ² · 24 hr, air permeability of 40 s / 100 cm ³ ) were used. A film made of linear low density polyethylene was used as the hardly moisture permeable layer 3. Furthermore, air through nonwoven fabrics were used as the nonwoven fabrics 2 ′ and 3 ′. Using these sheet materials and the aforementioned powdery mixture, the skin color improving device of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 was produced.

The water vapor generating part in the skin color improving device had an oval shape, the major axis was 65 mm, the minor axis was 50 mm, and the area was 2,448 mm ² . The total amount of oxidizable metals contained in the water vapor generating part was 1144 g / m ² . The area ratio (the former / the latter) of the upper compartment and the lower compartment was 0.78. The weight ratio (the former / the latter) of the oxidizable metal accommodated in the upper compartment and the oxidizable metal contained in the lower compartment was 0.75.

[Evaluation]
The obtained skin color improving device was subjected to a clinical test on 38 subjects. In the test, the skin color improving device was applied for 15 consecutive days for 14 consecutive days. The breakdown of the subjects was that 18 persons had a dermis type bear, 10 persons had an epidermis type bear, and 10 persons had a mixed type bear.

  After the test was completed, the part under the eyes was measured with a color difference meter, and the B * value and the L * value were measured. As a control (ref), the B * value and L * value of the site outside the cheekbone were also measured. The B * value is an indicator of the degree of congestion, and the smaller this value, the greater the degree of congestion. The L * value is an indicator of the brightness of the skin, and the larger the value, the brighter the skin. These results are shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B and FIGS. 7A and 7B.

  FIG. 6 (a) shows the B * values of the site under the eye and the site outside the cheekbone before the test. FIG. 6B shows the difference in B * value between the site under the eye and the site outside the cheekbone before and after the test. It means that the smaller the difference in B * value after the test, the closer the color of the region under the eyes was to the color of the region outside the cheekbone. That is, it means that the number of bears in the region under the eyes has been reduced. As is apparent from the results shown in FIG. 6B, it can be seen that a subject having any type of bear can reduce the number of bears by applying the skin color improving device. It can be seen that the effect of improving the dermis type bear is particularly high. In FIG. 6B, * and # indicate that the risk factor P in a pair of t tests is less than 0.05, which means that there is a significant difference in test results.

  FIG. 7 (a) shows L * values of the site under the eye and the site outside the cheekbone before the test. FIG. 7 (b) shows the difference in L * value between the site under the eye and the site outside the cheekbone before and after the test. The smaller the difference in L * value after the test, the closer the color of the region under the eyes is to the brightness of the region outside the cheekbone. That is, it means that the number of bears in the region under the eyes has been reduced. As is clear from the results shown in FIG. 7B, it can be seen that the subject having any type of bear can reduce the number of bears by applying the skin color improving device. It can be seen that the effect of improving the dermis type bear is particularly high. In addition, in FIG.7 (b), * shows that the risk factor P in a pair of t test is less than 0.05, and it means that there exists a significant difference in a test result.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the organ around the eye. It is a top view which shows one Embodiment of the skin color improvement instrument around the eyes of this invention. It is the II-II sectional view taken on the line in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the application state of the skin color improvement instrument shown in FIG. It is a top view (figure 2 equivalent figure) which shows another embodiment of the skin color improvement instrument of the circumference of eyes of the present invention. It is a graph which shows the result of the clinical trial regarding B * value. It is a graph which shows the result of the clinical trial regarding L * value.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Skin color improvement instrument around eyes 2 Moisture permeable material part 3 Non-moisture permeable material part 4 Annular sealing part 6 Water vapor generation part 6a Upper compartment 6b Lower compartment 8 Joint part

Claims (9)

A device for improving skin color around the eyes, which applies heat accompanied by water vapor generated by the oxidation reaction of the oxidizable metal to the surroundings of the eyes,
The appliance has a water vapor generating part with an area of 1500 to 4000 mm ² that can apply heat accompanied by water vapor.
The water vapor generating part has a shape that covers the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid in a closed eye state over a width from the user's inner eye angle to the outside 20 mm of the outer eye angle, and further applies the device around the user's eyes. A device for improving the skin color around the eyes having a water vapor generating ability capable of maintaining the average skin temperature of the contacted part at 38 ° C. or higher and lower than 45 ° C. for 8 to 15 minutes under the contact state.   The skin color improving device around the eye according to claim 1, wherein the water vapor heat generating portion has a horizontally long and substantially oval shape covering the periphery of the eye, the major axis is 40 to 80 mm, and the minor axis is 30 to 70 mm. The oxidizable metal is accommodated in a bag-shaped space formed by sealing the moisture-permeable material and the hardly-permeable material with an annular sealing portion, and the water vapor generating portion is configured,
Inside the annular sealing portion, the moisture permeable material and the hardly moisture permeable material are joined by a linear joining portion extending in a lateral direction of the water vapor generating portion,
The skin color improving device around the eyes according to claim 1, wherein the linear joint portion has a shape generally following the shape of the lid edge in a closed eye state.   4. The eye according to claim 3, wherein left and right end portions of the linear joint portion extend so as to reach the annular sealing portion, whereby the water vapor generating portion is partitioned into upper and lower compartments. A device for improving the surrounding skin color.   The weight ratio (the former / the latter) of the oxidizable metal accommodated in the upper compartment and the oxidizable metal contained in the lower compartment is 0.5 to 1.0. A device for improving skin color around the eyes.   It has a notch in the middle part of the right and left steam generation parts, the notch has a notch ratio of 0.1 to 0.9 with respect to the short side length of the substantially elliptical steam generation part, The skin color improving device around the eyes according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which has an angle of 10 to 120 degrees from the cut point to the lower eyelid side.   The skin color improving device around the eyes according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the water vapor heating element contains a powdery mixture containing an oxidizable metal powder.   The skin color improving device around the eyes according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the water vapor heating element includes a sheet-like material containing an oxidizable metal powder. The skin average temperature of the region is 38 ° C. or more and less than 45 ° C. for 8 to 15 minutes in a region having an area of 1500 to 4000 mm ² covering the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid in the closed eye range over the width from the inner eye angle to the outside 20 mm of the outer eye angle. A method for improving the skin color around the eyes, which imparts heat with water vapor that can be maintained.

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