JP6725179B2 - Discrimination method of skin condition based on nipple structure analysis - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for differentiating a skin condition based on an analysis of the papilla structure of the skin.

When considering skin care and makeup methods and selecting cosmetics to keep the skin beautiful and apply makeup, the surface and internal conditions and properties of the skin, such as skin firmness, elasticity, and color It is important to understand the condition of the stratum corneum, the degree of aging, texture, wrinkles, pores, and the ability to protect against ultraviolet rays.
Up to now, a technique for distinguishing wrinkles and textures has been disclosed by using a replica image obtained from the skin or a magnified photograph of the skin as an evaluation material and using information obtained by performing image processing on these (Patent Document 1, 2).
In addition, a method has also been developed in which the skin is directly measured to obtain information on the internal structure of the skin and the skin condition is distinguished. In particular, attention has been paid to a method for distinguishing the skin condition based on an image obtained by a confocal laser microscope capable of non-invasively observing a thick biological sample (Patent Documents 3 and 4). ..

By the way, in the part where the epidermis and the dermis that make up the skin are in contact, the basal layer exists on the epidermis side and the papillary layer exists on the dermis side, and a papillary structure is formed as an interface between the two. The papillary structure is an uneven structure in which epidermal projections (papillary bodies) project from the basal layer side to the dermis and the papilla projections (dermis projections) line up from the papillary layer side so as to bite between the epidermal projections. The papillary process contains fine connecting fibers, capillaries, and sensory nerve terminals, and plays a role in supplying oxygen and nutrients to the dermis and epidermis, collecting carbon dioxide from the dermis and epidermis, and receiving information. ing.
It is known that the papilla structure is flattened or disappears due to age or exposure to ultraviolet rays, and is likely to cause skin tarmi. Although the dermis freely expands and contracts, the epidermis, which is in contact with the dermis, has a poor elasticity due to the sheet-like structure in which cells are in close contact, and buffers such differences in elasticity between the dermis and epidermis. Is said to have a nipple structure. Further, although the capillaries in the papilla structure are arranged along the irregularities, it is also known that the capillaries directly below the epidermis affect the skin tone. Therefore, the relationship between the nipple structure and the skin condition has been attracting attention and studied.

For example, it is known that the thickness of the teat dermis and the arrangement of the teat structure affect the skin color (Patent Documents 5 and 6), and that the papilla structure and the aging degree are correlated in the lip (Patent Document 7). In addition, based on the fact that the elasticity of the skin due to the nipple structure correlates with texture, a method of estimating the skin internal structure using skin surface information such as texture and skin color as an index (Patent Document 8), and dermal papilla A method of evaluating the conspicuousness of pores based on the shape (Patent Document 3) and a method of classifying sensitive skin using the dermal papilla layer density as an index (Patent Document 4) have been proposed.

JP, 2004-230117, A JP, 2008-61892, A JP 2004-337317 A JP 2004-97436 A Special table 2001-504020 gazette Special table 2003-501651 gazette JP-A-2002-291722 JP, 2011-101738, A

However, the current situation is that the detailed examination of the correlation between the nipple structure information and the skin condition has not been conducted sufficiently. There is no known identification method that utilizes the estimation of whether or not
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a method for differentiating a skin condition, which enables the skin condition to be estimated easily and highly accurately and non-invasively.

As a result of intensive studies to solve the above problems, the present inventors have found that if the irregularities of the nipple structure are clear or if the irregularities are arranged, the skin condition is good, and the nipple structure is It was found that there is a correlation that the skin condition is poor when the skin is flat or irregular even though there are irregularities (Fig. 1). Then, they have found that the skin condition can be estimated using the nipple structure parameter as an index, and whether the skin condition is good or bad can be discriminated based on the estimation result, and have completed the present invention.

That is, the present invention is as follows.
[1] A skin condition identification method characterized by estimating skin condition using nipple structure information as an index.
[2] The papillary structure information includes the height of the papillary process, the standard deviation of the height of the papillary process, the number of papillary processes per unit observation visual field area, the surface area of the papillary structure per unit observation visual field area, the papillary process etc. Nipple structure parameters selected from the average of high cross-sectional area, the standard deviation of the contour cross-sectional area of the papilla, the average circularity of the contour plane of the papilla, the distance between the papillae, and the standard deviation of the distance between the papillae. The discrimination method according to [1], which is one kind or two or more kinds of.
[3] The discrimination method according to [2], wherein the papillary structure parameter is measured using a confocal laser scanning microscope.
[4] The papilla structure parameter is estimated based on skin surface information, [
The discrimination method described in 2].
[5] The skin condition is one or more selected from firmness/elasticity, tarmi, flesh color, texture, stratum corneum, and UV protection ability. [1] to [4] Discrimination method.
[6] The differentiation method according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the estimation of the skin condition is performed using an estimation formula obtained by multivariate analysis.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention provides a method for discriminating a skin condition easily and highly accurately and non-invasively. This makes it possible to obtain useful information when examining, selecting, and deciding a skin care method and a makeup method tailored to an individual, and the information can also be used for counseling regarding the skin care method and makeup method.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing various patterns of the nipple structure. It is a figure which shows the vertical cross section and horizontal cross section of a teat structure (drawing substitute photograph). It is a photograph of the cheek region image|photographed with the confocal laser living body microscope. It is a graph showing the correlation between the number of papillary protrusions (measured value) and the physical properties of skin viscoelasticity. It is a graph showing the correlation between the number of papillary protrusions (measured value) and the skin color. It is a graph showing the correlation between the measured value and the estimated value of the number of papillary processes. It is a graph showing the correlation between the number (estimated value) of papillary processes and the physical properties of skin viscoelasticity. It is a graph showing the correlation between the number (estimated value) of papilla and skin color. 9 is a schematic diagram of a concavo-convex structure model of Example 5. FIG.

The skin condition discrimination method of the present invention is characterized by estimating the skin condition using the nipple structure information as an index.
In the present specification, the papilla structure refers to an interface structure in which the dermis of the skin and the epidermis are in contact with each other. Usually, it is a structure in which nipple-shaped and corrugated irregularities are formed, which are formed by combining papilla protrusions and epidermal protrusions with each other. Further, the papillary process is also called a dermal process and is a part where the dermis invades the epidermis side, and the epidermal process is a part where the epidermis protrudes to the dermis side.
In the present specification, the nipple structure information, the height of the nipple process that characterizes the shape and arrangement of the nipple structure, the standard deviation of the height of the nipple process, the number of nipple processes per unit observation field area, unit observation field of view The surface area of the nipple structure per area, the average contour area of the papilla, the standard deviation of the contour area of the papilla, the average circularity of the contour of the papilla, the distance between the papillae, and the distance between the papillae. Nipple structure parameters such as the standard deviation of the distance of. In the discrimination method of the present invention, one or more of the above-mentioned teat structure parameters are usually used as an index.

The method of obtaining teat structure parameters in the present invention is not particularly limited, may be measured nipple structure parameters by actually observing the nipple structure invasively or non-invasively, or nipple structure parameters The value estimated by the estimation formula may be used in the present invention.
As a method of actually observing the papilla structure, for example, a method of measuring parameters using a confocal laser microscope can be mentioned. Since the confocal laser microscope can observe an image of a portion having the same depth with respect to an object, a teat structure parameter can be calculated from the obtained contour image (horizontal cross-sectional image) of the teat structure. It is also useful because it allows non-invasive observation of biomaterials in vivo. As the confocal laser microscope, those commercially available from Olympus and Lucid can be used without particular limitation.

As a method of estimating the papilla structure parameter, for example, a method of estimating based on skin surface information can be mentioned. Examples of the skin surface information include texture and skin color, and the papilla structure parameter can be estimated by an estimation formula expressed using texture parameters and skin color parameters that characterize these textures (see Patent Document 8). The texture parameter is obtained by using, for example, an epidermal tissue quantification method (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-061892), the skin groove area, the average thickness of the skin groove, the variation in the thickness of the skin groove, the average interval between the skin grooves, and the skin. The parallelism of the groove, the skewness (90 to 180°), the most frequent number of skin groove thicknesses, the total number of connections, and the like can be mentioned. Further, the skin color parameters include color systems such as RGB, Munsell (lightness, hue, saturation), L*a*b, XYZ, L*C*h, and Hunter Lab.
When the papilla structure parameter estimated based on the skin surface information is used in the discrimination method of the present invention, the estimated skin condition is usually different from the skin surface information used for estimating the papilla structure parameter. Specifically, for example, when the papilla structure parameter estimated using the texture parameter is used in the discrimination method of the present invention, skin conditions other than texture (such as firmness/elasticity, tarmi, skin color, stratum corneum condition, and ultraviolet light described below). Defensive ability).

The above-mentioned papilla structure parameters will be described below with reference to the drawings.
The height of the papillary process refers to the length from the tip to the root of the papillary process, and will be described with reference to FIG. 2. When the depth of the stratum corneum cell layer is set to 0, the depth A of the start part of the papillary process is A. And the depth B of the end portion (B-A). A large height (μm) indicates that the unevenness of the papilla structure is clear. For example, it is preferably 3 μm or more, more preferably 9 μm or more, and particularly preferably 15 μm or more, and usually 50 μm or less.
Further, this variation in height is represented by standard deviation, and a small value indicates that the heights of the papillae are uniform, for example, 10.0 or less, further 7.0 or less, and particularly 4.0 or less. It is a preferable state to have. The difference between the maximum and minimum values of the height of the papilla per unit observation visual field area (for example, 4 mm ² ) is 40 μm or less, more preferably 22 μm or less, and particularly preferably 7 μm or less.
Referring to FIG. 1, when the skin condition is good, the height of the papillae is large and uniform, and the pattern of the papilla structure has clear irregularities (FIG. 1a). When the papillae are deformed due to damage, the height of the papillae varies, resulting in an uneven pattern (Fig. 1b), or the nipple structure is generally lowered to form a gentle pattern (Fig. 1c), and finally the papilla projection disappears and the papilla structure becomes a flat pattern, which represents deterioration of the skin condition (FIG. 1d).

The number of papillary projections per unit observation visual field area refers to the number of papillary projections within the visual field range when observed with a confocal laser microscope, for example, the cross section of the papillary projection is the most visible and the papillary projection cross section It can be measured by counting the cross sections with an image of the depth at which a circular cross section surrounded by high basal cells) is observed.
Referring to FIG. 3 as a measurement example, when many papillary processes (indicated by ▲) are observed in an observation area of 1 mm×1 mm, many papillary processes are present at the observed site, and irregularities are present in the papillary structure. To show that the skin condition is good (Fig. 3a). Specifically, it is a preferable state that the number of papillary projections per unit observation visual field area (for example, 1 mm ² ) is 3 or more, further 5 or more, and particularly 10 or more. On the other hand, when the cross section of the papillary process is small in the same observation area of 1 mm×1 mm, the papillary process is scarcely present at the observed site, indicating that the papillary structure is flat and the skin condition is not good (FIG. 3b). Specifically, it is not preferable that the number of papillary protrusions per unit observation visual field area (for example, 1 mm ² ) is 2 or less, further 1 or less, and especially 0.
Referring to FIG. 1, when the skin condition is good, there are many papilla protrusions, and the irregularities of the papilla structure are clear (FIG. 1a). However, when the skin is aged or damaged, the papilla protrusion is increased. Deforms and the number decreases (FIG. 1 b ), and finally the papilla projection disappears and the papilla structure becomes a flat pattern, which represents deterioration of the skin condition (FIG. 1 d ).

The surface area of the papilla structure per unit observation visual field area refers to the total surface area of the papilla structure (interface structure where the dermis and epidermis are in contact) within the visual field range when observed with a confocal laser microscope or the like. If the papilla structure is high or the number of papilla processes is large and the irregularities of the papilla structure are clear, the surface area becomes large. The large surface area indicates that the skin condition is good.
Referring to FIG. 1, when the skin condition is good, the irregularities of the papilla structure are clear and the surface area is large (FIG. 1a), but when the papilla projection is deformed due to aging or various damages, the surface area of the papilla structure is increased. Is decreased (FIGS. 1b and c), and finally, the papilla projection disappears to form a flat pattern of the papilla structure and the surface area is reduced, which indicates deterioration of the skin condition (FIG. 1d).

The average of the contour cross-sectional area of the papillary process is any height of the papillary process, for example, when observing a horizontal plane image at a position of 1/2 the depth of the start part and the end part of the papillary process, It refers to the average cross-sectional area of each papillary process present (Fig. 2d). When the papillae are high or thin, the irregularities of the papilla structure become clear, and this cross-sectional area becomes small, indicating that the skin condition is good. Specifically, for example, when a horizontal plane image is observed in a unit area (for example, 1 mm ² ) at a position of ½ of the depth of the start portion and the end portion of the papilla, the average cross-sectional area of the papilla is 3000 μm. ² or less, more 1600 .mu.m ² or less, preferably states that in particular 900 .mu.m ² or less.
In addition, the variation in the cross-sectional area of one papillary process existing in the observation visual field between each papillary process is represented by the standard deviation, and the fact that this is small means that the papillary structure is in a regular uneven state in which the size of the papilla is uniform. It is a preferable state that it is, for example, 1600 or less, further 700 or less, and particularly 300 or less.
With reference to FIG. 1, when the skin condition is good, the papillae are high, and there are many papillae structure patterns, and the cross-sectional area of the papillae is small (FIG. 1a). When the papillae are deformed due to damage, the height of the papillae becomes uneven, or the papilla structure is lowered as a whole to form a gentle uneven pattern, resulting in a large cross-sectional area (Fig. 1b, c) and finally As a result, the papilla structure becomes a flat pattern, and naturally the papilla protrusion disappears, which indicates deterioration of the skin condition (FIG. 1d).

The average circularity of the contour section of the papilla is the arbitrary height of the papilla, for example, when the horizontal plane image is observed at a position of 1/2 of the depth of the start part and the end part of the papilla, the papilla. It refers to the average of each papillary process present in the observation visual field, which is the circularity that represents the degree of the cross-sectional shape of the process (FIG. 2d) close to a circle. The circularity can be calculated by 4π (cross-sectional area)/(perimeter) ² . The closer this value is to 1, the closer the cross-sectional shape is to a perfect circle. For example, when observed in a unit area (for example, 4 mm ² ), the average circularity of the contour section of the papillary process is 0.5 or more, Furthermore, it is shown that 0.75 or more, particularly 0.87 or more, is a preferable skin condition. In addition, it is shown that the presence of a papilla having a circularity of 0.9 or more is a more preferable skin condition. When the cross-sectional shape is a distorted ellipse or a shape in which a plurality of circles are connected to each other, it means that the papilla projection is distorted or that the irregularities of the papilla structure are irregular.
Referring to FIG. 1, when the skin condition is good, the height of the papilla is large and even, and the cross section of the papilla is nearly circular, but the pattern of the papilla has clear irregularities ( 1a), when the papillae are deformed due to aging or various damages, the heights of the papillae are varied, and the papillae are connected to the adjacent papillates, and the cross-section thereof is distorted, resulting in an uneven pattern ( 1b), finally, the papilla process disappears and the papilla structure becomes a flat pattern, which represents deterioration of the skin condition (FIG. 1d). If the papilla structure becomes low overall, the cross section of the papilla may be close to a circular shape, but in this case, other parameters (for example, the cross sectional area of the papilla) are used to estimate the skin condition. (Fig. 1c).

The distance between papillary processes refers to the value obtained by measuring the distance between a papillary process and another papillary process, usually the distance between an arbitrarily selected papillary process and another closest papillary process. Indicates the measured value. The standard deviation of the inter-papillary process distance refers to the variation in the value of the inter-papillary process distance measured between the papillary processes existing in the observation visual field. These values are, for example, at arbitrary heights of the papillae, for example, when observing a horizontal plane image at a position of 1/2 of the depth of the start part and the end part of the papillae, the centers of the cross sections of the papillae are different from each other. It is obtained from the measured distance. A small distance between the papillae indicates that the papillae are densely present in the observation visual field. A small standard deviation indicates that the papillae are evenly arranged in the observation visual field, while a large standard deviation indicates that the papillae are non-uniformly arranged.
Referring to FIG. 1, when the skin condition is good, the distances between the papillae are close to each other, or the papillae are evenly arranged so that the papillae are evenly arranged, and the papilla structure is lined up with irregularities. However, when the nipple process is deformed due to aging or various damages, it is connected to the adjacent nipple process and the inter-papillary distance increases or varies, resulting in an uneven pattern. (FIG. 1b). It should be noted that when the papillary structure is lowered overall, the arrangement of the papillary processes remains uniform, but the distance between the papillary processes increases (FIG. 1c). Also, as the skin condition worsens, the papillae eventually disappear, making it difficult to measure the inter-papillary distance, but in this case as well, other parameters (such as the height of the papillae) of the skin The accuracy of the state estimation can be guaranteed (Fig. 1d).

The skin condition estimated by the discrimination method of the present invention is the condition or property of the surface or the inside of the skin, and specifically, for example, firmness/elasticity, tarmi, skin color, texture, stratum corneum condition, and ultraviolet protection ability, Usually, it is one or more of the above skin conditions. The skin part here is not particularly limited to the face, extremities, neck, torso, etc., but normally the skin condition of the face is distinguished. The various skin conditions and the effects of the nipple structure on them will be described below.

“Resilience/elasticity” is the property that the skin pushes back against the applied force, or the property that it deforms but tries to return (restore) to its original state if the force is removed. For example, it is represented by the viscoelastic properties of the skin.
It is generally said that the presence or absence of a force that deforms/restores a horizontal force affects the wrinkle formation. If the nipple structure is sharp, even if the dermis and epidermis contract in response to a horizontal force, the elastic dermal papillae will support the restoration of the poorly elastic epidermis and the skin will return. Is rich in elasticity and elasticity, and it is difficult to wrinkle. On the other hand, if the nipple structure is flat, the skin cannot be restored, and it lacks firmness and elasticity, and wrinkles easily occur.
In addition, if the irregularities of the papilla structure are clear, even if it deforms due to the vertical force from the surface of the skin, it is pushed back and restored by the cooperation of the papilla process and the dermal collagen fiber structure, so that skin Can be said to have youthful skin with firmness and elasticity.

“Talumi” is a change in the shape of the skin in the direction of gravity that occurs as a result of loss of elasticity and elasticity of the skin due to factors such as aging. In general, an image processing system such as VECTRA M3 (CANFIELD Imaging Systems) is used to photograph a face in an upright posture and a face in an inclined posture, and the face shape depending on the posture is changed. It is evaluated by obtaining the difference of.
When the irregularities of the papilla structure are clear, the boundary area between the epidermis and the dermis becomes large, that is, the adhesion between the epidermis and the dermis becomes firm, and the epidermis and dermis are unlikely to slip even when external force such as gravity is applied. , Talmi is less likely to occur on the skin.

“Skin color” is an element of the skin condition that affects youthfulness and a healthy impression depending on the color tone and brightness of the skin. Generally, it is measured by a spectrocolorimeter, a color difference meter, or the like, and is, for example, RGB, Munsell (lightness, hue, saturation), L*a*b, XYZ, L*C*h, Hunter Lab, or other color system. Can be displayed with.
The skin color is greatly affected by the structure and distribution of capillaries, and the distribution and arrangement of the papillae holding the capillaries contribute to this. Specifically, if the irregularities of the papilla structure are clear, the light entering from the skin surface hits these irregularities and is scattered, resulting in a soft focus effect. The distribution of blood vessels also accompanies it, resulting in a uniform skin color, and a so-called bright skin color that shines from inside the skin. On the other hand, if the papilla structure is flat, the light entering from the skin surface is specularly reflected to give a warm skin color. Since it becomes uneven, it causes dull skin.

"Texture" refers to the morphology of the skin surface, and the fineness/coarseness of the skin pattern consisting of skin grooves (fine and shallow grooves that run radially and horizontally on the skin surface) and skin ridges (small ridges surrounded by skin grooves). The goodness/badness is evaluated by the adjustment/distortion. Although various display methods are known, for example, they are represented by texture parameters obtained by the epidermal tissue quantification method (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-61892).
When the irregularities of the papilla structure are large and regular, it contributes to the elasticity of the epidermis, resulting in a finely textured skin condition. On the other hand, when the papilla structure is flat or the irregularities are irregular, the epidermis lacks elasticity and the texture becomes rough and distorted.

The "corneal state" refers to a state in which the horny layer has a function of protecting against aging acceleration factors such as ultraviolet rays. For example, it is displayed as a score that uses the isotropic collagen fiber structure that indicates the state of the collagen fiber bundle structure damaged by ultraviolet rays or the like and the thickness of the collagen fiber as an evaluation standard, or the enzyme activity score that indicates the active state of melanocytes. it can.
When the irregularities of the papilla structure are clear, oxygen and nutrients are sufficiently distributed to the epidermis and basal cell division is activated, so that a stratum corneum with high aging defense is formed and the collagen fiber bundle structure is not destroyed. Also, melanocytes are not activated unnecessarily. On the other hand, if the papilla structure is flat, the stratum corneum becomes poor, the collagen fiber bundle structure is destroyed by ultraviolet rays, and melanocytes are activated.

The "ultraviolet protection ability" refers to the ability to prevent damage to the skin caused by ultraviolet irradiation, and can be evaluated by the transmittance of ultraviolet light entering the skin to the dermis, the activity of keratinocytes, and the like.
Light including ultraviolet rays and electromagnetic waves are reflected at the interface between two layers having different refractive indices. The papilla structure is the interface between the dermis and the epidermis, which have different refractive indices.If the papilla structure has clear irregularities, the number of boundary planes on the unit projection plane of the skin increases, so that the ultraviolet light that enters from the skin surface becomes irregular. When it hits the skin, the amount of reflection increases, making it difficult to reach the dermis and increasing the UV protection of the skin. On the other hand, if the papilla structure is flat, the amount of ultraviolet light entering from the skin surface is reduced, the transmittance of ultraviolet light to the dermis is increased, and the UV protection ability of the skin is decreased.

In the discrimination method of the present invention, it is preferable to apply the teat structure parameter obtained by measurement to the estimation formula obtained by multivariate analysis to derive a parameter representing the skin condition for analysis. The estimation formula can be created by performing correlation analysis and regression analysis between the measured papillary structure parameter and the skin condition parameter using the software of multivariate analysis. As such software, software attached to the apparatus, commercially available software such as SPSS or SAS, or free software can be used without any particular limitation.
In addition, the number of panelists used as a measurement standard when creating the estimation formula is not particularly limited, but preferably 30 or more, more preferably 50 or more, further preferably 100 or more, to ensure the accuracy of the analysis. It is preferable because In addition, it is preferable that the ages are distributed in a wide range such as 20s to 60s without any bias, and if necessary, an estimation formula considering the elements of age may be created. In addition, it is preferable to use a female of yellow race, for example, by matching gender and race.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to Examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following Examples unless the gist thereof is exceeded.

<Example 1> Discrimination of firmness and elasticity based on number of nipples (1) Measurement of number of nipple projections About 88 cheeks of Japanese female subjects in their 20s to 60s, nipple projections in an observation range of 2 mm x 2 mm The number was measured. The measurement was performed using a confocal laser biological microscope (VivaScope 1500Plus; manufactured by Lucid in the United States), a probe was placed on the cheek, and a range of 2 mm×2 mm on a total of 60 planes was measured up to a depth of 180 μm at every 3 μm depth. .. The number of papillary processes was counted in a planar image in which the papillary process cross section (circular cross section surrounded by basal cells with high brightness) was observed most easily in the captured images. A typical image is shown in FIG. 3 (however, in FIG. 3, a range of 1 mm×1 mm is cut out from the measurement area).
(2) Measurement of skin viscoelasticity The return value when the skin is deformed in the horizontal direction at the same cheek site where the number of papillae of the subject is measured is measured, and this is measured.・Skin viscoelasticity property value that represents elasticity was used. Specifically, a reference point (position: 0 mm) is provided on the skin, and with this as a fulcrum, it is pulled in a direction horizontal to the skin with a force of 78.6 g, and immediately after the removal of the force, the reference point returns to the position. The distance (mm) from the reference position was measured. The closer this value is to 0 mm, the better the property of the skin to restore to horizontal deformation and the greater the firmness and elasticity of the skin.
(3) Analysis Correlation analysis and regression analysis were performed using JMP ver. 6.0 (SAS) using the number of papillary processes and the skin viscoelasticity property value measured above (FIG. 4). As a result, there is a significant correlation between the number of papillae and the skin viscoelasticity property value, and it can be seen that the condition regarding skin firmness and elasticity can be estimated using the number of papillae as an index.

<Example 2> Identification of skin color based on the number of papillae (1) Measurement of number of papillae As in Example 1, the number of papillae of the subject was measured.
(2) Color measurement of skin The color of the skin in the same cheek region where the number of papillae of the subject was measured was measured by a spectrocolorimeter (CM-2600d; manufactured by Konica Minolta) to The colorimetric b* value was obtained. This value indicates the degree of yellow of the flesh color, and the smaller the value, the more youthful flesh color. (3) Analysis Correlation analysis and regression analysis were performed using JMP ver. 6.0 (SAS) using the number of papillary processes and the colorimetric b* value of skin measured above (FIG. 5). .. As a result, a significant correlation was found between the number of papillary processes and the colorimetric b* value of the skin, and the number of papillary processes was used as an index to estimate the skin color condition, especially the degree of youth. I know that I can do it.

<Example 3> Discrimination of firmness and elasticity based on the estimated number of papillae (1) Estimation of the number of papillae A video microscope (Moritex) was used on the cheeks of 88 Japanese female subjects in their 20s to 60s. A magnified skin image was acquired using an i-scope 30x lens). From the enlarged image of the skin, based on the epidermal tissue quantification method described in JP-A-2008-061892, the texture parameters "average interval of skin grooves", "skewness (90 to 180°)" and "total number of connections" are calculated. I got it. The obtained value was substituted into the following formula 1 to calculate an estimated value of the number of papillary protrusions in the imaging range. For details of the texture parameter and the following estimation formula, refer to JP 2011-101738 A (Patent Document 8).
Number of papillary protrusions = -27.7 * "average interval of skin grooves" -3.94 * "skewness (90 to 180°)" -0.22 * "total number of connections" + 96.97 (Equation 1)
In addition, the number of papillary protrusions in the same observation range was measured as in Example 1.
Correlation analysis was performed using JMP ver. 6.0 (SAS) on the estimated value and the actual measured value of the number of papillary protrusions, and a significant correlation was found between them (Fig. 6). An estimate of the number of papillary processes was provided for the analysis. When the estimated value was a negative value, it was replaced with 0.
(2) Measurement of skin viscoelastic properties In the same manner as in Example 1, the skin viscoelastic properties representing the firmness and elasticity of the same cheek region where the number of papillae of the subject was estimated were measured.
(3) Analysis Using the estimated number of papillary protrusions and the measured skin viscoelastic property values, JMP v
Correlation analysis and regression analysis were performed using er.6.0 (SAS) (FIG. 7). As a result, a significant correlation was found between the estimated value of the number of papillae and the skin viscoelastic property value, and even if the estimated number of papillae was used as an index, the condition related to skin firmness and elasticity was evaluated. It turns out that it can be estimated.

<Example 4> Differentiation of skin color based on the estimated number of papillae (1) Estimation of the number of papillae As in Example 3, the number of papillae of the subject was estimated.
(2) Skin colorimetry As in Example 2, the skin color and the skin colorimetric b* value at the same cheek region where the number of papillae of the subject were estimated were measured.
(3) Analysis JMP is performed using the estimated number of papillary protrusions and the measured skin colorimetric b* value.
Correlation analysis and regression analysis were performed using ver.6.0 (SAS) (FIG. 8). As a result, there was a significant correlation between the estimated number of papillary processes and the skin colorimetric b* value, and even if the estimated number of papillary processes was used as an index, the skin color condition, In particular, it can be seen that youthfulness can be estimated.

<Example 5> Examination of ultraviolet protection ability using a teat structure model A plurality of spherical beads having a diameter of 1 mm are arranged on a table, and agar liquid (10% W/V) is poured onto the spherical beads to be solidified, and the spherical beads are used for unevenness. An agar sample having the shape of was prepared and used as a model of epidermis having papillae. For comparison, an agar sample was similarly prepared by using a plate having a thickness of 1 mm instead of the spherical beads, and used as a model of a flat epidermis without papillary projections (FIG. 9). Ultraviolet light (UVA) is radiated from the surface of the agar sample on which the mold is formed or the surface opposite to the surface, and UV TRANSMI
The UV transmittance was measured using a TANCE ANALYZER (labsphere company). As a result, the ultraviolet transmittance was 68% when there was unevenness, and the ultraviolet transmittance was 73% when there was no uneven structure.

According to the present invention, the skin condition can be estimated easily and highly accurately and non-invasively. This makes it possible to obtain useful information when examining, selecting, and deciding on skin care and makeup methods, which can also be used for counseling on skin care and makeup methods, which is very useful in industry. is there.

Claims (4)

A method for differentiating a skin condition for beauty purposes, characterized by estimating the skin condition using nipple structure information as an index,
The skin condition is a skin color ,
The method wherein the papilla structure information is the number of papillae per unit observation visual field area . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the papillary structure parameter is measured using a confocal laser scanning microscope. It said teats structure parameter is one that is estimated based on the skin surface information A method according to claim 1 or 2. The estimation of the skin condition is performed using the estimation equation obtained by multivariate analysis method according to any one of claims 1-3.

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