JP7458063B2 - Skin condition evaluation device and skin condition improvement advice method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is based on a skin condition evaluation device, a skin condition evaluation program, a skin condition evaluation method, and a skin condition evaluation method that evaluates the possibility of improving the current skin condition based on genetic skin quality trends and the current skin condition. This article relates to a skin condition improvement advice method.

Traditionally, in the field of cosmetics sales, there have been services that check the skin condition visually or through images, or combine these with the answers to a medical interview to suggest cosmetics and skin care methods to improve the skin condition. For example, a skin diagnosis judgment system has been proposed that combines interview data about keratin and/or sebum with image data about keratin and/or sebum (Patent Document 1, etc.).

Meanwhile, in recent years, the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of specific genes and skin characteristics has been studied, and methods for predicting skin characteristics and the risk of skin problems, as well as methods for selecting and providing cosmetics, have been proposed based on the results of SNP analysis (Patent Documents 2 to 5, etc.). For example, Patent Document 5 discloses a device for predicting a genetic risk for a subject's skin condition, which device includes an acquisition means for acquiring genetic polymorphism information for one or more test genes of the subject, and a genetic risk determination means for determining that there is a genetic risk of disturbing the subject's skin condition when a risk allele is present in the one or more test genes.

However, none of these documents disclose a method for evaluating the possibility of improving the skin condition of each individual subject, or a method for providing support for improvement based on that evaluation.

JP 2016-77649 A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-191858 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-226096 WO2018/101449 publication JP 2018-45539 Publication

There is not necessarily a correlation between the genetic skin characteristics and risk of skin problems predicted by conventional genetic testing and the current skin condition, and the direction of cosmetics selection and care may vary. They may be wrong or may not be effective in improving your current skin condition.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to accurately evaluate the possibility of improving the skin condition in order to keep the individual skin condition good. Another object of the present invention is to provide appropriate skin condition improvement advice by evaluating the possibility of improving the skin condition.

The present invention includes the following inventions.
(1) A SNP analysis department that analyzes genetic SNPs for each customer,
A keratinocyte analysis department that analyzes the keratinocytes of each customer,
By comparing the genetic tendency of skin texture of each customer obtained based on the above-mentioned SNP analysis results with the current skin condition of each customer obtained based on the above-mentioned keratinocyte analysis results. , a skin condition evaluation department that evaluates the possibility of improving each customer's skin condition;
A skin condition evaluation device having:
(2) The skin condition evaluation section:
By comparing the genetic tendency for skin dryness obtained by analyzing rs11103631 by the SNP analysis department and the ability to retain moisture obtained by analyzing keratinocytes by the corneum cell analysis department, the skin Evaluate the possibility of improving the moisture of
The skin condition evaluation device according to (1).
(3) The skin condition evaluation section:
By comparing the genetic tendency regarding skin texture obtained by analyzing rs185146 by the SNP analysis department with the ease of texture obtained by analyzing keratinocytes by the corneum cell analysis department, Evaluate the possibility of improving the texture of
The skin condition evaluation device according to (1) or (2).
(4) The skin condition evaluation section:
Compare the genetic tendency regarding the skin's resistance to ultraviolet rays obtained by analyzing rs1834640 by the SNP analysis department and the amount of potential spots obtained by analyzing corneocytes by the corneum cell analysis department. Evaluate the possibility of improving the effects of ultraviolet rays on the skin by
The skin condition evaluation device according to any one of (1) to (3).
(5) Difference between the first score indicating the current skin condition obtained from the analysis results of the corneocytes and the second score indicating the genetic tendency of skin quality obtained from the SNP analysis results. The larger the value (second score - first score), the higher the possibility of improving the skin condition.
The skin condition evaluation device according to any one of (1) to (4).
(6) The skin condition evaluation section:
If the difference values are equal, the lower first score is evaluated as having a higher possibility of improving the skin condition.
The skin condition evaluation device according to (5).
(7) Based on the evaluation results obtained by the skin condition evaluation device according to any one of (1) to (6), giving advice on skin care to improve the skin condition;
Advice on how to improve your skin condition.
(8) Obtaining knowledge regarding the degree of improvement in the skin condition based on the change in the difference value depending on the time of analysis of the corneocytes in the skin condition evaluation unit;
The skin condition improvement advice method described in (7).
(9) a SNP analysis step of analyzing the SNP of each customer's genes;
A keratinocyte analysis step for analyzing keratinocytes for each customer;
Genetic skin quality trends for each customer obtained based on the SNP analysis results for each customer;
a skin condition evaluation step of evaluating the possibility of improving the skin condition of each customer by comparing the current skin condition of each customer obtained based on the analysis results of the corneocytes;
A skin condition evaluation program that runs on a computer.
(10) a SNP analysis step of analyzing the SNP of each customer's genes;
a skin analysis step that analyzes the skin of each customer;
By comparing the genetic tendency of skin quality of each customer obtained based on the SNP analysis results for each customer and the current skin condition of each customer obtained based on the analysis results of the epidermis, a skin condition evaluation step that evaluates the possibility of improving each customer's skin condition;
A skin condition evaluation method, including:
(11) When the possibility of improving the skin condition is the possibility of improving the moisture of the skin, the SNP is rs11103631, and the possibility of improving the skin condition is the possibility of improving the texture of the skin, The skin condition evaluation method according to (10), wherein the SNP is rs185146, and when the possibility of improving the skin condition is the possibility of improving the influence of ultraviolet rays, the SNP is rs1834640.

According to the present invention, the possibility of improving a skin condition can be accurately evaluated based on genetic skin type tendencies and the current skin condition. Furthermore, according to the present invention, appropriate advice for improving a skin condition can be provided by evaluating the possibility of improving the skin condition. Furthermore, the effect of the improvement advice can be obtained objectively.

1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a skin condition evaluation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a flow chart figure showing an example of the flow of processing of the skin condition evaluation device in this embodiment. It is a flow chart figure showing an example of the flow of skin condition evaluation processing in this embodiment. An example of a combination of SNPs associated with genetic skin tendency, used to evaluate skin conditions (moisture, texture, and the effects of ultraviolet rays), and corneum cell analysis using tape stripping methods that are associated with current skin conditions. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of skin moisture evaluation results obtained by skin condition evaluation processing according to the present embodiment and advice (proposals) based thereon. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of skin texture evaluation results corresponding to FIG. 5 and advice (proposal) based thereon. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an evaluation result of the effect of ultraviolet rays on the skin corresponding to FIG. 5 and advice (proposal) based on the evaluation result. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of skin condition evaluation processing according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As used herein, "SNP" is an abbreviation for single nucleotide polymorphism, and generally refers to a state where the base sequence of a gene differs at only one location and that location. In addition, polymorphism generally refers to two or more alleles that exist at a frequency of 1% or more in a population. The "SNP" used in the evaluation of the possibility of improving skin condition in the present invention is based on the SNP database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), which is a public database freely available to those skilled in the art. It is a SNP registered at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/SNP/) and can be identified by its reference number, rs number.

The above-mentioned "allele" refers to each type having mutually different bases that can occur at a certain SNP site. At a certain SNP site, there are three types of genetic types, which are combinations of opposing alleles; a combination of the same alleles is called a homozygous type, and a combination of different alleles is called a heterozygous type.

The genotypes analyzed in the present invention are combinations of opposing alleles at SNP1 (SNP at the 36th base of the base sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1) related to dry skin (amount of water evaporation) identified by rs11103631, and include three types: GG, AG, and AA. The genotypes analyzed in the present invention are combinations of opposing alleles at SNP2 (SNP at the 36th base of the base sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2) related to skin texture identified by rs185146, and include three types: CC, CT, and TT. The genotypes analyzed in the present invention are combinations of opposing alleles at SNP3 (SNP at the 36th base of the base sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3) related to skin resistance to ultraviolet rays identified by rs1834640, and include three types: GG, AG, and AA.

The base sequence including the above SNPs SNP1, SNP2, and SNP3 (the numbers in [ ] represent SNPs) is shown in Table 1 below.

In the present invention, the race of the customer (also referred to as the subject or user) is not particularly limited, but is preferably East Asian, and more preferably Japanese. Here, East Asian refers to a person who originates from Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, or Mongolia.

In the present invention, the DNA-containing sample used for SNP analysis is not particularly limited as long as it is a biological sample containing DNA collected from a subject. As the DNA-containing sample, for example, any body fluid, secretion, tissue, cell, tissue or cell culture, etc. from which genomic DNA can be collected can be used, and specifically, the subject's saliva, blood, Examples include urine, sputum, throat swab, nasal cavity swab, oral (inner cheek) mucosal swab, lacrimal gland secretion, sweat, hair, nails, skin, mucous membrane, etc., but from the viewpoint of ease and minimal invasiveness, Saliva is preferred. The sample can be collected according to a method used in general clinical testing, and prepared using known extraction methods and purification methods. At that time, a commercially available genomic DNA extraction kit can be used.

The method for determining the type of SNP (SNP typing) is not particularly limited, and for example, a method in which allele-specific primers (and probes) are used, amplification is performed by a PCR method, etc., and polymorphism in the amplified product is detected by fluorescence or luminescence. It can be carried out by a known method such as. For example, PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) method, PCR-SSCP (single-strand conformation polymorphism) method, PCR-SSO (sequence specific oligonucleotide method, direct sequencing method, ASO (Allele Specific Oligonucleotide) method Hybridization method, ASP-PCR (Allele Specific Primer-PCR) method, Snapshot method, ARMS (Amplification Refraction Mutation System) method, TaqMan PCR method, Invader method, MALD I-TOF/MS method, RNase A cleavage method, DOL (Dye- Examples include labeled oligonucleotide ligation) method, TDI (Template-directed Dye-terminator Corporation), and the like. All of the above methods are well known to those skilled in the art, and reagents and kits for determining SNP types are also commercially available; for example, TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays (manufactured by Thermo Fisher Scientific) can be used. Can be done.

As used herein, "possibility of improving skin condition" refers to the possibility of improving the current skin condition to a genetically attainable skin condition.

Below, a detailed description of a technique for evaluating the possibility of improving skin conditions according to one embodiment of the present invention will be given with reference to the drawings.

1. First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a skin condition evaluation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the skin condition evaluation device according to the present embodiment includes a skin condition evaluation device 1 that performs calculations for evaluating the skin condition, a customer information DB 11 that stores customer information related to the skin condition. has. The skin condition evaluation device 1 includes an SNP analysis section 1-1 that performs genetic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, a keratinocyte analysis section 1-2 that performs keratinocyte analysis, and a skin condition evaluation section that evaluates skin conditions. Section 1-3 (Moisture evaluation section 1-3-1 that evaluates the moisture of the skin, texture evaluation section 1-3-2 that evaluates the texture of the skin, and ultraviolet ray influence evaluation section that evaluates the effect of ultraviolet rays on the skin) 1-3-3). Furthermore, the skin condition evaluation device 1 may be associated with a gene analysis device 3 and an input device/image analysis device 5. The input device inputs the analysis results of corneocytes. The analysis result may be a visual observation result or an automatic analysis result by an image analysis device.

(Explanation about each data group of customer information DB11)
The customer information DB 11 includes an SNP data storage unit 11-1 that stores SNP data for each customer (ID), a keratinocyte data storage unit 11-2 that stores keratinocyte data for each customer (ID), and a keratinocyte data storage unit 11-2 that stores SNP data for each customer (ID). ), a moisture evaluation data storage section 11-3 that stores moisture evaluation data for each customer (ID), a texture evaluation data storage section 11-4 that stores texture evaluation data for each customer (ID), and an ultraviolet ray effect for each customer (ID). An ultraviolet ray impact evaluation data storage unit 11-5 that stores evaluation data, a proposal storage unit 11-6 that stores proposals for improving skin conditions to customers, and a proposal storage unit 11-6 that stores proposals for improving skin conditions to customers. and a questionnaire data storage section 11-7 for storing questionnaire data (questionnaire results) on skin quality, lifestyle habits, etc. related to the skin quality and lifestyle habits.

The SNP data storage unit 11-1 stores types (GG, AG, AA) of SNP1 (rs11103631) related to skin dryness (amount of water evaporation) and types (CC, CT) of SNP2 (rs185146) related to skin texture. , TT) and the types (GG, AG, AA) of SNP3 (rs1834640) related to the skin's resistance to ultraviolet rays. These data are obtained from samples obtained by collecting body fluids such as saliva and blood, hair, etc. from customers, for example.

The types of SNP1 (rs11103631) related to skin dryness (water transpiration) are as follows.
GG: A type that evaporates less water, retains moisture easily, and prevents skin from drying out. In this case, the genetic skin quality propensity score is set to 3.
AG: A type that evaporates a little more water, retains moisture a little more easily, and tends to dry out the skin a little more easily. In this case, the genetic skin quality propensity score is set to 2.
AA: A type that evaporates a lot of water, making it difficult to retain moisture and causing the skin to dry easily. In this case, the genetic skin type propensity score is set to 1.

The types of SNP2 (rs185146) related to skin texture are as follows.
CC: A type with fine texture, and the texture tends to be clear. In this case, the genetic skin quality propensity score is set to 3.
CT: A type with a slightly large texture, and the texture tends to be somewhat unclear. In this case, the genetic skin quality propensity score is set to 2.
TT: A type with large texture, which tends to make the texture unclear. In this case, the genetic skin type propensity score is set to 1.

The types of SNP3 (rs1834640) associated with skin resistance to UV rays are as follows:
GG: A type with low brightness, a large amount of melanin, which absorbs ultraviolet rays and has strong resistance to ultraviolet rays. In this case, the genetic skin type tendency score is set to 3.
AG: A type with slightly high brightness, a slightly low amount of melanin, and a slightly low resistance to ultraviolet rays because the amount of ultraviolet rays absorbed by melanin is small. In this case, the genetic skin type tendency score is set to 2.
AA: A type with high lightness, low melanin content, and low UV absorption by melanin, resulting in low resistance to UV rays. In this case, the genetic skin type tendency score is set to 1.

The corneum cell data 11-2 is obtained, for example, by analyzing the customer's corneum cells collected using a tape stripping method or various solvents.

(Description of skin condition evaluation device 1)
The SNP analysis unit 1-1 analyzes gene SNPs for each customer.
The keratinocyte analysis unit 1-2 analyzes keratinocytes for each customer.
The skin condition evaluation section 1-3 is composed of a moisture evaluation section 1-3-1, a texture evaluation section 1-3-2, and an ultraviolet ray influence evaluation section 1-3-3, and the SNP analysis section 1-3 for each customer. The genetic tendency of each customer's skin quality obtained based on the SNP analysis results by 1 and the current skin condition of each customer obtained based on the keratin cell analysis results by the keratin cell analysis section 1-2. Based on the comparison, the potential for improvement of each customer's skin condition is evaluated.

Of the skin condition evaluation section 1-3, the moisture evaluation section 1-3-1 analyzes the genetic tendency regarding skin dryness (water transpiration) obtained by the SNP analysis section 1-1 analyzing rs11103631, and The keratinocyte analysis department analyzes the keratinocytes and compares them with the moisture-retaining power obtained, thereby evaluating the possibility of improving skin moisture.

Of the skin condition evaluation unit 1-3, the texture evaluation unit 1-3-2 evaluates the possibility of improving skin texture by comparing the genetic tendency regarding skin texture obtained by the SNP analysis unit 1-1 analyzing rs185146 with the ease of skin texture obtained by the keratinocyte analysis unit analyzing keratinocytes.

Of the skin condition evaluation section 1-3, the UV impact evaluation section 1-3-3 compares the genetic tendency for UV resistance of the skin obtained by the SNP analysis section 1-1 analyzing rs1834640 with the amount of potential spots obtained by the keratinocyte analysis section analyzing the keratinocytes, thereby evaluating the possibility of improving the effects of UV rays on the skin.

The skin condition evaluation unit 1-3 calculates the difference value (second score - first score) between the first score indicating the current skin condition and the second score indicating the genetic tendency of skin quality. Based on this, it is evaluated that the larger the difference value, the higher the possibility of improving the skin condition. Thereby, the possibility of improvement of the current skin condition can be obtained as an easy-to-understand difference value. When the difference values are equal, the skin condition evaluation unit preferably evaluates the lower first score as having a higher possibility of improving the skin condition. Thereby, even if the difference values are the same, it is possible to determine the degree of possibility of improving the skin condition. Note that a difference value or score may be stored for each customer ID.

A more detailed evaluation process and the proposals based on it are described below.
The following Table 2 is an example of the customer information DB 11.

As shown in Table 2, the customer information DB 11 includes, for example, SNP data showing the types of SNP1, SNP2, and SNP3 for each customer ID that identifies the customer, and keratinocyte data (moisture, texture, stain potential). (analysis results), arbitrary questionnaire data, customer proposals (not shown), etc. are stored according to the following process.

Figure 2 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing of the skin condition evaluation device according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, processing begins (Start), and in step S1, a customer ID is acquired (if the customer is new, a number is assigned). Next, in step S2, the SNP analysis unit 1-1 performs SNP analysis of the DNA collected from the customer. If the customer is new, a new analysis must be performed. As a result of the SNP analysis, in step S3, the SNP data (SNP type) of the customer is acquired. In the case of an existing customer, this can be acquired from the SNP data storage unit 11-1.

In step S4, the keratinocyte analysis unit 1-2 analyzes the keratinocytes collected from the customer, and in step S5, keratinocyte data (power to retain moisture, ease of texture, amount of potential stains) get. Since it is preferable to use current data as the corneum cell data, corneum cell data collected by the tape stripping method is used. At this time, by storing the acquired date and time in the corneum cell data storage unit 11-2, it is possible to check changes in the corneum cell data over time.

Figure 4 shows an example of a combination of SNPs associated with genetic skin type tendencies and keratinocyte analysis using the tape stripping method associated with current skin condition, used to evaluate moisture, texture, and the effects of UV rays.

(1) Moisture evaluation (see Figure 4(a))
In step S6, the evaluation type is determined. If the evaluation type is "moisture", the moisture evaluation section 1-3-1 performs a moisture evaluation in step S7. For example, as shown in FIG. 4(a), a moisture evaluation is performed based on the customer's SNP1 (rs11103631) type and the moisture retaining ability obtained from the corneum cell analysis (step S8). For example, this evaluation is performed in three stages. Note that, as described above, the evaluation may be performed based on comparison with a standard image by image analysis using the image analysis device 5, etc., instead of visual observation. Other evaluation methods are not limited. The same applies to the following evaluations.

Moisture retention can be analyzed, for example, by staining keratinocytes collected by tape stripping with eosin and measuring the degree of layered peeling. When keratinocytes are peeled off in layers during tape stripping, this is called layered peeling. Skin with a lot of layered peeling has poor barrier function and is often accompanied by dryness and rough skin. Therefore, the degree of layered peeling correlates with the customer's current skin's ability to retain moisture.

Specifically, a score from 1 to 3 is given depending on the degree of multilayer exfoliation in which the stratum corneum overlaps and peels off. The score is given as D (%), which is the area ratio of the delamination region in the entire field of view at 100x magnification (observation with a biological microscope), and if D<1.5, the score is 3, and 1.5≦D< In the case of 4, the score is set to 2, and in the case of 4≦D, the score is set to 1.

(2) Texture evaluation (see FIG. 4(b))
If the evaluation type in step S6 is "skin texture", the skin texture evaluation unit 1-3-2 performs skin texture evaluation in step S10. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, skin texture evaluation is performed based on the SNP2 (rs185146) of the customer and the degree of skin texture obtained from the analysis of keratinocytes (step S11).

The ease of texture can be analyzed, for example, by Papanicolaou staining of corneocytes collected by tape stripping and the color of the stained corneocytes. In cytoplasm staining by Papanicolaou staining, the size of the dye molecule and the density of the internal structure of the cytoplasm are largely responsible for the permeability of the dye. Orange G (mw452.372), a small dye molecule, penetrates and stains differentiated corneocytes with a high internal structure density. On the other hand, light green (mw792.863), which has a large molecule, penetrates and stains corneocytes with a low internal structure density and a low differentiation level. Furthermore, it is generally known that normal differentiation of keratinocytes is important for the metabolism (turnover) of epidermal tissue, and that metabolism influences skin texture (see Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-409587). Therefore, the color of corneocytes determined by Papanicolaou staining (which varies depending on the level of differentiation) correlates with the customer's current level of texture.

Specifically, a score from 1 to 3 is given depending on the color of the stained corneocytes. The score is calculated based on the area of the orange area in the field of view at 100x magnification (observation using a biological microscope), where the hues of pixels in the Munsell color system, which are corneocytes, are from 1R to 4Y as the orange area, and from 5Y to 10BG as the green area. When ratio A (%) is area of orange area ÷ (area of orange area + area of green area) x 100, if 70<A, score is 3, if 54<A≦70, score is 2, A≦ If it is 54, the score is 1.

(3) Evaluation of the influence of ultraviolet rays (see Figure 4(c))
If the evaluation type in step S6 is "ultraviolet ray influence", the ultraviolet ray influence evaluation unit 1-3-3 performs ultraviolet ray influence evaluation in step S13. For example, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the influence of ultraviolet rays is evaluated based on a comparison between the customer's SNP3 (rs1834640) and the amount of potential stains obtained by the tape stripping method (step S14).

The amount of potential stains can be analyzed, for example, by staining corneocytes collected by tape stripping with Fontana-Masson staining and measuring the local bias in melanin distribution. Partial imbalance in melanin distribution in corneocytes causes age spots. Therefore, the partial deviation of the melanin distribution in the corneocytes correlates with the amount of the customer's current potential for dark spots.

Specifically, a score from 1 to 3 is given based on the standard deviation of the area ratio (%) of melanin grains to the area of stained corneocytes. The score is calculated by calculating the area ratio (%) of melanin grains in the cell area of each cell in the field of view at a magnification of 1000 times (observation with a biological microscope), and when the standard deviation of the area ratio is M (%), If M<3.5, the score is 3; if 3.5≦M<5, the score is 2; and if 5≦M, the score is 1.

Then, based on the comparison results in steps S8, S11, and S14, in steps S9, S12, and S15, suggestions (advice) regarding improvement of the skin condition of each customer for each item can be made.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the evaluation results regarding skin moisture obtained through the evaluation process and advice (proposals) based thereon. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processing at this time.

In FIG. 5, each item will be explained in order from the left to the right.
The first column in FIG. 5 is D1: current skin condition score (power to retain moisture), and the higher the ability to retain moisture, the higher the score (from 1 to 3 points).
The second column in FIG. 5 is D2: Genetic skin quality propensity score (skin dryness), and the higher the genetic factor that makes skin less prone to dryness, the higher the score (from 1 to 3 points).
The third column in FIG. 5 is the difference value (D2-D1) between D1 and D2 (step S16 in FIG. 3).
The fourth column in FIG. 5 shows the evaluation result of the necessity of urgent maintenance review. That is, the improvement possibility is evaluated in descending order of the difference value D2-D1 (step S18 in FIG. 3).

If the difference values D2-D1 are the same value (Yes in step S17 of FIG. 3), the value is a value that gives priority to the current skin condition (step S19 of FIG. 3).

The D3: Urgent need for maintenance review score obtained in this manner, without duplication, is shown in the fourth column of FIG.

The fifth column in FIG. 5 shows an example of comments and care advice (proposals). In the example below, even if the current skin condition score regarding moisture is the same 3 points, different directions of comments and care advice can be shown as follows.
Comment 1-1: My skin is genetically not prone to dryness, and my current skin condition has a high ability to retain moisture. There is little need for immediate maintenance review.
Comments 1-3: My skin is genetically prone to dryness, but my current skin condition has a high ability to retain moisture. There is very little need for immediate maintenance review.
However, since it has the potential risk of making your skin more susceptible to dryness, it is necessary to introduce preventive care in preparation for future skin problems.

These comments are typical examples of comments that advisors present to clients, and are created based on the difference (D2-D1) between the genetic skin type tendency score (D2) and the current skin condition score (D1), with the current skin condition score taking priority.

The following items are optional.
The sixth column in FIG. 5 describes whether there is a risk of genetic skin trouble based on the score in the second column in FIG.
The seventh column in FIG. 5 shows the current skin condition based on the score in the first column in FIG.
The 8th column in FIG. 5 indicates the degree of need for immediate care, and is based on the score in the 4th column in FIG.
The ninth column in FIG. 5 indicates the degree of necessity for introducing preventive care with an eye to the future, and is based on the scores in the second column in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the evaluation results regarding skin texture and advice (proposal) based on the results of the evaluation process. Since the basic idea is the same as that in FIG. 5, redundant explanation will be omitted.

The fifth column in FIG. 6 shows an example of comments and care advice (proposals). In the example below, even if the current skin condition scores regarding texture are the same two points, different directions of comments and care advice can be shown as follows.

Comment 2-4: Although my skin type is genetically prone to clear texture, my current skin condition is that the texture is a little uneven. Changing to an appropriate skin care method can improve skin quality, so there is a strong need to review your skin care routine as soon as possible.
Comment 2-6: My skin type is genetically prone to unclear texture, and my current skin condition is that the texture is a little uneven. There is little need for immediate maintenance review.
However, it is necessary to introduce preventive care to prevent future skin problems from worsening.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the evaluation result regarding the influence of ultraviolet rays and advice (proposal) based on the evaluation result based on the evaluation process. Since the basic idea is the same as that in FIG. 5, redundant explanation will be omitted.

The fifth column in Fig. 7 shows an example of a comment and a care advice (proposal). In the example below, even if the genetic skin type tendency score regarding the resistance of the skin to ultraviolet rays is the same 3 points, different comments and care advice directions can be shown as follows.
Comment 3-1: You have a genetically strong resistance to UV rays, and your skin condition is such that there are few spots at risk. There is little need to immediately reconsider your skin care routine.
Comment 3-7: Although I have a genetically strong resistance to UV rays, my current skin condition is such that I have a lot of skin spots at risk. By changing to an appropriate skin care method, I can expect a significant improvement in my skin quality, so there is a strong need to immediately review my skin care method.

As explained above, based on SNP data and keratinocyte analysis results, each item related to skin condition such as moisture, texture, and the influence of ultraviolet rays is evaluated as ``D1: Current skin condition score'' and ``D2: Genetic condition score''. The possibility of improving the skin condition is evaluated using the difference value (D2-D1) of the ``propensity score of skin type'' as an index, and the possibility of improvement of the skin condition is evaluated based on the ``D3: Need for urgent care review score''. Can give advice about sex. It can be evaluated that the larger the difference value, the higher the possibility of improving the skin condition.

If the difference values are equal, the skin condition evaluation unit 1-3 gives priority to the one with the lower “D1: Current skin condition score” so that the “D3: Need for urgent care review score” becomes higher. Alternatively, it may be set such that "D2: Genetic skin quality tendency score" is given priority and "D3: Immediate care review necessity score" is high.

As described above, according to this embodiment, even if the "current skin condition score" is the same (e.g., 2 points), by analyzing the "genetic skin type tendency score" in addition, a more objective and accurate evaluation of the possibility of improving the subject's skin condition and advice for improving the skin condition can be provided.

2. Second Embodiment According to the second embodiment of the present invention, advice for improving the skin condition can be given based on the evaluation result of the possibility of improving the skin condition. In that case, "comments and advice" are provided according to "D3: score of necessity of urgent care review".

The item with the highest "D3: Need for urgent care review score" can be noted as an important point. Important points are points that require improvement that are problematic for the customer, and can guide the skin care that should be prioritized (which care should be given priority among the items of moisture, texture, and the effects of ultraviolet rays). On the other hand, the item with the lowest "D3: Need for urgent care review score" can be noted as a good point. Good points are points that are highly evaluated by customers, and can be used to emphasize the results of care to customers. These characteristic points are points of interest to customers, and therefore can be effectively used in providing cosmetics and beauty services.

For example, an example of advice when the "D3: Urgent care review necessity score" is the following score is shown below.

(Example 1)
Moisture: 1 point Texture: 3 points Effect of ultraviolet rays: 9 points In this case, the "evaluation result regarding the influence of ultraviolet rays" is the important point, and the "evaluation result regarding moisture" is the good point.

“Evaluation results regarding moisture” (good points)
Although my skin is genetically prone to dryness, my current skin condition has a high ability to retain moisture. There is very little need for immediate maintenance review.
However, since it has the potential risk of making your skin more susceptible to dryness, it is necessary to introduce preventive care in preparation for future skin problems.

"Evaluation results for texture"
You are genetically prone to having unclear skin texture, and your current skin condition is somewhat rough. There is little need to immediately review your skin care routine.
However, it is necessary to introduce preventive care to prevent skin problems from worsening in the future.

“Evaluation results regarding the effects of ultraviolet rays” (important points)
I have a genetically strong type of skin that is highly resistant to UV rays, but my current skin condition is prone to blemishes. Changing to an appropriate skin care method can significantly improve skin quality, so there is a strong need to review your skin care routine as soon as possible.

Furthermore, if the scores for "D3: Need for urgent skincare review" are the same for some or all of the items (moisture, texture, or effects of UV rays), the important points may be determined based on the survey data or methods other than the survey.

<Example of questionnaire data>
Question: What worries you the most?
Choices: (a1) wrinkles/sagging, (a2) spots/freckles, (a3) acne/pimples, (a4) roughness/dryness/rough skin, (a5) pores, (a6) dullness, (a7) lack of transparency. , (a8) Dark circles under the eyes, (a9) No worries.

For example, referring to the above question,
People who choose (a1) wrinkles and sagging or (a2) spots and freckles consider the effects of ultraviolet rays an important point, and people who choose (a4) roughness, dryness, and rough skin consider moisture an important point. do. For people other than those listed above, texture may be set as an important item.
In this way, important points may be determined by referring to items that customers are concerned about.

<Methods other than questionnaires>
As a method other than the questionnaire, important items may be set by taking into consideration the season in which the evaluation was performed.
For example, if the season in which the evaluation is conducted is autumn or winter, moisture may be an important point; if it is spring, skin texture may be an important point; and if it is summer, the effects of ultraviolet rays may be an important point. In this way, important points may be set based on the most important item for each season.

3. Third Embodiment According to the third embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain knowledge of the degree of improvement in the skin condition based on the change in the difference value depending on the time of the corneum cell analysis in the skin condition evaluation section. can. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of making a proposal to a customer based on the temporal difference in corneocyte analysis according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the process is started (Start), first, a customer ID is input to the skin condition evaluation device 1 from the input device 5 (step S21).
Then, the customer information DB 11 shown in Table 2 is searched to see if the relevant customer ID exists, and if the relevant user ID is not found in the data shown in Table 2, new data is stored, but if the relevant user ID exists, the relevant customer ID is stored. The SNP data 11-1 of the customer ID and the first corneocyte data 11-2 are acquired (step S22).

Next, in step S23, the keratinocyte analysis unit 1-2 analyzes keratinocytes whose acquisition time is newer than the previous first keratinocyte data 11-2 (old), and obtains the second keratinocyte data 11-2 (old). new).

Next, in step S24, based on the second corneum cell data 11-2, which is acquired at a newer time than the first corneum cell data 11-2 (old), new data is acquired as described in the first embodiment. A difference value (D2-D1: see FIGS. 5 to 7) is obtained.

For example, by comparing "D3: Need for urgent care review score" based on this new difference value with the previous "D3: Need for urgent care review score," It is possible to obtain the degree of improvement from advice and suggestions (step S26→end).

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the degree of improvement in the skin condition over time based on advice and suggestions based on the evaluation results obtained using the skin condition evaluation device of the present invention.
Therefore, based on the degree of improvement, it is possible to obtain knowledge regarding whether the previous advice or proposal was appropriate. Also, based on this knowledge, it is possible to give advice or suggestions that are similar to or different from the previous one. Furthermore, by repeating such evaluations and providing new advice and suggestions, it is possible to approach the skin condition that is genetically achievable over time.

4. Fourth Embodiment The fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a SNP analysis step for analyzing the SNP of a gene for each customer, an epidermal analysis step for analyzing the epidermis for each customer, and a step for analyzing the SNP for each customer. Improve the skin condition of each customer by comparing the genetic skin quality trends of each customer obtained based on the analysis results with the current skin condition of each customer obtained based on the above-mentioned epidermal analysis results. A skin condition evaluation method includes a skin condition evaluation step of evaluating possibility.

In this embodiment, for example, when evaluating the possibility of improving skin moisture, the genotype of rs11103631 is analyzed, and when the possibility of improving skin texture is evaluated, the genotype of rs185146 is analyzed and If it is possible to improve the influence of rs1834640, it is preferable to analyze rs1834640.

In this embodiment, the method for analyzing the epidermis may be adopted as appropriate depending on the evaluation item, and is not limited to, for example, analysis of corneocytes collected by tape stripping, analysis of replicas collected from the skin surface, etc. , analysis of enlarged photos of the skin surface using a microscope, etc., analysis of the amount of moisture on the skin surface using a moisture meter, analysis of the amount of sebum on the skin surface using a sebum meter, analysis of skin color on the skin surface using a spectrophotometer, etc. can be mentioned. Among these, analysis of corneocytes is preferable because corneocytes can be easily collected by customers themselves by tape stripping or the like without using special equipment, and transported by mail or the like.

The processing and control of the present invention includes software processing by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and an FPGA (FIG. This can be realized by hardware processing using ld Programmable Gate Array). .

Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the configurations shown in the drawings are not limited to these, and can be changed as appropriate within the scope of achieving the effects of the present invention. Other changes can be made as appropriate without departing from the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, each component of the present invention can be selected at will, and inventions that incorporate selected configurations are also included in the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used in the field of cosmetics sales and beauty services to evaluate the possibility of improving a customer's skin condition at a store or on a network.

1 Skin condition evaluation device 1-1 SNP analysis section 1-2 Corneocyte analysis section 1-3 Skin condition evaluation section 1-3-1 Moisture evaluation section 1-3-2 Texture evaluation section 1-3-3 Ultraviolet ray influence evaluation Part 3 Gene analysis device 5 Input device/image analysis device 11 Customer information DB
11-1 SNP data storage section 11-2 Corneocyte data storage section 11-3 Moisture evaluation data storage section 11-4 Texture evaluation data storage section 11-5 Ultraviolet ray influence evaluation data storage section 11-6 Proposal storage section 11- 7 Questionnaire data storage section

Claims (4)

an SNP analysis unit that analyzes rs11103631 associated with dry skin, rs185146 associated with skin texture, and rs1834640 associated with skin resistance to ultraviolet light, for each customer's genes;
A keratinocyte analysis department that analyzes each customer's keratinocytes ' ability to retain moisture, their ability to improve skin texture, and the amount of spots that may develop ;
a skin condition evaluation unit that evaluates the possibility of improving the skin moisture, skin texture, and the effect of ultraviolet rays on the skin for each customer by comparing the genetic tendency of the skin dryness, skin texture, and resistance to ultraviolet rays for each customer obtained based on the SNP analysis result with the current skin moisture retention ability, ease of skin texture improvement, and amount of potential spots for each customer obtained based on the keratinocyte analysis result;
A skin condition evaluation device having the following features. The first score, which indicates the current ability to maintain moisture in the skin, the ease with which the skin is conditioned, and the amount of potential spots obtained from the analysis results of the keratinocytes , and the genetic score obtained from the analysis results of the SNPs. The larger the difference value (second score - first score) with the second score, which indicates trends in skin dryness, skin texture, and skin resistance to ultraviolet rays, the more moisturized the skin is Evaluated as having a high possibility of improving texture and the effects of ultraviolet rays on the skin .
The skin condition evaluation device according to claim 1 . an SNP analysis step of analyzing rs11103631 associated with skin dryness, rs185146 associated with skin texture, and rs1834640 associated with skin resistance to ultraviolet rays in genes for each customer;
A keratin cell analysis step that analyzes the ability of each customer's keratin cells to maintain skin moisture, ease of smoothing the skin, and amount of potential spots ;
Genetic trends in skin dryness, skin texture, and skin resistance to ultraviolet rays for each customer obtained based on the above SNP analysis results, and each customer obtained based on the above keratinocyte analysis results. By comparing the current ability of skin to retain moisture, ease of smoothing the skin texture, and amount of potential spots , it is possible to improve each customer's skin moisture, skin texture, and the effects of ultraviolet rays on the skin. a skin condition evaluation step for evaluating the
A skin condition evaluation program that runs on a computer. A skin condition evaluation method in which a computer executes processing for evaluating the skin condition, the processing comprising:
an SNP analysis step of analyzing rs11103631 associated with skin dryness, rs185146 associated with skin texture, and rs1834640 associated with skin resistance to ultraviolet rays in genes for each customer;
an epidermal analysis step that analyzes the ability of each customer's epidermis to retain skin moisture, ease of smoothing the skin, and amount of potential for stains ;
Genetic trends in skin dryness, skin texture, and skin resistance to ultraviolet rays for each customer obtained based on the SNP analysis results, and each customer's genetic tendency for skin dryness, skin texture, and resistance to ultraviolet rays obtained based on the analysis results of the epidermis. By comparing the current ability of the skin to retain moisture, the ease with which the texture is adjusted, and the amount of potential spots , we can assess the possibility of improving the moisture, skin texture, and effects of ultraviolet rays on the skin for each customer. A skin condition evaluation step to be evaluated;
A skin condition evaluation method, including:

Images