TWI466645B - Skin treatment method and system - Google Patents

Description

Skin treatment method and system

The present invention relates to a skin treatment method and system.

With the advancement of nutrition and medical care, the average life expectancy of American and world citizens has increased significantly. As a result, most of these populations are affected by aging effects, including increasing skin health problems. Although rarely life-threatening, skin health problems can be uncomfortable and can cause chronic illness. In addition, because the skin is so easy to see, skin health problems and cosmetic skin symptoms can put psychological stress on patients with these problems. These factors have driven people to seek better solutions for health and skin care.

A number of techniques have been proposed to provide cosmetic and/or skin rejuvenation benefits. One of the many popular techniques: professional microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure in which a device pulls up the skin via suction and impacts the skin with abrasive particles to achieve a peeling effect. However, professional microdermabrasion devices are quite cumbersome because they occupy a large space and require a high power input and must be inserted into an AC output during operation. Furthermore, patients must visit professional skin care professionals on a regular basis and receive treatment at the specialist's location. Therefore, a household micro-microdermabrasion system incorporating a motorized device and a grinding system is now commercially available.

The inventors have recognized that although the home micro-skinning system is commercially available, these systems, while effective, may not be perfect for a number of reasons. Systems on the market typically employ an abrasive cream that can be quite expensive and requires a little effort to wash away from the skin. Other systems may use a surface for contacting the skin, which is an integral part of a unit or module that requires periodic replacement. This module can often be costly and therefore expensive to replace. Other systems employ a skin contacting surface that can be attached to a device via a tear-off adhesive. Unfortunately, such adhesives are susceptible to failure during use, i.e., the adhesive may lose its grip due to water that is typically present on the skin or used with the device during the course of treatment. Still other systems have attempted to simply provide a powered platform to use a commercially available skin cleansing pad without providing significant abrasive action to the skin. Accordingly, it may be desirable to couple the microdermabrasion tool to a medium such as a carrier or pad to provide a comfortable, effective and cost effective skin treatment, particularly to couple the microdermabrasion tool to a mechanical action The medium that the device transfers to the surface of the skin. Accordingly, there is a need for systems, articles and methods and compositions that overcome one or more of the above disadvantages.

In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention are directed to an article that can be used in a mechanical skin surface finishing technique. In a first embodiment, the article is adapted to transfer mechanical energy from a handheld device to the skin in contact with the article, wherein the article has a Durable A brasiveness of from 2 to 14.

In another embodiment, the article is adapted to transfer mechanical energy from a handheld device to the skin in contact with the article, and the article has a durable abrasiveness greater than one but less than about 14, and has from about 7% to about About 18% compressibility.

In another embodiment, the article is adapted to transfer mechanical energy from a handheld device to the skin in contact with the article, and the article has a durable abrasiveness greater than one but less than about 14, and has a ratio from about 0.15 mm to about A displacement of about 2 mm.

In another embodiment, the article is adapted to transfer mechanical energy from a handheld device to the skin in contact with the article, and the article has a shape from about 0.15 mm to about 2 mm, preferably from about 0.25 mm to about 1 Mm, more preferably from about 0.25 mm to about 0.8 mm, most preferably from about 0.25 mm to about 0.5 mm; and the article has a range from about 200 microns to about 3000 microns, preferably from about 300 microns to about 2000. Micron, more preferably from about 350 microns to about 1500 microns, more preferably from about 400 microns to about 1200 microns.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of treating a skin region includes applying mechanical energy to a skin region via a device, the device comprising (1) a motor and (2) a text recited in the section of the invention. An element that can contact the skin; and the skin area is touched by the contactable skin element.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a skin-contactable component comprising a fibrous structure and a polishing system coupled to the structure. The grinding system can be chemically bonded (including bonded) to the fibers.

In another embodiment, a disposable skin treatment component is comprised of a fibrous structure having a first major surface having an associated viscous system and a first surface substantially opposite the first major surface Two main surfaces. The second major surface is aligned and constructed to reversibly engage a tie member of a motion generating unit.

In another embodiment, a skin contactable member can be constructed from a web having a plurality of discrete abrasive units bound to the fibers, wherein the discontinuous polishing units comprise a plurality greater than -20 ° C. A glass transition temperature polymer wherein portions of the fibers form a skin contactable surface with portions of the discontinuous grinding units.

In another embodiment, a system for mechanical skin surface finishing techniques includes a device having a surface engageable to the loop for reversibly engaging a skin-contactable fiber member with a motion generation The unit is coupled. The engageable loop surface can include a plurality of protrusions for engaging the contactable skin fiber component.

In still another embodiment, a coupling device for coupling a motorized device to a disposable contactable skin element includes a waterproof first joint and a means for releasably securing the article to the motion generation a second joint on the surface of the unit. The first joint can be used to releasably attach the contactable skin element to the coupling, and the first and second joints have sufficient strength to maintain the contactable skin element when it is pushed against the skin Contact the location of the skin element relative to the surface of the device.

In an alternate embodiment, a system for mechanical skin surface finishing techniques includes a motion generating unit, a disposable skin contactable component; and an adapter including a removable skin fiber mat for release A waterproof first joint fixed to the adapter and a second joint for releasably securing the hand-held motorized device to the adapter.

A more particular description of the invention as outlined above may be made by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the invention is not to be construed as limited

Those skilled in the art can apply the present invention to the fullest extent in accordance with the teachings herein. The following specific examples are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the remainder of the specification in any way.

In the present specification and the scope of the patent application, the mechanical skin resurfacing technique and its system of mechanically assisted mammalian (especially human) skin cell removal, from mild technology ( For example, peeling and grinding clean) to microdermabrasion, and extremely intense technology such as leather grinding.

In this specification and the scope of the patent application, the term dermabration and its variants relate to a cosmetic defect that is particularly suitable for the treatment of deep defects such as acne scars, deep wrinkles and skin symptoms similar to rosacea. Non-thermal surface finishing technology. This procedure involves mechanical sanding of the upper layer of the skin and penetrates the skin deeper than the microdermabrasion. After dermabrasion, the worn-out skin is replaced by a new layer of skin during healing, resulting in a smoother appearance.

In the present specification and the scope of the patent application, the microdermabration and its variant system are more suitable for reducing fine lines and wrinkles and for the use of a very gentle and low-penetration form of the microdermabrasion. Other less severe skin symptoms. Microdermabrasion penetrates the skin to a lesser extent, mainly to the stratum corneum or parts of it.

In the present specification and the scope of the patent application, the exfoliation and its variant system are removed from the exfoliation of skin tissue cells.

In the present specification and the scope of the patent application, the term "cleansing" and its variants regarding the removal of dirt, grease and the like from the surface of the skin are carried out, in particular via surfactant cleaning, and may also penetrate Within the pores of the skin, some degree of peeling also occurs in the abrasive cleansing.

These mechanical skin treatments facilitate the delivery of the beneficial agent to skin tissue, such as the cleaning and delivery of acne treatment compositions or rejuvenation agents such as retinol.

In the present specification and claims, non-woven fabrics and their variants relate to natural and/or man-made fibers that have not been converted into yarns and are combined with each other in any of several ways. A sheet, mesh, or bat of monofilaments (excluding paper). Further categorized, nonwoven fabrics are distinguished from woven and knitted fabrics. The fibers contained in the nonwoven material can be staple fibers or continuous or formed in situ, and preferably at least about 50% of the fiber mass is provided by fibers having a length to diameter ratio greater than about 300:1.

The present invention is directed to systems, articles, compositions, and methods that can be used in mechanical skin surface finishing techniques using a hand-held motorized device. In various embodiments of the invention, such systems, articles and methods provide a unique combination of high reliability and convenience to the user and provide a very effective mechanical skin surface finishing technique.

Systems that can be used in mechanical skin surface finishing techniques in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can vary depending on the presence or absence of each component or subassembly; the size, shape and selection of materials, and the like. For a description of the various systems used to treat the skin and the various parts of such systems, the reader is referred to the co-pending published patent application US2005-0148907, filed on Dec. 24, 2003, entitled 〝TREATMENT OF SKIN USING A BENEFIT AGENT AND AN APPARATUS The contents of this patent application are incorporated herein by reference. Special attention should be paid to the following subsections: 〝SKIN TREATMENT SYSTEM〞, 〝MECHANICAL ENERGY DELIVERY SUB-ASSEMBLY〞, 〝ACTUATION OF SKIN-CONTACTABLE SURFACE〞, 〝CHEMICAL DELIVERY SUB-ASSEMBLY〞, 〝INDICATOR〞, 〝CONTROLLER〞 〝RECEIVING ELEMENT AND SENSING ELEMENT〞, 〝WAVEFORM CONTROL〞, 〝BENEFIT AGENTS〞, 〝DIAGNOSTIC SUB-SYSTEM〞, and 〝METHOD OF USE〞.

1 is a non-limiting example of a system 1 that can be used for mechanical skin surface conditioning in accordance with an embodiment of the invention described herein. The system 1 includes a motorized device 3 that is integrally shaped to be held by a user in one hand. The device 3 can have a variety of shapes and sizes, and a conspicuous shape includes a generally tubular or cylindrical body 5. The device 3 generally includes one or more surfaces 7 for removably attaching a skin-contactable element 9 thereto. The ability to removably attach to the article and its system of attachment, removal and reattachment without significantly impairing the strength of the bond. The contactable skin element 9 (e.g., a sponge, fibrous material or other material, or a combination of the above, including those mentioned herein below) includes a skin-contactable surface 11 for contacting the skin. The skin-contactable component 9 can be part of a module 15 that includes a skin-contactable component 9 and an optional carrier 13. The optional carrier 13 (eg, a hard plastic substrate) may help removably attach and detach the contactable skin element 9 (eg, via a snap, screw, friction fit, or other means) one of the devices 3 Or multiple surfaces 7. A user grasping the body 5 can activate a motor (not shown in FIG. 1) in the device 3, for example by priming a switch 17 on the body 5. The motor activated in this manner provides mechanical energy transfer to the attachable skin surface 11 with which it is attached and to a skin region 19 (shown in phantom in Figure 1) in contact with the surface. The mechanical energy can be in various forms (e.g., vibration, rotation, reciprocating motion, and the like) transmitted through various components such as an eccentric weight, a reciprocating shaft, a rotating disk, and other members. The body 5 is integrally shaped to facilitate easy grasping by the user such that the device 3 is oriented such that the contactable skin surface 11 with which it is attached can contact the user's skin.

In order to allow mechanical energy to be easily, predictably and comfortably transferred from the device 3 through the skin-contactable element to the skin and to allow the mat to conform to numerous skin surfaces, including curved or horny skin surfaces, the inventors have confirmed that the skin-contactable element One or more of some traits are urgently needed. Therefore, the skin can be subjected to an amazing grinding treatment by the pressure closely controlled by the device 3, thereby providing benefits such as cell proliferation, microdermabrasion, cleansing, and the like without causing harm to the skin or from the skin. Wash off the problem of scattered abrasives. Moreover, with the contactable skin elements of the present invention, undesirable microbial growth within the elements is limited.

The inventors have surprisingly found that one or more of the above-mentioned desirable attributes can be achieved by utilizing a moderately abrasive, skin-contactable skin element having a suitable abrasiveness which is abrasive according to the 〝 test method described in the following section. Sex test 〞 determines the durability of the abrasive 〞 or the ordinary abrasive (Plain Abrasiveness) 〞. In addition, if the skin-contactable element is selected based on its abrasiveness and based on one or more characteristics of the cushion under compressive load (specifically, compressibility and displacement), the previously mentioned benefits will be obtained. Further enhancement. These qualities are related to the ability of the skin-contactable component to transfer mechanical energy from the device 3 to a skin-contactable surface to mechanically condition the surface of the skin in a humid or humid environment.

In one embodiment, the skin-contactable element has a durable abrasiveness of from 2 to 14, preferably from about 2.5 to about 12, more preferably from about 3 to about 10, still more preferably from about 4 to about 9.

The present inventors have also found that a polishing pad having moderate abrasiveness can be selected based on its general abrasiveness. In one embodiment, the skin contactable element has a general abrasiveness of from 1 to about 5, preferably from 1 to about 2.

The present invention has also surprisingly found that when the skin-contactable element also has the attendant qualities associated with its behavior under an external compressive load, it has a moderately abrasive contactable skin element (especially meeting the fixed abrasive properties listed above). Standard components) will perform better when used with a machine tool. In particular, the contactable skin element provides some amount of displacement under an external load but is not excessively displaced.

The amount of displacement that is substantially reversibly deformable due to an external compressive force and compressibility is an incidental feature that can be used to recognize the characteristics of the skin-contactable component. These traits can be measured in accordance with the compressibility and displacement measurements described in the Test Methods section below.

Thus, in one embodiment, the skin contactable element has a thickness of from 0.15 mm to about 2.0 mm, preferably from about 0.25 mm to about 1.0 mm, more preferably from about 0.25 mm to about 0.8 mm, most preferably from about 0.25 mm. A displacement of up to about 0.5 mm.

The inventors have also surprisingly discovered that contactable skin elements of moderate abrasiveness are compressible, but not excessive. Thus, in one embodiment, the skin contactable element has a compressibility of less than about 20%. In other embodiments, the compressibility can be less than about 19%, or more preferably less than about 15%. Most preferably, the compressibility can range from about 3% to about 13%.

The inventors have also noted that the desired skin-contactable component has a thickness of from about 0.1 mm to about 20 mm, preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm, more preferably from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, most preferably from about 1.5. Mm to a thickness of about 4.5 mm. The thickness can be determined by the initial thickness 〞 in the compressibility and displacement test as follows.

In addition to the inventors' discovery of desirable abrasive properties and desired behavior under external compressive loads, the inventors have also noted that it is desirable for a contactable skin element to have a rough but not excessive surface.

In one embodiment, the article has a shape of from about 200 microns to about 3000 microns, preferably from about 300 microns to about 2000 microns, more preferably from about 350 microns to about 1500 microns, even more preferably from about 400 microns to about 1200. The maximum surface roughness of the micron. The article may comprise a fibrous material, such as an article with a grinding system bound thereto.

In another embodiment, the article has a shape of from about 25 microns to about 300 microns, preferably from about 30 microns to about 200 microns, more preferably from about 35 microns to about 150 microns, still more preferably from about 50 microns to about Average surface roughness of 100 microns.

Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of system 1 in which a skin contactable element 29 essentially comprises a fibrous material. Suitable fiber materials are not limited to woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics (e.g., oriented by a carding process or non-oriented), or knitted fabrics. The fibers can be integrated into a nonwoven structure via, for example, needling, through-flow bonding, hydroentangling, spunbonding, chemical bonding (including bonding), or machining (e.g., embossing). The fibers can thereby be arranged into a separate fabric (e.g., a porous fabric). The nonwoven fabric can have an average pore size of from about 150 microns to about 500 microns, such as from about 220 microns to about 400 microns (as in the 1990 edition of Cohen, A Wet Pore-Size Model for Coverstock Fabrics, Book of Papers: The International Nonwovens Fabrics Industry, pp. 317-330). A representative, non-limiting list of synthetic fibers includes fibers derived from organic polymers such as, for example, polyesters, polyolefins, polyamines and rayon fibers, and bicomponent fibers; cellulose-based fibers Such as wood pulp, rayon and cotton; and combinations of the above.

The inventors have discovered that in one embodiment of the invention, in order to provide an appropriate degree of abrasiveness and compressibility, the fibers are mechanically coupled, for example, by a needle-punching procedure known to those skilled in the art. A thickness of from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, more preferably from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. The fibrous material can have a basis weight (mass per unit area) sufficient to maintain its mechanical integrity for one or more uses of the skin-contactable member 29. The basis weight can be, for example, between about 10 grams per square meter (gsm) and about 450 gsm, such as between about 200 gsm and about 400 gsm, preferably between about 300 gsm and about 400 gsm. between. The fibrous material preferably includes rayon for providing softness and a strong and elastic material such as olefin or polyester. A particularly noteworthy fiber material is Precision Custom Coating of Totowa, a needle-punched mixture of staple length 1.5 denier 〝TENCEL® rayon and staple length 4-5 denier PET, with a basis weight of approximately 200 gsm. Between about 400 gsm.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the fibrous material that can contact the skin element 29 can be a releasable attachment and detachment of the attachable loop surface 27 on the device 3. Once the engageable loop surface 27 is engaged with the contactable skin member 29, the engageable loop surface 27 is substantially capable of holding the contactable skin member 29 securely throughout the entire period during which the contactable skin member 29 is brought into contact with the skin 19. In positioning.

In one embodiment of the invention, the contactable skin element 29 can have an anti-resistance desired to separate the contactable skin element from a engageable terry surface (e.g., VELCRO USA, as described below, hook number 108). Peel strength (measured using an Instron), the peel strength is from about 100 grams per inch width to about 400 grams per inch width, such as from about 150 grams per inch width to about 250 grams per inch width. In one embodiment of the invention, the engageable loop surface 27 is relatively smooth and non-abrasive such that the contactable skin element 29 is misaligned (i.e., one of the joined loop surfaces 27 is partially exposed and thus capable of touching Skin 19), the engageable loop surface 27 is not too thick for the skin 19. In one embodiment of the invention, the contactable skin element 29 includes a buffer 26 that is designed to overhang the fistula engageable loop surface 27 such that even the skin-contactable element 29 and the engageable loop surface 27 have some Misaligned, the portion that can engage the loop surface 27 is also less likely to touch the skin during use. The contactable skin element 29 can have an area of about 5 cm ² for touching the skin. In a preferred embodiment, the contactable skin element 29 has a skin contact area of about 5-50 cm ² for contacting the skin, and more preferably the area is about 11-50 cm ² .

The engageable loop surface 27 can be secured to the device 3 in a permanent, irreversible manner, such as with an adhesive layer 28. Alternatively, the engageable loop surface 27 can be detachably/reattachably secured to the device 3 as described herein in some portions of the specification.

As shown in FIG. 3, the engageable loop surface 27 generally includes a plurality of protrusions 31. Although various shapes of the protrusions 31 are contemplated, this is to promote the degree of firmness of the contactable skin member 29 during use and to deliberately pull on the contactable skin member 29 to be detached by a user. The terry surface 27 is easily released from the contactable skin element 29. The protrusion 31 may be rounded, like a mushroom shape as shown in Fig. 3A, or the protrusion may have other rounded shapes, as shown in Fig. 3B, such as curl (protrusion 34a), arch (protrusion 34b), T-shape ( The protrusions 34c), Y-shapes (protrusions 34d), or are configured to provide a large surface area for each protrusion that can be brought into contact with the skin 19 adjacent to the engageable loop surface 27. In another embodiment, the protrusions 31 are curved, beveled, forked, hooked, or the like to provide a slightly enhanced retention effect on the skin-contactable elements 29.

Moreover, in another embodiment of the invention, to promote softness, the height 39 of the protrusions can be higher, making it less likely that the skin 19 will feel uncomfortable in the event that the engageable loop surface 27 comes into contact with the skin 19. For example, the height 39 (e.g., an average height) of the protrusions 31 can be greater than about 0.05 mm, such as greater than about 0.10 mm, such as from about 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm.

In one embodiment of the invention, the projections 31 have a spacing 35 of less than about 5 mm, more preferably less than about 2 mm, and most preferably less than about 1 mm, such as an average unit spacing (from a top view of a projection to its nearest The heart distance between adjacent protrusions). In another embodiment of the invention, the protrusions 31 are present in a number density (e.g., an average number density) of greater than about 0.25 protrusions per square inch (0.25/mm ² ), more preferably greater than about 0.50/mm ² .

Referring again to FIG. 3A, in another embodiment of the present invention, the protrusions may have a head region 33 having a larger diameter 37 in order to promote softness and comfort after accidental contact with the skin 19. In one embodiment of the invention, the head region 33 of the projection 31 has a diameter 37 of greater than about 0.05 mm, more preferably greater than about 0.2 mm, and most preferably from about 0.3 mm to about 1 mm.

In an embodiment of the invention, the protrusions 32 are constructed such that each protrusion has a skin contact of at least about 0.002 mm ² , such as at least about 0.02 mm ² , for example from about 0.2 mm ² to about 2 mm ² Surface area.

In another embodiment of the invention, the protrusions 32 have a number density greater than about 0.25/mm ² and a height greater than about 0.05 mm, more preferably a number density greater than about 0.5/mm ² and a greater than about 0.1. The height of mm preferably has a number density greater than about 0.5/mm ² and a height greater than about 0.15 mm.

While a variety of engageable loop surfaces 27 may be suitable, one suitable tie member is the commercially available VELCRO from Velcro USA of Manchester, New Hampshire, which has mushroom-like projections having an average height of about 0.17 mm. The average unit spacing is approximately 0.4 mm, the average head diameter is 0.69 mm, and the number density is approximately 5/mm ² . It is to be noted that for a protrusion having a non-circular head as viewed from the top, an equivalent head diameter (〝D _{e q} 〞) can be calculated from the measured head area (〝A〞) as follows: D _{e q} =(4A/π) ^{1 / 2} .

Another suitable engageable loop surface 27 has 〝Y-shaped projections having an average height of about 0.37 mm (integral height), an average unit spacing of about 0.84 mm, an average head diameter of 0.37 mm, and a number density of about 0.75/mm ² (sold by VELCRO USA on the market, Hook No. 108).

4A shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a contactable skin element 49. The contactable skin element 49 is similar to the skin contactable element 29 shown in Figure 2; however, the contactable skin element 49 includes a polishing system 43 that is attached to a web 45.

The term "grinding system" as used herein to bind to fiber bundle means that the grinding unit, particulate matter, pellets, and the like are firmly attached to the fibers and are not easily separated therefrom in use. The abrasive can be bound in a number of ways; one notable way is chemical bonding (non-limiting including bonding).

The inventors have noted that, as shown in FIG. 4A (cross-sectional view) and FIG. 4B (top view), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the polishing system 43 can include a plurality of discrete grinding units 40, such as may be dispersed in fibers. 45 and/or transverse to fiber 45. In an embodiment of the invention, a contactable skin surface 41 comprises both a fiber and a grinding system. This configuration would provide better microdermabrasion than the configuration of the grinding system 43 that continuously extends from one end 44 of the skin-contactable skin element to a reverse end 46, completely across a continuous layer of fiber formation.

The discontinuous grinding unit 40 of the grinding system 43 can be in a variety of different shapes, such as generally spherical, dendritic, and the like. The grinding unit 40 can have a maximum inter-end dimension (i.e., the length of the longest straight line drawn within a discontinuous grinding unit 40), such as from about 0.2 mm to about 1 cm.

The abrasive system 43 can comprise or consist essentially of a water-insoluble abrasive material, such as an abrasive having a Mohs hardness of less than about 4. In one embodiment of the invention, the polishing system comprises a resin or polymer. For example, the polymer can be a homopolymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and can be a mixture of two or more polymers. These polymers can be random, inlaid, star-shaped, or other known structures. The polymer can be woven by known means such as emulsion polymerization, dispersion, suspension, or solution polymerization. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer is formed by emulsion polymerization. The polymer can be non-functional or can contain functionality designed to optimize the characteristics of the coating in a particular application. Those skilled in the art will be able to adjust the monomer content and structure to improve the end use performance of the polymeric composition. The polymer can be a synthetic polymer or can be a natural polymer such as a polysaccharide, starch, modified starch, or guar gum. Preferred polymers include homopolymers and copolymers having one or more of the following monomers: (meth) acrylates, malates, (meth) acrylamides, vinyl esters, itaconic acid Esters, styrenics, unsaturated hydrocarbons and acrylonitrile, nitrogen functional monomers, vinyl esters, alcohol functional monomers. Non-limiting properties of the particularly preferred monomers include: vinyl acetate; (meth) acrylate, ethyl (meth) acrylate, butyl (meth) acrylate, ethylene, ethylene chloride, and styrene.

If included in the skin-contactable element, the polymer is selected to provide sufficient stiffness to grind the skin, but not too hard to cause scratching or discomfort. In one embodiment of the present invention, the polymer having a glass transition temperature T _g greater than about -20 degrees Celsius (-20 deg.] C), such from about 0 ℃ to about 105 ℃. In a notable embodiment, the polymer has a _Tg from about 0 °C to about 50 °C.

_Tg can be determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) using a 5 mg or less sample at a heating rate of 20.0 °C/min. The _Tg is calculated as the midpoint between the beginning and the end of the DSC heat capacity heating curve corresponding to the heat flow change of the glass transition. T _g determined by DSC are well known in this art, and see B.Cassel and MPDiVito in "Use of DSC To Obtain Accurate Thermodynamic and Kinetic Data", American Laboratory, January 1994, pp 14-19 and in the B Wunderlich is described in Thermal Analysis, Academic Press, Inc., 1990.

The polymer can be a thermoset polymer (e.g., a polymer having a crosslink that is substantially irreversible due to temperature changes). A notable polymer has an acrylic/acrylic vinyl group that will partially crosslink at a _Tg of about 30 °C during curing, such as the commercially available VINAMUL ABX30 resin from Celanese Corporation of Dallas, TX.

The Applicant has noted that in one embodiment of the invention, the polishing system preferably comprises a _Tg having from about 0 ° C to about 50 ° C in order to provide a skin treatment efficacy without a modest balance of rough feel to the skin. Polymer. In addition, the Applicant has also noted that it is desirable to include a milling system 43 comprising a polymer having a _Tg from about 0 ° C to about 50 ° C on the fibers such that the weight ratio of the grinding system to the fibers is from about 5% to About 30%, more preferably from about 8% to about 23%, even more preferably from about 8% to about 18%, and most preferably from about 8% to about 12%.

Although the polishing system 43 described above is described as including a polymer, it is not necessary to have a polymer in the polishing system 43. The grinding system 43 can be made abrasive from other components. For example, the polishing system 43 can include an inorganic particulate material (e.g., alumina, pumice, and the like) that is chemically bonded (e.g., via an organodecane or via a polymer that is itself abrasive). Or bound to the fiber 45 by thermal bonding. In one embodiment, to reduce irritation to the skin, the inorganic particulate has a Mohs hardness of 3 or less, such as talc, gypsum, mica, or calcite.

The grinding system 43 can further comprise one or more additional functional components combined with the abrasive. Non-limiting additional functional components that may be used include plasticizers; crosslinkers; starch; polyvinyl alcohol; formaldehyde thermosetting agents such as melamine, urea, phenol; fillers; humectants; Class; salts; flavors; and pigments or reflectors. The additional functional component may be present in the milling system in a portion from 0 to 20 weight percent, preferably from 5 weight percent to 15 weight percent, as a percentage of the polymeric solids.

The contactable skin element 49 can be deposited onto the fiber 45 by various means known in the art of polymer coating techniques, such as slot coating, foam coating, soaking, printing, or spraying. form. The method of spraying is particularly worthwhile to promote the formation of a discontinuous grinding unit on the top of the fiber, minimizing waste and optimizing efficacy. If the polishing system 43 is applied by spraying, a sprayable composition comprising the polishing system (eg, a polymer plus other functional ingredients and water or another suitable carrier) can be sprayed onto the fibers and then placed in a conventional oven. The resulting fiber/abrasive composite is dried. Although described above with respect to an engageable skin element incorporating a lapping system that is one of the fibers, in one embodiment of the invention, the fiber itself may be abrasive and need not include an additional grinding system that is tied to the fiber. . For example, in a particular embodiment, the contactable skin element comprises staple fibers that are integrated into a nonwoven structure via needling, through-flow bonding, or thermal bonding. Such fibers may be high denier fibers composed of polyesters; polyolefins; rayon fibers; bicomponent fibers; cellulose-based fibers such as wood pulp, rayon and cotton; or combinations thereof.

A particular non-limiting example of one of the abrasive contactable skin elements provided by the fibers themselves (e.g., a polishing system that is not bound to the fibers) comprises (1) having a denier value of from about 5 to about 10, such as about 9, and from about a polyester fiber having a length of from 1 inch to about 2 inches; or (2) a bicomponent fiber having a polyester or polypropylene core and a polyethylene core having a denier value of from about 2 to about 6; or more The combination.

In another embodiment of the invention, the fibrous structure comprises a layer of foam or other resilient material. For example, a nonwoven material and an adhesive and a formulation (referred to as material A) plus a foaming material addition layer (referred to as B) for adding bulkiness and softness. Laminate. Such laminates may be provided in several configurations; A: B or A: B: A, or B material may be under the engageable loop tether to add some degree of compressibility to the system. . One of the surfaces of B can be coated to become water/the formulation is not penetrable to prevent the formulation from being absorbed.

In another embodiment of the invention, the skin contactable member comprises a perforated plastic film for providing abrasive action to the skin. In embodiments of the invention, the skin contactable elements may or may not include fibers. For example, in a particular embodiment, the skin contactable member comprises a film, such as a film of olefinic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene. In order to provide sufficient abrasion to the skin, high density polyethylene and polypropylene are preferred. Additionally, the apertured plastic film can have a pre-perforated thickness of greater than about 1 mil, such as from about 1.5 mils to about 3 mils. Further, to enhance the abrasive action, the film has pores formed to penetrate the film and includes protrusions extending beyond one of the film thicknesses. These protrusions are designed to touch the user's skin and provide abrasive action to the skin. In order to provide sufficient contact points for the skin, the apertured plastic film may have a plurality of apertures, such as may be produced from about 20% to about 35% of the open area. The apertured plastic film can be formed by any of a variety of methods known in the art (e.g., direct extrusion, vacuum, and others). A composite structure incorporating an abrasive surface can be formed by attaching a barrier film to the apertured film and directing it away from the side of the user's skin. One or more beneficial agents can be contained within the composite structure such that when the apertured film touches the skin, the beneficial agents are released from the composite structure and are accessible to or absorbed by the skin.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a contactable skin member 59. The contactable skin element 59 is similar to the skin contactable element 49 shown in Figure 4, but the contactable skin element 49 includes a coating 53 formed around or across the fiber 45, and in one embodiment, as shown in Figure 4 This coating is formed on top of the fiber 45 and on top of the grinding system 43. The coating 53 can be at least partially water soluble such that, in use, one or more of the components of the coating 53 dissolve and transfer to the skin 19 during use. In one embodiment of the invention, the coating 53 is substantially free of abrasives, such as abrasive particles that can be transferred to the skin and embedded within the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the coating 53 is substantially free of water (i.e., having a water content of less than about 2%, such as less than about 0.5%).

The coating can be formulated for one or more of a variety of functions. For example, the coating can provide lubrication, emollient and/or moisturizing; moderate foaming; a carrier that delivers various beneficial agents (eg, beneficial agents, drugs, and the like); or a combination thereof. The coating 53 of the embodiment shown in Figure 5 is a continuous coating that completely covers the fibers 45 and the grinding system 43. In an embodiment of the invention, the contactable skin surface 41 initially includes only the coating 53. However, as the coating 53 dissolves (which is quite fast when it remains in contact with the wet skin), the licensed fibers 45 and the abrasive system 43 touch the skin.

The coating 53 need not necessarily be continuous and does not necessarily completely cover the fibers 45 or the grinding system 43. As viewed from the top (not shown), the coating 53 can cover a significant portion of the entire top that can contact the skin element 59, such as greater than about 20% but less than 100%. In an embodiment of the invention, the contactable skin surface 41 comprises fibers 45, a polishing system 43, and a coating 53.

The coating 53 can include a variety of ingredients for conditioning and/or cleaning and/or providing a foam. For example, the coating can include a so-called foaming or silicone foaming surfactant. In the present specification, 〝foaming surfactant 〞 means a surfactant which produces a foam when combined with water and mechanically agitated. These surfactants are preferred because increased foam is important for consumers to be an indicator of cleanliness effectiveness. There are a number of foaming surfactants available for this purpose and include those selected from the group consisting of anionic foaming surfactants, nonionic foaming surfactants, cationic foaming surfactants, and bisexual hairs. a bubble surfactant, and a mixture of the above.

For a detailed description of the suitable formulations that can be used for the coatings 53, the reader is referred to the co-pending patent application Serial No. 11/023,655 filed on December 28, 2004, entitled 〝SKIN TREATMENT ARTICLES AND METHODS, in particular Refer to the section with the following headings: 〝CLEANSING FORMULATIONS〞, 〝ANIONIC LATHERING SURFACTANTS〞, 〝NON-IONIC LATHERING SURFACTANTS〞, 〝CATIONIC LATHERING SURFACTANTS〞, 〝AMPHOTERIC LATHERING SURFACTANTS〞,〝CONDITIONING FORMULATIONS〞,〝HYDROPHOBIC CONDITIONING AGENTS〞,〝 HYDROPHILIC CONDITIONING AGENTS, STRUCTURED CONDITIONING AGENTS, and OTHER FORMULATIONS, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In addition, the coating 53 may include one or more beneficial agents, such as acne agents, wrinkle preventives, antimicrobials, antifungals, anti-inflammatory agents, local anesthetics, artificial suntans, accelerators. Classes, antiviral agents, enzymes, sunscreens, antioxidants, skin strippers, depilatory agents, and the like. Other suitable beneficial agents are found in the co-pending published patent application US2005-0l48907 filed on Dec. 24, 2003, entitled 〝TREATMENT OFSKIN USING A BENEFIT AGENT AND AN APPARATUS〞 and the application of December 28, 2004 The pending patent application Serial No. 11/023655, entitled "SKIN TREATMENT ARTICLES AND METHODS", is hereby incorporated by reference.

To enhance shelf stability and the flexibility of choice for packaging, the coating 53 can be substantially anhydrous (in this case, the mat can be wetted with water prior to use). Alternatively, the coating and skin-contactable element 59 may comprise significant amounts of water or moisture and may be sealed within a suitable package to allow the water-repellent component to be lost to the environment prior to use.

The coating 53 can be applied to the fibers such that the coating to fiber weight ratio is from about 25.0% to about 100.0%, more preferably from about 25% to about 50%. The coating can be applied to the fiber or fiber/abrasive composite by slot coating, foam coating, impregnation, roll pressing, and the like.

Figure 6 illustrates another suitable embodiment of a system 61 for treating skin. System 61 includes a motorized device 3 as described with reference to FIG. System 61 further includes a skin-contactable element 9, such as any of the skin-contactable elements described so far. The contactable skin element 9 can be coupled to the device 3 using an adapter 63. The adapter 63 includes a first joint 65 for reversibly attaching the contactable skin element 9 to the adapter 63.

The first joint 65 is substantially capable of securely holding the contactable skin element 9 to the adapter 63 during system use. In addition, the first joint 65 is preferably capable of maintaining its holding effect after exposure to moisture and water. For example, the first joint 65 can be a waterproof raft. Waterproof means that if the first joint is soaked in water for 30 minutes and then completely dehydrated, no significant loss of adhesion strength is observed. In a notable embodiment of the invention, in order to mitigate sensitivity to water, the holding ability of the first joint 65 includes a member that is not an adhesive and can be softened or dissolved by water. The first joint 65 can include, for example, a engageable loop surface, such as the engageable loop surface 27 described above with respect to FIG. 2, as one of the adapters 63, a permanent integral component. The engageable loop surface can be permanently bonded to the remainder of the adapter 63 by a variety of means such as a durable waterproof adhesive (e.g., can be applied to the face of the double sided tape).

The adapter 63 includes a second joint 66 for reversibly attaching the adapter 63 to a surface of the device 3. The adapter 63 can be designed to reversibly attach to one or more surfaces of each surface of the device 3. Non-limiting surfaces suitable for attachment include a surface such as surface 69 that may be substantially parallel to the skin during use, or a surface such as a surface 67 that is adapted to snap fit over the rim of the device 3, or A surface (not shown) inside the device 3, such as a surface that can be reversibly attached to the adapter 63, a portion of the device (e.g., a protruding rod).

The first joint 65 and the second joint 66 are generally of sufficient strength to substantially maintain the position of the contactable skin element relative to the surface of the device when the contactable skin element is pushed against the skin, and preferably have sufficient strength to be obtained at the motor Powered and maintains position when the skin element contacts the skin.

Figure 7 is a notable embodiment of the invention in which the adapter 63 includes a generally planar surface 71 that, in use, is positioned substantially parallel to the skin. A first joint 65 for reversibly attaching the adapter 63 to the skin-contactable element 9 is permanently attached to the surface 71. A frustoconical deflectable wall 73 extends from the surface 71 and terminates in a circular frame edge 75. The frame edge 75, along with the wall 73 and the surface 71, defines a hollow recess 77. The flexible wall 73 or frame rim 75 can include a raised feature (e.g., a ball, a dent, a ledge, and the like) that includes a second joint 66 and assists in reversibly securing the adapter 63 to the device 3. The adapter 63 of this embodiment can be a variety of processes suitable for molding plastics from a thermoplastic material such as a hard plastic (such as polyethylene and the like) or a softer plastic (such as PETG or polystyrene). Made by thermoforming, injection molding and similar procedures.

Figures 8 and 9 show another embodiment of a combined adapter. The adapter 81 is a clamp for holding the contactable skin member to a surface of the device 3. The adaptor 81 has a first joint 83 for reversibly attaching the adaptor 81 to the skin contactable member. The first joint 83 is the bottom side of a circular frame edge 85. The adapter 81 can have a hinge 87 to allow the user to rotate a hinge portion 89, thereby opening the 〞 adapter 81. The user then places the contactable skin element on a surface of the device 3 (see surface 69 of Figure 6). The adapter 81 has a second joint 91 for reversibly attaching the adapter 81 to the device 3. The second joint can be a threaded surface, snap-fastenable or frictionally engageable on a corresponding surface of the device 3 (see surface 67 of Figure 6).

Figure 10 is an illustration of another embodiment of an adapter 100 constructed of a resilient ring that holds the skin-contactable member against a surface of the device. The adapter 100 includes a first connector 102 for attaching the adapter 100 to the skin-contactable component and a second connector 104 for attaching the adapter 100 to the device. Figures 11-14 illustrate additional embodiments of the adapter.

The Applicant has noted that the adapter 63 is particularly suitable for reducing the production cost of treating the skin with the device 3. For example, by including the adapter 63 as a component of the system 1, the first joint 65 (e.g., the loop that can be engaged) does not have to be permanently affixed to the device 3. Therefore, if the first joint 65 is worn in use, it is not necessary to discard the entire apparatus 3 (usually the component that is most expensive to manufacture in the system 1). In fact, the user only needs to replace the adapter 65 (cheaper than the device 3). Furthermore, embodiments of the adapter also provide the effect of preventing damage to the joints 65, 66 due to water.

Instructions

The system 1 of the present invention can be used to treat skin such as abrasion, cleaning or other skin treatments (e.g., acne, anti-aging, firming, tone and texture, hair removal, body sculpting/cellulite removal, and the like). ).

In one embodiment of the invention, the contactable skin element is temporarily attached to a hand-held motorized device (see, for example, Figure 2). In an alternate embodiment, the adapter is removably/replaceably attached to the device and the contactable skin element is reversibly attached to the adapter (see, for example, Figure 7).

The motor is then powered and the skin-contacting elements move over the treated face or other skin area. For example, a skin contacting surface 21 (e.g., a substantially flat contact skin surface) is placed in contact with the treated skin. The contactable skin element provides for an increased cell proliferation effect by grinding the skin. The skin contactable element can be already combined with a formulation to provide an emollient effect, a foam, or to deliver the beneficial agent to the skin. When the user is finished, the contactable skin element can be removed and replaced with a new one to provide a sanitary surface.

The system can be used with an additional composition (such as a cream or paste) to provide lubrication, deliver active ingredients, or provide an overall aesthetic experience. The composition may be an abrasive (pumice, oxide, etc.) that is not likely to be embedded in the skin. Alternatively, the composition may include an abrasive, but in this embodiment, the user preferably washes away the abrasive composition from the skin after the treatment is completed. The composition can be placed by the user onto the skin-contactable component prior to powering the device (e.g., dipping the skin-contactable component into the cream).

The inventors have discovered that by utilizing contactable skin elements and related methods and systems of the present invention, mechanical energy can be easily, predictably and comfortably transferred to the skin through contactable skin elements and still permit the mat to conform to numerous skin surfaces (including Curved or horny skin surface). Thus the skin can be subjected to a surprisingly abrasive treatment of the controllable pressure to provide benefits such as cell proliferation, microdermabrasion, cleansing, and the like without adversely damaging the skin or washing away the abrasive from the skin. . Moreover, these embodiments provide a disposable, hygienic, cost-effective, contactable skin element. Furthermore, the contactable skin element can have additional functions in addition to providing abrasive action, such as delivery of a beneficial agent, lubrication and foaming.

The present invention also allows for the grinding of the skin without the potential for clutter and inconvenience of using a device with a cream having dispersed abrasive particles that may adhere to and be embedded in the skin.

testing method Abrasive test

〝 Durable abrasive 〞 is judged by the following test methods. A material of ordinary abrasive lanthanum is judged in a similar manner to durable abrasiveness, but the initial cleaning step is removed.

Five (5) samples of each of the tested contactable skin elements were cut into a circular shape having a diameter of approximately 41 mm. The sample is individually rinsed with water to remove any material that is easily separated from the article by contact with water, such as a foaming agent, oil, and emulsifier. The slit samples are immersed in a water bath containing enough deionized water (temperature about 35 ° C), wherein the mass of the water is at least about 20 times the mass of the article. Leave the item in the sink for two minutes and then remove it, let it stand for 10 seconds, then put it in another similar (fresh) sink for two minutes, then let it stand for another 5 minutes. The sample is removed and allowed to dry at ambient temperature (relative humidity of about 50% to 60%) over a period of from about 16 hours to about 72 hours. This cleaning step is also dispensed with when measuring ordinary abrasiveness.

After the sample has been rinsed and dried as described above, the abrasion is tested using an abrasion test apparatus in accordance with a modified version of ASTM Test Method D 3886-99. One suitable device is the CSI Universal Wear Tester, Model CS-226-605 from Custom Scientific Instruments of Whippany, NJ. A sample of a co-extruded spunbond/dyed polyethylene film laminate was placed on a table with the film up and secured to the table by an O-ring supplied with an abrasion tester, the layer The press is Clopay M18-1057 from Clopay Plastic Products of Mason, OH, a 26 gsm laminate having (1) a 15 gsm (nominal) spunbonded polypropylene nonwoven fabric layer and (2) one 20 gsm (nominal value), a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.7 mil (0.007 inch) coextruded, wherein the surface of the polyethylene film of the laminate is corona treated, and the laminate has a per mile 150 grams of target combined strength. Fix the sample to be tested on the arm above the table so that it is directly aligned with the top of the table. The sample is fixed in such a manner that the sample does not move during operation of the tester, preferably using a strong double-sided tape such as PERMACEL tape from Permacel Company of East Brunswick, NJ. A 10 lb weight was loaded on the table and power was supplied to the tester motor. The station rotates and translates simultaneously at a rate of approximately 130 cycles per minute. The number of cycles before the failure of the film to be worn out (in the case of a dyed such as a blue film, which can be easily seen through the white spun viscous material) is recorded as the first cycle, marked as the test end point. Repeat this procedure for the other samples. The average number of pre-failure cycles was recorded and the value of the durable abrasive 〞 (washed sample) or 〝 ordinary abrasive 〞 (unwashed sample) was calculated by dividing 2000 by the number of cycles before the average failure.

It is best to use this standard as a standard for each data set using a standard sample SCOTCH-BRITE Pad (〝Heavy Duty Commercial Scoring Pad〞#86). The SCOTCH-BRITE Pad #86 should produce a durable abrasive rating of approximately 33 +/- 4. If the operator determines a durable abrasiveness that falls outside this range, this means that there is some operator error and the operator should adjust any subsequent judgments for durable abrasiveness with a coefficient that will correct the operator error. The coefficient is (V/33), where V is the value obtained by the operator using SCOTCH-BRITE Pad #86. If SCOTCH-BRITE Pad #86 is not available, SCOTCH-BRITE Pad (〝General Purpose Commercial ScoringPad〞#96) can be used as a standard for testing as an alternative. The expected value of durable abrasiveness is 14 +/- 2, and when this is replaced The correction factor is (V/14) when the standard does not fall within the specified range.

The abrasiveness values of the five samples were averaged and reported as the durable abrasive or general abrasiveness values for the particular skin-contactable component.

Compressibility and displacement test

The amount of 〝 displacement was judged by the following test method: For each article to be tested, five samples having a diameter of about 41 mm were cut out. One at a time, the same sample was placed on a thickness gauge such as Ames Logic Plus (model LG3601-1-04) from BC Ames of Waltham, MA, and the sample was centered under the 55 mm foot. Place a 0.5 oz weight on the shaft and slowly lower the foot onto the sample. The original thickness 〞 is obtained after the gauge is stabilized for 10 seconds. Next, lift the foot and replace the 0.5 oz weight with an 8 oz weight. After the gauge was allowed to stabilize for 10 seconds, the load thickness 〞 was recorded. This procedure was repeated for 10 samples. Calculate the difference between the original thickness and the loaded thickness of each sample and record it. The results of these 10 samples were averaged and recorded as the amount of displacement of the particular skin-contactable element.

The compressibility is divided by the original displacement by its original thickness and expressed as a percentage. The results of these 10 samples were averaged and recorded as the compressibility of the particular contactable skin element.

Surface roughness test

The surface roughness is easily judged by an optical instrument designed to measure surface characteristics (for example, GF Messtechnik GmbH of Teltow, Germany, commercially available Optical 30 Skin Measurement Device Primos Compact). In order to determine the maximum and average surface roughness, we can use the software that is commercially available with the device. Place a sample to be tested on a flat surface such as a table top (adhesive tape if necessary), bring it to focus, and scan approximately 25 mm to 30 depending on the roughness of the 〝 (radial) profile The surface area of mm. An 8th order polynomial is adapted to the surface to determine the roughness parameter. The maximum surface roughness and average surface roughness were judged by the software interface.

Instance

The following examples pertain to the contactable skin elements of the present invention. Other embodiments of the invention can be prepared in a manner similar to that known to those skilled in the art.

Example 1-3

Sprayed with a grinding composition onto a separate fiber nonwoven (55% lyocell and 45% polyester needled mixture with a basis weight of approximately 200 gsm and a thickness of approximately 2.5 mm, by Precision Custom Coating of Totowa, NJ, USA ) to form a contactable skin element. The abrasive composition contained a grinding system which was about 95.7% by weight of ABX 30 RESIN (about 50% by weight of polymer) from Celanese Corporation of Dallas, TX, about 4% mica (by Ekhart Amercia). LP of Painesville, OH, a mixture of 20-150 micron Prestige Sparkling Silver) and about 0.3% of a polyacrylic acid thickener ALCOGUM 296W from Alco Chemical. Adding enough water to permit the composition to be sprayed onto the nonwoven fabric provides the weight concentration of the abrasive system to the nonwoven fabric as listed in the following table. The nonwoven fabric to which the composition has been applied is then dried in a conventional oven. The grinding system has a significant presence on the surface of the nonwoven fibers.

The nonwoven fabric/abrasive composite was then slit into discs having a diameter of 41 mm. A conditioning composition is then applied to the entire top surface of the composite nonwoven fabric/grinding system. The conditioning composition comprises the following ingredients:

Applying the conditioning composition to the nonwoven fabric/abrasive composite in the laboratory using a tongue depressor causes each 4" diameter mat to be coated with about 0.75 grams of conditioning composition thereon to form a contactable skin element.

An adapter is made of thermoformed PETG plastic, similar to the inventive embodiment shown in FIG. A engageable loop joint is permanently bonded to the top flat surface of the adapter. The contactable skin element is mounted to an adapter by placing the contactable skin element on the surface of the engageable loop and firmly compacting it.

Example 4

A contactable skin member was made in a similar manner to Example 2, but applied to the nonwoven fabric/abrasive composite using a cleaning composition (see below) instead of using the conditioning composition described above.

Polyethylene glycol-80 sorbitan lanolinate and disodium lauryl diacetate were added together in a beaker and mixed until homogeneous. Butyl p-hydroxybenzoate, methyl p-hydroxybenzoate and propyl p-hydroxybenzoate were added and slowly mixed until these p-hydroxybenzoates were dissolved. Polyethylene glycol-8 and glucquat were then added to the beaker and mixed. Then, cocoamine propylamine betaine inner salt, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, decyl glucoside, and phenoxyethanol are added and mixed. Then add the flavor. Then add citric acid and mix all ingredients until the citric acid is completely dissolved. The pH was adjusted to be between 6.4 and 7.2.

Example 5

The contactable skin elements of Examples 1-3 were mounted on a device using the adapter of Example 1 for abrading the skin. The motorized device is commercially available from Neutrogena Corporation (Los Angeles, CA) as an applicator having a microdermabrasion system of the name NEUTROGENA Advanced Solutions ^{T M} At Home MicroDermabrasion System.

For clinical evaluation, 16 subjects underwent a microdermabrasion treatment once a day in their home. Each subject tested the system described in Examples 1-3 at a specific point on his forearm. On Days 1, 5, and 10, the subject is evaluated for clinical cell proliferation (in a similar manner to that described in U.S. Patent No. 5,456,260, Fluorescence detection of cell proliferation, to General Hospital Corporation). The manner in which the contents of this patent are incorporated herein by reference), dermatological dehydration, moisturization, and hydration. The results are as follows.

Example 6

Providing a nonwoven mat identified as 85 gsm spunbond and composed of three layers (including 20% polyester, 80% rayon) having a bump pattern with EVA adhesive applied to the dots, This mat is the SX-247 from Green Bay Nonwovens. This was cut into a 41 mm diameter mat, and 0.75 g of the cleaning composition was applied thereto in a manner similar to Example 1 to form a contactable skin member.

Example 7

The cell proliferation of the contactable skin element of Example 4 and the skin contactable element of Example 6 was tested in a manner similar to that described in Example 5. Subjects were evaluated after 5 days of treatment. Comparison of the results showed that the cell proliferation of the pad of Example 4 increased by about 52% and the cell proliferation of the pad of Example 6 increased by about 33% compared to the cell proliferation of the reference skin. The pad of Example 4 was superior to the pad of Comparative Example 6 in terms of cell proliferation.

Example 8

A contactable skin member was formed in a manner similar to that described in Example 4, but the nonwoven fibrous material used had a basis weight of about 300 gsm and the concentration of the applied abrasive system was increased to 11%, resulting in a basis weight of about 34 gsm ( Padded grinding system for 1 ounce per square yard.

Example 9

A contactable skin member was formed in a manner similar to that described in Example 4, but the nonwoven fibrous material used had a basis weight of 400 gsm and the concentration of the applied grinding system was increased to 8.3%, resulting in a basis weight of about 34 gsm (per Milling code 1 ounce) grinding system.

Example 10

The cell proliferation of the contactable skin elements of Examples 8 and 9 was tested in a manner similar to that described in Example 7, except that the treatment was performed on both the forearm and the face of the palm. Subjects were evaluated after one week and two weeks of treatment. On the face, the cell proliferation effect (about 47%) provided by the Example 8 contactable skin element at 2 weeks would be higher than the cell proliferation effect (about 29%) provided by the contactable skin element of Example 9 at 2 weeks.

Example 11

Using a skin-contactable element similar to that described in Example 8 but having a polishing system concentration of about 17.7%, a grinding system having a basis weight of about 1.6 ounces per square yard was obtained. The other parts of the accessible skin element are the same. The surface roughness of the sample was analyzed using the Primos Skin Measurement Device described above. The maximum surface roughness is approximately 758 microns. The average surface roughness is about 94.6 microns.

Comparative example 12

The surface roughness of one of the samples of OLAY Total Effects Daily Cleansing Treatments (Procter and Gamble of Cincinnati, OH) was analyzed in a manner similar to that described above. The maximum surface roughness is about 180 microns. The average surface roughness is about 21 microns.

Comparative Example 13 (C13)

Evaluate the displacement, compressibility and durability of SCOTCH-BRITE Pad #86. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

Comparative Example 14 (C14)

Evaluate the displacement, compressibility and durability of SCOTCH-BRITE Pad #96. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

Comparative Example 15 (C15)

Evaluate the displacement, compressibility, and durability of BRILLO Scrub and Toss sold commercially by Church & Dwight of Princeton, New Jersey. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

Example 16-18 (E16-E18)

A contactable skin element having a plurality of basis weights of fibers and a grinding system is prepared. The cleaning formulation is not applied to the mat. It is the same as the contactable skin element of Example 1 in other parts. The amount of displacement, compressibility, and durable abrasiveness of these contactable skin elements were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

Example 19-20 (E19-E20)

A contactable skin element having a plurality of basis weights of fibers and a grinding system is prepared. The cleaning formulation is not applied to the mat. It is the same as the contactable skin element of Example 1 in other parts. The amount of displacement, compressibility, and durable abrasiveness of these contactable skin elements were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

Example 21 (E21)

A contactable skin element similar to that of Example 4 was prepared, but the basis weight of the fiber was 300 gsm pad and the basis weight of the grinding system was 1.6 osy. The amount of displacement, compressibility, durable abrasiveness, and general abrasiveness of these contactable skin elements were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

Comparative example 22

Evaluation Example 6 was able to contact the displacement of the skin element, compressibility, durable abrasiveness, and general abrasiveness. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

Comparative example 23

Evaluate the displacement, compressibility and durability of the OLAY Total Effects Daily Cleansing Treatments (Procter and Gamble of Cincinnati, OH). The results are shown in Table 1 below.

1. . . system

3. . . Motorized device

5. . . Rough tubular body

7. . . surface

9. . . Skin contactable component

11. . . Skin contact surface

13. . . Carrier

15. . . Module

17. . . switch

19. . . Skin area

twenty one. . . Skin contact surface

26. . . Buffer

27. . . Bondable loop surface

28. . . Adhesive layer

29. . . Skin contactable component

31. . . Protrusion

32. . . Protrusion

33. . . Protruding head area

34a. . . Curled protrusion

34b. . . Arched protrusion

34c. . . T-shaped protrusion

34d. . . Y-shaped protrusion

40. . . Discontinuous grinding unit

41. . . Skin contact surface

43. . . Grinding system

44. . . One end of the skin element

45. . . Fiber web

46. . . The other end of the skin element can be contacted

49. . . Skin contactable component

53. . . coating

59. . . Skin contactable component

61. . . system

63. . . Adapter

65. . . First joint

66. . . Second joint

67. . . surface

69. . . surface

71. . . Rough flat surface

73. . . Truncated conical flexible wall

75. . . Round frame

77. . . Recess

81. . . Adapter

83. . . First joint

85. . . Round frame

87. . . Hinge

89. . . Hinged part

91. . . Second joint

100. . . Adapter

102. . . First joint

104. . . Second joint

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a system for treating skin in accordance with an embodiment of the invention described herein; Figure 2 is a device consistent with an embodiment of the invention described herein and having a matable loop surface A partial side view of the contactable skin element; FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the engageable loop surface of FIG. 2, showing a protrusion thereon; FIG. 3B is another embodiment of the engageable loop surface of FIG. Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of a contactable skin element in accordance with an embodiment of the invention described herein; Figure 4B is a plan view of a contactable skin element of Figure 4A; Figure 5 is a view consistent with the inventive embodiment of the present specification; A cross-sectional view of one of the contactable skin elements; FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of the present invention for treating the skin, wherein the system includes an adaptor; and FIG. 7 is a view of FIG. A perspective view of the connector. To facilitate understanding of the same reference components that have been used, the same components that are common to the various figures are labeled as much as possible.

8-14 show perspective views of different embodiments of the adapter of Fig. 6.

1. . . system

3. . . Motorized device

5. . . Rough tubular body

7. . . surface

9. . . Skin contactable component

11. . . Skin contact surface

13. . . Carrier

15. . . Module

17. . . switch

19. . . Skin area

Claims (12)

A method for a mechanical skin surface finishing technique comprising the steps of: a) contacting a skin with a device comprising a motor and a skin contacting component, wherein the ground contactable skin element comprises a fibrous structure And a polishing system comprising a polymer having a glass transition temperature greater than -20 ° C, the polymer being bonded to the structure, and wherein the ground contactable skin member has a durability from 2 to 14 Durable Abrasiveness; b) applying mechanical energy to the skin via the contactable skin element; c) moving the contactable skin element to contact a plurality of discrete regions on the skin; wherein the fibrous structure Contains a needled nonwoven. The method of claim 1, wherein the milling system is present in a fiber to fiber weight ratio of between about 5% and about 30%. The method of claim 1, wherein the grinding system comprises a plurality of discrete grinding units interspersed among the fibers of the fibrous structure. The method of claim 3, wherein the discontinuous units have a maximum linear dimension of between about 0.05 mm and about 0.5 mm. The method of claim 1, wherein the polishing system comprises a coating formed on the fibers. The method of claim 1, wherein the nonwoven material has There is a thickness of from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. A method for mechanical skin surface finishing techniques comprising the steps of: a) contacting a skin with a device comprising a motor and an abrasive contactable skin element, the element comprising a fibrous structure; b) via The contactable skin element applies mechanical energy to the skin; c) moving the contactable skin element to contact a plurality of discrete areas on the skin; wherein the skin contact element has a durable abrasion from 2 to 14. The fibrous structure comprises a needled nonwoven material. A disposable skin treatment element for use with a handheld device comprising an elastic structure having a durable abrasiveness of between about 1 and about 14 and a compressibility of from about 7% to about 18%, wherein the elastic structure comprises A fibrous structure and a polymeric milling system, and wherein the fibrous structure comprises a needled nonwoven material. A disposable skin treatment element for use with a handheld device comprising an elastic structure having a durable abrasiveness of between about 1 and about 14 and a displacement of from about 0.15 mm to about 2 mm, wherein the elastic structure comprises a fiber Structure and a polymer milling system, and wherein the fibrous structure comprises a needled nonwoven material. A disposable skin treatment element for use with a handheld device comprising a displacement from about 0.15 mm to about 2 mm and a maximum surface roughness from An elastomeric structure of from about 350 microns to about 1500 microns, wherein the elastomeric structure comprises a fibrous structure and a polymeric milling system, and wherein the fibrous structure comprises a needled nonwoven material. A skin treatment component for a mechanical skin surface conditioning technique comprising: a) a first skin contacting surface; b) a second surface generally opposite the first surface, arranged and constructed for use The release surface is attached to a hand-held device; wherein the first surface of the skin treatment unit has a durable abrasiveness from 2 to 14; and wherein the skin treatment unit comprises a fibrous structure and a polymer polishing system, and wherein the fiber The structure comprises a needled nonwoven material. A system for abrading a skin area comprising: a) a hand-held motorized device that is arranged and constructed to impart motion to the skin in contact therewith; b) a disposable contactable skin element having a From 2 to 14 for durable abrasiveness, the disposable contactable skin element comprises a fibrous structure and a polymer polishing system; and c) a coupling device comprising: i) a first joint portion arranged And configured to releasably couple the coupling device to a surface of the motorized device; and ii) a second joint portion that is aligned and constructed to releasably couple the disposable contactable skin element Connected to the coupling Wherein the first and second portions are coupled for transfer movement therebetween, and the second joint portion is aligned and constructed for waterproof coupling of the disposable contactable skin element; and wherein the fibrous structure comprises A needle punched nonwoven material.