WO2013071374A1

WO2013071374A1 - Organic particulates having an emollient of oils

Info

Publication number: WO2013071374A1
Application number: PCT/AU2013/000039
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ronald Allan Greenberg
Original assignee: Ronald Allan Greenberg
Priority date: 2011-11-18
Filing date: 2013-01-18
Publication date: 2013-05-23

Abstract

Organic particulates such as ground plant fibres, having an emollient of oils derived from the resin of plant material such as flowers and used in the treatment of skin, wherein the particulates act as an exfoliate to peel the surface skin layers and also treat the skin by virtue of the healing and moisturising properties of the emollient of oils.

Description

Organic particulates having an emollient of oils

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to organic particulates having an emollient of oils and method of skin treatment.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0001 ] Apparatus for making micro-abrasions, particularly for cosmetic, medical or therapeutic treatment of human tissue such as the removal of scars and other skin blemishes are known. Typically these apparatus work by removing surface skin layers through the use of abrasive particles.

[0002] These particles are generally driven by a pneumatic source, such as a vacuum source. Such an apparatus usually includes a vacuum pump connected in a series of tubes to a recovery centre, a handle, and a sealed supply container housing the abrasive particles. The handle includes an aperture which, when positioned on the skin surface prevents any external air from entering the tubes and causes the vacuum pump to draw particles from the supply container through the handle and into the recovery container. While passing through the handle the particles impinge on the surface causing an abrasive action. The particles are then sucked into the recovery container where filters ensure that the particles remain in the recovery container. Alternatively the supply container can be connected to an external air source to enable a variation in the amount of particles flowing to the handpiece and allow different sizes and types of particles to be used in the apparatus.

[0003] To achieve dermabrasion the particles must possess a certain level of abrasiveness. Such particles commonly used in the industry include aluminum oxide particles or crystals whose microscopic shape includes sharp points and edges that provide good abrasion against the skin. Also known is the use of organic particles including plant materials in the form of a dried powder, which perform the same function but are however found to be gentler on the skin.

[0004] The problem with current dermabrasion methods and known particles is that they only treat the skin by removing the skin surface layers, whereby the skin must be rested and allowed to rejuvenate. This often means there must be a certain amount of recovery time between

dermabrasion sessions. It would be advantageous for the particles to provide a healing or treatment aspect during the dermabrasion process.

[0005] The object of this invention is to provide organic particulates with an emollient of oils that alleviates the above problem, or at least provides the public with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Organics particulates for use with a microdermabrasion apparatus, said particulates including an emollient of oils.

[0007] In preference, the emollient of oils is absorbed by the particulates so that the particulates are gentler on the skin during dermabrasion.

[0008] In preference, said organic particulates are ground plant fibres.

[0009] In preference, wherein the oils are chosen from but not limited to Tea Tree Oil, Rose Oil and Lavender Oil.

[0010] A method of skin treatment including: providing a stream of organic particulates that impinge on the skin to cause microdermabrasion wherein said particulates are defined as in any one of the above claims.

[001 1 ] It should be noted that any one of the aspects mentioned above may include any of the features of any of the other aspects mentioned above and may include any of the features of any of the embodiments described below as appropriate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various implementations of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a known dermabrasion machine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a known dermabrasion machine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0015] The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts. Dimensions of certain parts shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes of clarity or illustration.

[0016] The appearance of an individual's skin often relates to the level of cellular growth on the skin surface, which is renewed every four to six weeks. However factors such as age or poor health can slow down skin renewal, and thus adversely affect the health and freshness of the skin. The use of exfoliates or dermabrasion techniques, such as abrasive particles in dermabrasion machines or apparatus, are used to regulate the cell renewal and thus improve or eliminate skin imperfections and

conditions.

[0017] Turning now to the figures in detail, and specifically Figures. 1 and 2, there is shown an apparatus 10 for making abrasions including a vacuum pump 12 operatively connected in series to either a first assembly including a recovery container 14, a handle 16 and a supply container 18 by tubes 20, or operatively connected to a second assembly including a recovery container 22 , a handle 24 and a supply container 26 by tubes 28.

[0018] Switch 30 controls a solenoid that switches the vacuum pump from operatively being connected either to the first or second assembly. The vacuum pump is operable by an electric switch and draws air through inlet 34 and exhausts it through outlet 36.

[0019] Second assembly supply container 26 is provided with particles that are of a different type, for example larger or heavier than those found in supply container 18. Because the particles are substantially heavier and to provide for a more instant particle flow it is preferable for the second assembly to include a second pneumatic source. Accordingly a compressor 38 is operatively connected to the supply container 26 or to the container that may house the heavier particles.

[0020] In operation, the vacuum pump draws air through either one of the assemblies and the corresponding recovery container and handle. The handle includes an aperture 40, which is positioned against the surface to be treated, and which then causes air and thus particles to be drawn from the corresponding recovery container. The stream of particles then impinges on the surface against which the aperture is positioned, such as the skin, causing micro-abrasions and is subsequently drawn into the recovery container together with any abraded surface debris.

[0021 ] When a low-level of micro-abrasion is required the switch 30 is operated so that the solenoid operatively connects the vacuum pump in series with the first assembly that in this example houses lighter abrasive particles. In such a configuration the vacuum pump provides suction through the recovery container 14, handle 16 and supply container 18. The supply container 18 includes an inlet 39 connected to a regulator 42 having an inlet 44 the regulator controlling the amount of air entering the supply container. The air entering the supply container aerates the particles, with the magnitude of air flow providing control over the flux or density of particles drawn though the apparatus.

[0022] In use where a different level or type of microabrasion is required, switch 30 operates the solenoid to operatively connect the vacuum pump 12 in series with the second assembly. The supply container 26 of the second assembly as with the first assembly also includes an inlet 40 connected to regulator 42 with an inlet 44. However, unlike the regulator used in the first assembly, the inlet 44 is operatively connected to the compressor 38.

Advantageously, when the switch 30 operatively connects the vacuum pump with the second assembly, control switch 46 , usually a foot control switch, controls the compressor 38 to provide pressure to the supply container 26 . The foot switch may be a variable switch that variably controls the speed and thus the pressure provided by the compressor.

[0023] An isolation switch 48 can isolate the operation of (or power to) the compressor from switch 46. Similarly isolation switch 32 controls the first pneumatic source or the vacuum pump.

[0024] Thus, if one wants to use the second assembly to provide for micro abrasions using heavier particles stored in the recovery container 26 using handle 24 without the extra air flow provided by the compressor, one can turn off switch 48. But, to assist in the flow of different or heavier particles and provide a greater degree of micro-abrasion, is it advantageous to use the compressor to provide the greater flow rate and particle density.

[0025] The vacuum pump includes a suction regulator 50 that controls the suction provided to the apparatus by the vacuum pump 12 . A vacuum gauge 52 advantageously provides an indicator of the vacuum within the apparatus, the vacuum gauge being isolated by the use of valve 54.

[0026] Filters 56 ensures that the particle flowing from the supply container, through the handle and into the recovery container does not enter the vacuum pump and cause potential damage. The recovery containers may also include filter 58 that prevent any particles from passing into the vacuum pump.

[0027] In use, after the vacuum pump 12 has been activated, the operator chooses whether they want to use the first assembly or second assembly by operating switch 30. The appropriate hand tool is then used with its aperture 40 positioned against a surface to be treated. Air is then drawn or sucked through the appropriate recovery container, handle and the supply container, the amount of suction regulated by regulator 50. [0028] Regulator 42 assists in providing aeration of the particles and can control the particle flux or density.

[0029] When the second assembly is selected by use of switch 30, the foot pump is activated that allows the operator to provide pressurised air to the supply container 26 , which can also be controlled by regulator 42 . It is however to be understood that the regulators are not essential to the working of the invention and the compressor may simply be turned off and on by the use of the foot switch. However, to provide for fine adjustment of the particle flux or density it is advantageous to have the regulators present.

[0030] To allow access to the abrasive particles, the supply and recovery container may include quick-release lids 60 allowing access into the containers. To also assist in mounting the container to the apparatus, the recovery and the supply container may include projections 62 adapted to engage holding bores 64 on the apparatus.

[0031 ] Timer 66 can assist the operator in keeping a track of time that the machine has been used for. Although not shown, the times could be electrically connected to the pneumatic sources so that the apparatus turns off after a pre-determined amount of time.

[0032] Thus one can see that the present dual bottle apparatus provides for a range of micro-abrasion properties by providing for different size particles that provide different degrees of micro-abrasions.

[0033] It is to be understood that while use of the invention with such a dermabrasion machine is a preferred embodiment of the invention, other dermabrasion machines and methods can also be used. An alternate dermabrasion machine could include the use of a single supply container and tubes and a control switch which is not foot-operated. An alternate dermabrasion machine could also include a single handle. [0034] Organic particulates from plant materials are known for use in dermabrasion techniques such as the aforementioned apparatus as a replacement for aluminum oxide crystals or other inorganic abrasive particles. It is a preferred embodiment of the invention that the organic particulates are ground plant fibres, however any suitably abrasive organic matter could possibly be used. It has been found that such organic particulates still provide the necessary abrasion on the skin, however do not dehydrate the skin, as crystals can, and provide far more effective dermabrasion.

[0035] The present invention discloses the use of organic particulates in dermabrasion which have an emollient or essence of oils derived from plant materials such as flowers. The dry organic particulates absorb some of the oil resin, changing the composition of each particulate by making them heavier or stickier. The same result can also be achieved by the oil resin coating or enveloping the organic particulates. As such, the dermabrasion is more effective as the particulates penetrate deeper into the top skin layers, and therefore more skin can be removed in one pass over the skin, rather than several.

[0036] The emollient of plant oils also treats the skin during the

dermabrasion process. The organic particulates imbibed with the emollient of oil are softer and rounder than the dry particulates alone, and are thus gentler on the treated skin. There is also no evaporation of the skin as found with dry or inorganic particulates and therefore the skin does not become dehydrated during the dermabrasion.

[0037] The organic particulates are therefore healing the skin at the same time as they are peeling the skin. They lessen the rawness and redness of the skin after treatment and less or no healing time is required, rather than the person having the treatment being forced to allow the skin to heal for some time afterwards, as is the case with traditional skin peeling and dermabrasion methods. As such it is especially effective on skin conditions such as acne, as multiple treatments can be performed in a short amount of time without damaging the skin.

[0038] The organic nature of the particulates also eliminates the need for the use of safety masks, as are required when dealing with inorganic crystal particulates.

[0039] Various emollients or essence of plant oils can be used to treat the skin in different ways. Tea Tree Oil, for example is known for its healing properties. Other possible oils include Bulgarian or Turkish rose oil (for anti- aging) and South African lavender (for sensitive skin), although it is to be understood that oil derived from any suitable plant or flower variety can be used. Methods to extract the oil resin from the plant are known in the art and suitable resin can be obtained through these techniques.

[0040] It is a preferred embodiment of the invention that the organic particulates be used in conjunction with a conventional dermabrasion apparatus, such as the one hereinfore described. As the oil makes the particulates larger in size, such an apparatus can be adapted to

accommodate this. In particular, the size of the apertures on the handle of the apparatus can be made larger to allow the altered particulates to pass through and impact with the treated skin surface. It is, however, to be understood that the invention is adapted for use with a variety of

dermabrasion methods and in other beauty treatment products.

[0041 ] The aforementioned apparatus can also serves the dual capability of switching the airflow to a second handpiece which contains a flat diamond grip tip, rather than an aperture 40. The tip of the second handpiece can be a solid disc with diamond grit (such as real diamond dust) which can be used to infuse a high quality serum into the skin. Thus the

microdermabrasion apparatus is used to treat the skin by use of the first handpiece in conjunction with the organic particulates, wherein said organic particulates are sucked from the supply container and impact the skin where the aperture is applied to the skin surface to be treated. The organic particulates, coated in the emollient of oil, treat the skin whilst peeling. These organic particulates do not puncture the skin as inorganic crystal particulates do, but promote healing of the epidermal layer.

[0042] A serum or cream can then be applied directly to the skin surface in order to assist in the healing process and provide moisturisation. The second handpiece with the flat diamond tip is then applied to the skin in order to facilitate the peel and encourage absorption of the serum. As the tip of the second handpiece moves across the skin where the serum has been applied, the suction and abrading of the diamond tip opens up the skin allowing the serum to be sucked into the skin and absorbed. Thus any residual serum or cream disappears as the tip moves across the skin, which rehydrates the skin effectively, restores the lipid mantle and leaves the skin with a pleasant smell. The serum is pulled deeper into the skin and no excess serum remains, as is often the case when only serum or creams is rubbed manually into the skin.

[0043] There is also virtually no pulling or scraping of the skin through use of the serum and second handpiece, which prevents scratching, stretching or otherwise injuring the skin.

[0044] Thus, while current methods of dermabrasion puncture and dehydrate the skin and require time for the skin to heal, the method of dermabrasion described herein heals the skin even as the top layers of skin are peeled by the first handpiece and organic particulates, and the skin is further hydrated and moisturised through the application of the serum and second handpiece with the diamond tip.

[0045] The reader will now appreciate the present invention. Whilst dermabrasion using aluminum oxide or organic particles is known it is not known to use particulates that have been impregnated with essential oils or other plant resin that assist in minimizing damage to the skin and acting in a therapeutic manner.

[0046] Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus. Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in this field.

[0047] In the summary of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprising" is used in the sense of "including", i.e. the features specified may be associated with further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1 . Organics particulates for use with a microdernnabrasion apparatus, said particulates including an emollient of oils.

2. Organic particulates according to claim 1 wherein the emollient of oils is absorbed by the particulates sothat the particulates are gentler on the skin during dermabrasion.

3. Organics particulates according to claim 1 wherein said emollient of oils are derived from plant material.

4. Organic particulates according to any of the above claims wherein said particulates are ground plant fibres.

5. Organic particulates according to any of the above claims wherein the oils are chosen from but not limited to Tea Tree Oil, Rose Oil and Lavender Oil.

6. A method of skin treatment including: providing a stream of organic particulates that impinge on the skin to cause microdermabrasion wherein said particulates are defined as in any one of the above claims.