WO2014060977A1

WO2014060977A1 - Method for massaging the skin

Info

Publication number: WO2014060977A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/059411
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hélène Pernot; Elisa CABERLOTTO; Lien PLANARD-LUONG
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2012-10-19
Filing date: 2013-10-17
Publication date: 2014-04-24
Also published as: FR2997013B1; FR2997013A1

Abstract

Method for massaging the skin The present invention relates to a method for massaging the skin (P) in order to exert a cosmetic action on the latter, said method comprising the step of moving, upon contact with the skin, a massage device (1) having: • - a suction source (20), • - a casing (2) designed to form a suction chamber (26) in communication with the suction source (20), • - a flexible element (6) for retention of the skin (P), allowing the vacuum prevailing in the suction chamber (26) to exert itself on the skin (P), the flexible element (6) being designed, on one face (6a), to come into contact with the skin (P) and limiting the deformation of the latter under the effect of the vacuum, the smallest distance size between two opposite edges of a hole being between 10 micro meter and 5 mm.

Description

Method for massaging the skin

The present invention relates to cosmetic treatment of the skin.

The techniques of massaging the skin by suction and "palpating/rolling" are used to treat signs of ageing and problems of cellulite and adipose tissue. These techniques involve locally pinching the skin and gradually moving the pinched area.

Traditionally, massage by "palpating/rolling" is done by hand and may cause the masseur to become tired. Moreover, massage treatments carried out in this way often pose a problem of being non-uniform, since they are dependent on the level of the stresses applied by the masseur.

Various types of equipment based on suction phenomena have hitherto been proposed in an attempt to facilitate the work of the professionals.

The patent applications EP 0 284 527 and EP 2 029 084 propose combining a so-called "palpating/rolling" module, composed of two parallel rollers which have a smooth or perforated surface and are mounted freely in rotation, and a suction module connected to a suction source, by which it is possible to create a vacuum in the space located between the rollers when the latter are applied to the skin and, by so doing, to manipulate the skin. During operation, when the rollers are applied to the skin and turn about themselves, the vacuum causes the formation of a fold of skin between the rollers. A problem which arises is that the skin deformation generated by the suction is poorly controlled and non-uniform and, for this reason, can cause damage to the skin, for example bruising.

There is therefore a need for a massage device which in particular permits treatment of the signs of ageing and the problems of adipose tissue, with less risk of damage to the tissues.

The invention meets this need, according to a first aspect thereof, by virtue of a method for massaging the skin in order to exert a cosmetic action on the latter, said method comprising the step of moving, upon contact with the skin, a massage device having:

a suction source,

a casing designed to form a suction chamber in communication with the suction source,

a flexible element for retention of the skin, allowing the vacuum prevailing in the suction chamber to exert itself on the skin, the element being designed, on one face, to come into contact with the skin and limiting the deformation of the latter under the effect of the vacuum.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method for massaging the skin in order to exert a cosmetic action on the latter, said method comprising the step of moving, upon contact with the skin, a massage device having:

a suction source,

at least two bearing elements defining a space between them,

- an element for retention of the skin, which element is arranged in said space and allows the vacuum prevailing in the suction chamber to exert itself on the skin, the retention element being designed to come into contact with the skin on one face and limiting the deformation of the latter under the effect of the vacuum, the bearing elements coming into contact with the skin directly and/or by way of the retention element.

By virtue of the invention, it is possible to massage the skin with less risk of causing damage associated with poorly controlled and non-uniform deformation of the skin. The retention element tends to limit the forces exerted by the vacuum on the skin. The vacuum generated by the suction source can cause suction of the skin, with a low- amplitude movement thereof on account of the retention element.

The movement of the casing relative to the skin makes it possible to change the places where the deformation is exerted on the skin and thus to perform a multiplicity of "palpate/roll" procedures.

The method according to the invention is particularly suitable for the treatment of signs of ageing of healthy skin, especially the treatment of wrinkles or treatment aimed at improving the firmness of the skin, and also treatment of adipose tissue of healthy skin.

A "flexible element" is to be understood as an element capable of deforming upon contact with the skin, the element being able to be made of a material having inherent properties of flexibility or being able to comprise a plurality of sub-elements which are joined to each other in order to give the element the desired deformation properties.

An "element for retention of the skin" is to be understood as an element which, upon contact with the latter, is capable of preventing the skin from being moved excessively under suction. The fact that the retention element is flexible allows it to adapt more easily to the contour of the skin and reduce still further the risk of damage and/or improve the homogeneity of the treatment. Moreover, the flexible element can be produced in a shape that makes it easier to obtain an extensive surface of contact with the skin.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the device advantageously has a bearing element designed to bear on the skin, preferably two bearing elements which are designed to bear on the skin and define between them a space in which the retention element is arranged. These two bearing elements allow a massaging action to be exerted by applying pressure to the skin, which is moreover subjected to tension on account of the vacuum prevailing in the suction chamber.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the retention element can be flexible.

According to the two aspects of the invention above, the one or more bearing elements are preferably rotary members, preferably with parallel axes of rotation and preferably coplanar. The rotary members can in particular facilitate the movement of the massage device on the skin, while at the same time contributing to exerting a massaging action.

The one or more bearing elements can be disassembled by the user in order to allow the retention element to be changed. For example, the one or more bearing elements are fixed by snap-fitting them onto the casing.

The retention element, when it is flexible, can be in the form of a band, and more particularly in the form of a band closed on itself. The retention element then advantageously extends in a closed loop on the aforementioned two rotary members, which can be rollers, and the retention element can be movable relative to the casing during the use of the massage device, especially during the rotation of the rollers.

During the implementation of the method according to the invention, the skin can be deformed by suction towards the suction chamber, likewise optionally the retention element. This suction of the skin is controlled both by the value of the vacuum and by the positioning of the retention element, in order to avoid excessive deformation, or even a pinching effect that could cause a haematoma. As has been indicated above, the aforementioned rotary members are preferably each formed by a roller, and the retention element can advantageously extend over substantially their entire length.

The drive of the retention element can be motorized. The one or more rotary members can turn relative to the casing independently of a movement of the latter relative to the skin. In a variant, it is the movement of the casing on the skin that generates the driving of the retention element, by friction of the retention element on the skin, especially by the rotation of the rotary members.

According to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the casing comes into contact with the skin, over a closed contour surface, for example via its edges that extend between the rotary members. The casing, for example the rotary members and the opposite edges between which these are arranged, can define an opening of closed contour in which the retention element extends, in order to minimize the intake of air between the skin and the casing during the use of the massage device and to make it easier to establish the vacuum in the suction chamber. This contour is, for example, square or rectangular, observed in the plane of the opening.

The one or more surfaces of the casing coming into contact with the skin can be defined by at least a rigid part of the casing and/or by at least a flexible part thereof. It is possible for the casing not to come into contact with the skin on a closed contour, but to have a free edge which is situated at a sufficiently short distance from the skin to ensure that the vacuum inside the suction chamber is maintained at a sufficiently high value, in order to produce the desired effect on the skin, especially a vacuum of more than 10 mbar, preferably more than 20 mbar, preferably more than 60 mbar relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure.

The suction source can be independent of the casing and can be attached to the latter via a hose. In a variant, the suction source is integrated in the casing.

The vacuum prevailing in the suction chamber when the massage device is in the configuration of use on the skin can be up to 200 mbar relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure. A vacuum of x mbar signifies that the absolute pressure is P _atm-x, where P_atm is the ambient atmospheric pressure, expressed in mbar, under the conditions of use of the massage device, P_atm being taken to be equal to 1025 mbar at 20°C. The suction source can be controlled so as to maintain a predefined vacuum level in the suction chamber, if appropriate with the vacuum being regulated by means of a pressure sensor present in the suction chamber or in the area of the suction source. The vacuum can be regulated, for example, by controlling the speed of a turbine generating the vacuum, or by more or less closing a bypass circuit or an air inlet, preferably with the aid of a solenoid valve. In a variant, the massage device has a sensor detecting the application of the casing to the skin and permitting the triggering of the suction only in this case.

The suction source can be operated cyclically, with the development of the pressure in the suction chamber being for example crenelated, ramp-shaped, sinusoidal or sigmoid. The cyclical operation makes it possible to alternate between phases of suction of the skin and phases of relaxation of the skin, permitting better stimulation of the cells of the epidermis and better biological efficacy.

The operation of the suction source can be intermittent.

The massage device advantageously has a control circuit of the suction source, allowing the vacuum level to be controlled over time, preferably according to at least one predefined programme, so as to maintain a predefined vacuum level in the suction chamber.

The retention element can be permeable to air. The permeability of the retention element permits uniformity of the forces exerted by the vacuum on the skin.

The retention element can in particular have holes and/or raised parts of smaller size less than or equal to 1 cm, preferably less than or equal 5 mm, formed so as to allow the vacuum to reach the skin.

The retention element is advantageously designed to result in a uniform and controlled micro-deformation of the skin.

During operation, the vacuum in the suction chamber, generated by the suction source, can cause the skin to be suctioned through the holes in the retention element, resulting in a multiplicity of local micro-deformations, which produce a pro-regenerative effect on the skin, especially on aged healthy tissue.

The sizes of the holes can determine the extent of deformation of the skin, since bearing on the skin via opposite edges that are close together tends to limit the extent of deformation the closer together the edges are.

The holes can open out directly on the opposite faces of the retention element. The smallest distance between two opposite edges of a hole is preferably between 1 μιη and 1 cm, more preferably between 10 μιη and 5 mm, even more preferably between 1 mm and 2.5 mm.

The inscribed circle of each hole has, preferably, a diameter being less than or equal to 5 mm, notably less than or equal to 2.5 mm. The massaging method with such a size of holes thickens the living layer of the epidermis of the skin and increases the cohesion of the dermo-epidermal junction.

The holes can have different shapes, in particularly elongate or non-elongate.

The retention element can have raised parts on its surface, for example barbs or bosses or striations, or can incorporate abrasive particles on its surface, by which it is possible to accentuate the desired massage effect.

The effect of retention of the skin can be obtained by pressing the skin onto the raised parts. The spacing between the raised parts influences the extent of deformation of the skin.

Preferably, holes have a circular shape.

The retention element may or may not be elastically deformable.

In one illustrative embodiment of the invention, a cosmetic product is applied to the skin or to the retention element during the use of the massage device. This application can take place, if appropriate, during an interruption in the operation of the suction source in order to reduce the risk of the cosmetic product being suctioned by the suction source during the treatment, if the penetration into the skin or the retention element is not sufficiently rapid.

The massage device can thus be designed such that the application of the product takes place at a time when the vacuum is less or non-existent in the suction chamber.

The massage device can have a circuit for controlling the operation of the suction source and/or the distribution of product, which modifies the operating regime of the suction source by reducing it or stopping it during a product distribution phase, and which, during this distribution phase, controls a pump and/or a valve for distribution of the product, in order to distribute the latter on the skin and/or on the retention element. The operation of the suction source and/or of the distribution of the product can be controlled according to one or more predefined programmes. The suction source can be stopped, for example, by acting on the motor of a turbine or by opening a valve to the open air, causing the vacuum to drop in the suction chamber.

The massage device according to the invention can thus have a means for applying the product to the skin or the retention element, for example a conduit which conveys the product from a reservoir to the casing, an applicator in contact with the skin or to the retention element. If appropriate, the product can also be applied directly to the skin, especially by spraying, for example through a nozzle carried by the casing.

The aforementioned reservoir can be integral with the casing or with a stationary base post, to which the casing is connected by a flexible hose.

The retention element can be impregnated or pre-impregnated with the cosmetic product to be applied to the skin. It can be mounted on the massage device in the impregnated or pre-impregnated state. If appropriate, the retention element can then be packed in a leaktight manner in a bag or other packaging device, prior to its use.

The expression "pre-impregnated with cosmetic product" is to be understood as meaning that the retention element has been brought into contact with the cosmetic product prior to its first use. This contact is achieved, for example, by immersion, spraying or mixing with the material from which the retention element is made, during the manufacture of the latter, for example.

In a variant, the product is applied to the skin while the massage device is not present there, and then the latter is brought into contact with the skin previously treated with the product. The time interval between the application to the skin and the use of the massage device can be less than 1 hour.

In another variant, the massage device is used, then the product is applied to the skin treated by the device. The time interval between the use of the massage device and the application of the product can be less than 1 hour.

In order to facilitate the regeneration of the tissue and/or to promote the penetration of the cosmetic product used conjointly with the massage device, the retention element can carry at least one micro-needle, preferably more than 25 micro-needles per cm², with a length of notably between 100 μιη and 2 mm, preferably between 250 μιη and 1 mm. During the movement of the retention element, each micro-needle can engage in the skin and then withdraw from the latter. In one variant, the micro-needles are made of a material that is capable of dissolving in the skin. The method according to the invention can comprise the step of bringing the massage device into contact with an area of the skin that does not have lesions and that shows wrinkles, cellulite or excess amounts of adipose tissue.

Another aspect of the invention concerns a device for massaging the skin in order to exert a cosmetic action on the latter, comprising:

a suction source,

a preferably flexible element for retention of the skin, allowing the vacuum prevailing in the suction chamber to exert itself on the skin and being movable relative to the casing during the use of the device, this flexible element being designed, on one face, to come into contact with the skin and limiting the deformation of the latter under the effect of the vacuum.

All of the features mentioned above in connection with the method according to the invention apply likewise to the massage device itself.

Thus, the retention element can be permeable to air. The permeability makes it possible to homogenize the forces exerted on the skin by the vacuum.

The retention element may be elastically deformable.

The suction source is preferably enclosed in the casing.

The casing can have a surface which contacts the skin and which has a closed contour around an opening in which the flexible element extends.

The vacuum prevailing in the suction chamber when the massage device is in the configuration of use on the skin can be up to 200 mbar relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure.

The massage device advantageously has a control circuit of the suction source, allowing the vacuum level to be controlled over time, preferably according to at least one predefined programme.

The massage device can have at least one rotary member, preferably in contact with the retention element, in particular several rotary members with axes of rotation which are parallel and coplanar. These rotary members can be rollers and can constitute the aforementioned bearing elements. The drive of the rotation element can be motorized. The motorization takes place, for example, via the one or more rotary members.

The retention element can be in the form of a band, and more particularly in the form of a band closed on itself. The retention element can extend in a closed loop around the rollers.

The retention element preferably has holes so as to obtain a uniform and controlled micro-deformation of the skin through them.

The smallest distance between two opposite edges is preferably between 1 μιη and 1 cm, more preferably between 10 μιη and 5 mm, even more preferably between 1 mm and 2.5 mm.

The massage device according to the invention can have a means for applying a product to the skin or the retention element.

The massage device can have a circuit for controlling the suction source and the distribution of product, which modifies the operating regime of the suction source by reducing it or stopping it during a product distribution phase, and which, during this phase, controls a pump and/or a valve for distribution of the product, in order to distribute the latter on the skin and/or on the retention element, especially from a reservoir.

The invention further relates to a cosmetic assembly, for implementing the method according to the first and second aspects of the invention, which comprises a massage device according to the invention and the cosmetic product to the applied to the skin during, before or after the use of the device.

The invention may be better understood from reading the following detailed description of non-limiting implementation examples thereof and from examining the appended drawing, in which:

- Figure 1 schematically and partially shows an example of a massage device according to the invention,

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a control circuit of the massage device,

Figure 3 shows, in a schematic and partial perspective view, an example of a massage device according to the invention,

Figure 4 is a side view according to the arrow IV in Figure 3, Figures 5a to 5c are examples of curves showing the development of the vacuum as a function of time, in the suction chamber,

Figure 6 schematically and partially shows an alternative example of a massage device according to the invention,

- Figure 7 is a bottom view according to the arrow VII in Figure 4,

Figure 8 is a schematic and partial representation of a retention element provided with micro -needles,

Figures 9a to 9c are schematic representations of shapes of holes on the retention element according to the invention,

- Figure 10 is a schematic representation of the shape of a raised part on the retention element, and

Figures 11 and 12 are schematic representations of the retention element provided, respectively, with holes and barbs applied to the skin when the massage device is in operation.

Massage device

The massage device 1 according to the invention, shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 7, has a casing 2 containing or communicating with a suction source 20 for creating a vacuum within the casing 2 and, in particular, in the area of an opening 4 facing the skin P during use, as is illustrated in Figure 4, and communicating with a suction chamber 26 inside the casing 2. This opening is defined for example, as illustrated in Figure 7, between two opposite edges 2a of the casing 2. The invention is not limited to a particular shape of the opening 4, any shape compatible with obtaining the desired vacuum being acceptable.

The massage device 1 has a retention element 6, which extends at least partially in the opening 4 and comes into contact with the skin P.

In the example in question, the retention element 6 is in the form of a flexible band mounted on two rollers 7 with parallel and spaced-apart axes of rotation X, and the opening 4 extends between the rollers 7.

The casing 2 defines a grip surface for a hand, and it can, if appropriate, have raised parts (not shown) for positioning the fingers.

The massage device 1 has a contact surface 25 with the skin P, preferably having a closed contour, in order to minimize intake of air detrimental to obtaining the desired vacuum. Preferably, as is illustrated, the casing 2 has rounded front and rear edges 12, which curve in towards the opening 4 and substantially match the curvature of the one or more adjacent rollers 7. In this way, the escape of air between the rollers 7 and the casing 2 can be minimized and the vacuum more easily generated in the suction chamber 26.

According to one aspect of the invention, the retention element 6 is movable relative to the casing 2 during the use of the massage device 1 and its displacement on the skin P. This mobility can be provided by the presence of the rollers 7, on which the retention element 6 is engaged.

The rollers 7 are positioned with respect to the opening 4 in such a way that the retention element 6 can come into contact with the skin P. For example, as is illustrated, the rollers 7 are positioned in such a way that the retention element 6 very slightly protrudes past the plane containing the edges 2a of the casing 2.

The rollers 7 may or may not protrude from this plane, for example having their lower generatrix contained in the plane of the edges 2a of the casing 2, as is illustrated in Figure 7.

The distance between the axes X is, for example, between 1 and 5 cm, especially about 2.5 cm, for the face, and between 3 and 10 cm, especially about 5 cm, for the body, and the diameter of the rollers is, for example, between 2 and 15 mm, especially about 8 mm, for the face, and between 10 and 30 mm, especially about 18 mm, for the body.

In a variant that is not illustrated, the retention element 6 is unwound from a storage reel to a receiving reel and passes between the rollers 7, optionally in contact with them.

The rollers 7 can be driven by any suitable motorized system, for example with the aid of belts 8 or gears, being driven for example by one or more electric motors arranged in the casing 2 and not visible in the figures. The one or more electric motors can have a supply voltage of between 1.5 V and 48 V and can be controlled electrically from the fixed station 44. The motorized system is not limited to the use of electric motors, and any roller-driving system can be used.

The rollers 7 can be free in their movement, their rotation merely being the result of the displacement of the massage device 1 on the skin, by friction thereon. The rollers 7 can advantageously be disassembled by the user so as to be able to change or clean the retention element 6, especially at each use.

In the variant illustrated in Figure 6, the casing 2 carries a single rotary member 7 in contact with the skin P, on which the retention element 6 extends. The rotary member 7 is, for example, a very open roller 7, and only the flexible retention element 6 comes into contact with the skin P by placing itself between the latter and the roller 7.

Suction source

The suction source communicates with the casing 2 via a conduit 9. For example, the conduit 9 has, as is illustrated in Figure 1 , a flexible hose 53 connecting the casing 2, which serves as a handpiece, to the base station 44, which has the suction source 20 and which is used in a fixed position.

The suction source 20 can have a turbine or any other means for generating the desired vacuum.

A control circuit 30 shown schematically in Figure 2 makes it possible, if so desired, to control the suction source 20, particularly in such a way as to follow operating phases in which the applied vacuum is variable, for example in the manner indicated in Figures 5a to 5c.

The control circuit 30 can in particular permit the application of a pulsed vacuum, of which the variation follows the shape, for example, of crenelations, as illustrated in Figure 5a, a sinusoidal shape as illustrated in Figure 5b, or a ramp or a sigmoid shape as illustrated in Figure 5c.

Under the effect of the action of the control circuit 30, the vacuum prevailing in the suction chamber 26 can increase gradually and then stop abruptly or can increase abruptly and then diminish gradually or diminish abruptly and then stop abruptly.

In a preferred variant aimed at ensuring the least possible damage to the skin and at creating uniform tension, the vacuum increases gradually and then diminishes gradually.

The massage device 1 can be designed in such a way that the suction source 20 operates in static mode, producing a constant vacuum, for example chosen between 20 mbar and 200 mbar with respect to the ambient atmospheric pressure, the choice of vacuum being made, for example, via the user interface 55 of the base station 44 between the values of 20 and 200 mbar, at steps of 20 mbar for example. The suction source 20 can also be operated according to a cyclical mode, as is illustrated in Figures 5a and 5b, with a pressure variation in crenelations (Figure 5a) or of sinusoidal shape (Figure 5b), with a frequency preferably greater than or equal to 10 Hz, ranging from a given vacuum P_max to a lower vacuum P_min. The lowest vacuum can be equal to or not equal to the atmospheric pressure. For example, in the case of crenelations, P_mi_n can be equal to the atmospheric pressure.

The cyclical ratio T_max/T_min is, for example, greater than or equal to 1, for example equal to 2, or less than or equal to 1 , for example equal to 0.2, or equal to about 1, for example between 0.5 and 1.5, where T_max is the time of application of the maximum vacuum and T_min is the time of application of the lowest vacuum, or even of the absence of a vacuum. T_max is, for example, chosen between 1 and 3 min, for example equal to about 2 min.

The suction source can also be operated in such a way as to generate a succession of cycles of increasing maximum vacuum, the vacuum ranging, for example, from 0 to k.p mbar, then from 0 to (k+l).p mbar, for k ranging from 1 to more than 5, for example 9, and p between 10 mbar and 30 mbar, for example equal to 20 mbar.

The suction source 20 can be controlled in such a way as to maintain a predefined level of vacuum in the suction chamber 20 via a feedback control loop 50 on the control circuit 30. A pressure sensor (not shown) can in particular be present in the suction chamber 26 in order to measure the value of the vacuum in the latter and to regulate it in real time. The feedback control loop 50 can control the opening or closure of a solenoid valve in order to obtain this regulation.

In a variant that is not shown, the vacuum source 20 is integrated in the casing 2, and the base station 44 can be limited to a power pack, especially for low voltage, or may even be absent.

The user interface 55, when present, can allow the user to select a type of treatment from several, and the control circuit 30 can act on the suction source 20 according to several predefined programmes, depending on the type of treatment selected by the user. If appropriate, the massage device 1 can have a sensor which detects the application of the casing 2 to the skin P and permits the triggering of the suction only in this case. Retention element

The retention element 6 can be permeable to air.

As is illustrated in Figure 1 1, the element 6 preferably has holes 62, of which the dimensions are chosen so as to obtain micro-suction, and therefore micro-deformation of the skin P in the area of each hole 62 facing the skin P. Thus, when the massage device 1 is displaced on the skin P, a massage with micro-suction is obtained, which can have regenerative effects on the tissue.

The shortest distance b between the two opposite edges of the holes 62 is preferably between 1 μιη and 1 cm, preferably between 10 μιη and 5 mm more preferably between 1 mm and 2.5 mm. The holes 62 can in particular be square, circular or slit- shaped, as is illustrated in Figures 9a to 9c respectively.

The retention element 6 is preferably flexible. This flexibility can be an inherent property of the material from which it is made, or a property obtained by combining a plurality of sub-elements, for example an assembly of rigid meshes.

The retention element 6 may or may not be elastically deformable.

The retention element 6 can be smooth on the face for contact with the skin or can have raised parts 63 thereon. The raised parts 63 can be barbs, as illustrated in Figures 10 and 12, or bosses or striations.

The distance p between the raised parts 63 is preferably of the same order as the shortest distance b between the opposite edges of the holes 62, in order to limit the extent of the deformation of the skin P.

The raised parts 63 can have a height greater than the extent of deformation of the skin P under the effect of the vacuum, especially when the retention element 6 is not openworked and the vacuum is applied to the skin P from the sides of the retention element 6, as is illustrated in Figure 12, rather than through it, as is the case when it is openworked.

The retention element can also be openworked and have a raised surface in order to increase the massaging action.

The retention element 6 can be made of a fabric with micro-apertures, for example a woven or nonwoven fabric provided, for example, with a raised surface.

The retention element 6 can be an open-cell foam, either flocked or unflocked.

Polyurethane foams can be used in particular. Foams made of polyisocyanturates or of polystyrene or phenolic foams can also be used. The element 6 can also be a net, for example of polyester. The shape of the holes 62 is then as illustrated in Figure 9a, for example.

In one variant, as is illustrated in Figure 8, the retention element 6 carries at least one micro-needle 60, preferably a plurality of micro-needles 60 which, when they come into contact with the skin P, create micro-lesions on the treated area. These microneedles can thus promote the penetration of a cosmetic composition into the superficial layers of the skin P and facilitate regeneration of the tissue.

The micro-needles 60 are made, for example, of a metal, for example stainless steel, or of solid polymer materials. The micro-needles 60 can also be made of a material allowing them to dissolve in the skin.

The effect of suction through the retention element 6 may make it possible to cause the micro-needles 60 to penetrate into the skin P in a uniform manner, even in areas with raised parts such as wrinkles, and facilitates the effective treatment of such areas.

The number of micro-needles 60 per cm² can be between 25 and 1000. The micro-needles 60 can have an exposed length / of preferably between 100 μιη and 2 mm, more preferably between 250 μιη and 1 mm.

The micro-needles 60 can be connected to the retention element 6 in the area of the intersections between bridges of material which define the holes 62, as is illustrated in Figure 8, for example being provided with a widened base anchored in the material of the retention element 6. In one variant, the micro-needles 60 pass through the entire thickness of the retention element 6 and protrude from the latter by the desired length /. If appropriate, the micro-needles 60 do not protrude at rest, and it is the compression of the retention element 6 against the skin P that allows them to reach the latter. The retention element 6 together with the needles can be disposable or can be cleaned after disassembly.

The retention element 6 may or may not be pre-impregnated with a cosmetic product.

Cosmetic product

At least one cosmetic product can advantageously be applied to the skin P before, during or after the treatment.

The cosmetic product can be applied to the skin P before the cosmetic treatment by the massage device 1, it being possible for the time interval between the application of the product and the use of the massage device 1 to be less than 1 hour. The cosmetic product can be applied to the skin P after the cosmetic treatment by the massage device 1, it being possible for the time interval between the use of the massage device and the application of the cosmetic product to be less than 1 hour.

The cosmetic product can be applied to the skin P during the cosmetic treatment effected by the massage device 1.

This cosmetic product can in particular pre-impregnate the retention element 6. Alternatively, the massage device 1 is designed to apply the product to the skin P, by taking it, for example, from a reservoir 40 containing the product. This reservoir 40 can belong to the base station, as is illustrated in Figure 1. A pump 41 can be arranged on the circuit supplying the casing 2 with product, this pump being controlled by the control circuit 30. The product is preferably applied to the skin P during a stoppage of the suction source 20, so as to avoid a loss of product towards the suction source 20. The product chosen can be sufficiently viscous to ensure that it is not suctioned by the suction source 20, if appropriate.

The reservoir can be located on the fixed station 44. In one variant, the reservoir is integrated in the casing 2.

In one variant, the application of the product is controlled via the pump 41 by the control circuit 30. As is illustrated in Figure 2, this control circuit 30 can be the same as that of the suction source 20, so as to be able to stop the suction source 20 in order to actuate the pump 41 and apply the product during this stoppage.

In one variant, the complete operation of the massage device 1 is controlled by the user interface 55, which advantageously makes it possible to select a program from one or more predefined programs. Said programmes send, for example to the control circuit 30, the information relating to the operation of the suction source 20 and to the application of the cosmetic product, and the control circuit ensures and/or monitors the correct execution of the program, in particular via sensors, for example pressure and movement sensors.

Among the compositions that can be applied to the skin P and used conjointly with the massage device 1 , mention may be made of compositions comprising one or more slimming agents, humectants or moisturizers, anti-ageing substances, in particular "anti- wrinkle" substances, anti-oxidants, fat-restructuring substances, substances acting on the micro-circulation, biological active substances known for their actions on the mechanotransduction chain, and tensioning agents which fix the immediate deformations conferred by the suction on the surface of the skin and thereby lead to a temporary smoothing of the skin.

The invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described.

It is possible in particular to use one or more rotary members 7 other than rollers, for example of spherical shape, the retention element 6 being, for example, in the form of a web arranged on the surface of the rotary member.

When the massage device comprises the reservoir containing the product to be applied, this reservoir can be directly present on the casing 2.

The massage device can be produced without rotary members.

The expression "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one".

Claims

1. Method for massaging the skin (P) in order to exert a cosmetic action on the latter, said method comprising the step of moving, upon contact with the skin, a massage device (1) having:

a suction source (20),

a casing (2) designed to form a suction chamber (26) in communication with the suction source (20),

a flexible element (6) for retention of the skin (P)having holes (62) and allowing the vacuum prevailing in the suction chamber (26) to exert itself on the skin (P), the retention element (6) being designed, on one face (6a), to come into contact with the skin (P) and limiting the deformation of the latter under the effect of the vacuum, the smallest distance size (b) between two opposite edges of a hole (62) being between 10 μιη and 5 mm.

2. Method for massaging the skin (P) in order to exert a cosmetic action on the latter, said method comprising the step of moving, upon contact with the skin, a massage device (1) having:

a suction source (20),

at least two bearing elements (7) defining a space (4) between them, an element (6) for retention of the skin (P) having holes (62), which element (6) is arranged in said space (4) and allows the vacuum prevailing in the suction chamber (26) to exert itself on the skin (P), the retention element (6) being designed to come into contact with the skin (P) on one face (6a) and limiting the deformation of the latter under the effect of the vacuum, the bearing elements (7) being designed to come into contact with the skin or indirectly by way of the retention element (6), the smallest distance (b) between two opposite edges of a hole (62) being between 10 μιη and 5 mm.

3. Method according to Claim 2, the retention element (6) being composed of a flexible element.

4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, the smallest distance (b) between two opposite edges of a hole (62) being less than or equal to 2.5 mm.

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, the retention element (6) being movable relative to the casing (2) during the use of the massage device (1).

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, the suction source

(20) creating a vacuum above or equal to 10 mbar, preferably 60 mbar, in the suction chamber (26).

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the step of applying a cosmetic product to the skin (P).

8. Device (1) for massaging the skin (P) in order to exert a cosmetic action on the latter, comprising:

a suction source (20),

- a preferably flexible element (6) for retention of the skin (P) having holes

(62) and allowing the vacuum prevailing in the suction chamber (26) to exert itself on the skin (P) and being movable relative to the casing (2) during the use of the massage device (1), this flexible element (6) being designed, on one face (6a), to come into contact with the skin (P) and limiting the deformation of the latter under the effect of the vacuum, the smallest distance (b) between two opposite edges of a hole (62) being between 10 μιη and 5 mm.

9. Device according to Claim 8, the retention element (6) being permeable to air.

10. Device according to Claim 8 or 9, the casing (2) having a surface (25) which contacts the skin (P) and which has a closed contour around an opening (4) in which the flexible element (6) extends.

11. Device according to any one of Claims 8 to 10, having at least one rotary member (7) preferably in contact with the retention element (6), in particular several rotary members (7) with axes of rotation (X) which are parallel and preferably coplanar.

12. Device according to Claim 1 1, the one or more rotary members (7) each being formed by a roller, the retention element (6) extending in a closed loop around these.

13. Device according to any one of Claims 8 to 12, having a motorized drive for the retention element (6), the motorization taking place in particular via the one or more rotary members (7) as defined in Claim 11 or 12.

14. Device according to any one of Claims 8 to 13, the smallest distance (b) between two opposite edges of a hole (62) being less than or equal to 2.5 mm.

15. Device according to any one of Claims 8 to 14, having a means for applying a cosmetic product to the skin (P).

16. Device according to Claim 15, the applicator means having a conduit conveying the product from a reservoir (40) to the casing (2), and/or the retention element (6) being impregnated or pre-impregnated with a cosmetic product to be applied to the skin

(P).