WO2014085814A1 - Tools and methods for interactive, professional-level at-home skin care - Google Patents
Tools and methods for interactive, professional-level at-home skin care Download PDFInfo
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- WO2014085814A1 WO2014085814A1 PCT/US2013/072653 US2013072653W WO2014085814A1 WO 2014085814 A1 WO2014085814 A1 WO 2014085814A1 US 2013072653 W US2013072653 W US 2013072653W WO 2014085814 A1 WO2014085814 A1 WO 2014085814A1
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
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- G16H20/30—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
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- G—PHYSICS
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- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
- G06F3/0484—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
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- G16H50/00—ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics
- G16H50/30—ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for calculating health indices; for individual health risk assessment
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method for providing at-home skincare solutions to consumers using an integrated system of one or more cosmetic skincare tools, skincare products and a mobile App, where the tool settings/frequency of use and a complementary skincare product regimen (product selection, frequency and order of use) are selected and changed based on user interaction with and data from the tool and/or App.
- a complementary skincare product regimen product selection, frequency and order of use
- Medical devices include instruments, implements and machines that are intended for use in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or are intended to affect the structure or any function of the human body but which do not achieve any of the primary intended purposes through chemical action in or on the body. Some new medical devices require a rigorous review before being approved for use. Others can be marketed without FDA premarket notification if the device is shown to be “substantially equivalent” to a device that is already legally marketed for the same use. Still other devices are considered to be "510(k) exempt", meaning that a premarket notification application and FDA clearance is not required before marketing the device in the United States.
- Dermabrasion is a process designed to remove a controlled thickness of damaged skin to stimulate normal wound healing and skin rejuvenation while avoiding the complications of scarring and pigmentary changes. See, e.g., Kim EK, Hovsepian RV, Mathew P, Paul MD. Dermabrasion. Clin. Plast. Surg. Jul 2011;38(3) :391-5, v-vi.
- dermabrasion devices are safe and effective for specific indications: general dermabrasion, scar revision, acne scar revision, and tattoo removal.
- dermabrasion devices There are two general types of dermabrasion devices - manual and motorized - regulated under 21 CFR ⁇ 878.4800 and 21 CFR 878.4820, respectively. The latter regulation is applicable to surgical instrument motors and accessories intended for use during surgical procedures to provide power to operate various accessories or attachments that cut soft tissue, including dermabrasion brushes and dermatomes.
- a premarket notification (510(k)) is not necessary.
- a 510(k) would be required for a dermabrasion device that would be marketed for an indication different than those listed in the preceding paragraph, namely a device that contains output parameters (pressure, rotations per minute) which are intended for indications different from those of legally-marketed devices, operates via a different mode of action, or uses a different abrasion substrate.
- output parameters pressure, rotations per minute
- the present invention meets a long felt, but as yet unmet need.
- the ability of the present invention to provide consumers with professional-level skin care results at home requires a tool that interactively provides user feedback and allows modification of treatment parameters based on clinician in-office experience.
- poor patient compliance can be a major contributing factor to the lack of efficacy of a treatment.
- consumer skincare a similar problem is encountered. Because improvement in skin appearance can take weeks, if not months, before becoming visible, consumers often become frustrated and do not follow a recommended regimen.
- the present invention provides a solution to this problem.
- Sections of the human face, neck and decollete are of different epidermal thickness and sensitivity. Excessive exfoliation - duration, intensity or both - can have clinically undesirable outcomes, including irritation. A need thus remains for a cosmetic tool that provides an appropriate amount of exfoliation without undesired clinical effects. This need is also met by the methods of the present invention. Summary of the Invention
- Disclosed are methods of improving the appearance of at least one skin parameter by employing an at-home skincare system comprising the steps of (a) providing a user in need of improving the appearance of one or more skin parameters with an electromechanical cosmetic skincare tool, the tool having a unique identifier and preferably having wireless connectivity, (b) the user downloading a mobile App, a software application designed to run on smartphone, a tablet computer, or other mobile telecommunication device, (c) querying the user and inputting information identifying the user and her/his skin condition, preferably via the App, and the user's cosmetic skincare tool, (d) transmitting and receiving data about use of the cosmetic skincare tool, preferably via the App and/or via the tool itself, (e) recommending changes to the user's skincare regimen and/or the manner in which the user's cosmetic skincare tool.
- the methods of the present invention can, and preferred embodiments do, involve one or more further steps wherein (a) the user (i) creates a photographic progress archive in the App (ii) enters her/his self-assessment of changes in her/his skin appearance before and after using the cosmetic skincare tool, and/or (iii) transmits information about or collected/recorded during or after one or more sessions in which the cosmetic skincare tool has been used, and (b) based on (i), (ii) and/or (iii), the user receives recommendations for changes to the user's skincare regimen and/or use of the cosmetic skincare tool, such recommendations preferably being provided to the user via the App.
- a core element of the present invention is establishing and programming operating parameters for a cosmetic tool based on the clinical experience of trained, licensed skincare professionals, preferably dermatologists, using an FDA-regulated medical device, preferably a Class I device, to perform a professional procedure, here dermabrasion.
- This type of programming is referred to as DocSmart.
- the cosmetic tool has wireless connectivity enabling it to communicate with (i.e., receive and transmit data and messages to and from) a software application (also referred to herein as an "App”), preferably designed to run on smartphones, tablet computers or other mobile telecommunication devices.
- an at-home skin care appliance that may be used in accordance with the methods of the present invention is a cosmetic macro-exfoliation tool.
- macro-exfoliation is meant loosening, detachment and removal of the outermost dead layers of skin on the human body.
- the cosmetic macro-exfoliation tool referred to herein as Macro-E, and further described below, is comprised of (i) a removable exfoliation tip unit, comprised of an abrasive head, a gasket and a filter) (ii) a vacuum pump, (iii) a motor, (iv) a microcontroller (MCU) containing a processor core, memory (e.g., flash, ROM and/or RAM) and programmable input/output peripherals, (v) a user control panel comprising a plurality buttons and/or switches, (vi) a battery and battery charger and (vi) a display panel (indicating body section to be exfoliated, and, optionally, and preferably, level and duration of macro-exfoliation (expressed as total time and/or time remaining in ) and remaining battery charge.
- a removable exfoliation tip unit comprised of an abrasive head, a gasket and a filter
- a vacuum pump e.g., a vacuum pump
- the settings on Macro-E tool are, in a preferred embodiment, pre-programmed (referred to herein as "DocSmart" mode, and described in detail below), but can be adjusted by the user via a control panel that sends signals to a MCU.
- the motor which receives power from a battery, is also regulated by the MCU.
- the motor drives the pump which produces a suction (pressure) through a top housing compartment, preferably cylindrical, that is configured to receive a removable exfoliation tip.
- the abrasive head is a diamond tip, preferably 100#.
- the bottom of the removable exfoliation tip unit is a filter, preferably a nonremovable stainless steel screen, that functions to stop/trap dead exfoliated skin cells (and other debris) removed from the user's skin by the Macro-E tool.
- the filter is seated, preferably permanently affixed, inside the bottom of a bucket, which is preferably attached to a diamond head by threads located on both the bucket and diamond head.
- a rubber gasket fixed around the bucket is pressed between the diamond head and bucket when screwed together. The diameter of the rubber gasket is slightly larger than that of the diamond head so as to minimize air leakage when the exfoliation tip unit is inserted into the top housing compartment.
- the vacuum creates a seal between the abrasive tip and the skin surface to be macro-exfoliated, thereby keeping the tip perpendicular to, and maximizing contact time with, the surface, and also serves to remove dead skin that has been loosened by passage of the abrasive tip over the skin surface.
- the Macro-E has a wireless connectivity component (or module) that may be a Bluetooth system, a ZigBee system, a Certified Wireless USB system, a Near Field Communication (NFC) system, an Active RFID system, a Wi-Fi system, and combinations thereof.
- a wireless connectivity component or module that may be a Bluetooth system, a ZigBee system, a Certified Wireless USB system, a Near Field Communication (NFC) system, an Active RFID system, a Wi-Fi system, and combinations thereof.
- Sections of the human face, neck and decollete not only have different epidermal thickness but also different levels of sensitivity to mechanical forces.
- the skin in the area immediately surrounding the eyes is thinner than the skin on the forehead. Accordingly, the forehead can comfortably and safely tolerate more exfoliation than the eye area.
- the MacroE tool is programmed with DocSmart, a series of operating parameters based on the clinical experience and judgment of trained skin care professionals to achieve results similar to those achieved in a professional setting (doctor's office, medispa, or similar environment in which an aesthetician performs skin and body care treatments, e.g., facials, dermabrasion, acid skin peels).
- DocSmart provides Macro-E with separate exfoliation settings for each of the following body sections - forehead, the under-eye areas, the cheeks, the nose, the chin, the neck and the chest.
- Macro-E has a display panel that indicates the body section being treated.
- the display preferably has a timer that counts down the pre-programmed time and, in a more preferred embodiment, momentarily pauses and emits and audible signal (e.g., beep two times),
- the display panel indicates the direction in which the user should orient the stroke of the Macro-E.
- Macro-E is stroked down and around the mouth following the shape of the face.
- the nose is stroked from the midpoint down and out on each side.
- Macro-E is stroked down vertically.
- the chin is also stroked in downward vertical direction.
- the forehead is exfoliated by passing the Macro-E in a horizontal direction from the midpoint outwards on each side.
- a horizontal stroke is used away from the nose and from the outer corners outwards towards ears on each side.
- the neck is stroked vertically downward.
- a horizontal motion is used on the chest from the midpoint outwards on each side
- the Macro-E tool may be programmed to macro-exfoliate (also referred to below as "exfoliation) different sections of the body with differing levels of pressure.
- the MacroE is programmed with ten exfoliation levels, designated 1 - 10, where level 1 is the lowest setting, while level 10 provides the most exfoliation.
- level 10 provides a negative suction pressure of about 31-32 kPa
- level 1 provides a negative suction pressure of about 20-21 kPa.
- Each descending level has an average decrease of about 1 kPa.
- Level 9 is about 30-31 kPa and Level 8 is about 29-30 kPa.
- a second key element of the present invention is integration of the Macro-E tool with application software, commonly known by the short-hand App, preferably an App for a software application designed to run on smartphones, tablet computers or other mobile telecommunication device.
- the App is a mobile App that is in wireless communication with the Macro-E tool, for example via Bluetooth.
- the App allows the user to transmit and receive information about her/his progress and, as discussed in detail below, improves the results achieved with the Macro-E.
- the Macro-E App provides a means whereby improvements in the appearance of the user's skin can be tracked and recommendations can be made to enhance, accelerate or maintain those improvements, including changes to the Macro-E settings or skincare products used in conjunction with the Macro-E tool, both based on criteria set by skin care professionals, preferably dermatologists.
- the user connects to the internet, preferably on her/his mobile telecommunications device or desktop computer, downloads the App, enters her/his name and register the Macro-E tool, which is packaged with and/or labeled with a unique product identifier.
- the user name entered when registering the Macro-E tool is compared with, and matched to a record in a database of skincare product users.
- additional information about the user in the database including one or more of address, age, gender, residence location, product(s) used, skin condition(s) and skin care concerns, and optionally, and in preferred embodiments, occupation, and at least one, preferably at least two, and still more preferably at least three lifestyle factors selected from (i) smoking history (e.g., never, previously but not currently, infrequently, regularly), (ii) hours spent outdoors, (iii) frequency of use of sunscreen and/or sunglasses, (iv) sleep preferences (side, back, stomach), (v) average number of hours of sleep per night, and/or (vi) frequency of use of straw when consuming a beverage) is known and associated with the Macro-E tool.
- a user is asked to complete a profile providing the above information, thereby creating a unique user profile record.
- Information comprising the unique user profile record can also be input by a third party on behalf of a user, including by a skincare consultant or call center.
- One aspect of the method of the present invention is directed at improving user compliance through the step of providing messages when the Macro-E tool should be used - preferably, the message is provided at least once per week, still more preferably the message is provided on the day the user should perform one or more steps with the cosmetic tool and/or perform one or more steps in a skincare regimen, still more preferably the message is provided at a specific time or timeframe (e.g., morning, evening) on the day when the user should undertake the specified step(s).
- the App is downloaded to the user's mobile telecommunications device. The App provides one or more reminders corresponding to the time(s) the Macro-E tool should be used.
- the reminder is referred to as a "weekly appointment". See Figure 3.
- the reminder(s) are displayed on the user's mobile telecommunications device as a notification, badge or alert.
- the reminder(s) may be sent to the user via a second electronic message format - SMS sent to the user's mobile telecommunications device and/or email(s) to one or more e-mail address(es) provided by the user.
- the App reminds/ requests that the user send a reply indicating that the Macro-E tool has been used as directed. Such "used as instructed" reminder requests continue until the user sends a reply indicating completion (compliance) with the prescribed instructions.
- the "used as instructed" reply step is automated. For example, the Macro-E tool sends a signal via Bluetooth that is received by the App indicating when the tool has been used.
- User compliance is also improved through yet another feature of the App that allows the user to join a social network community hosted on a website via the App.
- the user can elect to share her/his comments about her/his progress, including before and after photographs.
- Other users can view the progress and, in a preferred embodiment, post messages on an online bullet board, commenting on the progress as shown in the shared (i.e., posted) before and after photographs.
- the App transmits a message reminding the user to take one or more additional actions.
- the App reminds the user to take a photograph, preferably weekly and upload or save that photograph to a digital archive that can be used to monitor the user's progress. See Figure 4.
- This interactive digital archive feature of the App is illustrated in Figure 4 entitled iPhone Screenshots 2a and 2b. Creating an historical image record not only allows the user to track her/his own progress, it also allows changes from baseline to be analyzed and reported to the User, via the App, using image analysis computer software.
- Image analysis software is commercially available and can compare changes in one or more of (i) number and/or depth of fine lines and wrinkles and (ii) reduction in the darkness of sports and or areas of hyper-pigmentation, and/or (iii) evenness of skin tone.
- the image analysis software can be part of the App software itself, or can be stored and run on a different computer that communicates with the App.
- the App can, and preferably does query the user after each scheduled session (i.e., "appointment") to subjectively assess changes in her/his skin appearance based on at least one, preferably two, still more preferably three, and most preferably all four of (i) radiance, (ii) dark marks, (iii)
- This reinforcement encourages the user to continue Macro-E sessions, thereby achieving further improvements and, after achieving a desired endpoints (reduced appearance in fine lines/wrinkles, reduced appearance of pores, more even skin tone, increased skin firmness), maintaining the desired endpoints by continuing a recommended skincare regimen (e.g., use of the Macro-E and complementary topical products for the user's specific skin condition(s)) .
- a recommended skincare regimen e.g., use of the Macro-E and complementary topical products for the user's specific skin condition(s)
- the user may, and in preferred embodiments does, receive notifications about further improvements that should be expected based on changes already noted. These anticipated improvements provide further impetus for the user to continue to use the Macro-E tool and associated regimen of skincare products.
- Compliance is further improved by providing the user with one or more forms of feedback.
- feedback can be in the form of visual improvement as seen in photographs that have been stored in the user's digital archive and user self-assessment.
- Feedback can also be in the form computer image analysis.
- the Macro-E tool provides feedback based on the macro-exfoliation data itself.
- feedback indicative of improvement of one or more skin condition parameters is provided to the user via a display panel on the Macro-E tool or via the App that receives information (data) from the Macro-E tool.
- the tip assembly of the MacroE tool is configured with one or more optical counting units that monitor/measure and analyze dead exfoliated skin particles passing into the tip.
- Hand held air sampling apparatus capable of detecting and differentiating between particles based on size and density are known in the art, as are techniques for dynamically measuring the concentration and size distribution of particles which, as discussed below, include light scattering.
- the tip may be configured with one, or preferably a plurality of, optical particle characterization (OPC) unit(s), each comprising a signal processor communicatively coupled to an optical sensor having a light source that provides incident light to a first lens, where in a preferred embodiment, the light is collimated and the passes through a light scattering zone.
- OPC optical particle characterization
- the light scattering zone is a plurality of intersecting light beams, preferably forming a grid, generated by the OPC units. Dead skin particles dislodged, loosened and detached from the outermost layer of the stratum corneum are drawn through the opening in the tip during use of the Macro-E tool pass through this zone, scattering the light. The light then passes through a second lens, and is recorded by an optical sensor that converts the recorded light into voltage. The sensor transmits an output signal to a signal processor that is proportional to the voltage.
- the signal processor quantifies (counts) and in preferred embodiments differentiates and characterizes particles within the light scattering zone and stores and/or transmits information about the particles to an output interface, for example, the LCD display screen.
- the signal processor or communicatively connected software performs a differentiation step, dead skin particles are distinguished from other debris on the skin surface.
- the information generated by the signal processor includes number of particles and, in a preferred embodiment, particle density.
- the particle information generated by the signal processor may also be transferred for processing and/or display to a separate computing device or mobile
- the interface is a conventional data port into which a cable can be plugged for connection to an external device.
- the interface can be a data logger or a wireless communication system.
- the amount and difference in exfoliated dead skin cells provides feedback to the user in several ways. For example, a large number of exfoliated dead skin cells would cause more interruption of more light beams and would thereby reduce the recorded light, and corresponding voltage. This would indicate that the outermost layers of skin are lax (not tight) and also that the skin barrier, which serves to retain moisture, is impaired.
- the tip assembly is weighed before and after the macro-exfoliation session (passing the Macro-E device over each of the desired sections of the body). The more exfoliated skin that is measured, the more the user is signaled that her/his skin is not tight and is loosing moisture. Conversely, with increased use, the before/after differential in tip weight should decrease, conveying to the user an improvement in skin tightness.
- the Macro-E tip is configured with a multi-stage (i.e., multi-level) gravimetric sizing assembly (MGS).
- MGS gravimetric sizing assembly
- the MGS assembly is configured with more than one filter, each of differing pore sizes. Filters having larger pore sizes are positioned closest to the tip opening. Additional filters having
- the filters are then removed and weighed. Subtracting the weight of the filter prior to macro- exfoliation, provides data representative of the amount (weight) of exfoliated skin. As discussed above, a large weight differential is indicative of lax skin that does not efficiently retain moisture.
- the user may be provided with a balance for weighing the tip or filters. The user would then report the weight differential via the App. In a further embodiment the balance may be integrated into a recharging base stand for the Macro-E tool.
- a sensor is positioned beneath the tip, and detects, records and/or stores the weight changes before and after macro-exfoliation.
- the weight differential may be communicated to the display panel and, in embodiments of the Macro-E tool having wireless connectivity, via the App.
- the tip is configured with an MGS assembly having at least two filters, and a plurality of OPC units, each forming a grid of intersecting light beams, wherein a first light scattering grid is positioned below the tip opening and above a first filter, and a second light scattering grid is positioned below the first filter and above a second filter.
- This embodiment provides a means for further differentiating and characterizing skin particles and presenting particle size information corresponding to the quality of skin that has been exfoliated. Tighter skin, having improved barrier function, would be smaller in size and higher in density compared to more lax skin, having impaired barrier function.
- Improvement in skin moisture retention and tightness would be indicated by a higher amount of recorded light in the first light scattering zone, and a lower recorded light in the second light scattering zone. This result would be understood to indicate the smaller, denser skin particles, were passing through the first filter. Flaky, less dense exfoliated skin particles, characteristic of dry and/or lax skin would be sufficiently large so as not to pass through the first stage filter.
- the MacroE may be equipped with one or more probes that measure one or more of skin moisture content, skin density (via ultrasonography).
- compliance is further improved by transmission of data relating to the Macro-E session - date, time, duration of use of the Macro-E tool, whether DocSmart mode or different level(s) of macro-exfoliation were selected.
- the user of the Macro-E tool experiences discomfort when initially using the tool, the user is instructed to "dial down” or decrease the intensity of the pre-programmed (DocSmart) levels of exfoliation.
- the user could receive one or more of recommendations to change Macro-E settings, maintain exfoliation levels but decrease time of use for a specified period of time, change complementary skin care products recommended for the user's skin condition(s), or a combination of the foregoing.
- the user would then receive messages via the App querying whether the recommended changes were comfortable and, after a period of acclimatization, the user would receive further messages recommending changes - for example, resumption of DocSmart settings.
- the efficacy of at-home skin care is improved by the present invention in ways heretofore not possible - namely, allowing users of the Macro-E tool to achieve professional level skin care results at home - by one or both of (i) improving one or more skin attributes selected from (a) increased radiance, (b) decreased appearance of dark marks, (c) reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, (d) increased skin firmness or elasticity and/or (e) increased skin moisture content and/or
- the App is in communication with the Macro-E tool (e.g., via Bluetooth), with the Macro-E tool itself.
- recommendations for changing the Macro-E settings and/or the skin care products being used in combination with the Macro-E sessions are sent to the App.
- the user implements the suggested changes to the Macro-E by changing one or more Macro-E settings via the user control panel.
- reminders are sent to the user's mobile telecommunications device via the App as described above.
- the reminders continue to be sent to the App (and displayed as a notification, badge or alert), or via an alternative electronic message format (email or SMS) designated by the user, at regular intervals (e.g., once daily) until the user replies via the App to indicate that the new settings have been received, input and saved in the Macro-E.
- the changes in Macro-E settings are transmitted to, and stored in, the App and thereafter transmitted to and stored in the MCU on the Macro-E tool.
- the user of an iPhone may receive a notification that an update to the App is available. The user would download and install the update that would contain the new settings for the Macro-E tool. Alternatively, the changes are directly
- Changes to Macro-E settings may be recommended after assessing on one or more the following indicia of improvement in one or more skin attributes: (i) progress photographs uploaded, preferably at regular intervals in response to reminders, via the App; (ii) user self-assessments, preferably submitted with each progress photo upload; (iii) particle size information (changes over time as measured by light scattering and/or weight of tip assembly, or filters therein).
- indicia of improvement in one or more skin attributes (i) progress photographs uploaded, preferably at regular intervals in response to reminders, via the App; (ii) user self-assessments, preferably submitted with each progress photo upload; (iii) particle size information (changes over time as measured by light scattering and/or weight of tip assembly, or filters therein).
- progress may be evaluated by image analysis software using criteria established by a dermatologist or by a trained observer using criteria established by a dermatologist (e.g., licensed aesthetician, nurse, or physician). Based on image analysis of a user's uploaded photographs and/or settings used on the Macro-E tool (e.g., as transmitted from the tool after each session) or data transmitted from the tool (amount of skin being exfoliated on a particular section of the body) portions of the user's skin may have indicia of being thick (cornified) or thin.
- Appropriate skin care products are recommended - topical OTC products containing chemical exfoliants (e.g., salicylic acid) or cosmetic scrubs containing abrasives (polyethylene beads) may be suggested for thicker areas and products containing retinol for thinner areas.
- chemical exfoliants e.g., salicylic acid
- cosmetic scrubs containing abrasives polyethylene beads
- notifications and recommendations are made to change Macro-E settings and/or to change skin care products associated with the user's profile.
- the user profile indicates that she/he resides in an area that is expected to have an extended period freezing temperatures and high winds, the user would likely experience drier skin.
- a notification would be sent to change the Macro-E setting to increase exfoliation levels.
- the notification may be an alert or notification displayed on the user's mobile telecommunications device and/or sent to that device as a SMS message.
- geo-positioning is enabled in the App, allowing the App to identify the user's location.
- the App would thereby recognize that the user is/not in her/his area of primary residence and could send notifications / recommendations to the user based on changes in location. If, for example, the user is on winter vacation in a tropical climate with increased moisture content, decreased exfoliation might be recommended and a notification sent as an alert on the user's telecommunications device, via SMS to that device, or both.
- a message (email, SMS) or notification may be sent to the user's telecommunications device on which the App has been downloaded and installed, wishing the user a happy holiday season.
- the message may ask the user if she/he is planning to be away from her/his primary residence for holiday vacation, and if so where.
- a follow- up message may be sent asking the user whether she/he has a sufficient amount of skincare products appropriate for that area, for example sunscreen, and prompting the user to order the products (sunscreen in this example) via an e-commerce shopping portal, which would then be shipped to the user before her/his planned vacation departure date.
- skincare consultants interact directly with users who purchase the Macro-E device.
- a skincare consultant who sold a Macro-E tool to a specific user is provided, after receiving the user's permission (which can be given via the App), with access to one or more of the user's progress photographs, user submitted self-evaluation and/or data generated by the user's Macro-E tool.
- the skincare consultant makes user specific recommendations including, for example, changes to the user's skincare product regimen, availability of new product offerings, including attachments for the Macro-E tool, which may
- the cosmetic skincare tool and/or skincare products to be used in conjunction with the tool is/are offered for sale by a skincare consultant who is part of a multi-level marketing salesforce.
- the Macro-E tool was assessed for efficacy, tolerability and safety. Details of the study design and outcomes follow. 20 female subjects, 35 years or older, with lines, wrinkles, uneven skin texture, enlarged pores, and lack of firmness and no known medical conditions were selected to participate in a four-week study. A study protocol was submitted to and approved by an institutional review board. All subjects provided informed consent. Subjects were supplied with a Macro-E tool as described above and skincare products as listed below, which were applied according to the indicated
- a toner was applied to the face with a gauze pad, avoiding the eye area. The toner was allowed to dry and was not rinsed off. In the morning, a dime-sized amount of an SPF 30 day cream was applied. A serum capsule was applied in the evening, followed by a dime-sized amount of a night cream. Subjects used the Macro-E tool once per week. Following use of the tool, subjects applied a dime-sized amount of a cooling hydrogel to the exfoliated skin.
- the primary efficacy endpoint was the ability of the Macro-E tool in combination with complementary skincare products (described below) to improve the investigator assessed overall facial skin appearance as compared to baseline.
- the investigator assessed the following parameters: lines, wrinkles, skin texture, firmness/elasticity, pore size, even skin tone, and overall appearance.
- Subjects also self-assessed the following parameters at each visit: smoothness, softness, visible pores, wrinkles, radiance, even skin tone.
- High quality jpeg images of the front, right, and left face were taken at baseline, week 2, and week 4. In addition to clinical photography, the following non-invasive assessments of skin condition were performed:
- transepidermal water loss (TEWL) at baseline, week 2, and week 4; corneometry at week 4; skin elasticity at baseline and week 4; and Siflo replicas at baseline and week 4.
- TEWL transepidermal water loss
- the tolerability endpoint was the investigator-assessed absence of skin irritation from the Macro-E tool in combination with complementary skincare products.
- the safety endpoint was the overall incidence of all adverse events reported during the study.
- FIGS 7 and 8 are representative clinical photos from the study showing
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
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AU2013351935A AU2013351935A1 (en) | 2012-12-02 | 2013-12-02 | Tools and methods for interactive, professional-level at-home skin care |
US14/648,980 US20150346936A1 (en) | 2012-12-02 | 2013-12-02 | Tools and methods for interactive, professional-level at-home skin care |
CA2893487A CA2893487A1 (en) | 2012-12-02 | 2013-12-02 | Tools and methods for interactive professional-level, at-home skin care |
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KR20160084151A (en) * | 2015-01-05 | 2016-07-13 | 주식회사 모르페우스 | Method, system and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium for providing face-based service |
CN106708490A (en) * | 2015-11-17 | 2017-05-24 | 百度在线网络技术(北京)有限公司 | Interface setting method and device for application program |
CN108541320A (en) * | 2015-12-28 | 2018-09-14 | 皇家飞利浦有限公司 | System and method for the suggestion for providing a user the appropriateness for indicating one or more topical dermal products and appliance for personal care |
US10354554B2 (en) * | 2016-06-27 | 2019-07-16 | L'oreal | User interface for system to promote optimum performance of handheld cosmetic device |
JP6872742B2 (en) * | 2016-06-30 | 2021-05-19 | 学校法人明治大学 | Face image processing system, face image processing method and face image processing program |
US20180092449A1 (en) * | 2016-09-30 | 2018-04-05 | L'oreal | Systems, devices, and methods for generating auditory alerts/indications using resonant sonic motor |
US10511777B2 (en) | 2016-11-08 | 2019-12-17 | Thomas Nichols | Personal care device with camera |
US11122206B2 (en) | 2016-11-08 | 2021-09-14 | Preh Holding, Llc | Personal care device with camera |
WO2018174939A1 (en) * | 2017-03-21 | 2018-09-27 | Theradome, Inc. | Coaching, documenting, reporting, and managing scalp hair recovery with laser photo-therapy devices |
CN109034399A (en) * | 2017-06-09 | 2018-12-18 | 丽宝大数据股份有限公司 | Maintain appraisal procedure and its electronic device |
US10540697B2 (en) * | 2017-06-23 | 2020-01-21 | Perfect365 Technology Company Ltd. | Method and system for a styling platform |
CN110811115A (en) * | 2018-08-13 | 2020-02-21 | 丽宝大数据股份有限公司 | Electronic cosmetic mirror device and script operation method thereof |
US11455670B2 (en) | 2019-08-06 | 2022-09-27 | L'oreal | Computer-implemented method, system, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for a digital personal care platform |
USD1000624S1 (en) | 2019-12-27 | 2023-10-03 | Thomas Nichols | Personal care device with camera |
CN113908434A (en) * | 2020-07-10 | 2022-01-11 | 厦门松霖科技股份有限公司 | Face beauty instrument with multiple beauty modes |
WO2022263190A1 (en) * | 2021-06-17 | 2022-12-22 | Unilever Ip Holdings B.V. | A method of indicating change of skin appearance and tool thereof |
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- 2013-12-02 US US14/648,980 patent/US20150346936A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-12-02 AU AU2013351935A patent/AU2013351935A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-12-02 WO PCT/US2013/072653 patent/WO2014085814A1/en active Application Filing
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AU2013351935A1 (en) | 2015-07-02 |
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