JP7758481B2 - Protrusions for skin stimulation - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a protruding device for skin stimulation.

Skin stimulation protrusion devices with multiple micro-projections are known (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). Patent Document 1 describes a skin stimulation protrusion device in which multiple micro-projections are formed on the surface of a substrate. The skin stimulation protrusion device in this document is attached to a part of the face for several hours, for example, 1 to 4 times a week, for example, for 1 to 6 months. This document also describes that by attaching the skin stimulation protrusion device to a part of the face, it is possible to improve blood circulation not only in the area where the skin stimulation protrusion device is attached, but also in the entire face, thereby brightening the overall facial tone.

Patent Document 2 describes a skin stimulation protrusion device that has microscopic hollow protrusions on a base. The skin stimulation protrusion device in this document stimulates the skin by pressing the microscopic protrusions against it. The skin stimulation protrusion device in this document is also used by being fixed via an adhesive to the area of the body where skin stimulation is desired, with the aim of relieving physical fatigue such as numbness in the limbs, lower back pain, muscle pain, and stiff shoulders.

Aside from skin-stimulating protrusion devices, massage devices equipped with numerous protrusions are also known. Massage devices have protrusions that are larger than the fine protrusions of skin-stimulating protrusion devices, and by pressing the protrusions against the skin and massaging the affected area, they cause a large deformation of the skin, promoting blood flow and alleviating physical fatigue such as lower back pain and muscle pain.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-164432 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-89375

The skin stimulating protrusion device of Patent Document 1 is used by inserting fine protrusions into the skin to obtain a predetermined effect, and Patent Document 1 does not include the idea of applying it to the skin non-invasively.
Furthermore, the skin stimulating protruding device of Patent Document 2 has not been examined from the viewpoint of promoting flare reactions or local blood flow.
Furthermore, as mentioned above, massage tools cause large deformations to the skin when used, so large movements are required when using them, and blood flow cannot be promoted with simple manipulation alone.

The present invention relates to a skin stimulation protrusion device that does not require any significant deformation or friction of the skin, can minimize damage to the stratum corneum, and can achieve a blood flow promotion effect simply by pressing the skin stimulation protrusion device against the skin.

The present invention provides a protruding device for skin stimulation, which has fine protrusions protruding from a sheet base, and the tip diameter of the fine protrusions is 100 μm or more and 400 μm or less.

The skin stimulation protrusion device of the present invention can prevent damage to the stratum corneum, and can achieve the effect of promoting blood flow simply by pressing the skin stimulation protrusion device against the skin, without the need for any significant deformation or friction of the skin.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a skin stimulating protrusion device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. Fig. 3(a) is a perspective view showing one of the multiple fine protrusions of the skin stimulating protrusion device shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIb-IIIb of Fig. 3(a). FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a method of using the skin stimulating protruding device shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows the state of the skin after the skin is stimulated with fine protrusions having a tip diameter of 100 μm or more. 6(a) to 6(f) are diagrams for explaining a method for measuring the tip diameter of a protruding tool. Fig. 7(a) is an enlarged view of a main part of the skin stimulating protrusion device shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 7(b) is a view showing a modified example of the skin stimulating protrusion device shown in Fig. 1, and is a view equivalent to Fig. 7(a). FIG. 8 is a view showing a modified example of the skin stimulating protruding tool shown in FIG. 1, and corresponds to FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a skin stimulating protruding device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 10(a) and 10(b) are perspective views showing modified examples of the skin stimulating protruding device shown in FIG. 9. FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a skin stimulating protruding device according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the skin stimulating protruding tool shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, the skin stimulating protruding device of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "protruding device 1") will be described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof.
The protruding device 1 of the present invention has fine protrusions 3 protruding from a sheet base 2 .
In this specification, the term "fine protrusions" refers to protrusions having a height H, which will be described later, of more than 0 μm and 2 mm or less.
The protruding device 1 of the present invention typically has a flat sheet-like shape as a whole, and has a sheet base 2 and a plurality of fine protrusions 3 protruding from one surface of the sheet base 2.
The protrusion device 1 in a typical example has a square-shaped protrusion arrangement region in which a plurality of fine protrusions 3 are arranged in a dispersed state in the planar direction. The shape of the protrusion arrangement region is not limited to a square shape, and can be any shape such as a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, or a hexagon.
The protrusion device 1 has a first direction X and a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. Typically, the micro-protrusions 3 in the protrusion device 1 are arranged in a dispersed state in the first direction X and the second direction Y. More specifically, a plurality of micro-protrusions 3 form a micro-protrusion row 3L in which the micro-protrusions 3 are arranged at intervals along the second direction Y, and a plurality of such micro-protrusion rows 3L are provided. The plurality of rows of micro-protrusion rows 3L are arranged at intervals in the first direction X. The positions of the micro-protrusions 3 constituting adjacent micro-protrusion rows 3L in the first direction X are aligned in the second direction Y. The protrusion device 1 may have only one micro-protrusion row 3L.
An example of a protruding member 1 having such a configuration is shown in FIG.

The microprotrusions 3 typically have a truncated cone shape with a convex curved tip. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3(b), the interior is preferably hollow when viewed in vertical cross section. Specifically, it is preferable that a hollow space is formed penetrating the sheet base 2 and extending to the interior of the microprotrusions 3. In this specification, "hollow" means that the interior of the microprotrusions 3 is a space that is not substantially filled with the material that forms the microprotrusions.
The protruding device 1 of the first embodiment has the following advantages because the microprojections 3 are hollow. For example, various fillers can be placed in the hollow portions inside the microprojections 3, making it possible to adjust the rigidity of the microprojections 3 depending on the type of filler, and allowing the degree of skin irritation to be selected according to symptoms and preferences. Furthermore, if a functional material such as a magnetic material or heat-generating material is placed inside the microprojections 3 as the filler, the functional material can be expected to promote blood flow and efficiently stimulate the skin. Furthermore, the protruding device 1 of the first embodiment has a hollow portion that forms an air layer inside the microprojections 3, which provides a heat insulating effect, and the protruding device 1 has a smaller heat capacity, making it less likely to cause a cold sensation compared to metal needles.

The protruding device 1 of the present invention may be provided with an adhesive means so that the surface on which the microprotrusions 3 are arranged can be fixed to the skin. Specifically, the protruding device 1 may have an adhesive 4a on the surface on which the microprotrusions 3 protrude. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the adhesive 4a is arranged on the periphery of the surface of the base 2 on which the microprotrusions 3 protrude. As the adhesive 4a, an adhesive or the like commonly used in the technical field of bandages and the like can be used. As shown in Figure 4, the protruding device 1 can be fixed to the skin via the adhesive 4a by being attached to the skin with the surface on which the microprotrusions 3 protrude facing the skin.
An example of the protruding member 1 having such a configuration is shown in FIGS.

The inventors have thoroughly investigated the degree of damage to the skin and the irritation caused to the skin when the microprojections 3 are inserted into the skin. Specifically, the protruding device 1 was applied to excised human skin, and the degree of damage was examined by observing the frozen cross section with a Cryo-SEM. The protruding device 1 was also applied to actual human skin to examine the irritation caused to the skin. Surprisingly, they discovered that by setting the tip diameter WA of the microprojections 3 to 100 μm or more, it is possible to stimulate the skin without damaging (penetrating) the stratum corneum. The schematic diagram in Figure 5 shows the state of the skin after stimulation with microprojections 3 having a tip diameter WA of 100 μm or more. In Figure 5, symbol S1 indicates the stratum corneum, and symbol S2 indicates the tissue inside the stratum corneum.

The protruding tool 1 of the present invention has a tip portion formed into a convex curved surface, and the tip diameter WA of the fine protrusion 3 is 100 μm or more and 400 μm or less.
By setting the tip diameter WA of the fine projections 3 to the lower limit or more, it is possible to prevent damage to the stratum corneum of the skin when the protruding tool 1 is applied to the skin. In other words, the protruding tool 1 can be applied to the skin non-invasively. In the present invention, "non-invasively" refers to a state in which the stratum corneum of the skin is not damaged even when the protruding tool 1 is pressed against the skin.
Furthermore, by setting the tip diameter WA of the fine projections 3 to be equal to or less than the upper limit, the blood flow promoting effect can be obtained by simple operations such as pasting or pressing the device against the skin once or multiple times.
The protruding device 1 of the present invention is preferably used for skin stimulation. To use the protruding device 1 for skin stimulation, it is sufficient to simply attach the protruding device 1 to the skin, as shown in Figure 4, for example, and unlike conventional massage devices, there is no need for actions that significantly deform or rub the skin, such as kneading actions.
As described above, the protruding tool 1 of the present embodiment can achieve the effect of promoting blood flow while suppressing damage to the stratum corneum, and does not require any action that significantly deforms the skin. Therefore, for example, when the protruding tool 1 of the present embodiment is used on skin that has makeup on it, the stratum corneum is not damaged, and the cosmetic ingredients do not come into contact with the wound. Furthermore, by simply pressing the tool against the makeup, it is possible to improve blood flow without removing or disturbing the makeup.
The degree of the blood flow promoting effect can be determined by various known methods, but it is preferable to determine it by, for example, determining whether or not a flare reaction occurs in the skin, or by visualizing the blood flow distribution using a laser blood flow meter (LSFG).

Furthermore, in the protruding device 1 of the present invention, it is preferable that the imaginary circle diameter (hereinafter also referred to as "tip curve diameter") WB of the fine protrusions 3 is 100 μm or more and 1000 μm or less.
By setting the tip curve diameter WB of the fine projections 3 to the lower limit or more, the effect of suppressing damage to the stratum corneum of the skin when the projection tool 1 is applied to the skin can be further enhanced.
Furthermore, by setting the tip curve diameter WB of the fine projections 3 to the upper limit or less, the blood flow promoting effect can be further enhanced by simple operations such as pasting or pressing once or multiple times.

The tip diameter WA of the fine projection 3 can be measured by the following measurement method A, and the tip curve diameter WB can be measured by the following measurement method B.
6(a) and (d), (b) and (e), and (c) and (f) show protrusions of the same shape, respectively. Fig. 6(a) shows an example in which the tip diameter WA and the tip curved diameter WB are the same value, Fig. 6(b) shows an example in which the tip curved diameter WB is relatively large compared to the tip diameter WA, and Fig. 6(c) shows an example in which the tip curved diameter WB is relatively small compared to the tip diameter WA.

<Method A for measuring tip diameter WA of fine protrusion>
The cross section of the tip portion 3U of the micro-projection 3 is observed at a predetermined magnification using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) or a microscope, as shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(c). Next, as shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(c), an imaginary straight line ILa is extended along the straight portion of one side 3a of the two side edges 3a, 3b, and an imaginary straight line ILb is extended along the straight portion of the other side edge 3b. Then, on the tip side, the point where one side edge 3a deviates from the imaginary straight line ILa is determined as the first tip point 3a1, and the point where the other side edge 3b deviates from the imaginary straight line ILb is determined as the second tip point 3b1. The length of the straight line connecting the first tip point 3a1 and the second tip point 3b1 thus determined is measured. The measured length of the straight line is defined as the tip diameter WA of the micro-projection 3. In addition, if the side edges 3a and 3b of the micro-protrusion 3 rising from the base 2 are curved rather than straight, the intersection of the horizontal line on the top surface of the base 2 and the perpendicular line passing through the center of the micro-protrusion 3, and the points where each imaginary line extended 45° to the left and right from this perpendicular line meet the curve on the surface of the micro-protrusion are defined as two imaginary left and right points, and the distance between these two imaginary left and right points is defined as the tip diameter WA of the micro-protrusion 3.

<Method B for measuring tip curve diameter WB of fine protrusion>
The tip U of the micro-projection 3 is observed using an SEM or microscope at a predetermined magnification as shown in Figures 6(d) to 6(f). Next, as shown in Figures 6(d) to 6(f), an imaginary circle C is imagined along the outer surface shape of the tip. The imaginary circle C is the largest of the imaginary circles that touch the outer surface of the tip of the tip in at least three places. The diameter of the imaginary circle C thus imagined is the tip curve diameter WB of the micro-projection.

The ratio WA/H of the tip diameter WA of the micro-protrusions 3 to the height H of the micro-protrusions 3 is preferably 0.05 or more, more preferably 0.1 or more, and even more preferably 0.2 or more, from the viewpoint of more reliably achieving the effect of suppressing damage to the stratum corneum while achieving the blood flow promoting effect when the protrusion device 1 is applied to the skin.
In addition, from the viewpoint of obtaining the blood flow promoting effect through an even simpler operation, the ratio WA/H is preferably 2 or less, more preferably 1 or less, and even more preferably 0.7 or less.
The ratio WA/H is preferably 0.05 or more and 2 or less, more preferably 0.1 or more and 1 or less, and even more preferably 0.2 or more and 0.7 or less.

The height H of the micro-protrusions 3 means the distance along the thickness direction Z of the base 2 from the surface of the base 2 on which the micro-protrusions 3 protrude to the tip of the micro-protrusions 3, and can be measured by the following method.
<Method for measuring the height of the fine protrusions>
The micro-projections 3 are observed using an SEM or a microscope at a predetermined magnification as shown in Fig. 3(b). Next, as shown in Fig. 3(b), the distance from the surface of the base 2 to the tip of the micro-projection 3 along the thickness direction Z of the base 2 is measured. The distance measured in this manner is defined as the height H of the micro-projection.

The tip diameter WA of the fine projections 3 is preferably 120 μm or more, more preferably 150 μm or more, from the viewpoint of further suppressing damage to the stratum corneum and suppressing pain.
Furthermore, the tip diameter WA is preferably 350 μm or less from the viewpoint of improving the blood flow promoting effect, and more preferably 300 μm or less from the viewpoint of exciting a flare reaction on the skin and making the blood flow effect visible visually.
From the viewpoint of achieving both of these, the tip diameter WA is preferably 120 μm or more and 350 μm or less, and more preferably 150 μm or more and 300 μm or less.
Furthermore, depending on the application of the protruding tool 1, for example, when using it outside or over makeup to avoid changing the skin tone, it may be preferable to obtain the blood flow promoting effect without exciting a flare reaction, since this effect can be obtained without causing any change in appearance. From this perspective, the tip diameter WA is preferably 200 μm or more, and more preferably 250 μm or more and 400 μm or less.

The tip curve diameter WB of the fine projections 3 measured by the above-mentioned measurement method B is preferably 120 μm or more, more preferably 130 μm or more, from the viewpoint of further suppressing damage to the stratum corneum.
Moreover, from the viewpoint of improving the blood flow promoting effect, the tip curve WB is preferably 750 μm or less, and more preferably 400 μm or less.
From the viewpoint of achieving both of these, the tip curve diameter WB is preferably 120 μm or more and 750 μm or less, and more preferably 130 μm or more and 400 μm or less.

The height H of the micro-protrusions 3 is preferably 200 μm or more, more preferably 250 μm or more, and even more preferably 300 μm or more, from the viewpoint of avoiding the irritation-reducing effect caused by deformation of the skin caused by pressing the micro-protrusions, achieving sufficient skin stimulation, and improving the blood flow promoting effect.
Furthermore, from the viewpoint of further suppressing damage to the stratum corneum, the height H is preferably 2000 μm or less, more preferably 1000 μm or less, and even more preferably 500 μm or less.
From the viewpoint of achieving both of these, the height H is preferably 200 μm or more and 2000 μm or less, more preferably 250 μm or more and 1000 μm or less, and even more preferably 300 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

The thickness T of the base 2 of the protruding device 1 is preferably 100 μm or more, more preferably 150 μm or more, and even more preferably 200 μm or more, from the viewpoint of making the protruding device 1 easy to grip with fingers, etc., and easy to use.
Furthermore, the thickness T is preferably 500 μm or less, more preferably 400 μm or less, and even more preferably 300 μm or less, from the viewpoint of making it easier to press the protruding members 1 against the skin.
The thickness T is preferably 100 μm or more and 500 μm or less, more preferably 150 μm or more and 400 μm or less, and even more preferably 200 μm or more and 300 μm or less.

The thickness T of the base portion 32 can be measured by the following method.
<Method for measuring the height of the fine protrusions>
The base 2 of the protruding tool 1 is observed using an SEM or a microscope at a predetermined magnification as shown in Fig. 3(b). Next, as shown in Fig. 3(b), the distance along the thickness direction Z of the base from the surface of the base 2 on the side where the fine protrusions protrude to the surface on the opposite side is measured. The distance measured in this manner is defined as the thickness T of the base.

The protrusion device 1 may have only one micro-protrusion 3 or multiple micro-protrusions 3, but from the viewpoint of more significantly achieving the effect of easily achieving blood flow promotion over a wide area while suppressing damage to the stratum corneum, it is preferable to have multiple micro-protrusions 3.
The protruding device 1 preferably has an area in which the number N of fine protrusions 3 per 1 cm ² is as follows when viewed in a plane.
The number N of the fine projections 3 is preferably 10 or more, more preferably 30 or more, and even more preferably 50 or more, from the viewpoint of improving the blood flow promoting effect.
Furthermore, the number N of the fine projections 3 is preferably 500 or less, more preferably 400 or less, and even more preferably 300 or less, from the viewpoint of further suppressing damage to the stratum corneum.
From the viewpoint of achieving both of these, the number N of the fine projections 3 is preferably 10 or more and 500 or less, more preferably 30 or more and 400 or less, and even more preferably 50 or more and 300 or less.

When the protruding device 1 is viewed in plan, the number N of the fine protrusions 3 per 1 cm ² can be measured by the following method.
<Method for measuring the number N of microprotrusions per 1 ^cm2 >
The number N of the microprotrusions 3 can be measured by counting the number of microprotrusions 3 contained in a square area of 1 cm on each side when the protrusion device 1 is viewed in plan. When microprotrusions 3 exist so as to straddle the boundary of the area, if 50% or more of the area of the microprotrusions 3 is contained within the area, the microprotrusions 3 are counted as being contained within the area. It is preferable that the square area is set so that the centroid of the area coincides with the centroid of the protrusion arrangement area.
In addition, when the dimensions of the area in which the fine protrusions 3 are formed are less than 1 cm in length and 1 cm in width, the number N of the fine protrusions 3 can also be calculated as the number of protrusions/area, which is the total area (cm ² ) of the protrusion arrangement area in which the fine protrusions 3 are arranged in a dispersed state in the planar direction, and the number of protrusions (pieces) contained in the area.

When the protrusion device 1 is viewed in a plane, the distance D between the tips of adjacent micro-protrusions 3 is preferably 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 0.7 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.8 mm or more, from the viewpoint of being able to stimulate the skin without being affected by the effect of reducing irritation due to deformation of the skin when adjacent protrusions are pressed against the skin.
Furthermore, the distance D is preferably 3 mm or less, more preferably 2 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.5 mm or less, from the viewpoint of ensuring that the blood flow improving effect brought about by adjacent protrusions is obtained throughout the application range without any gaps.
The distance D is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less, more preferably 0.7 mm or more and 2 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.8 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less.
When the micro-protrusions 3 are adjacent in both the first direction X and the second direction Y as in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, only one of the distance Dx between the tips of the micro-protrusions 3 adjacent in the first direction X and the distance Dy between the tips of the micro-protrusions 3 adjacent in the second direction Y may be within the above-mentioned range, or both the distance Dx and the distance Dy may be within the above-mentioned range (see Figure 7(a)).

In the protrusion device 1 of the present invention, the positions of the micro-protrusions 3 constituting adjacent micro-protrusion rows 3L in the first direction X do not have to match in the second direction Y. Typically, the micro-protrusions 3 of adjacent micro-protrusion rows 3L in the first direction X are out of phase with each other, and the micro-protrusions 3 are arranged in a staggered pattern overall. When the positions in the second direction Y of the micro-protrusions 3 constituting adjacent micro-protrusion rows 3L in the first direction X do not match, the distance Dx between the tips of the adjacent micro-protrusions 3 in the first direction X is the distance along the first direction X between the adjacent micro-protrusions 3 constituting adjacent micro-protrusion rows 3L in the first direction X. An example is shown in Figure 7(b).

The protrusion device 1 preferably contains a thermoplastic resin. Specifically, the substrate constituting the protrusion device preferably contains a thermoplastic resin. Typically, the protrusion device 1 is preferably formed by plastically deforming a base sheet containing a thermoplastic resin by heating. The method of heating the base sheet may be a method of heating only a portion of the base sheet, or a method of heating the entire base sheet. Methods of heating only a portion of the base sheet and plastically deforming the base sheet include a method of inserting a processing needle into the base sheet at the intended position where the fine protrusions are to be formed while applying ultrasonic vibrations, and a method of inserting a heated processing needle into the base sheet at the intended position where the fine protrusions are to be formed. Methods of heating the entire base sheet and plastically deforming the base sheet include a method of inserting a processing needle into the base sheet at the intended position where the fine protrusions are to be formed while heating the entire base sheet with a heating device such as a heater. In these cases, the portions of the base sheet other than the protrusions become the sheet base.
The protruding device 1 may have a main body portion containing a thermoplastic resin and having a plurality of fine protrusions dispersed in a planar direction, and a portion other than the main body portion.

It is also preferable that the protruding device 1 be either water-insoluble or oil-insoluble, or both. This prevents the protruding device 1 from being dissolved by sweat or sebum when used on the skin, and allows the shape of the protruding device 1 to be maintained, allowing the protruding device 1 to be used stably for a long period of time.

The protrusion device 1 of the first embodiment may also include an adhesive sheet 4 having an adhesive 4a on the surface of the base 2 of the protrusion device 1 opposite to the surface on which the fine protrusions 3 are arranged. The adhesive sheet 4 includes an adhesive base sheet 4s having an area larger than the area of the sheet base 2, and adhesive 4a coated on the entire surface of the adhesive base sheet 4s. An example of this is shown in Figure 8.
The adhesive base sheet 4s may be a nonwoven fabric, film, or the like that is commonly used in the technical field of adhesive plasters, etc. The protruding device 1 of this embodiment can also be used by adhering it to the skin, similar to the protruding device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Next, other embodiments of the skin stimulation protrusion device of the present invention will be described. Regarding these embodiments, only the differences from the previously described embodiments will be described. For points not otherwise described, the description of the previously described embodiments will apply as appropriate, and the same components will be given the same reference numerals. These examples are shown in Figures 9 and 9 and Figures 11 and 11. For ease of explanation, Figure 9 shows the protrusion device 1B and micro-projections 3, which will be described later, in an exaggerated size, and in Figures 10 to 12, the size of the micro-projections 3 is exaggerated for ease of explanation.

The skin stimulation protrusion device of the present invention preferably has an attachment part for attaching the skin stimulation protrusion device to a user's finger. An example of a skin stimulation protrusion device having an attachment part for attaching the skin stimulation protrusion device to a user's finger (hereinafter also referred to as "protrusion device 1B") will be described.
The protruding device 1B has an adhesive 4a on the surface of the base 2 opposite to the surface from which the fine protrusions 3 protrude, and the adhesive 4a serves as an attachment portion. By attaching the protruding device 1B to a finger or the like via the adhesive 4a, the protruding device 1B can be easily pressed against a desired site. An example of this is shown in Figure 9.
The protruding device 1B is also preferably used for skin stimulation, similar to the protruding device 1. When using the protruding device 1B for skin stimulation, for example, the protruding device 1B can be attached to a finger or the like via the adhesive 4a, and the protruding device 1B can be easily pressed against a desired area.

In another example, the protruding device 1B has a notch 2s on the periphery of the area of the base 2 from which the micro-protrusions 3 protrude, and the notch 2s serves as an attachment portion. By inserting a finger or the like into the notch 2s, the protruding device 1B can be easily pressed against the desired area. This example is shown in Figure 10(a).

In yet another example, protruding device 1B has a base 2 that forms a main body 5 having a cylindrical shape with one end closed. The main body 5 is hollow, allowing a finger or other object to be inserted into the main body 5. In this protruding device 1B, the main body 5 serves as the attachment portion. By inserting a finger or other object into the main body 5, protruding device 1B can be easily pressed against a desired area. This example is shown in Figure 10(b).

The skin stimulation protrusion device of the present invention preferably has an attachment portion for attachment to a holder 6 that holds the protrusion device. An example of a skin stimulation protrusion device (hereinafter also referred to as "protrusion device 1C") having an attachment portion for attachment to a holder 6 that holds the protrusion device will be described. The holder 6 preferably has a roller portion 6a to which the protrusion device 1C is attached, and a grip portion 6b for gripping the holder 6. The roller portion 6a and the grip portion 6b are typically both cylindrical. The axial direction of the roller portion 6a and the axial direction of the grip portion 6b typically coincide, but they do not have to coincide. When they coincide, the roller portion 6a and the grip portion 6b are arranged concentrically. The roller portion 6a may be rotatable around the central axis of the roller portion 6a. This example is shown in FIG. 11.
A case where the axial direction of the roller portion 6a does not coincide with the axial direction of the gripping portion 6b will be described later.

The protrusion tool 1C preferably has a base 2 that is rectangular and long in one direction, and the protrusion tool 1C as a whole has a strip-like shape. The protrusion tool 1C preferably has an adhesive 4a on the surface of the base 2 opposite to the surface from which the fine protrusions 3 protrude. In the protrusion tool 1C, the adhesive 4a is an attachment portion for attaching to a holder 6 that holds the protrusion tool 1C. The protrusion tool 1C is attached to the roller part 6a of the holder 6 with the surface opposite to the surface from which the fine protrusions 3 protrude facing the surface of the roller part 6a of the holder 6. The protrusion tool 1C can be easily pressed against a desired site by gripping the gripping portion 6b of the holder 6 to which the protrusion tool 1C is attached.
Examples of materials that can be used to form the holder 6 include thermoplastic resins, thermosetting resins, and metals.
The protruding tool 1C is also preferably used for skin stimulation, similar to the protruding tool 1. An example of using the protruding tool 1C for skin stimulation is to grip the gripping portion 6b of the holder 6 to which the protruding tool 1C is attached, and easily press the protruding tool 1C against a desired area.

In cases where the axial direction of the roller portion 6a and the axial direction of the gripping portion 6b do not coincide, the axial direction of the roller portion 6a and the axial direction of the gripping portion 6b of the holder 6 may intersect. In this case, the gripping portion 6b typically has one end forked and includes a pair of holding portions 6c, 6c. The roller portion 6a is attached between the pair of holding portions 6c, 6c, with its axial direction coinciding with the direction from one holding portion 6c to the other. This protruding device 1C can also be easily pressed against a desired location by grasping the gripping portion 6b of the holder 6 to which the protruding device 1C is attached. An example of this is shown in Figure 12.

Next, matters common to the above-described embodiments will be described.
It is preferable that the protrusion devices 1, 1B, and 1C in each of the above-mentioned embodiments contain a thermoplastic resin from the viewpoint of improving the handleability of the material, the strength and processability of the protrusion device, and ensuring hardness in the fine protrusions to achieve a blood flow promoting effect.
Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyolefin, polyester, polyamide, polyamideimide, polyetheretherketone, polyetherimide, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic resin, polystyrene resin, and the like, or a combination thereof.
Examples of polyolefins include polypropylene and polyethylene.
Examples of polyesters include polyethylene terephthalate, polyfatty acid ester, polylactic acid, polycaprolactone, and polybutylene succinate.
Examples of polyamides include nylon.
From the viewpoint of biodegradability, polyfatty acid esters are preferably used, and specific examples of polyfatty acid esters include polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, and combinations thereof.
In the protrusions 1, 1B, and 1C, only one of the sheet base 2 and the fine protrusions 3 may contain a thermoplastic resin, or both the sheet base 2 and the fine protrusions 3 may contain a thermoplastic resin. It is preferable that both the sheet base 2 and the fine protrusions 3 contain a thermoplastic resin as the main constituent material. "Main constituent material" means that 50% or more of the total mass of the base sheet of the protrusions is the thermoplastic resin, and it is more preferable that the mass of the thermoplastic resin is 100%.

The protrusion devices 1, 1B, and 1C are used by pressing them against the skin, preferably for a certain period of time or multiple times. From the standpoint of maintaining the blood flow promoting effect of the micro-protrusions, it is preferable that they are formed from a material that does not dissolve in moisture such as sweat present on the skin when applied to the skin, unlike the protrusions made of hyaluronic acid described in Patent Document 1.

The mass ratio of the thermoplastic resin contained in the protruding members 1, 1B, 1C to the total mass of the protruding members 1, 1B, 1C is preferably 50% or more, more preferably 60% or more, and even more preferably 70% or more.
Furthermore, the mass proportion of the thermoplastic resin is preferably 100% from the viewpoint of improving the handling properties of the material, the strength and processability of the protrusion device, and ensuring hardness in the fine protrusions to obtain a blood flow promoting effect, but in reality it is less than 100%.
The mass proportion of the thermoplastic resin is preferably 50% or more and 100% or less, more preferably 60% or more and 100% or less, and even more preferably 70% or more and 100% or less.

Although the present invention has been described based on the preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified as appropriate.
For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the fine projections 3 are hollow inside, but the fine projections 3 may be solid.

Furthermore, protrusion devices 1, 1B, and 1C may have sharp protrusions with a tip diameter of less than 100 μm, in addition to fine protrusions 3 with a tip diameter WA of 100 μm or more and 400 μm or less. Of all the protrusions possessed by protrusion devices 1, 1B, and 1C, the proportion of fine protrusions 3 with a tip diameter WA of 100 μm or more and 400 μm or less is preferably 50% or more and 100% or less, more preferably 60% or more, and even more preferably 70% or more. Of all the protrusions possessed by protrusion devices 1, 1B, and 1C, the proportion of fine protrusions 3 with a tip diameter WA of 100 μm or more and 400 μm or less is most preferably 100%. In other words, it is most preferable that all the protrusions possessed by protrusion devices 1, 1B, and 1C are fine protrusions 3 with a tip diameter WA of 100 μm or more and 400 μm or less.

Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on the arrangement pattern of the micro-protrusions 3. For example, in protrusion devices 1, 1B, and 1C, the micro-protrusions 3 are arranged in an array (single or multiple rows), but other than an array, the micro-protrusions 3 may be arranged in any other shape, such as a circle, a star, or any other shape.

The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above-described embodiment of the present invention.
<1>
having fine protrusions protruding from the sheet base;
A skin stimulating protrusion device, wherein the tip diameter of the fine protrusions is 100 μm or more and 400 μm or less.

<2>
The skin stimulating protrusion device according to <1>, wherein the tip diameter of the fine protrusions is 120 μm or more, preferably 150 μm or more.
<3>
The skin stimulating protrusion device according to <1> or <2>, wherein the tip diameter of the fine protrusions is 350 μm or less, preferably 300 μm or less.

＜4＞
The skin stimulating protrusion device according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the height of the fine protrusions is 200 μm or more and 2 mm or less.
<5>
The skin stimulating protruding device according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the height of the fine protrusions is 250 μm or more, preferably 300 μm or more.
<6>
The skin stimulating protruding device according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the height of the fine protrusions is 1000 μm or less, preferably 500 μm or less.
＜７＞
The skin stimulating protrusion device according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein the ratio of the tip diameter of the fine protrusions to the height of the fine protrusions (tip diameter/height) is 0.05 or more and 2 or less.

＜8＞
The skin stimulating protrusion device according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein the ratio of the tip diameter of the fine protrusions to the height of the fine protrusions (tip diameter/height) is 0.1 or more, preferably 0.2 or more.
＜９＞
The skin stimulating protrusion device according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein the ratio of the tip diameter of the fine protrusions to the height of the fine protrusions (tip diameter/height) is 1 or less, preferably 0.7 or less.

<10>
The skin stimulating protruding device according to any one of <1> to <9>, which contains a thermoplastic resin.
<11>
The skin stimulating protrusion device according to any one of <1> to <10>, wherein the mass ratio of the thermoplastic resin contained in the skin stimulating protrusion device to the total mass of the skin stimulating protrusion device is 50% or more and 100% or less.

<12>
The skin stimulating protruding device according to any one of <1> to <11>, wherein the thickness of the sheet base is 100 μm or more and 500 μm or less.
<13>
The skin stimulating protruding device according to any one of <1> to <12>, wherein the thickness of the sheet base is 150 μm or more, preferably 200 μm or more.
<14>
The skin stimulating protruding device according to any one of <1> to <13>, wherein the thickness of the sheet base is 400 μm or less, preferably 300 μm or less.

＜15＞
The skin stimulating protrusion device according to any one of <1> to <14>, wherein the fine protrusions are hollow inside.
<16>
The skin stimulating protrusion device according to any one of <1> to <15>, which has a plurality of the fine protrusions.

＜17＞
The skin stimulating protrusion device according to any one of <1> to <16>, having an area in which the number of the micro-protrusions per ¹ cm2 is 10 or more and 500 or less in a plan view of the skin stimulating protrusion device.
＜18＞
The skin stimulating protrusion device according to <17> above, wherein the number of the micro-protrusions in the region is 30 or more, preferably 50 or more.
＜19＞
The skin stimulating protrusion device according to <17> or <18>, wherein the number of the micro-protrusions in the region is 400 or less, preferably 300 or less.

＜20＞
The skin stimulating protrusion device according to any one of <1> to <19>, wherein the distance between the tips of adjacent fine protrusions is 0.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less in a plan view of the skin stimulating protrusion device.
＜21＞
The skin stimulating protrusion device according to any one of <1> to <20>, wherein the distance between the tips of adjacent fine protrusions is 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 0.7 mm or more, in a plan view of the skin stimulating protrusion device.
<22>
The skin stimulating protrusion device according to any one of <1> to <21>, wherein the distance between the tips of adjacent fine protrusions is 2 mm or less, preferably 1.5 mm or less, in a plan view of the skin stimulating protrusion device.

＜23＞
The skin stimulating protrusion device according to any one of <1> to <22>, which has a fixing part for fixing to a holder for the skin stimulating protrusion device or a finger of a user.
＜24＞
The skin stimulating protrusion device according to any one of <1> to <22>, wherein the skin stimulating protrusion device has an adhesive on the surface from which the fine protrusions protrude.
＜25＞
It is used by attaching it to the holder of the skin stimulation protrusion tool,
the holder has a roller portion to which the skin stimulating protrusion device is attached and a grip portion for gripping the holder,
The skin stimulation protrusion device is capable of being attached to the roller part with the surface opposite to the surface from which the fine protrusions protrude facing the surface of the roller part. The skin stimulation protrusion device according to any one of <1> to <22>.

<26>
The skin stimulating protrusion device according to any one of <1> to <25>, wherein the tip curve diameter of the fine protrusions is 100 μm or more and 1000 μm or less.
＜27＞
The skin stimulating protruding device according to any one of <1> to <26>, wherein the tip curve diameter is 120 μm or more, preferably 130 μm or more.
＜28＞
The skin stimulating protruding device according to any one of <1> to <27>, wherein the tip curve diameter is 750 μm or less, preferably 400 μm or less.
＜29＞
The skin stimulating protruding tool according to any one of <1> to <28>, wherein the tip diameter is 150 μm or more and 300 μm or less, and the tip curve diameter is 130 μm or more and 400 μm or less.

＜30＞
The skin stimulating protrusion device according to any one of <1> to <29>, wherein all of the protrusions of the skin stimulating protrusion device are fine protrusions having a tip diameter of 100 μm or more and 400 μm or less.
＜31＞
The skin stimulating protrusion tool according to any one of <1> to <29>, further comprising a sharp protrusion having a tip diameter of less than 100 μm.
＜32＞
Use of the skin stimulating protruding device according to any one of <1> to <31> for stimulating the skin.

The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.
Example 1
A protrusion tool having the same configuration as the protrusion tool shown in Figure 1 was manufactured. The dimensions of the micro-projections of the protrusion tool, the dimensions of the base, the number of micro-projections per ^cm2 , and the distance between the tips of adjacent micro-projections are as shown in Table 1. The protrusion tool was formed by subjecting a base sheet made of 100% polylactic acid, a thermoplastic resin, to protrusion forming processing using a processing needle to which ultrasonic vibrations were applied.
(Examples 2 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2)
A protrusion tool was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the tip diameter of the fine protrusions was changed as shown in Table 1.

[Non-invasive evaluation]
The protruding devices of Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were evaluated for non-invasiveness by the following method.
The protruding tools of Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were each pressed against excised human skin (BPI frozen skin TRANSKIN). Specifically, the excised human skin was thawed and acclimatized at room temperature, and then pressed against the skin for 10 seconds with a load of 10 N/ ^cm² , with the side of the protruding tool from which the fine protrusions protruded facing the skin. The skin with the protruding tool pressed against it was frozen with liquid nitrogen, and then the protruding tool was removed. The skin was then cut in the thickness direction using a cryomicrotome, as described below, so that the skin passed through the portion of the skin where the tips of the fine protrusions of the protruding tool had pressed. The cut surfaces of the samples obtained above were observed at -120°C using a scanning electron microscope, as described below, and the non-invasiveness was evaluated according to the following criteria. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1.
A: The stratum corneum is present in the area where the tips of the microprotrusions are pressed, with substantially no damage.
B: The stratum corneum was partially damaged in the area where the tip of the fine projections pressed.
C: No stratum corneum was present in the area where the tip of the fine projections pressed.
The skin was cut using a cryomicrotome (Leica Microsystems GmbH, model number: EM FC7) controlled by a cryosystem (Quorum Technologies Ltd, model number: PP3010T). The cut surface was observed using a scanning electron microscope (JEOL Ltd, model number: JSM-7600F) equipped with a detector (LEI: Lower Secondary Electron Image) and a cryosystem (Quorum PP3010T).

[Evaluation of flare reaction duration and intensity]
The protruding devices of Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were evaluated for flare reaction duration and intensity by the following method.
The protruding devices of Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were each attached to the skin of a subject and pressed against it for 10 seconds with a load of approximately 15 N. After the 10 seconds of pressing, the protruding devices were removed and the areas where the protruding devices had been pressed were observed under a microscope at 30x magnification, and the duration and intensity of the flare reaction were evaluated according to the following criteria. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1.
<Evaluation criteria for flare reaction duration>
A: 30 minutes or more B: 15 minutes or more but less than 30 minutes C: Less than 15 minutes D: No flare reaction occurs <Evaluation criteria for flare reaction intensity>
A: There is a clear red (erythematous) change in the skin.
B: There is a slight red (erythematous) change in the skin.
C: No change in skin color.

[Evaluation of blood flow promoting effect]
The blood flow promoting effect of the protruding devices of Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 was evaluated by the following method.
The protruding devices of Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were each attached to the skin of a subject and pressed against it for 10 seconds with a load of approximately 15 N. After pressing for 10 seconds, the protruding devices were removed and the areas where the protruding devices had been pressed were observed using laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) and the blood flow promoting effect was evaluated according to the following criteria. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1.
A: The change in MBR (blood flow) compared to before pressing the protruding tool is 3 times or more. B: The change in MBR compared to before pressing the protruding tool is 2 times or more but less than 3 times. C: The change in MBR compared to before pressing the protruding tool is more than 1 time but less than 2 times. D: There is no change in MBR compared to before pressing the protruding tool.

As shown in Table 1, the protrusion device of Comparative Example 1 was rated A for blood flow promotion effect and also had a high intensity and duration of flare reaction, but its non-invasiveness was rated C. In other words, it can be seen that while the protrusion device of Comparative Example 1 can achieve a blood flow promotion effect, it also damages the stratum corneum.
Furthermore, the protruding tool of Comparative Example 2 was rated A for non-invasiveness, but was rated D for blood flow promotion effect and flare reaction. In other words, it can be seen that the protruding tool of Comparative Example 1 can suppress damage to the stratum corneum, but is unable to achieve a blood flow promotion effect.
Compared to the protruding devices of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the protruding devices of Examples 1 and 2 were evaluated as A for non-invasiveness, A for the intensity of flare reaction, and A or B for the blood flow promotion effect and duration of flare reaction, indicating a high blood flow promotion effect. Furthermore, the protruding devices of Examples 3 and 4 were evaluated as A for non-invasiveness, B or C for the intensity of flare reaction, and although the flare reaction was suppressed and there was little change in appearance, the duration of flare reaction was B or C, indicating a blood flow promotion effect. In other words, it is evident that the protruding devices of Examples 1 to 4 can suppress damage to the stratum corneum and can also obtain a blood flow promotion effect.

1, 1B, 1C, 1D protruding tool 2 base 3 fine projection H height of fine projection T thickness of base W tip diameter of fine projection X first direction Y second direction

Claims (5)

A skin stimulation protrusion device for promoting blood flow by pressing non-invasively against the skin,
having fine protrusions protruding from the sheet base;
The fine protrusions have a tip diameter of 100 μm or more and 400 μm or less and are hollow inside,
The skin stimulating protrusion device, in which the distance between the tips of adjacent micro-protrusions is 0.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less in plan view of the skin stimulating protrusion device. 2. The skin stimulating protrusion device according to claim 1 , wherein the ratio of the tip diameter of the fine protrusions to the height of the fine protrusions (tip diameter/height) is 0.2 or more. The skin stimulating protrusion device according to claim 1 or 2 , which contains a thermoplastic resin. The skin stimulation protrusion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the skin stimulation protrusion device is used by being attached to the skin or pressed against the skin once or multiple times. The skin stimulating protrusion device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the stratum corneum of the skin is not damaged when the skin stimulating protrusion device is pressed against the skin for 10 seconds with a load of 10 N / ^cm2 with the surface of the skin from which the fine protrusions protrude facing the skin.