Shiseido discovers age-related changes peculiar to the skin around the eyes

 In collaboration with the University of Tokushima, Shiseido discovered that the skin around the eyes undergoes unique age-related changes that are different from other skin, using a polarized SHG microscope.

According to the new observation method developed this time, the upper dermis layer around the eyes has a random and soft structure of collagen fibers, and the subcutaneous layer has a hard structure with collagen fibers oriented in one direction. Revealed.

Furthermore, it was confirmed that with aging, only the randomly oriented collagen in the upper layer decreased remarkably, and the unidirectional collagen in the lower layer was maintained, and it was found that this was one of the causes of sagging and wrinkles around the eyes.

In the future, based on the knowledge obtained, we aim to develop an appropriate approach to skin care according to the site and purpose, and based on the latest research knowledge, we will innovate to solve skin problems globally. I will proceed with my research.

This research is proceeding with the inside / outside approach of the original R & D philosophy "DYNAMIC HARMONY". Innovative products and services specializing in the area around the eyes that bring out the original beauty of the person, aiming for a fundamental solution to the problems around the eyes by understanding the age-related changes inside the skin that are characteristic of the area around the eyes. Work on the development of.

It is known that the skin around the eyes is thinner than other parts, only about one-third to one-half the thickness of the skin on the cheeks, and the thickness of the dermis layer (collagen) is particularly different. .. In addition, since it keeps moving frequently in daily life such as blinking and changes in facial expressions, the area around the eyes is considered to be a part that is particularly susceptible to fatigue and aging.

The company has conducted morphological evaluations such as the thickness and shape of collagen in the skin, but it is difficult to perform qualitative evaluations such as the running direction of fibers and fiber density (hardness) with conventional technology. rice field. Therefore, this time, in collaboration with Tokushima University, we established a new observation method for collagen fibers and further researched the structure around the eyes.

Through joint research with the University of Tokushima, we have developed a new technique for analyzing the orientation and density of collagen fibers using a polarized SHG microscope, and discovered that the skin around the eyes has a characteristic collagen structure.

Around the eye, there is a layer of thick and hard collagen fibers that runs in one direction perpendicular to the flow of the orbicularis oculi muscle, and a layer of low-density fluffy and soft collagen fibers that runs randomly in various directions. It revealed that. It was also found that with aging, only the randomly oriented collagen fibers present in the upper dermis are significantly lost.

"The directional collagen fibers present in the dermis do not decrease with age, but if the fibers are unidirectionally stiff, they can cause wrinkle immobilization. These structural changes give the original shape. It becomes difficult to maintain and leads to skin problems such as sagging and wrinkles around the eyes. In order to maintain beautiful skin, it is thought that an approach to the two-layer collagen structure is effective. "