ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding the effects of high frequency facial neuromuscular electrical stimulation (fNMES) on facial aging, using a device equipped with CERTEC (Cell Energy Regeneration Technology) operating between 40 and 190 kHz. METHODS: This prospective split-face study was conducted at Tokyo University Hospital between March and May 2023 with 24 healthy adult women aged 30-59. The intervention group used the fNMES device along with basic skin care on one side of the face, and basic skin care alone on the other side for 8 weeks. Evaluations included changes in skin wrinkles, sagging, and blood flow. RESULTS: This study found significant improvements in skin elasticity and degree of wrinkles in the areas intervened with fNMES (p < 0.05, respectively). In addition, the intervention resulted in significant improvements in jawline angle (p < 0.01), submental volume (p < 0.05), cheek volume (p < 0.05), maximum nasolabial fold depth (p = 0.03), and total volume of the nasolabial folds (p = 0.03). The fNMES intervention also showed improvement in blood flow (p < 0.05). These improvements were also subjectively assessed by the participants in subject questionnaires at 8 weeks after the intervention (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that high frequency fNMES effectively improves facial skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles and sagging, promotes blood flow, and contributes to overall facial appearance rejuvenation. Although further studies are needed, high frequency fNMES appeared promising as a noninvasive anti-aging therapy.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous drug delivery systems are attractive not only as a therapeutic strategy but also for cosmetic treatment. Iontophoresis is a well-recognized method for promoting transdermal absorption of ionized compounds. Franz cells are generally used to estimate drug permeation of skin by iontophoresis. However, methods using Franz cells are less versatile; for instance, the method is unsuited for use with a portable electric facial care device having a working probe of a certain size and weight. In this study, we constructed a semi-dry apparatus for use with an electric facial care device. METHODS: The apparatus has a multilayer structure consisting of mouse skin and 3 filter papers, modeled after the Franz cell. The skin permeation of the drug edaravone (3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one) was then measured using this apparatus. RESULTS: Edaravone permeation depended on working time, drug concentration, and ionization ratio of edaravone when iontophoresis was carried out with an electric facial care device. Furthermore, glycyrrhizic acid, α-tocopheryl phosphate, retinoic acid, and ascorbyl palmitate, which are recognized as functional cosmetic materials, also permeated the skin by applying iontophoresis with the device. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the developed measuring apparatus is applicable for use with a portable electric facial care device and that iontophoresis using a portable electric facial care device is potentially useful in the cosmetic field.
