Effect on Skin Moisturization and Firmness/Elasticity (UMO Silica Powder)

KIWITA
Jan 15
4 min read

Updated: Jan 18

Test Report

Immediate Effects of UMO Silica Micron Powder on

Skin Moisturization and Firmness/Elasticity

Commissioning Company:

APA Corporation Co., Ltd.

Test Product:

Micron Powder(All ingredients of the test product and the model facial cleanser are listed in Appendix 1)

Test Items:

Moisturization and firmness/elasticity (immediate effects)

Measurement of stratum corneum moisture content
Measurement of skin viscoelasticity

Test Date:

April 2, 2020

Data Retention Period:

5 years after completion of the test

Summary

Skin washed with a model facial cleanser containing 2% Micron Powder or a model facial cleanser without the test product was evaluated for stratum corneum moisture content and skin viscoelasticity to verify the immediate effects of the test product on skin hydration and firmness/elasticity.

The stratum corneum moisture content at the test product–treated sites showed significantly higher values than the control sites at 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours after washing.
Skin elasticity at the test product–treated sites showed a trend toward higher values than the control sites at 1 hour and 2 hours after washing.

Based on the above results, the test product Micron Powder was considered to have an immediate skin-improving effect.

Objective of the Study

To evaluate the stratum corneum moisture content and skin viscoelasticity of skin washed with the test product and to verify the immediate effects of the test product on skin hydration and firmness/elasticity.

Study Overview

Skin dryness and decreased firmness and flexibility are considered contributing factors to deterioration in skin appearance, such as disrupted skin texture¹, reduced transparency²,³, pigmentation caused by mild inflammation⁴,⁵, and wrinkles, sagging, and fine lines⁶–⁸.In this study, the effects of the test product on the skin were evaluated by measuring stratum corneum moisture content and skin viscoelasticity after washing with a facial cleanser containing the test product.

Test Subjects

1. Participants

Six subjects were selected who met the inclusion criteria, did not fall under the exclusion criteria, voluntarily wished to use the test product, and were deemed suitable for participation.

2. Inclusion Criteria

Japanese women aged 20 to 59 years
Individuals who are aware of skin dryness, including the inner forearm area

3. Exclusion Criteria

Individuals with chronic skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis
Individuals currently receiving dermatological treatment
Individuals who participated in other clinical trials (pharmaceuticals, health foods, or topical products) within the past month
Individuals currently participating in or applying for other clinical trials
Pregnant women or those who may be pregnant

Test Details

1. Measurement Site

Inner forearm

2. Principle of Skin Firmness/Elasticity Measurement Using Cutometer

The displacement–time curve and main mechanical parameters measured by the Cutometer are shown in Figure 1 and Table 1.

A probe is placed in close contact with the skin, and negative pressure is instantly applied to suction the skin, held for several seconds, and then immediately released. The skin displacement is optically measured using a prism positioned at the probe opening.

Parameter R0 (Uf), which indicates the skin suction distance, shows a strong correlation with skin softness⁹.
Parameter R7 (Ur/Uf), which indicates the skin recovery ratio, shows a strong correlation with skin firmness and sagging¹⁰,¹¹.

Figure 1: Displacement–time curve and mechanical parameters measured by CutometerTable 1: Main parameters obtained using the Cutometer

Test Method

The measurement site was washed with water to remove sweat and impurities. Subjects rested for 20 minutes in a temperature- and humidity-controlled room (21.0 ± 0.1°C, 45.0 ± 1.5% RH) to acclimate the skin to the test environment.

The measurement site was then washed with 5 μL/cm² of the test product, designated as the test product–treated site.A control site was washed with a model cleanser without the test product.

Within the same subject, both test and control sites were established. Skin measurements were conducted before washing, and 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours after washing.

Measurement Instruments:

Stratum corneum moisture content:Corneometer (CM825, Courage + Khazaka, Germany)¹²,¹³
Skin viscoelasticity:Cutometer (CT580; probe diameter 2.0 mm; negative pressure 150 mbar; Courage + Khazaka, Germany)¹⁴

Results

The mean relative values and standard deviations of stratum corneum moisture content and skin viscoelasticity are shown in Appendix 2 as bar graphs. Individual measurement data are shown in Appendix 3.

1. Stratum Corneum Moisture Content

Changes in relative moisture content (with pre-wash values set at 100%) are shown in Table 2 and Figure 2, and actual measurement values are shown in Table 5.Higher values indicate greater moisture content in the stratum corneum.

2. Skin Softness (R0)

Changes in relative skin softness values (R0) with pre-wash values set at 100% are shown in Table 3 and Figure 3, and measurement values are shown in Table 6.Higher values indicate softer skin.

3. Skin Elasticity (R7 – Skin Firmness)

Changes in relative skin elasticity values (R7) with pre-wash values set at 100% are shown in Table 4 and Figure 4, and measurement values are shown in Table 7.Higher values indicate greater skin firmness and elasticity.

References

1)　J. Sato., et al., Arch. Dermatol. Res. , 292, 412-417, 2000.

2)　H. Fujita., et al., Skin Res. Technol. , 13, 84-90, 2007.

3)　I. Iwai., et al., Int. J. Cosmet. Sci. , 30(1), 41-46, 2008.

4)　K. Kikuchi., et al., Dermatology , 207, 269-275, 2003.

5)　K. Maeda., et al., Photochem Photobiol. , 64(1), 220-223, 1996.

6)　T. Fujimura., et al., J. Dermatol. Sci. , 47(3), 233-239, 2007.

7)　JW. Choi., et al., Skin Res. Technol. , 19(1), 349-355, 2013.

8)　Y. Hara., et al., Int. J. Cosmet. Sci. , 39(1), 66-71, 2017.

9)　H. Dobrev., Skin Res. Technol. , 6, 239-244, 2000.

10)　H. S. Ryu., et al., Skin Res. Technol. , 14, 354-358, 2008.

11)　T. Ezure., et al., Skin Res. Technol. , 17, 510-515, 2011.

12)　E. Berardesca., et al., Skin Res. Technol. , 126-132, 1997.

13)　U. Hinrich., et al., Int. J. Cosmet. Sci. , 25(1-2), 45-53, 2003.

14)　Y. Takema., et al., BR. J. Dermatol. , 131, 641-648, 1994.

Note: This paper is translated from the following URL. The content is provided for reference on the scientific research of the raw material only. Whether APA raw materials are used or not, we hope this research will help increase understanding and awareness of body minerals.