WO2021089161A1

WO2021089161A1 - Microdermabrasion device including a cartridge

Info

Publication number: WO2021089161A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/080593
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Besen; Benjamin Lubkin; Dominique Bordeaux
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2019-11-07
Filing date: 2019-11-07
Publication date: 2021-05-14

Abstract

The invention relates to a microdermabrasion device (1) comprising at least: - a reservoir (3) containing a cosmetic composition (P), to be applied to the keratinous material, and - a source of vacuum (7) causing the skin surface being treated to have an increased area of contact with the abrasive end fitting (2), the source of vacuum (7) also functioning to collect tissue or cells (100) removed from the skin surface being treated, - an end fitting (2) for the application of the composition contained in the reservoir (3), the end fitting (2) being mounted on a hand piece (12) and comprising an abrasive member (6) and a supply orifice (39) to conduct the composition from the reservoir (3) to the abrasive members (6), the reservoir (3) being mounted into the hand piece (12).

Description

MICRODERMABRASION DEVICE INCLUDING A CARTRIDGE

Technical field

The present invention relates to a cosmetic microdermabrasion device comprising a composition delivery from an integrated removable cartridge and able to provide microdermabrasion (MDA), in order to reduce and/or disrupt the uppermost layers of a human keratinous material.

By "human keratinous material" is meant mainly the skin, in particular of the body or of the face, or else the scalp or nails

Background art

The stratum corneum (SC) constitutes the main barrier to exogenous substances including small molecular weight materials. In general, exogenous substances permeating the skin must diffuse through the highly organized intercellular lipid bilayers of the stratum corneum. This intercellular microroute, which is lipophilic, is the primary pathway for exogenous substances to pass through the SC barrier by passive diffusion along a concentration gradient between a delivery vehicle and the SC. It is difficult for some exogenous substances to penetrate into the skin.

In order to provide exogenous substances deeper into the skin, it is possible to perform injections using a conventional needle. However, such injections cause pain, and need to be performed by a professional such as a doctor. Thus, injections using a conventional needle are not common for cosmetic purposes. The use of microdermabrasion (MDA) to provide skin relief improvement while delivering active compounds/drugs/particles represents a viable option for many applications related to cosmetics.

MDA is a facial resurfacing technique that mechanically ablates aged or damaged skin to promote skin turnover and its re-epithelization. MDA is being used for decades and it is still a common procedure for many dermatologists.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, MDA:

• Improves age spots and black heads,

• Improves hyperpigmentation (patches of darkened skin),

• Exfoliates your skin, resulting in a refreshed appearance,

• Lessens the appearance of stretch marks, • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles,

• Reduces or eliminate enlarged pores,

• Treats acne and the scars left by acne,

Beyond immediate benefits on skin relief, MDA is generating:

• Biological responses related to re-epithelization,

• High delivery of active molecules and other substances (soluble or not in the media or used at pure stage) thanks to corneocytes removal to decrease the

Stratum Comeum layer.

MDA devices have been described in the art.

For example, US 2018/ 235662 discloses an end fitting coming in contact with the skin and comprising a microdermabrasion zone for abrading a part of a skin of a subject, the microdermabrasion zone includes a releasable solid material.

MDA have an advantage of being a minimally invasive technique, as it removes only uppermost layers of the skin from Stratum Corneum and epidermis. MDA works on all skin types and colors producing fast results with minimal side effects; not inducing scars or color modifications.

US 8 128 638 discloses a MDA device that includes a motor-driven treatment head with an abrasive surface which contacts the section of skin to be treated. The treatment head includes a passage or opening in communication with a reservoir for containing a topical solution. As the skin is treated, the topical solution from the reservoir is automatically dispensed through the opening in the treatment head. The topical solution may be abrasive or non-abrasive.

US 6 500 183 discloses a MDE devices that comprises a hollow tube with and abrasive material permanent attached to a skin contacting end. The abrasive coated tip is moved over the skin surface while a vacuum is applied through the tube to the skin surface to remove cells abraded from the skin surface. The vacuum also causes the skin to be held in intimate contact with the abrasive tip during the treatment procedure.

Recently this technique has been proposed to consumers through home devices providing new opportunities for skin treatment or aesthetic procedure

The kit RIIVIVA FACE marketed by RIIVIVA uses microdermabrasion to exfoliate the dead skin cells. These dead skin cells are then sucked away by a tiny vacuum leaving smoother, fresher new skin cells underneath. Cleanser is used before the microdermabrasion, and prepares the skin for optimum treatment. The kit comprises a:

• A device with a precise diamond tip easily and effectively which smooths and brightens appearance of skin,

• A facial cleanser which is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, healing, and disease-fighting.

For the RIIVIVA device, microdermabrasion is a process of abrasion and suction. As the diamond tip surface passes over the skin, the device vacuums up the exfoliated particles and skin debris. The suction aspect of the treatment is as vital as the exfoliation aspect. The suction (with the abrasion) stimulates the dermis, causing a remodeling process in the skin to occur. As the skin repairs itself, it becomes thicker, smoother and looks healthier as a result. Riiviva microderm was designed with three levels of suction (low, medium, high) and 3 degrees of coarseness to accommodate varying levels of skin sensitivity.

The tube of cleanser is separated from the device and can be used before, after or simultaneously with the device.

There is a need for improving the delivery of cosmetic compositions into the skin, scalp, nails or lips, especially the precision of the amount of composition delivered into the skin at the targeted location during the use of the MDA device.

There is a need to provide to the consumers, MDA devices easy to use, especially for domestic uses.

There is a need to provide to the consumers, MDA devices that can perform quick MDA.

There is a need to provide to the consumers, compact devices that can also be nomad ones, so that the consumer can move or travel with the device.

There is a need to provide to consumers a wide range of safe and tolerable compositions without preservative which would be delivered at deeper and at higher amount to increase their efficacy and time for results.

There is a need to provide to the consumer a MDA device with an increased efficiency, for increased result for the consumer.

Disclosure of the invention An object of the present invention is a handheld microdermabrasion device powered by a power source comprising at least:

- a reservoir containing a cosmetic composition, to be applied to the skin of the user,

- an abrasive end fitting for removing dead cells from a layer of skin of a user,

- a fluid delivery system to deliver the composition contained in the reservoir to the skin of the user through a duct leading to a supply orifice located on the abrasive end fitting,

- a source of a vacuum in communication with a skin cell collecting chamber through a vacuum unit, the skin cell collecting chamber being at least partially defined by the abrasive end fitting and the skin cell collecting chamber having a first end provided with a first opening therein for applying a reduced pressure to the skin surface, said source of vacuum causing the skin surface being treated to have an increased area of contact with the abrasive end fitting, the source of vacuum also functioning to collect tissue or cells removed from the skin surface being treated or excess of composition from the reservoir, and the skin cell collecting chamber having a second end connected to the source of vacuum through a second opening, the reservoir, the fluid delivery system and the source of vacuum are at least partially mounted into a housing of the hand piece and the abrasive end fitting at least partially protrudes out of the housing of the hand piece.

Preferably, the reservoir is housed entirely inside the hand piece.

The invention offers the possibility to better control surfaces modifications due to microdermabrasion and able the delivery of potent composition to treat skin.

The device according to the invention allows targeting and delivering compositions into skin layers, to remove partially or totally CORNEOCYTES from stratum Corneum and KERATIN OCYTES from upper epidermis.

Thanks to the invention, the composition is delivered deeper inside skin, by passing the SC layer, which is not possible with topical applications.

The device of the invention is convenient to use for cosmetic, non- therapeutic, treatments.

The device according to the invention allows a one-step MDA using a device with captive formulations in dedicated jars. The device according to the invention is convenient and simple to use, thanks to the position of the reservoir mounted into the hand piece.

The invention also relates to a cosmetic method for performing microdermabrasion, comprising: applying an abrasive end fitting of handheld microdermabrasion device according to any one of the preceding claims to a skin surface of a user, said microdermabrasion device including a housing comprising at least a source of a vacuum, a fluid delivery system and a reservoir, optionally, actuating a drive system for activating the delivery of the composition in the reservoir to the skin, optionally, varying the level of reduced pressure applied through the abrasive end fitting, optionally, actuating a motor for driving the end fitting with respect to the body, notably for oscillating or rotating the abrasive end fitting to abrade or exfoliate the skin.

Abrasive member

The abrasive member preferably includes and abrasive head.

The abrasive member might include an annular abrasive head, advantageously coated with an abrasive material. Abrasiveness can be made by sanding the abrasive member surface mechanically or chemically. Abrasiveness can be also made by mechanical engraving/etching treatment.

Abrasive member can be covered by removal abrasive material stuck to the end fitting’s body. As such, it can form self-adhesive member, such as a sticker. An example can be a holding pad with a 3M self-adhesive sticker with a 5 to 100 mm diameter, comprising abrasive grains electrostatically coated on the adhesive. This self-adhesive member can be replaced after each MDA treatment or reused.

The abrasive material may include metal(s), polymer(s), diamond, corindon, sand, silica, silicon, glass, sintered clay, particles dispersed/fixed at the surface of the head.

Abrasive properties can be brought by abrasive heads made of metal or abrasive heads made of a polymeric structure. Abrasive properties can be brought by particles such as diamond, silicium, clay, glass dispersed/fixed at the surface of the head.

The abrasive head can be porous/soluble to the composition or to a gas. The cartridge might contain a gas under pressure that might pushed the composition out of the cartridge or that might clean the cartridge after use.

The abrasive material might be delivered from the reservoir and may contain soluble parts, particles, substances, grains.

Abrasive member can conduct current, ultrasounds, cold, heat, or other energies.

Abrasive members can comprise different abrasive materials that can be set up at will

Additional materials like fibers, nonwoven, yarns, blades, microneedles array, might be included on an abrasive head.

The device might comprise one or more abrasive members, in particular in the form of balls. The multiplicity of abrasive members facilitates a good distribution of the composition, in a continuous manner. The multiplicity of abrasive members also makes it possible to improve the massaging effect in the course of the treatment.

An abrasive member may be organized as a polygon, in particular as a triangle, and better all the abrasive members are organized as a polygon, in particular as a triangle . Such a disposition facilitates the application and the treatment of zones which are difficult to access, for example the wings of the nose.

This configuration of the abrasive member(s) also facilitates good distribution of the composition over the whole of the application surface. Better homogeneity of the treatment is thus obtained. Safety and comfort related to good distribution of the electric current over the application surface is also improved, if appropriate. The disposition of the abrasive members and the relatively high number thereof allow simultaneous application over a fairly large area.

Abrasive member can enable the suction of excess of product back into the device.

The abrasive members may be made of plastic or metal.

An outer surface of an abrasive member may be totally inert from a chemical point of view in relation to the composition applied and the keratinous material· The outer surface may be covered with a varnish. The outer surface may be polished. The outer surface may comprise a biocide material· if appropriate. Moreover, the outer surface of an abrasive member may be disposed in proximity to the composition reservoir, thereby making it possible to avoid the presence of specific ducts for transporting the composition from the reservoir to this outer surface.

The abrasive members may be spherical or cylindrical, roller-shaped for example, or have some other shape, in particular ovoid.

Advantageously, an abrasive member turns about at least one rotation axis. In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the outer surface of the abrasive member exhibits a symmetry substantially of revolution about an axis of symmetry, the outer surface being able to be rotary about this axis of symmetry. As a variant, the abrasive member may be rotary about a rotation axis distinct from this axis of symmetry. Still as another variant, the abrasive member may vibrate. Still as another variant, the abrasive member may move back and forth.

Abrasive member may be itself a container or may comprise an empty volume to enable a pre-mixing or introduction of different compositions / substances.

The outer surface of an abrasive member may exhibit any profile, in particular cylindrical or non-cylindrical, for example an ovoid or discoid shape.

In another exemplary implementation of the invention, the outer surface exhibits a substantially spherical shape. In particular, the abrasive member is a ball. The latter may be all-axes rotary.

An abrasive member may comprise a core on which an outer wall is attached This core may comprise a surface provided with reliefs and the outer wall may be able to deform during the application so as to come into contact with the reliefs. The latter make it possible to produce a massaging effect when the abrasive member is in contact with the surface to be treated, and this may inter alia help the penetration of the composition into the skin and facilitate its action.

The outer wall may, as a variant, be rigid.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the outer wall comprises reliefs, which may comprise bumps or ribs.

Alternatively, an abrasive member may comprise removable elements which afford the abrasive member a relief. It is thus possible to change these elements with a view to modifying the dimensions of the abrasive members, their surface properties, or else their roughness. Advantageously, an abrasive member is mounted in a removable manner on the device. All the abrasive members may be mounted in a removable manner on the device.

Preferably, an abrasive member is mounted in a housing.

Preferably, the abrasive member comprises an abrasive head.

More preferably, the abrasive member comprises abrasive particles chosen among at least one of corundum, magnesium oxide, sand, silica and a precious stone, in particular diamond, garnet, sapphire, ruby, emerald, and topaz.

Reservoir

The device according to the invention may comprise one or several reservoirs. Each reservoir might be connected to a supply orifice located on the abrasive member through a canal.

The compositions might be delivered at the same time or after or before the microdermabrasion operation. Compositions can be delivered continuously or in a jerky way, consecutively, one after the other.

The mechanism for dispensing the formulation at the outlet of the reservoir may comprise a pump. Advantageously, the dispensing system comprises an air pump, so as to compress the air between the walls of the reservoir and its housing in the device. The walls of the reservoir are preferably flexible and the walls of the housing are preferably rigid.

More advantageously, the housing is airtight. The reservoir is compressed in a controlled manner by the air pump. This creates a certain pressure in the housing to regulate the flowrate of formula. A unidirectional valve at the end of the reservoir may make it possible to safeguard the formula from contact with the air.

The reservoir may include a piston or an helicoidal screw.

The reservoir may have a variable internal volume and comprise at least one wall that is elastically deformable so as to reduce the internal volume, in particular two elastically deformable walls opposite one another.

The reservoir may be designed to be mounted in a removable manner on the device such that, when the reservoir has been emptied, it can be replaced with another or removed in order to be filled, when the reservoir has a filling orifice.

Advantageously, the reservoir has an elastically deformable outer wall.

Preferably, the reservoir comprises an exit orifice emerging through a duct in the diffuser. Advantageously, the reservoir is formed as a single component. It is preferably molded from a single piece, in particular from the same thermoplastic material, for example PEBD, PEHD, a mixture of PEBD and PEHD, PP, or a mixture of PE and PP in any proportion. The reservoir can be made entirely or partially of glass or metal. The thickness of the wall of the reservoir is for example between 0.1 and 1 mm, and in the second zone between 0.3 and 0.8 mm.

Advantageously, the total internal volume of the reservoir is between 1 and 100 cm³, preferably between 20 and 50 cm³, in the rest configuration of the deformable zone. This volume is optimal for a few uses or a repeated treatment extending over a few weeks.

Preferably, the interior volume of the reservoir may shrink by a volume equal to between 10% and 50% of the interior volume of said reservoir in the rest configuration of the deformable zone. This variation in volume has the advantage of being visible and measurable.

The reservoir may be manufactured by injection blow molding or extrusion blow molding.

The reservoir may be removable. It may be an interchangeable container or a cartridge. The reservoir may in particular be a single-use reservoir. It may or may not be a single-dose reservoir.

The reservoir can be located at an end of the end piece or included inside the body of the device.

In one example, reservoir is apart of a replaceable formulation cartridge.

The reservoir may enable the premixing of several compositions (dry and or liquid) stored in different compartments of the reservoir with breakable walls.

The reservoir can be heat or cold before or after insertion in the device before or after premixing of the different compositions stored in the reservoir.

Advantageously, the reservoir contains a composition under pressure and a system, notably a pump or squeezable walls, for placing the composition under pressure.

Inside the reservoir, the pressure may be such that, throughout the life of the product, the pressure may be at least greater than atmospheric pressure.

The reservoir might have a variable volume due to the effect of mechanical constraints applied to its squeezable wall to deliver a composition under pressure. The reservoir might be in the form of variable-volume flexible pouch having a generally cylindrical shape filled with the fluid to be transported.

In a particularly suitable example of an embodiment, an airless pump may be used to expel the composition from the reservoir. Airless pumps are generally used to pump a substance from a reservoir in essentially a single direction without permitting the reverse flow (i.e., intake) of air via the pump. That is, as product is pumped from the reservoir, the pumped product is not replaced with a corresponding volume of air through the pump. It is not uncommon for airless pumps to be used in conjunction with a one-way valve such as a check valve to prevent or at least reduce the intake of air and other substances that would otherwise replace the volume of composition expelled from the reservoir. Airless pumps such as diaphragm pumps, piston pumps, squeeze tubes, and vented dip tube pumps typically rely on manual actuation by a user and/or stored potential energy (e.g., battery; spring; or elastic band, tube, or other elastic element) to generate pressure.

The reservoir might comprise a gas under pressure, such as nitrogen or air.

In another example, the cosmetic method includes removing a first formulation cartridge from the device according to the invention, coupling a second replaceable formulation cartridge to the abrasive member, and dispensing, from the second replaceable formulation cartridge, a second formulation onto the one or more regions of the biological surface.

In an embodiment, the device according to the invention includes a formulation assembly including one or a plurality of dispenser portions and one or more formulation reservoirs, the formulation assembly being operable to dispense a formulation from the one or more formulation reservoirs onto one or more regions of a biological surface.

The reservoir might comprise several chambers with several compositions.

The chamber can be separated by frangible walls able to break to let the compositions mix one with the other.

Several reservoirs might be place consecutively, enabling the compositions to mix together.

Distributor

A duct forming a canal or empty shaft might distribute the composition of the reservoir to the abrasive member.

The canal or empty shaft may be removable or part of the reservoir. Advantageously, a distributor distributes the composition of the reservoir to the abrasive member. The distributor might be formed of one or several pieces.

The distributor may comprise a first face on which are made housings for the abrasive members, in particular a housing for each of the abrasive members. The first face may be plane, concave or convex. It is for example slightly domed.

The supply orifices are configured to conduct the composition from the cavity or cavities to the housings of the abrasive members. The supply orifices may emerge in the housings elsewhere than in the bottom of the housings. This may make it possible to reduce the thickness of the distributor, so that the latter is less bulky.

The distributor comprises a second face opposite to the first, on which is made said at least one storage cavity for the composition. The cavity or cavities may be hollowed out with respect to the second face, which may be plane, concave or convex. The cavities may take the form of channels made in the distributor.

The distributor may comprise peripheral cavities, in particular three peripheral cavities, each of the peripheral cavities being able to enable the composition to be conveyed to several abrasive members.

At least one peripheral cavity may be configured to convey the composition to two abrasive members, for example two adjacent abrasive members. In particular, each of the peripheral cavities may be configured to convey the composition to two abrasive members, for example two adjacent abrasive members. Thus, the abrasive members may be linked pairwise by a corresponding cavity, which may be channel- shaped.

The distributor may comprise at least one central cavity, in particular a single central cavity. This central cavity may be intended to be supplied directly with composition from the reservoir, in particular via the diffuser which will be described further on.

As a variant, the device is devoid of any central cavity, the peripheral cavities being mutually independent, and not being able to communicate with one another in the distributor. In this case, the peripheral cavities may be supplied with composition directly from the reservoir, in particular via the diffuser which will be described hereinafter.

Diffuser

The device may comprise a diffuser directly in contact with the distributor, making it possible to feed the composition into the cavity or cavities of the distributor. The distributor and the diffuser may each have a face in contact with the other of the distributor or of the diffuser. These faces may be plane. The surfaces of these faces may be tailored in such a way that there is in principle no composition that flows between the surfaces in contact.

The device may comprise a cover configured to retain the abrasive members in the housings of the distributor. The cover may comprise openings through which the abrasive members protrude to the outside to allow the application of the composition. In one embodiment, the cover is not electrically conducting.

Preferably, the device comprises a diffuser directly in contact with a distributor, making it possible to feed the supply orifice with the composition.

Control member

The device may comprise a control member for the dispensing of composition, in particular a push-button (for example an ON/OFF button) or a rotary thumbwheel, and/or a device for regulating the composition flowrate. The control member is configured to be actuated manually by the user. The control member may be configured to allow the dispensing of a dose of composition, or as a variant a continuous stream of the composition. In an exemplary embodiment, the dispensing of composition continues as long as the control member is engaged, for example as long as the push-button is depressed.

The user may trigger the dispensing of composition when the quantity of composition present is insufficient to ensure the efficacy of the treatment. Regulation of the quantity of composition may be performed manually by the user, the latter being able to modify the quantity of composition dispensed at will, or else when the warning facility signals to him that this is necessary, or automatically, by virtue of a system for slaving the quantity of composition dispensed to a measurement performed on the keratinous material.

A composition can be applied on the keratinous material, notably the skin, before the MDA treatment.

Composition

It is possible to use with the device at least one cosmetic or dermatological composition.

The composition(s) used may be in all forms, for example in the form of an aqueous solution, of an oil, of an emulsion, of a paste, of a powder or of a gel. The composition(s) used may also be sprayed onto the skin. When the composition(s) used is/are in the form of a gel, the latter can take on the shape of the electrode to which it is applied, as mentioned above.

The composition(s) may comprise an active principle.

Advantageously, the composition is chosen from among:

- a face care or body care composition, comprising in particular an active agent chosen from humectant or moisturizing active agents, anti-ageing active agents, for example depigmenting active agents, active agents that act on cutaneous microcirculation or seboregulating active agents,

- a composition for making up the face or body, or nails,

- a composition for the scalp, in particular an antidandruff composition, a composition for preventing hair loss or for promoting regrowth of the hair, an anti- seborrheic, anti-inflammatory, anti-irritation or soothing composition, a mark-preventing composition or a composition for stimulating or protecting the scalp.

Complementary functions

The device may furthermore comprise one at least of: a light source, a heat source, an infrared source or a resistance, a micro current, this list not being limiting.

Energy sources can be provided by device itself or external devices and energies driven for example by cables, tubes, optical fibers.

The device may comprise one or more treatment modules which may be activated selectively; for example, it may be envisaged to subject the end fitting to light, to a heat source, or indeed to vibrations, as will be specified further on. i) Light source

According to the invention, the device advantageously comprises a light source.

The light source may be, for example, at least one LED, such as described in documents LR-A-2917 299, US- A-2010/274329 or WO-A-2008/057640. ii) Heat source

According to the invention, the device advantageously comprises a heat source.

In this case, it is possible to modify the temperature of the external surface of the end fitting and/or of the treated region and/or to transmit energy to the external surface of the end fitting and/or to the treated region.

The device may for example comprise a heating resistance or a thermoelectric element or an infrared source positioned under the end fitting. Preferably, the source of heat comprises an infrared source or a resistor.

The device may comprise a heating module, and be configured to heat the external surface of the end fitting to a predefined temperature for example to a temperature of between 35°C and 45°C. In the case of a device comprising a heating module, the heating surface may reach a temperature of 10°C to 35°C higher than the ambient temperature, preferentially from 15°C to 25°C in heating mode. The power delivered by the heating module may be between 0.25 and 10 W, preferably between 0.5 and 5 W.

More preferably, the source of heat is housed entirely inside the device.

The resistor may be connected to a board by two insulated connectors, using for example the location of the breaker switches.

The infrared source may be integrated into the body of the device, as the handle. The external part of the device, for example a shell, may serve to guide the infrared radiation to the end fitting. iii) Cold source

As an illustration, the cold source can utilize a solid carbon dioxide at temperature between -196° C. to -205° C. to form portion of the probe in contact with tissue instead of pumping Hquid nitrogen to the tip of the probe or the cold source can comprise a molten metal. iv) steam source

As an illustration the end fitting can comprise an inner wall s formed through a plurality of steam supply holes for supplying steam to the face of the user or to another part of the body.

Description of the figures

The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which will follow, of no limiting examples of implementation of the invention, and on examining the appended drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a handheld microdermabrasion device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Represented in Figure 1 is a device 1 in accordance with the invention. It comprises a hand piece 10 with a housing 12 on which is mounted an end fitting 2 comprising an abrasive member 6 having an annular shape mounted on a cylindrical base 60. A reservoir 3 is housed inside the body 12, and in communication with a pump 5 which is part of the delivery system. The end fitting 2 can be fixed by snap-fastening onto the housing 12. It could be mounted in some other manner. In the example considered, the housing 12 is made of thermoplastic material. As a variant, the latter may be made from any other material. The abrasive member 6 is part of the end fitting 2.

The abrasive members 6 is ring shaped and made of a surface material such as diamond particles 18 having a coefficient of friction ranging from about 0.15 to about 0.3.

The abrasive member 6 is operably coupled to the reservoir 3 through a duct 8 to let the composition flow from the reservoir 3 to the surface 50 of the skin to be treated and reach the applicator member 6 through the supply orifice 39.

The reservoir is included in the hand piece 10 on which the end fitting 2 is mounted.

The device 1 also includes features, such as an activator such as a button 32 or grips, to aid in use by a user. For example, in one embodiment, the button 32 is power button on an end opposite the reservoir 3 and configured to toggle power to device. In another embodiment, the housing also includes grips that add to the convenience for a user to grip the applicator 20.

The abrasive member 6 may have one or more openings, such as an annular shape, with a tube coupled to the opening(s) to deliver the composition. The drive system 14 comprises an electric motor 70. However, it is to be understood that a variety of electromechanical devices (e.g., dev51ices that translate electricity into mechanical action or movement) may be used for drive system 14. The power source 32 may be used to provide power to the drive system 14. In one embodiment, the power source is an internal power source (e.g., batteries), and in another embodiment the handheld device may be coupled to an external power source (e.g., a wall power outlet).

The overall suction system comprises a source of vacuum 7 connected to a vacuum unit 51, an ON/OFF switch 33, a gauge to measure the level of vacuum and a valve 52 to adjust the vacuum in the collecting chamber 4 having a second opening 44 at a second end 42 and a first opening 43 at a first end 41. Preferably, the skin cell collecting chamber 4 forms a cavity in the abrasive end fitting 2.

Preferably, the power source 13 is in electrical communication with the drive system 14 for activating the delivery of the composition in the reservoir 3 to the skin 50 through the supply orifice 39, the drive system 14 being mounted into the housing 12 of the hand piece (10).

More preferably, the drive system 14 both actuate the fluid delivery system 5 to deliver the composition from the reservoir 3 and actuate the abrasive end fitting 2. While not necessary for operation of the invention, shown mounted on the external surface of the housing 10 is a filter assembly 18. Attached to the filter assembly 38 is a hollow tube 19 or wand assembly upon which the end fitting 2 is mounted. The other end of the filter assembly 18 is connected to the vacuum pump 51 located inside the housing 10. The tissue and cells 100 might be collected in a canister (not represented).

Claims

1. A handheld microdermabrasion device (1) powered by a power source (13) comprising at least:

- a reservoir (3) containing a cosmetic composition (P),tobe applied to the skin of the user,

- an abrasive end fitting

(2) for removing dead cells (100) from a layer of skin (50) of a user,

- a fluid delivery system (5) to deliver the composition contained in the reservoir

(3) to the skin (50) of the user through a duct (8) leading to a supply orifice (39) located on the abrasive end fitting (2),

- a source of a vacuum (7) in communication with a skin cell collecting chamber

(4) through a vacuum unit (51), the skin cell collecting chamber (4) being at least partially defined by the abrasive end fitting (2) and the skin cell collecting chamber (4) having a first end (41) provided with a first opening (43) therein for applying a reduced pressure to the skin surface (50), said source of vacuum (7) causing the skin surface being treated to have an increased area of contact with the abrasive end fitting (2), the source of vacuum (7) also functioning to collect tissue or cells (100) removed from the skin surface being treated or excess of composition from the reservoir, and the skin cell collecting chamber (4) having a second end (42) connected to the source of vacuum (7) through a second opening (44), characterized by the fact that the reservoir (3), the fluid delivery system (5) and the source of vacuum (7) are at least partially mounted into a housing (12) of the hand piece (10) and the abrasive end fitting (2) at least partially protrudes out of the housing (12) of the hand piece (10).

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized by the fact that the power source (13) is in electrical communication with a drive system (14) for activating the delivery of the composition in the reservoir (3) to the skin (50) through the supply orifice (39), the drive system (14) being mounted into the housing (12) of the hand piece (10).

3. The device as claimed in claim 2, characterized by the fact that the drive system (14) to both actuate the fluid delivery system (5) to deliver the composition from the reservoir (3) and actuate the abrasive end fitting (2). 4. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the skin cell collecting chamber (4) forms a cavity in the abrasive end fitting (2).

5. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the reservoir (3) removable.

6. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the reservoir (3) has an elastically deformable outer wall.

7. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the abrasive member (6) comprises abrasive material (18) including metal(s), polymer(s), diamond, corindon, sand, silica, silicon, glass, sintered clay, particles dispersed/fixed at the surface of the abrasive end fitting (2).

8. A cosmetic method for performing microdermabrasion, comprising: applying an abrasive end fitting (2) of handheld microdermabrasion device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims to a skin surface (50) of a user, said microdermabrasion device including a housing (12) comprising at least a source of a vacuum (7), a fluid delivery system (5) and a reservoir (3), optionally, actuating a drive system (14) for activating the delivery of the composition in the reservoir (3) to the skin, optionally, varying the level of reduced pressure applied through the abrasive end fitting (2), optionally, actuating a motor (70) for driving the end fitting (2) with respect to the body, notably for oscillating or rotating the abrasive end fitting (2) to abrade or exfoliate the skin.