Patent Publication Number: US-2009238877-A1

Title: Agent For Improving Fine Wrinkles

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to a preparation for external use for skins for improving fine wrinkles, and a beauty culture method for improving fine wrinkles. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     In proportion as persons grow old, wrinkles increase as one of skin aging phenomena. In accordance with wrinkle occurrence sites, wrinkle occurrence mechanisms, and the like, wrinkles may be roughly classified into large wrinkles, fine wrinkles, and reticulation. The large wrinkles are the deep wrinkles occurring at the backs of the necks, and the like, primarily due to photoaging. The fine wrinkles are the comparatively shallow wrinkles occurring about the eyes or the mouths. The reticulation is the pleat-like wrinkles occurring at unexposed body regions, such as abdomens of old persons. 
     Recently, females of middle or advanced age take an increasing interest in beauty culture and have an increasing interest in the fine wrinkles occurring about the eyes or the mouths, which fine wrinkles appear due to lowering of water retention capability of the corneal layer of the epidermis with age or due to a decrease in sebum caused to occur by lowering of secretion of epidermal lipid with age. 
     Cosmetic preparations for the fine wrinkles may be roughly classified into make-up preparations, which make the fine wrinkles visually imperceptible, and skin care preparations, which have the improving effects when being used successively. 
     The make-up preparations make the fine wrinkles visually imperceptible by smoothing the unevenness of the skin or correcting the skin color. For example, a preparation for making the fine wrinkles imperceptible by blurring the unevenness of the fine wrinkles by light diffusing effects of spherical particles (e.g., patent literature 1 or 2), a preparation for smoothing the fine wrinkles by protrusion and recess filling-up effects of a wax, a polymer gel, or the like (e.g., patent literature 3), and a preparation utilizing both of the aforesaid preparations have been reported. The make-up preparations make the fine wrinkles visually imperceptible, but do not have the effects of actually improving the fine wrinkles. 
     The skin care preparations improve the fine wrinkles by being blended with various medicines, moisturizing agents, and the like. For example, a preparation blended with medicines, such as a vitamin C derivative, vitamin A, and a vitamin A derivative, (e.g., patent literature 4), and a preparation blended with a moisturizing agent, such as glycerol, sorbitol, or a vegetable liquid extract, collagen, or the like, have been known. However, the skin care cosmetic preparations are markedly expensive, and it is necessary to use them successively for a certain period of time in order for the fine wrinkle improving effects to be obtained.
     Patent literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2002-047138   Patent literature 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2003-012461   Patent literature 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2000-016919   Patent literature 4: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2002-080338   

     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     Problems Which the Invention Aims at Solving 
     The object of the present invention is to provide an agent for improving fine wrinkles, which improves fine wrinkles efficiently within a short period of time without the necessity of expensive medicines, moisturizing agents, or the like, being blended, and which is low in cost and has good usability. 
     An other object of the present invention is to provide a beauty culture method, which improves fine wrinkles efficiently within a short period of time without the necessity of expensive medicines, moisturizing agents, or the like, being used. 
     Means for Solving the Problems 
     The inventors have found that, in cases where an oil based preparation for external use for skins, which oil based preparation has occlusion characteristics of as high as at least 50%, is applied onto a skin, water within the skin is retained efficiently on the surface of the skin, and fine wrinkles are improved markedly within a short period of time, and that, in cases where 50% by mass to 95% by mass of an oil constituent, which contains 10% by mass to 100% by mass of a solid or semisolid oil constituent, and 5% by mass to 50% by mass of particles are blended together, the usability of the oil based preparation for external use for skins is improved markedly, such that the occlusion characteristics of the oil based preparation for external use for skins may not be affected adversely. The present invention is based upon the findings described above. 
     Conventional oily base materials having high occlusion characteristics, such as petrolatum, exhibit bad spreadability. Also, when being coated onto the skin, the conventional oily base materials give a sticky feeling and oily sheen. The usability of the conventional oily base materials is thus markedly low. Such that the usability of the petrolatum, or the like, may be improved, various attempts have heretofore been made to blend various kinds of particles. However, with the conventional preparations for external use, wherein the particles are blended, paths allowing the passage of water are formed through the oil based system, and the occlusion characteristics become low. Therefore, water within the skin is not capable of being retained sufficiently on the skin surface, and the fine wrinkle improving effects are not capable of being obtained. 
     The present invention provides an agent for improving fine wrinkles, containing an oil based preparation for external use for skins, the oil based preparation containing: 
     i) 50% by mass to 95% by mass of an oil constituent, which contains 10% by mass to 100% by mass of a solid or semisolid oil constituent, and 
     ii) 5% by mass to 50% by mass of particles, 
     the oil based preparation having occlusion characteristics of at least 50%. 
     The present invention also provides a beauty culture method for improving fine wrinkles, wherein an oil based preparation for external use for skins is applied onto a skin, the oil based preparation containing: 
     i) 50% by mass to 95% by mass of an oil constituent, which contains 10% by mass to 100% by mass of a solid or semisolid oil constituent, and 
     ii) 5% by mass to 50% by mass of particles, 
     the oil based preparation having occlusion characteristics of at least 50%. 
     The term “occlusion characteristics” as used herein means the value calculated with the formula shown below and in accordance with a transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is measured with a water loss meter at a stage one hour after a sample has been applied (at a rate of 2.5 mg/cm 2 ) to an internal site of a human forearm. 
       Occlusion characteristics(%)=(1−TEWL(with sample)/TEWL(without sample))×100 
     In the present invention, the particles should preferably contain spherical particles. In cases where the spherical particles are blended with the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention, the coating and extension of the oil based preparation for external use for skins are capable of being performed smoothly, and the use feeling is capable of being improved. Also, the unevenness of the skin is capable of being blurred and rendered imperceptible by virtue of the light scattering effects of the spherical particles contained in the oil based preparation having been applied onto the skin. The oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention is capable of being used at the time of skin care and at the time of make-up, and therefore the preparation having both of the fine wrinkle improving effects and the fine wrinkle concealing effects is capable of being furnished. Particularly, elastic spherical particles are free from a powdery feeling and are therefore preferable. Among the elastic spherical particles, elastic spherical silicone type particles having high effects of suppressing a sticky feeling should more preferably be blended. Further, in cases where spherical silica particles are used in conjunction with the elastic spherical particles or the elastic spherical silicone type particles, the usability and the high-temperature vertical storage stability are capable of being enhanced. 
     From the view point of the occlusion characteristics, the oil constituent should preferably contain a solid or semisolid non-polar hydrocarbon oil constituent in a proportion of at least 20% by mass with respect to a total quantity of the oil constituent. In cases where the non-polar hydrocarbon oil constituent is blended at a high concentration, the occlusion characteristics are capable of being enhanced even further. 
     Also, from the view point of the usability, the oil constituent should preferably contain a volatile oil constituent in a proportion falling within the range of 5% by mass to 50% by mass with respect to a total quantity of the oil constituent. In cases where the volatile oil constituent is blended, the coating and the extension are capable of being performed more easily, and the sticky feeling of the coated composition is capable of being improved even further. 
     EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     With the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention, which has the occlusion characteristics of at least 50%, water coming from the inside region of the skin is retained at the surface of the skin, and the skin is capable of being kept in a soft and full state. Therefore, the fine wrinkles are improved markedly within a short period of time without the necessity of expensive medicines, moisturizing agents, or the like, being used. 
     Also, the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention contains 50% by mass to 95% by mass of the oil constituent, which contains 10% by mass to 100% by mass of the solid or semisolid oil constituent, and 5% by mass to 50% by mass of the particles. Therefore, in cases where the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention is applied onto the skin, the oil based preparation does not give the sticky feeling and the oily sheen and exhibits good characteristics of occluding the skin. Further, with the oil based preparation in accordance with the present invention, which has markedly good spreadability, sufficient occlusion characteristics (and consequently sufficient effects of improving the fine wrinkles) are obtained in cases where a small quantity of the oil based preparation is used. 
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Each of the oil based preparation for external use for skins, which is contained in the agent for improving fine wrinkles in accordance with the present invention, and the oil based preparation for external use for skins, which is employed in the beauty culture method in accordance with the present invention, contains the oil constituent, which contains the solid or semisolid oil constituent, and the particles. 
     The term “fine wrinkles” as used herein means the comparatively shallow wrinkles occurring about the eyes or the mouths due to the drying of the skin and embraces the fine wrinkles occurring due to atopic dermatitis. 
     Also, the term “fine wrinkle improving” or “improving fine wrinkles” as used herein means that the fine wrinkles having been formed are diminished and that the formation of the fine wrinkles is prevented. 
     In the present invention, the blending proportion of the oil constituent contained in the oil based preparation for external use for skins falls within the range of 50% by mass to 95% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the preparation. The blending proportion of the oil constituent contained in the oil based preparation for external use for skins should preferably fall within the range of 60% by mass to 90% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the preparation, and should more preferably fall within the range of 70% by mass to 85% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the preparation. If the blending proportion of the oil constituent is lower than 50% by mass, high occlusion characteristics will not be obtained. If the blending proportion of the oil constituent is higher than 95% by mass, the usability will become bad. 
     The solid or semisolid oil constituent employed in the present invention may be selected from a wide variety of oil constituents, which are solid or semisolid at normal temperatures. Examples of the solid or semisolid oil constituents include solid paraffin, micro-crystalline wax, ceresine, beeswax, bareco wax, polyethylene wax, silicon wax, behenyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, batyl alcohol, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, jojoba wax, lanolin, shellac wax, whale wax, Japan wax, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, 12-hydroxystearic acid, cacao butter, hydrogenated castor oil, hardened oil, hydrogenated palm oil, palm oil, hardened coconut oil, polyethylene powder, petrolatum, various kinds of hydrogenated animal fats and oils, various kinds of hydrogenated vegetable fats and oils, and fatty acid monocarboxylic acid lanolin alcohol esters. In the present invention, the solid or semisolid oil constituent acts to efficiently prevent water from being vaporized and lost from the skin, to retain water at the surface of the skin, and to prevent the skin from drying. Therefore, the solid or semisolid oil constituent employed should preferably have high occlusion characteristics. The solid or semisolid oil constituent should preferably be the solid or semisolid non-polar hydrocarbon oil, such as micro-crystalline wax, polyethylene wax, or petrolatum. 
     In the present invention, the blending proportion of the solid or semisolid oil constituent falls within the range of 10% by mass to 100% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the oil constituent. If the blending proportion of the solid or semisolid oil constituent is lower than 10% by mass, high occlusion characteristics will not be obtained. A preferable blending proportion of the solid or semisolid oil constituent is not limited and may vary in accordance with the kind of the oil constituent employed, the oil constituent combination, or the like. For example, the blending proportion of the solid or semisolid oil constituent should preferably fall within the range of 20% by mass to 95% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the oil constituent, and should more preferably fall within the range of 30% by mass to 90% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the oil constituent. Particularly, the solid or semisolid non-polar hydrocarbon oil constituent should preferably be contained in a proportion of at least 20% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the oil constituent, should more preferably be contained in a proportion of at least 30% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the oil constituent, and should most preferably be contained in a proportion of at least 40% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the oil constituent. In cases where the solid or semisolid non-polar hydrocarbon oil constituent is blended at a high blending proportion, particularly high occlusion characteristics and high-temperature stability are capable of being obtained. 
     In the present invention, from the view point of the usability, the oil constituent should preferably contain the volatile oil constituent. In cases where the volatile oil constituent is blended, the coating and extension and the sticky feeling of the coating composition are capable of being improved even further. 
     The term “volatile oil constituent” as used herein means the oil constituent, which has the volatility at the room temperature (25° C.). In the present invention, the volatile oil constituent may be selected from a wide variety of oil constituents, with which the purposes of the present invention are capable of being accomplished. Examples of the volatile oil constituents include isoparaffin type hydrocarbon oils having a low boiling temperature (a boiling temperature of at most 260° C. at the normal pressure) and silicone oils having a low boiling temperature. 
     Specifically, the isoparaffin type hydrocarbon oils having a low boiling temperature are commercially available under the trade names of Isopar A, Isopar C, Isopar E, Isopar G, Isopar H, Isopar K, Isopar L, and Isopar M (supplied by Exxon Co.); Shellsole 71 (supplied by Shell Co.); Soltrol 100, Soltrol 130, and Soltrol 220 (supplied by Phillip Co.). 
     Examples of the preferable silicone oils having a low boiling temperature include hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane; octamethyltetracyclosiloxane (e.g., Execol D-4, supplied by Shin-Etsu Silicone Co.); SH244, SH344 (supplied by Dow Corning Toray Co., Ltd.); decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (e.g., Execol D-5, supplied by Shin-Etsu Silicone Co.); SH245, DC345 (supplied by Dow Corning Toray Co., Ltd.); dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (e.g., DC246, supplied by Dow Corning Toray Co., Ltd.); and tetradecamethylcycloheptasiloxane. Particularly, for the advantages of having good usability improving effects, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane should preferably be blended as the volatile oil constituent. 
     In the present invention, one kind of the volatile oil constituent may be used alone. Alternatively, two or more kinds of the volatile oil constituents may be used in combination. The blending proportion of the volatile oil constituent should preferably fall within the range of 5% by mass to 50% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the oil constituent. The blending proportion of the volatile oil constituent should more preferably fall within the range of 10% by mass to 40% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the oil constituent, and should most preferably fall within the range of 15% by mass to 30% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the oil constituent. 
     Also, a liquid oil constituent, which is liquid at the room temperature (25° C.), may be blended, such that the purposes of the present invention may be accomplished. Particularly, since the solid oil constituent itself is markedly hard and exhibits a low usability, the liquid oil constituent should preferably be contained together with the solid oil constituent. Examples of the liquid oil constituents include non-polar hydrocarbon oils, such as liquid paraffin, and squalane; fats and oils, such as olive oil, macadamia nut oil, and jojoba oil; higher fatty acids, such as oleic acid, tall oil fatty acid, and isostearic acid; higher alcohols, such as lauryl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, and octyldodecanol; esters, such as isocetylisostearate, myristyl myristate, and isopropyl palmitate; chain polysiloxanes, such as dimethylpolysiloxane, methylphenylpolysiloxane, and methylhydrogenpolysiloxane; ultra violet light absorbers, such as benzophen one derivatives; and perfumes. Particularly, from the view point of the occlusion characteristics, the non-polar hydrocarbon type of liquid oil, such as liquid paraffin or squalane, should preferably be blended. One kind of the liquid oil constituent enumerated above may be used alone. Alternatively, two to more kinds of the liquid oil constituents enumerated above may be used in combination. Also, the blending proportion of the liquid oil constituent is not limited and may vary in accordance with the kind of the oil constituent employed and the oil constituent combination. The blending proportion of the liquid oil constituent should preferably fall within the range of 10% by mass to 90% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the oil constituent. The blending proportion of the liquid oil constituent should more preferably fall within the range of 20% by mass to 80% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the oil constituent, and should most preferably fall within the range of 30% by mass to 70% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the oil constituent. 
     The particles employed in the present invention may be selected from a wide variety of kinds of particles, with which the purposes of the present invention are capable of being accomplished. In the present invention, it is possible to use, for example, organic particles, such as polyethylene particles, polymethyl methacrylate particles, polystyrene particles, nylon particles, silicone resin particles, silicone rubber particles, silicone resin-coated silicone rubber particles, and polyurethane particles; and inorganic particles, such as silica particles, talc particles, kaolin particles, and sericite particles. No limitation is imposed upon the particle shapes. However, spherical particles should preferably be blended for their advantages in that the coating and extension are capable of being improved, and in that the unevenness of the skin is capable of being blurred and rendered imperceptible by virtue of the light scattering effects. Particularly, from the view point of suppressing the powdery feeling, elastic spherical particles are preferable. Examples of the elastic spherical particles include spherical silicone rubber particles, spherical silicone resin-coated rubber particles, and spherical polyurethane particles. Among the above-enumerated elastic spherical particles, the elastic spherical silicone type particles are more preferable for their high effects of improving the sticky feeling. In cases where the elastic spherical silicone type particles, such as spherical silicone rubber particles, silicone resin-coated silicone rubber particles, and zinc oxide-coated, silicone resin-coated silicone rubber particles, are blended, the coating and extension become smooth, the sticky feeling and the powdery feeling are eliminated, and markedly good usability is obtained. The mean particle diameter of the aforesaid particles should preferably fall within the range of 1 μm to 50 μm. The particles described above are available commercially. In the present invention, for example, Trefil E506W (supplied by Dow Corning Toray Co., Ltd.) may be used appropriately as the silicone rubber particles, and Silicone Powder KSP100 (supplied by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) may be used appropriately as the silicone resin-coated silicone rubber particles. 
     In cases where spherical silica particles are used in a proportion falling within the range of, for example, approximately 1% by mass to approximately 5% by mass in conjunction with the aforesaid elastic spherical particles or the aforesaid elastic spherical silicone type particles, the high-temperature vertical storage stability is enhanced. Ordinarily, the oil based preparation for external use for skins as in the preparation in accordance with the present invention is stored in the horizontal direction. However, it is more preferable that, besides the storage stability in the horizontal storage direction, the storage stability in the vertical storage direction is also guaranteed. Particularly, good effects have been obtained in cases where porous spherical silica particles are used. In the present invention, for example, SILDEX L-51 (supplied by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.) or Spherical Silica P-1500 (supplied by JGC Catalysts and Chemicals Ltd.) may be used appropriately. 
     Further, various kinds of the extender pigments may be coated with particles having a refractive index of at least 1.6, such as barium sulfate (refractive index: 1.64), zinc oxide (refractive index: 2.0), and titanium oxide (rutile type) (refractive index: 2.7), or may be formed as composite particles by use of the aforesaid particles having a refractive index of at least 1.6. Alternatively, part of the particles may be subjected to simple mixing with the aforesaid particles having a refractive index of at least 1.6. In this manner, it is possible to obtain high color heterogeneity concealing effects. 
     In cases where part of the particles are subjected to the simple mixing with the aforesaid particles having a refractive index of at least 1.6, the aforesaid particles having a refractive index of at least 1.6 should preferably be blended in a proportion of approximately 0.5% by mass to approximately 3% by mass in the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention. If the proportion of the aforesaid particles having a refractive index of at least 1.6 in the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention is higher than 3% by mass, at the time at which the oil based preparation is coated onto the skin, the color of the skin will become markedly white and an unnatural feeling will be given. 
     In cases where the particles coated with the aforesaid particles having a refractive index of at least 1.6 or the composite particles formed by use of the aforesaid particles having a refractive index of at least 1.6 are blended, the particles coated with the aforesaid particles having a refractive index of at least 1.6 or the composite particles formed by use of the aforesaid particles having a refractive index of at least 1.6 may be blended in a proportion of approximately 5% by mass to approximately 30% by mass in the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention. In such cases, it is possible to obtain high color heterogeneity concealing effects. In cases where the particles coated with the aforesaid particles having a refractive index of at least 1.6 or the composite particles formed by use of the aforesaid particles having a refractive index of at least 1.6 are blended, it is possible to obtain the color heterogeneity concealing effects higher than in cases where part of the particles are subjected to the simple mixing with the aforesaid particles having a refractive index of at least 1.6. Also, in cases where the particles coated with the aforesaid particles having a refractive index of at least 1.6 or the composite particles formed by use of the aforesaid particles having a refractive index of at least 1.6 are blended, at the time at which the oil based preparation for external use for skins is coated onto the skin, it is possible to obtain a skin feeling more beautiful than in cases where part of the particles are subjected to the simple mixing with the aforesaid particles having a refractive index of at least 1.6. Therefore, it is more preferable to blend the particles coated with the aforesaid particles having a refractive index of at least 1.6 or the composite particles formed by use of the aforesaid particles having a refractive index of at least 1.6. 
     In the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention, one kind of the particles may be blended. Alternatively, two or more kinds of the particles may be blended. The blending proportion of the particles in the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention should fall within the range of 5% by mass to 50% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the preparation. The blending proportion of the particles in the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention should preferably fall within the range of 10% by mass to 40% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the preparation, and should more preferably fall within the range of 15% by mass to 30% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the preparation. If the blending proportion of the particles in the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention is lower than 5% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the preparation, the oily sheen with the oil constituent, the sticky feeling with the oil constituent, and the like, will not be improved sufficiently. If the blending proportion of the particles in the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention is higher than 50% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the preparation, the occlusion characteristics will become bad. 
     In cases where the spherical particles are blended, the blending proportion of the spherical particles ordinarily falls within the range of 30% by mass to 100% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the particles, and should preferably fall within the range of 50% by mass to 100% by mass with respect to the total quantity of the particles. 
     In the present invention, the oil based preparation for external use for skins has the occlusion characteristics of at least 50%. In order for the fine wrinkles to be improved more efficiently, the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention should preferably have the occlusion characteristics higher than 50%, for example, the occlusion characteristics of at least 60%. The oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention should more preferably have the occlusion characteristics of at least 70%, and should most preferably have the occlusion characteristics of at least 80%. The occlusion characteristics may be calculated in the manner described below. Specifically, a sample is applied (at a rate of 2.5 mg/cm 2 ) to an internal site of a human forearm. At a stage one hour after the sample has thus been applied, the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is measured with a water loss meter, such as Tewameter TM210 (supplied by Courage+Khazaka), MEECO (supplied by Meeco, Warring ton, PA, USA), Vapometer, or TEWAmeter (supplied by Delfin Technologies Ltd., Kuopio, Finland). Thereafter, the occlusion characteristics are calculated with the formula shown below. 
       Occlusion characteristics(%)=(1−TEWL(with sample)/TEWL(without sample))×100 
     The oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention may embrace cosmetic preparations, pharmaceutical preparations, quasi-drugs, and the like. Also, the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention may take on a wide variety of preparation forms, such as an ointment type, a paste type, and a skin cream type. 
     When necessary, besides the essential constituents described above, the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention may also contain other arbitrary constituents, which are ordinarily used in oil based preparations for external use for skins, such as the cosmetic preparations and the pharmaceutical preparations, within a range such that the effects of the present invention may not be affected adversely. Examples of the other arbitrary constituents described above include a surface active agent, an ultra violet light absorber, a perfume, an anti-oxidant, an antiseptic agent, a mildewproofing agent, an extender pigment, a coloring material (such as a coloring pigment), and a pH regulating agent. 
     Also, when necessary, insofar as the desired effects of the present invention are not affected adversely, various medicines having the wrinkle improving effects, moisturizing agents, and the like, may be blended with the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention. Examples of the aforesaid medicines, the aforesaid moisturizing agents, and the like, include vitamin A, vitamin A palmitate, vitamin A acetate, α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, vitamin E acetate, vitamin D, BHT, octylmethoxy cinnamate, octocrylene, 2,2′-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl benzotriazole, 2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-t-octylphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-methylphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(2-hydroxy-4-(2-ethylhexyl)phenoxy)-2H-benzotriazole, 4-methoxy-4′-t-butyldibenzoylmethane, 5-(3,3-dimethyl-2-norbornylidene)-3-pentan-2-one, 2,4,6-tris[p-((2′-ethylhexyl)oxycarbonyl)aniline]1,3,5-triazine, and an alkylaryl-1,3-propanedione silicone derivative. 
     From the view point of the occlusion characteristics, the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention should preferably be substantially free from water and water-soluble constituents. However, the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention may take on the form of W/O type emulsions containing a small amount of water, such that the purposes of the present invention are capable of being accomplished. By way of example, the proportion of water and water-soluble constituents contained in the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention may be at most 10% by mass. The proportion of water and water-soluble constituents contained in the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention should preferably be at most 5% by mass, and should more preferably be at most 1% by mass. 
     In the beauty culture method in accordance with the present invention, no limitation is imposed upon the number of times of the application of the oil based preparation for external use for skins to the skin, the period of time for which the oil based preparation for external use for skins is applied to the skin. For example, even in the cases of the application for a short period of time (e.g., one night application), the skin becomes soft and full by virtue of water having been supported on the skin in the next morning, and the fine wrinkle improving effects are obtained. The oil based preparation for external use for skins should preferably be used successively, for example, for one week, two weeks, one month, or a longer period of time. By the successive use, high fine wrinkle improving effects are obtained. 
     The oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention may be used alone. Alternatively, the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention may be used in combination with other skin care preparations or make-up preparations. For example, in cases where the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention is used at the last stage of skin care, high wrinkle improving effects are obtained. Also, the oil based preparation for external use for skins in accordance with the present invention may be applied to the skin before make-up is performed. 
     Further, in the beauty culture method in accordance with the present invention, the site of the skin to which the oil based preparation for external use for skins is applied, and the manner in which the oil based preparation for external use for skins is applied are not limited may be set arbitrarily insofar as the effects of the present invention are obtained. 
     The beauty culture method in accordance with the present invention may be applied in various ways relevant to the improvement of the fine wrinkles. 
     The present invention will further be illustrated by the following non-limitative examples. 
     EXAMPLES 
     1. Study of Occlusion Characteristics, 
     Preparations for external use were prepared in accordance with recipes (Test Examples 1 to 13) listed in Table 1 below. With respect to each of the samples, the occlusion characteristics and the fine wrinkle improving effects were evaluated with the methods described below. 
     Evaluation of Occlusion Characteristics 
     The occlusion characteristics of each of the preparations for external use were evaluated in accordance with the results of the measurement of the transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Specifically, as for each special panel of ten persons for each sample, the sample was applied (at a rate of 2.5 mg/cm 2 ) to an internal site of the human forearm. At a stage one hour after the sample had thus been applied, the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured with a water loss meter (Tewameter TM210, supplied by Courage+Khazaka). Thereafter, the occlusion characteristics were calculated with the formula shown below. 
       Occlusion characteristics(%)=(1−TEWL(with sample)/TEWL(without sample))×100 
     Evaluation of Fine Wrinkle Improving Effects 
     As for each panel having fine wrinkles (ten persons for each sample), the sample was applied (at a rate of 2 mg/cm 2 ) before sleeping at night. After one night application and one month application, the fine wrinkle improving effects of the preparation for external use were evaluated with the evaluation criteria shown below. 
     (Evaluation Criteria after One Night Application)
 
A: At least seven persons of the panel answered that the fine wrinkles
 
     became soft and full and became imperceptible. 
     B: Four to six persons of the panel answered that the fine wrinkles 
     became soft and full and became imperceptible. 
     C: Two to three persons of the panel answered that the fine wrinkles 
     became soft and full and became imperceptible. 
     D: At most one person of the panel answered that the fine wrinkles 
     became soft and full and became imperceptible. 
     (Evaluation Criteria after One Month Application)
 
A: At least seven persons of the panel answered that the fine wrinkles
 
     had been improved. 
     B: Four to six persons of the panel answered that the fine wrinkles 
     had been improved. 
     C: Two to three persons of the panel answered that the fine wrinkles 
     had been improved. 
     D: At most one person of the panel answered that the fine wrinkles 
     had been improved. 
     The results shown in Table 1 were obtained. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Test 
                 Test 
                 Test 
                 Test 
                 Test 
                 Test 
               
               
                 Recipe 
                 Ex. 1 
                 Ex. 2 
                 Ex. 3 
                 Ex. 4 
                 Ex. 5 
                 Ex. 6 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Petrolatum 
                 100  
                 80 
                 65 
                 50 
                 30 
                 15 
               
               
                 (non-polar hydrocarbon oil, semisolid) 
               
               
                 Micro-crystalline wax 
                 0 
                  0 
                  0 
                 10 
                 20 
                 20 
               
               
                 (non-polar hydrocarbon oil, solid) 
               
               
                 Liquid paraffin 
                 0 
                 20 
                 35 
                 40 
                 50 
                 65 
               
               
                 (non-polar hydrocarbon oil, liquid) 
               
               
                 Dimethylpolysiloxane 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 (silicone oil, liquid) 
               
               
                 Trioctanoin 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 (polar hydrocarbon oil, liquid) 
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Evaluation 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Occlusion characteristics (%) 
                  80% 
                     60% 
                     60% 
                     60% 
                     50% 
                     50% 
               
               
                 Fine wrinkle improving effects 
                 A 
                 B 
                 B 
                 B 
                 C 
                 C 
               
               
                 (after one night application) 
               
               
                 Fine wrinkle improving effects 
                 A 
                 B 
                 B 
                 B 
                 C 
                 C 
               
               
                 (after one month application) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Test 
                 Test 
                 Test 
                 Test 
                 Test 
                 Test 
                 Test 
               
               
                 Recipe 
                 Ex. 7 
                 Ex. 8 
                 Ex. 9 
                 Ex. 10 
                 Ex. 11 
                 Ex. 12 
                 Ex. 13 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Petrolatum 
                  0 
                 15 
                  0 
                 85 
                 85 
                 65 
                 75 
               
               
                 (non-polar hydrocarbon oil, semisolid) 
               
               
                 Micro-crystalline wax 
                 20 
                 35 
                 40 
                  0 
                  0 
                  0 
                  0 
               
               
                 (non-polar hydrocarbon oil, solid) 
               
               
                 Liquid paraffin 
                 80 
                 50 
                 60 
                  0 
                  0 
                  0 
                  0 
               
               
                 (non-polar hydrocarbon oil, liquid) 
               
               
                 Dimethylpolysiloxane 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                  0 
                 15 
                  0 
                 25 
               
               
                 (silicone oil, liquid) 
               
               
                 Trioctanoin 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 15 
                  0 
                 35 
                  0 
               
               
                 (polar hydrocarbon oil, liquid) 
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Evaluation 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Occlusion characteristics (%) 
                     50% 
                     50% 
                     50% 
                     50% 
                     50% 
                     40% 
                     40% 
               
               
                 Fine wrinkle improving effects 
                 C 
                 C 
                 C 
                 C 
                 C 
                 D 
                 D 
               
               
                 (after one night application) 
               
               
                 Fine wrinkle improving effects 
                 C 
                 C 
                 C 
                 C 
                 C 
                 D 
                 D 
               
               
                 (after one month application) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     With each of the oil based preparations for external use for skins having the high occlusion characteristics of at least 50% (Test Examples 1 to 11), after the one night application and after the one month application, the soft and full feeling was obtained, and the fine wrinkles were improved. With each of the oil based preparations for external use for skins having the occlusion characteristics lower than 50% (Test Examples 12 and 13), the fine wrinkle improving effects were not obtained even after the one month application. 
     2. Study of Improvement in Usability 
     Since the usability was bad with the oily constituent alone due to bad spreadability and the occurrence of a sticky feeling, the study was made to blend various particles for improving the usability such that the occlusion characteristics of the oil based preparations for external use for skins might not be affected adversely. 
     Various kinds of the particles were blended with the oil constituents in accordance with the recipes shown in Table 2 below, and oil based preparations for external use for skins were prepared. With respect to each of the samples, the occlusion characteristics and the fine wrinkle improving effects were evaluated in the same manner as that described above. Also, the usability was evaluated in the manner described below. 
     Evaluation of Usability 
     The evaluation of the usability (the sticky feeling, the spreadability, and the powdery feeling) was made with functional tests by special panels. Specifically, each of the samples was used by each special panel of 10 females, and the usability was evaluated with the evaluation criteria shown below. 
     (Sticky Feeling) 
     
         
         A: At least seven females of the panel answered that the sticky feeling was not given. 
         B: Three to six females of the panel answered that the sticky feeling was not given. 
         C: At most two females of the panel answered that the sticky feeling was not given. 
       
    
     (Spreadability) 
     
         
         A: At least seven females of the panel answered that the spreadability was excellent. 
         B: Three to six females of the panel answered that the spreadability was excellent. 
         C: At most two females of the panel answered that the spreadability was excellent. 
       
    
     (Powdery Feeling) 
     
         
         A: At least seven females of the panel answered that the powdery feeling was not given. 
         B: Three to six females of the panel answered that the powdery feeling was not given. 
         C: At most two females of the panel answered that the powdery feeling was not given. 
       
    
     The results shown in Table 2 were obtained. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Recipe 
                 Ex. 1 
                 Ex. 2 
                 Ex. 3 
                 Ex. 4 
                 Ex. 5 
                 Ex. 6 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Petrolatum (*1) 
                 80 
                 25 
                 25 
                 25 
                 20 
                 25 
               
               
                 Micro-crystalline wax (*2) 
                 — 
                 15 
                 15 
                 15 
                 12 
                 15 
               
               
                 Liquid paraffin (*3) 
                 — 
                 40 
                 40 
                 40 
                 32 
                 40 
               
               
                 Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (*4) 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 20 
                 — 
               
               
                 Spherical silicone rubber particles (*5) 
                 20 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 Coated silicone rubber particles (*6) 
                 — 
                 20 
                 17 
                 18 
                 16 
                 — 
               
               
                 Spherical silicone resin particles (*7) 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 20 
               
               
                 Silica (spherical) 
                 — 
                 — 
                  3 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 Nylon (spherical) 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 Talc (*8) 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 Zinc oxide (refractive index: 2.0) 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                  2 
                 — 
                 — 
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Evaluation 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Occlusion characteristics (%) 
                     70% 
                     70% 
                     70% 
                     70% 
                     60% 
                     60% 
               
               
                 Fine wrinkle improving effects 
                 A 
                 A 
                 A 
                 A 
                 B 
                 B 
               
               
                 (after one night application) 
               
               
                 Fine wrinkle improving effects 
                 A 
                 A 
                 A 
                 A 
                 B 
                 B 
               
               
                 (after one month application) 
               
               
                 Sticky feeling 
                 A 
                 A 
                 A 
                 A 
                 A 
                 A 
               
               
                 Spreadability 
                 B 
                 B 
                 B 
                 B 
                 A 
                 B 
               
               
                 Powdery feeling 
                 A 
                 A 
                 A 
                 A 
                 A 
                 B 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Recipe 
                 Ex. 7 
                 Ex. 8 
                 Ex. 9 
                 Comp. 1 
                 Comp. 2 
                 Comp. 3 
                 Comp. 4 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Petrolatum (*1) 
                 75 
                 75 
                 80 
                 100  
                 30 
                 50 
                 30 
               
               
                 Micro-crystalline wax (*2) 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 10 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 Liquid paraffin (*3) 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 60 
                 49 
                  5 
               
               
                 Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (*4) 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 Spherical silicone rubber particles (*5) 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                  1 
                 65 
               
               
                 Coated silicone rubber particles (*6) 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 Spherical silicone resin particles (*7) 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 Silica (spherical) 
                 25 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 Nylon (spherical) 
                 — 
                 25 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 Talc (*8) 
                 — 
                 — 
                 20 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                 Zinc oxide (refractive index: 2.0) 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
                 — 
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Evaluation 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Occlusion characteristics (%) 
                     60% 
                     60% 
                     60% 
                  80% 
                     50% 
                     60% 
                     40% 
               
               
                 Fine wrinkle improving effects 
                 B 
                 B 
                 B 
                 A 
                 C 
                 B 
                 D 
               
               
                 (after one night application) 
               
               
                 Fine wrinkle improving effects 
                 B 
                 B 
                 B 
                 A 
                 C 
                 B 
                 D 
               
               
                 (after one month application) 
               
               
                 Sticky feeling 
                 B 
                 B 
                 B 
                 C 
                 C 
                 C 
                 A 
               
               
                 Spreadability 
                 B 
                 B 
                 B 
                 C 
                 C 
                 C 
                 A 
               
               
                 Powdery feeling 
                 B 
                 B 
                 C 
                 A 
                 A 
                 A 
                 C 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (*1) Non-polar hydrocarbon oil, semisolid 
               
               
                 (*2) Non-polar hydrocarbon oil, solid 
               
               
                 (*3) Non-polar hydrocarbon oil, liquid 
               
               
                 (*4) Silicone oil, non-polar oil, volatile 
               
               
                 (*5) Spherical, elastic, refractive index: 1.4 
               
               
                 (*6) Zinc oxide (refractive index: 2.0)-coated silicone resin-coated silicone rubber particles (spherical, elastic) 
               
               
                 (*7) Spherical, refractive index: 1.4 
               
               
                 (*8) Plate-shaped, refractive index: 1.57 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In each of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the particles were blended in a proportion of at most 50% by mass, the sticky feeling and the spreadability were capable of being improved markedly, such that the occlusion characteristics (and consequently the fine wrinkle improving effects) might not be affected adversely. Particularly, in each of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the spherical particles were blended, the coating and extension smoothness was good. Also, in each of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the spherical particles were the elastic spherical particles, the powdery feeling was not given, and the usability was enhanced even further. Further, in Example 5, wherein the volatile liquid oil constituent was blended, the spreadability was enhanced even further. 
     Furthermore, though not illustrated by the data, in Example 3, wherein the elastic spherical particles and the spherical silica particles were blended, the stability at the time at which the preparation for external use was stored in the vertical direction at a high temperature (50° C.) for one month was good. The preparation for external use of Example 2, wherein only the elastic spherical particles were blended, was stable in the state of the horizontal direction in which the oil based preparation for external use for skins as in the present invention is ordinarily stored. However, with the preparation for external use of Example 2, slight oil floating was observed in cases where the preparation was stored in the vertical direction at a high temperature (50° C.) for one month. In Example 3, wherein the spherical silica particles were blended together with the elastic spherical particles, oil floating was not observed at the time at which the preparation for external use was stored in the vertical direction at a high temperature (50° C.) for one month. Ordinarily, the oil based preparation for external use for skins as in the present invention is not stored in the vertical direction, and no problems will occur in cases where the stability of the storage in the horizontal direction is good. However, in cases where emergency, or the like, is taken into consideration, the preparation for external use should preferably also have the storage stability in the vertical direction. 
     Also, in cases where the particles having a refractive index of at least 1.6 or the particles having been coated with the particles having a refractive index of at least 1.6 were blended (in Examples 2 to 5), the protrusion and recesses of the skin were capable of being rendered imperceptible, and good color heterogeneity concealing effects were obtained. 
     In Comparative Examples 1 and 2, in which the particles were not blended, and in Comparative Example 3, in which the blending proportion of the particles was lower than 5% by mass, the sticky feeling occurred, and the spreadability was markedly bad. Also, in Comparative Example 4, in which the blending proportion of the particles was higher than 50% by mass, the occlusion characteristics were low, and the fine wrinkle improving effects were not obtained.