The internal structure of the skin is incredibly complex. Yet for a long time, microscopic observation in 2D on a surface remained the industry standard.
To unravel the true nature and causes of skin sagging, Shiseido has continuously pioneered and evolved cutting-edge technologies—such as "Digital-3D Skin," which leverages AI for 3D skin analysis, and "4D-Digital Skin," which captures the skin's dynamic movements.
Now, to identify the force that prevents skin from sagging, we have developed "Digital-Skin Reality" to visualize and analyze the forces generated within the tissue. This technology virtually reconstructs the skin's structure and the forces acting upon it in 3D, enabling spatial analysis. We have realized a next-generation environment where complex skin movements and the invisible forces involved can be visualized in an intuitive way, as if they were right before your eyes.
And what we discovered there was—
What our new analytical technology revealed is that a powerful contraction force is generated in specific areas within young skin. Further research uncovered ring-shaped collagen structures, "Ring Collagen," that exist in these precise locations, proving to be a structure unique to facial skin.
When facial skin contracts, a strong, ring-shaped force is generated in specific areas.
Collagen is present in the ring-shaped areas.
We discovered that a contractile force is generated within each ring, pulling toward its center. This prompts the rings to pull against each other, creating an overall tension that wraps the face, This causes the skin to adhere tightly and precisely to the facial contours, maintaining a firm, youthful appearance.
A contraction force is generated within the ring.
Based on that, tension is created as the rings pull against each other.
As a result, a force that wraps the face is generated.
Ring Collagen, essential for maintaining firm skin, is supported from within by proteoglycans, highly resilient materials that are also found in joints.
Our research revealed that as proteoglycans decrease with age, the structure of Ring Collagen deteriorates, leading to a loss of tension and contributing to skin sagging. Therefore, targeting the lost proteoglycan is the definitive key to effectively improving skin sagging.
To address the age-related deterioration of the Ring Collagen structure, diverse approaches were investigated, leading to the discovery of an effective ingredient centered on proteoglycans.
Rosehip extract and benibana extract were found to help promote proteoglycan production.
Organic European rosehip
Mogami-Benibana, a safflower variety traditional to Yamagata, Japan
