Shiseido Identifies Ring Collagen for Facial Firmness & Anti-Sagging
Japanese beauty company Shiseido states it has identified a ring-shaped collagen structure, named Ring Collagen, which it claims helps maintain facial shape and prevent age-related sagging. The company reports this discovery was made around vellus hairs and sebaceous glands, forming a network that generates tension in the skin.
New Collagen Structure Identified
Japanese beauty company Shiseido claims to have identified a previously uncharacterized collagen structure, which it has named Ring Collagen. The company states this ring-shaped collagen is situated around vellus hairs and sebaceous glands within the skin. Shiseido reports that these individual Ring Collagen structures contract inward and pull against adjacent rings.
This action, according to the company, creates an internal honeycomb network that generates tension. Shiseido states this tension is crucial for maintaining facial shape and preventing age-related sagging of the skin.
The discovery was made in collaboration with researchers from the International University of Health and Welfare, Jichi Medical University, and the National Institute for Physiological Sciences.
Mechanism and Support Claims
Shiseido claims the structural integrity of this Ring Collagen network depends on surrounding proteoglycans, which serve to cushion the rings. The company states that age causes proteoglycan levels to decline, which then disrupts the Ring Collagen network and reduces its ability to generate tension.
To support the network, Shiseido found that moderate physical stimulation and facial massage boosted proteoglycan production. The company also reports that the use of rosehip extract and safflower (benibana) extract increased gene expression related to proteoglycans. Shiseido suggests these findings aid in preserving skin firmness by supporting the Ring Collagen structure.
Advanced Visualization Technology
To visualize these mechanical forces within the skin, Shiseido developed a proprietary technology called Digital-Skin Reality. This AI-powered 3D visualization tool renders what the company describes as the intangible forces at work in the skin.
Shiseido states this technology moves skin visualization from showing tangible structures and movements to revealing the physical forces generated internally. The company also states Digital-Skin Reality shifts the visualization environment from a monitor screen into real space.
This development allows for a new way to observe and understand the skin's internal mechanics, supporting Shiseido's research into skin firmness.
Implications for Asia's Beauty Industry
This discovery by Shiseido, a major Japanese beauty player, could influence future product development across Asia's beauty industry. Brands seeking to address skin firmness and age-related changes may explore new formulations targeting proteoglycan production or incorporating ingredients like rosehip and safflower extracts.
Ingredient suppliers in Asia could see increased demand for these specific botanical extracts or other compounds that support collagen network integrity. Furthermore, the use of advanced AI-powered visualization tools like Digital-Skin Reality demonstrates a trend toward more sophisticated research methods.
Asian beauty technology firms may see opportunities to develop similar diagnostic or research tools for cosmetic applications, offering enhanced insights for product efficacy claims.
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