The present disclosure relates to an apparatus operable to apply one or more stimuli to a person’s skin. More particularly, the disclosure relates to an apparatus operable to apply one or more stimuli to one or more target areas of a person’s skin. The disclosure also relates to regimens for applying one or more stimuli to a person’s skin, which may be carried out using an apparatus of the present disclosure.

Examples of stimuli that can be applied to a person’s skin include a hot stimulus, a cold stimulus, an electrical stimulus and an electromagnetic radiation stimulus.

Apparatus for applying a stimulus to a person’s skin is typically large and difficult to manoeuvre. Typically, known apparatus for applying a stimulus to a person’s skin is operable to apply only one stimulus to the person’s skin. Often, the stimulus may be applied over a wide area, e.g. with a person sitting or standing within a chamber, as opposed to being applied to a target area of a person’s skin.

A first aspect provides an apparatus operable to apply stimuli to a target area of a person’s skin, comprising: a first applicator operable to apply a first stimulus to the target area of the person’s skin; a second applicator operable to apply a second stimulus to the target area of the person’s skin; and a controller operably connected to the first applicator and the second applicator, the controller being arranged to allow user selection and independent control of the first applicator and the second applicator.

Conveniently, the apparatus may provide a user with the capability to apply the first stimulus to a first target area of a person’s skin and, simultaneously, to apply the second stimulus to the same target area or to a second target area of a person’s skin. Similarly, the apparatus may permit a user to apply the first stimulus to a target area of a first person’s skin and, simultaneously, to apply the second stimulus to a target area of a second person’s skin.

By applying, in use, the first stimulus and/or the second stimulus to the target area of the person’s skin, it may be possible to modify the appearance of the target area. This may beneficially improve the cosmetic appearance of the target area.

The first applicator and/or the second applicator may be configured to be held by the user, typically using only one hand.

The first stimulus may be a cold stimulus, a hot stimulus, an electromagnetic radiation stimulus or an electrical stimulus.

The second stimulus may be a cold stimulus, a hot stimulus, an electromagnetic radiation stimulus or an electrical stimulus.

The cold stimulus may be suitable for use in cryotherapy. The cold stimulus may have a temperature of -100°C or less, -120°C or less, -150°C or less, -170°C or less or -200°C or less. The cold stimulus may be dry or substantially dry. The cold stimulus may be provided by a flow of cold gas and/or vapour. The flow of cold gas and/or vapour may comprise, or consist essentially of, nitrogen. The flow of cold gas and/or vapour may comprise, or consist essentially of, air.

In an example implementation, one of the applicators (a given applicator) may be in fluid communication with a cold stimulus generator operable to generate a flow of cold gas and/or vapour. The given applicator may be adapted to direct, in use, the flow of cold gas and/or vapour on to the target area of the person’s skin. For example, the flow of cold gas and/or vapour may comprise, or consist essentially of, nitrogen.

The cold stimulus generator may comprise a means operable to cool a gas, e.g. an electrical means operable to cool a gas such as air. The cold stimulus generator may comprise a heat exchanger. The cold stimulus generator may be arranged to compress and/or expand a volume of gas. The cold stimulus generator may comprise a cryocooler, which may include, for example, a Gifford-McMahon cooler, a Peltier cooler, a Stirling-type cooler or a Joule-Thomson (JT) cooler. The cold stimulus generator may be configured to generate a flow of cold gas and/or vapour from a colder liquid. For instance, the cold stimulus generator may be configured to generate a flow of cold nitrogen gas and/or vapour from liquid nitrogen. For instance, a volume of the colder liquid, e.g. liquid nitrogen, may be stored within a suitable storage vessel. Examples of suitable storage vessels may include a cryogenic storage dewar, a tank or a cylinder, e.g. a pressurized tank or a pressurized cylinder. After the colder liquid is allowed to leave the storage vessel via an outlet, the colder liquid may become a flow of cold gas and/or vapour (e.g. nitrogen vapour and/or gas), which is then supplied to the applicator. One or more flow regulators may be operable to control the flow of cold gas and/or vapour to the applicator. By controlling the flow of cold gas and/or vapour, the temperature of the cold stimulus being applied may be varied.

The flow of cold gas and/or vapour may have a temperature of -100°C or less, -120°C or less, -140°C or less, -160°C or less, -180°C or less or -200°C or less.

Applying a cold stimulus to a target area of the person’s skin decreases the surface temperature of the target area. In response to the cold stimulus being applied, vasoconstriction occurs in the vicinity of the target area. When the cold stimulus is no longer being applied, the constricted blood vessels dilate back to their normal size for the ambient temperature.

The hot stimulus may be suitable for use in thermal therapy. The hot stimulus may be provided by a flow of hot gas, e.g. air.

In an example implementation, one of the applicators (a given applicator) may be in fluid communication with a hot stimulus generator operable to generate a flow of hot gas. The given applicator may be adapted to direct, in use, the hot gas on to the target area of the person’s skin.

The hot stimulus generator may comprise at least one heating element. The heating element(s) may comprise an electrical heating element. The hot stimulus generator may be disposed adjacent or at least partially within the given actuator. For instance, at least one of the heating elements may be disposed adjacent or at least partially within the given actuator.

The hot gas may have a temperature of up to or at least 30°C, up to or at least 40°C, up to or at least 50°C or up to or at least 60°C.

The hot gas may comprise, or consist essentially of, air.

Applying a hot stimulus to a target area of the person’s skin increases the surface temperature of the target area. In response to the hot stimulus being applied, vasodilation occurs in the vicinity of the target area. When the hot stimulus is no longer being applied, the dilated blood vessels constrict back to their normal size for the ambient temperature.

The electrical stimulus may comprise one or more electrical pulses suitable for use, for example, in electrical muscle stimulation or lymphatic drainage. The electrical stimulus may be provided by a series of electrical pulses.

In an example implementation, one of the applicators (a given applicator) may be operably connected to, or may comprise, a generator of electrical pulses. The given applicator may be adapted to direct, in use, the electrical pulses on to the target area of the person’s skin, thereby stimulating the target area of the person’s skin.

The electrical pulses may have any suitable frequency. The frequency of the electrical pulses may be variable.

The electromagnetic radiation stimulus may comprise ultraviolet radiation, visible light and/or infrared radiation.

In an example implementation, one of the applicators (a given applicator) may comprise one or more sources of electromagnetic radiation and be adapted to direct, in use, the electromagnetic radiation on to the target area of the person’s skin. The electromagnetic radiation may comprise ultraviolet radiation, visible light or infrared radiation.

One or more of the sources of electromagnetic radiation may comprise a light emitting diode (LED).

The source(s) of electromagnetic radiation may be operable to emit electromagnetic radiation having a plurality of discrete wavelengths. The plurality of discrete wavelengths may be within the visible light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, i.e. between approximately 400 nm and 700 nm.

In an example implementation, the applicator may comprise a first source of electromagnetic radiation, a second source of electromagnetic radiation and a third source of electromagnetic radiation, wherein each of the first, second and third sources of electromagnetic radiation emits electromagnetic radiation, e.g. visible light, of a different wavelength. For example, the three wavelengths may be approximately 465 nm, 525 nm and 630 nm.

One or more of the sources of electromagnetic radiation may comprise a light emitting diode (LED). The or each LED may have a power of approximately 3W.

The apparatus may comprise one or more further applicators, each applicator being operable to apply a stimulus to the target area of the user’s skin. The stimulus applied by each one of the further applicators may be a cold stimulus, a hot stimulus, an electromagnetic radiation stimulus or an electrical stimulus.

For example, the apparatus may comprise up to or at least three applicators or up to or at least four applicators. The apparatus may comprise up to or at least 10 applicators.

The controller may be operably connected to the one or more further applicators, the controller being arranged to allow user selection and independent control of the one or more further applicators.

The controller may comprise a user interface. For example, the user interface may comprise a touch screen. Advantageously, a user may be able to simultaneously and independently control via the user interface one or more functions of any one or more of applicators.

The apparatus may comprise one or more temperature sensors. The apparatus may comprise a single temperature sensor. The apparatus may comprise a plurality of temperature sensors arranged to detect the temperature at a plurality of different points or at approximately the same point.

The temperature sensor(s) may comprise an infrared thermometer. The temperature sensor(s) may be arrangable to detect the surface temperature of a user’s skin. The temperature sensor(s) may be adjustable so as to be focussed onto different regions of a person’s body.

The temperature sensor(s) may be arranged to transmit temperature data to the controller. The temperature sensor(s) may be arranged to transmit temperature data in real time, continuously or at intervals, e.g. at regular intervals. The temperature sensor(s) may be arranged to transmit temperature data by any suitable wireless and/or physical connection means.

The controller may be operable to selectively raise or lower the temperature of the or a hot or cold stimulus based on the data from the one or more temperature sensors. The controller may be operable to selectively lower the temperature of the or a hot stimulus in response to the user’s skin temperature reaching or exceeding a predetermined threshold. The controller may be operable to selectively raise the temperature of the or a cold stimulus in response to the user’s skin temperature reaching or exceeding a pre-determined threshold.

The controller may comprise a memory configured to store one or more programs. Each program may be arranged to control one or more parameters of each of the applicators.

In an example implementation, alternatively or in addition to adjusting the temperature of the flows of hot and/or cold gas, the control panel may be operable to selectively raise or lower the flow rate of either flow of gas. The apparatus may be mounted on one or more wheels. The wheel(s) may facilitate movement of the apparatus across a floor or other surface.

A second aspect provides a method of treating a target area of a person’s skin, the method comprising: applying a first stimulus to the target area of the person’s skin for a first period of time; and applying a second stimulus to the target area of the person’s skin for a second period of time.

The method may further comprise applying a third stimulus to the target area of the person’s skin for a third period of time.

The method may further comprise applying a fourth stimulus to the target area of the person’s skin for a fourth period of time.

The or each stimulus may be one of the following types of stimulus: a hot stimulus; a cold stimulus; an electrical stimulus; or an electromagnetic radiation stimulus.

The or each stimulus may be different from the other stimulus or stimuli, e.g. of a different type or of a different intensity.

For instance, the first stimulus may comprise a hot stimulus and the second stimulus may comprise a cold stimulus.

The or each period of time may be up to or at least 5 minutes, up to or at least 10 minutes, up to or at least 20 minutes, up to or at least 40 minutes, up to or at least 60 minutes or up to or at least 90 minutes.

Any number of the steps of the method may by repeated any number of times. For instance, the steps of the method may be repeated after an interval. For example, the interval may be a few minutes, say 10 minutes or 30 minutes. The interval may be an hour or more. The interval may be one or more days. The interval may be one or more weeks. For example, a hot stimulus may be applied to the target area of the person’s skin for approximately 10 minutes, a cold stimulus may then be applied to the target area of the person’s skin for 40 mins and then an electrical stimulus may be applied to the target area of the person’s skin for approximately 40 minutes.

In another example, a hot stimulus may be applied to the target area of the person’s skin for approximately 5 minutes, a cold stimulus may then be applied to the target area of the person’s skin for approximately 20 minutes and then an electrical stimulus may be applied to the target area of the person’s skin for approximately 20 minutes.

The method may be carried out using an apparatus as disclosed herein.

The target area of the person’s skin may be on any part of the person’s body. Suitable target areas of the person’s skin may include the face, torso, the arms, the legs or the bottom.

The person skilled in the art will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature described in relation to any one of the above aspects may be applied mutatis mutandis to any other aspect. Furthermore except where mutually exclusive any feature described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature described herein.

Example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment;

Figure 2 shows a side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 and Figure 2 with an outer cover removed;

Figure 4 shows an example embodiment of an applicator for applying an electromagnetic radiation stimulus to a target area of a user’s skin

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to another embodiment;

Figure 6 shows a side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a close-up view of a control panel on the apparatus shown in Figures 5 and 6; and Figure 8 is a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment.

Figures 1 to 3 show an example of an apparatus 1 operable to provide a cold stimulus in the form of a flow of cold gas and/or vapour, a hot stimulus in the form of a flow of hot gas and an electrical stimulus in the form of electrical pulses.

The apparatus 1 comprises a cold stimulus generator 2, a hot stimulus generator 4 and an electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) device 6. Each of the cold stimulus generator 2, the hot stimulus generator 4 and the EMS device 6 are operably connected to a controller. A control panel 8 is provided to facilitate user control of the apparatus 1.

The cold stimulus generator 2 comprises a cryogenic storage dewar 10 for storing liquid nitrogen. The cryogenic storage dewar 10 comprises an outlet valve assembly 12.

In some other embodiments, the cold stimulus generator 2 may comprise an electrical cooling means operable to decrease the temperature of a flow of gas, e.g. air.

A connector pipe 14 is attached to the outlet valve assembly 12 and is arranged to convey a flow cold gas and/or vapour, e.g. nitrogen gas and/or vapour, from the outlet valve assembly 12 to a first supply conduit (not shown) attached to the connector pipe 14.

The connector pipe 14 is adapted to form a connection with a first end of the first supply conduit (not shown). A second end of the first supply conduit is configured to form a connection with a first handheld applicator (not shown) operable to apply the cold stimulus to a target area of a person’s skin.

The hot stimulus generator 4 comprises at least one heating element situated within a heating chamber 16. The electrical heating element(s) is/are arranged to heat a flow of gas, e.g. air, passing through the heating chamber to a desired temperature, e.g. up to or at least 30°C or up to or at least 40°C.

The hot stimulus generator 4 comprises a heater inlet 17 through which gas, e.g. air, may enter the heating chamber 16. The hot stimulus generator 4 may comprise a pump (not shown) arranged to draw gas, e.g. air, into and force heated gas, e.g. air, out of the heating chamber 16. The hot stimulus generator 4 comprises a heater outlet 18 arranged to convey the heated gas, e.g. air, from the heating chamber 16.

The heater outlet 18 of the hot stimulus generator 4 is adapted to form a connection with a first end of a second supply conduit (not shown). A second end of the second supply conduit is configured to form a connection with a second handheld applicator (not shown) operable to apply the hot stimulus to a target area of a person’s skin.

In another embodiment, the hot stimulus generator may be disposed adjacent or at least partially within the second handheld applicator.

The EMS device 6 is operable to output a series of electrical pulses. The electrical pulses are sent from the EMS device 6 to a third handheld applicator (not shown) operable to apply the series of electrical pulses to a target area of a person’s skin. The third handheld applicator may include one or more, e.g. a plurality of, electrodes (not shown).

The electrical pulses sent from the EMS device 6 may be suitable for causing human muscles to contract, in use, when the third handheld applicator is placed on to or adjacent the target area of the person’s skin. The EMS device 6 may be operable to emit electrical pulses having a plurality of different durations and amplitudes. The EMS device 6 may be operable to emit electrical pulses of varying duration and amplitude.

The controller is operable to control at least one function of the cold stimulus generator 2, the hot stimulus generator 4 and the EMS device 6. The controller is operable to independently activate each of the cold stimulus generator 2, the hot stimulus generator 4 and the EMS device 6, e.g. for a pre-determined period of time according to a pre-determined regime.

The controller may comprise a memory configured to store one or more programs, e.g. a plurality of programs. Each program may comprise a pre-determined sequence for activating one or more of the cold stimulus generator 2, the hot stimulus generator 4 and the EMS device 6. Each program may comprise instructions relating to one or more of: the temperature and/or duration of the cold stimulus provided by the flow of cold gas and/or vapour; the temperature and/or duration of the hot stimulus provided by the heated flow of gas; and the amplitude, frequency and/or duration of the electrical stimulus provided by the one or more electrical pulses.

The control panel 8 comprises a user interface comprising a touchscreen 20. The touchscreen 20 is configured such that a user may operate one or more functions of the apparatus 1 by using the touchscreen 20.

The apparatus 1 comprises a frame 22. The frame 22 is provided with six wheels 24 arranged to contact the ground, in use, and allow the apparatus 1 to be easily moved between locations. The frame comprises an upright portion 26 and a front cover 28.

The upright portion 26 extends substantially vertically. The EMS device 6 and the hot stimulus generator 4 are mounted on the upright portion 26.

The front cover 28 extends around a portion of the apparatus 1. The front cover 28 acts as an aesthetic feature and shrouds the portion of the apparatus 1, thereby preventing users from accidentally touching potentially hot or cold surfaces, for example.

The apparatus may comprise one or more temperature sensors to measure the temperature of the flow of cold gas and/or vapour and/or the temperature of the flow of hot gas.

The apparatus may comprise one or more temperature sensors to measure the temperature of the target area of the person’s skin. Any suitable temperature sensor(s) may be employed, e.g. one or more infrared thermometers.

The temperature sensor(s) may be operable to transmit temperature data to the controller. The controller may be operable to adjust one or more functions of the cold stimulus generator 2 and/or the hot stimulus generator 4 based on the data received from the temperature sensors. For example, if the temperature sensor(s) detect a temperature above a pre-determined threshold, then the controller may adjust the function of the hot stimulus generator 4 such that the temperature of the hot stimulus is reduced.

For example, if the temperature sensor(s) detect a surface temperature below a predetermined threshold, then the controller may adjust the function of the cold stimulus generator 2 such that the temperature of the cold stimulus is increased.

In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to automatically adjust one or more parameters of the hot stimulus and/or the cold stimulus, in order to achieve and/or maintain a desired surface temperature on the target area of the person’s skin, based on the temperature data received from the temperature sensor(s).

In an example implementation, the apparatus 1 may comprise one or more further applicators for applying an electromagnetic radiation stimulus to the target area of the user’s skin. The or each further applicator may comprise a light emitting device 40 as illustrated in Figure 4. Each light emitting device 40 comprises a main body 42 and a handle portion 44. Connected to a first end 46 is a cable 48. The cable 48 is electrically connected to the controller.

Disposed at a second end 50 of the light emitting device 40 are three light emitting diodes (LEDs) 52. Each LED 52 is configured to emit a different wavelength of light. In the embodiment shown, each LED 52 is configured to emit a different wavelength of light. The light emitted comprises wavelengths of approximately 465nm, 525nm and 630nm. Each light emitting diode comprises a power of approximately 3W.

In use, the control panel 8 is used to either select a pre-determined program and/or to manually activate the cold stimulus, the hot stimulus, electrical stimulation and/or the electromagnetic radiation stimulus.

In an example treatment program, a flow of hot gas, e.g. air, may be activated first, in order to apply a hot stimulus to a target area of a person’s skin. The flow of hot gas continues for a desired period of time. The period of time may be of a pre-determined length, or controlled manually. The temperature sensors are arranged to send temperature data to the control panel throughout the period for which the flow of hot gas is activated. The controller is operable to adjust one or more parameters of the flow of hot gas in response to the temperature data received.

The controller stops the flow of hot gas either at the end of the pre-determined time period or by a user manually selecting the flow of hot gas to stop from the touchscreen 20.

A flow of cold gas and/or vapour, e.g. nitrogen vapour having a temperature of -100°C or less is then initiated.

The flow of cold gas and/or vapour may continue for a pre-determined period of time, or the duration may be controlled manually. The controller may also adjust one or more parameters of the flow of cold gas and/or vapour in response to the temperature data received from the temperature sensors.

Optionally, the EMS device 6 may then be used to apply an electrical stimulus to the target area of the user’s skin.

The electrical pulses provided by the EMS device 6 may activate the surrounding muscle fibres such that at least a portion of the muscle contracts. As the person may remain substantially motionless throughout, the stimulated muscle(s) may contract isometrically.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 show an apparatus 500 according to another embodiment. A housing 501 extends partially around a cryogenic storage dewar 503 containing, in use, liquid nitrogen. The housing 501 has a top 502 disposed above the cryogenic storage dewar 503. The top 502 is provided with a user interface 510 operably connected to a controller (not shown). The user interface 510 comprises a touch screen 512 and a rotary control knob 511.

Downstream of the cryogenic storage dewar 503, a first flexible tube 507 has a first applicator 505 connected to its downstream end. The first applicator 505 is shaped and dimensioned to be held in one hand. The first applicator 505 is operable to apply a cold stimulus (a flow of cold gas and/or vapour) to a target area of a person’s skin. The flow of cold gas and/or vapour flows along the first flexible tube 507 to the first applicator 505.

In some other embodiments, the apparatus may comprise an electrical or other cooling means operable to decrease the temperature of a flow of gas, e.g. air, which flows along the first flexible tube 507 to the first applicator 505.

A second flexible tube 508 has a second applicator 506 connected to its downstream end. The second applicator 506 is shaped and dimensioned to be held in one hand. The second applicator 506 is operable to apply a hot stimulus (a flow of hot gas) to a target area of a person’s skin. The second flexible tube 508 provides fluid communication from a hot gas generator (not shown) to the second applicator 506.

The first applicator 505 and the second applicator 506 are shown held in one of a plurality of brackets 509 disposed on the housing 501. The brackets 509 provide a convenient way to store the first applicator 505 and the second applicator 506 when they are not being used to apply a stimulus to a target area of a person’s skin.

The apparatus 500 is mounted on four casters 504 to facilitate movement of the apparatus 500 across a floor or other surface. The apparatus 500 may be mounted on one or more wheels of any kind. The or each wheel, e.g. caster, may have a brake associated therewith.

The user interface 510 is shown particularly clearly in Figure 7. The user interface 510 comprises a touch screen 512 and a rotary control knob 511. It will be appreciated that any other suitable user interface arrangement may be employed.

The user interface 510 is operably connected to a controller (not shown). The controller is operably connected to the first applicator 505 and the second applicator 506. The controller is arranged to allow user selection and independent control of the first applicator 505 and the second applicator 506.

A user may be able to use the user interface 510 to select one or more predetermined programs. The touchscreen 512 may provide a user with information regarding the current operational status of the apparatus 500 and/or with information regarding the available predetermined program(s).

The apparatus 500 may comprise one or more further applicators. In an example implementation, the apparatus may comprise an applicator for applying an electrical stimulus to a target area of a person’s skin and an applicator for applying an electromagnetic radiation stimulus to a target area of a person’s skin. An example of a suitable applicator for applying an electromagnetic radiation stimulus is shown in Figure 4 and described above.

Figure 8 illustrates a method 800 according to an embodiment.

In a first step 801, an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

In a second step 802, the first applicator is used to apply the first stimulus to a target area of a person’s skin for a desired length of time. For example, the first stimulus may be a hot stimulus and the desired length of time may be up to or at least 5 minutes and/or up to or at least 1 hour. The desired length of time may be predetermined in accordance with a program. The temperature of the hot stimulus may be set and/or controlled and/or varied by a user and/or in accordance with a program. The temperature of the hot stimulus may be at least 30°C.

In a third step 803, the second applicator is used to apply the second stimulus to the target area of the person’s skin for a desired length of time. For example, the second stimulus may be a cold stimulus and the desired length of time may be up to or at least 5 minutes and/or up to or at least 1 hour. The desired length of time may be predetermined in accordance with a program. The temperature of the cold stimulus may be set and/or controlled and/or varied by a user and/or in accordance with a program. The temperature of the cold stimulus may be -100°C or less.

In an optional fourth step 804, a third applicator may be used to apply a third stimulus to the target area of the person’s skin for a desired length of time. For example, the third stimulus may be a hot stimulus, a cold stimulus, an electrical stimulus or an electromagnetic radiation stimulus. The desired length of time may be up to or at least 5 minutes and/or up to or at least 1 hour. The desired length of time may be predetermined in accordance with a program. The intensity of the third stimulus may be set and/or controlled and/or varied by a user and/or in accordance with a program.

The steps of the method 800 may be repeated and/or varied in any suitable manner.

By using an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it may be possible to apply a stimulus to two or more target areas of a person’s skin at a given time. Similarly, it may be possible to apply a stimulus to a target area of a first person’s skin and to a target area of a second person’s skin at a given time. Accordingly, a user may be able to deliver more treatments in a given period of time.

The apparatus disclosed herein may be employed to apply one or more stimuli to one or more target areas of a person’s skin. The stimuli may be applied in any order and for any duration.

For instance, a method may comprise one or more of the steps of: applying a hot stimulus (e.g. a flow of heated gas) to a target area of a person’s skin; applying a cold stimulus (e.g. a flow of cold gas and/or vapour) to the target area of the person’s skin; applying electrical stimulation to the target area of the person’s skin; and applying an electromagnetic radiation stimulation to the target area of the person’s skin.

The hot stimulus may be applied for approximately 10 minutes, the flow of cold stimulus may then be applied for approximately 40 minutes and the electrical stimulus may then be applied for approximately 40 minutes. The hot stimulus may have a temperature of at least 30°C. The cold stimulus may have a temperature of -100°C or less.

The hot stimulus may be applied for approximately 5 minutes, the cold stimulus may then be applied for approximately 20 minutes and the electrical stimulus may then be applied for approximately 20 minutes. The hot stimulus may have a temperature of at least 30°C. The cold stimulus may have a temperature -100°C or less. In some embodiments, the steps of the method may be repeated one or more further times. For example, a person may be subjected to a method disclosed herein on a weekly or fortnightly basis for a period of one or more months.

It will be appreciated that each stimulus applied to the target area(s) of the person’s skin may have an effect within one or more layers of the skin (e.g. epidermis, dermis, hypodermis) and/or further within the person’s body. For instance, when an electrical stimulus is applied, muscles may be stimulated in such a way as to produce a change in appearance of the target area(s) of the person’s skin.

The methods described herein may give rise to reliable and long-lasting cosmetic improvements to the target area(s) of the person’s skin.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise a further or alternative step of applying electromagnetic radiation to the target area of the person’s skin, e.g. by using one or more light emitting devices 40 to direct three different wavelengths of light towards the target area of the user’s skin.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments abovedescribed and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concepts herein. Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the disclosure extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein.