Cosmetic compositions and methods for using same to improve the aesthetic appearance of skin

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions useful in treating hyperpigmentation and the various signs of dermatological aging in human skin. The present invention also relates to cosmetic compositions and methods of using such compositions that improve the aesthetic appearance of skin. Further, the present invention relates to methods of applying the compositions to the skin to effect treatment and to improve the aesthetic appearance of skin, particularly, by providing anti-aging benefits to the skin. These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by a method and composition that comprises (a) a de-pigmenting agent or anti-aging agent in an amount effective to prevent, treat and / or ameliorate pigmentation or the various signs of aging at an area of skin to which it is applied, and (b) a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Suitable de-pigmenting agents include 3,3'-thiodipropionic acid, thiazolidine-2-carboxylic acid, Kaempferol-7-glucoside, perilla oil, and clofibrate and clofibrate analogs and / or derivatives, as well as those set forth below. Suitable anti-aging agents include 3,3'-thiodipropionic acid and / or its derivatives.

Description

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part application that claims priority to, and the benefit of, co-pending U.S. Ser. No. 09 / 741,383, filed Dec. 20, 2000, currently allowed and incorporated herein by reference.[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] The present invention relates to compositions useful in treating hyperpigmentation and the various signs of dermatological aging in human skin. The present invention also relates to cosmetic compositions and methods of using such compositions that improve the aesthetic appearance of skin. Further, the present invention relates to methods of applying the compositions to the skin to effect treatment and to improve the aesthetic appearance of skin, particularly, by providing anti-aging benefits to the skin.[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art[0005] Human skin color is determined primarily by the content of the pigment melanin in the basal epidermis layer. Melanin is synthesized by the process of melanogenesis within melanocytes (pigment-prod...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a composition and method for treating, preventing and / or ameliorating the signs of dermatological aging of human skin.

[0015] It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a composition and method that has one or more agents that decrease the retention time of melanosomes at the basal layer. This is achieved by inhibiting the ability of epidermal cells to retain or uptake melanin / melanosomes and / or increase the rate of transport of basal keratinocytes to the surface of the skin.

[0017] The present invention provides for de-pigmenting compositions containing an effective amount of one or more depigmenting agents which, when applied to human skin, prevent, treat and / or ameliorate pigmentation at the area or portion of skin to which they are applied. The compositions are effective at reducing or diminishing pigmented areas or portions of the skin such as age spots, freckles, melasma, chloasma, and pigmented keratoses. The compositions are topically applied to the skin.

[0019] The benefits and improvements to the aesthetic appearance of skin can be manifested in any of the following: reduction in pore size; improvement in skin tone, radiance, clarity and / or tautness; promotion of anti-oxidant activity; improvement in skin firmness, plumpness, suppleness, and / or softness; improvement in procollagen and / or collagen production; improvement in skin texture and / or promotion of retexturization; improvement in skin barrier repair and / or function; improvement in appearance of skin contours; restoration of skin luster and / or brightness; replenishment of essential nutrients and / or constituents in the skin decreased by aging and / or menopause; improvement in communication among skin cells; increase in cell proliferation and / or multiplication; increase in skin cell metabolism decreased by aging and / or menopause; improvement in skin moisturization; promotion and / or acceleration of cell turnover; enhancement of skin thickness; increase in skin elasticity and / or resiliency; and enhancement of exfoliation, with or without the use of alpha or beta hydroxy acids, keto acids or other exfoliants.

Problems solved by technology

The skin can become hyperpigmented when too much melanin concentrates at one area or portion of the skin due to the retention time of the melanosomes in the basal layer.

However, such treatment is costly and carries the risks normally associated with anesthesia and surgery.

It is known that these anti-aging active ingredients have a significant disadvantage in that they frequently are associated with consumer discomfort characterized by burning, smarting, itching or sensation of tightness after application.

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