Compositions and methods for treating acne

Abstract

This invention provides anti-acne kits that are useful for treating acne, especially severe cases of acne. The anti-acne kits include a vasoconstrictor and an anti-acne agent, and optionally one or more of a skin lightening therapeutic, a sealing layer, a skin cleanser, an astringent, a skin penetration enhancer, a sunscreen, and nutritional supplements that promote healing of acne lesions. This invention also provides methods for treating acne using a vasoconstrictor in conjunction with an anti-acne agent.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] Acne is a disease of the sebaceous hair follicles, often called pores. At the base of each hair follicle is a gland called the sebaceous gland, which produces sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that keeps the skin moist and pliable, which under normal circumstances travels along the hair follicle to the surface of the skin. A blemish begins approximately 2-3 weeks before it appears on the skin's surface. As the skin renews itself, the old cells die and slough off. When cells are shed unevenly and clump together with the sebum it forms a plug. Sebum which normally drains to the surface gets blocked and bacteria begin to grow. The rapid growth of the bacteria in combination with the accumulated sebum cause the follicle to enlarge and result in a mild form of acne called comedones, which are non-inflammatory. Both whiteheads and blackheads start out as a “microcomedone” and then become skin blemishes called comedones, either a whitehead or a blackhead....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017] This invention provides methods and kits for treating acne, especially severe cases of acne. The invention involves using a vasoconstricting agent in conjunction with an anti-acne agent to treat acne lesions. In preferred embodiments, the vasoconstricting agent is applied prior to the anti-acne agent, and serves to reduce the outflow of anti-acne agent from the treated acne lesion. The vasoconstricting agent also simultaneously decreases the redness and swelling of the acne lesion. Thus, the vasoconstricting agent helps to conceal the acne lesion, while also helping to maintain a higher concentration of anti-acne agent in the area of the acne lesion. This, in turn, promotes healing and helps to prevent further acne outbreaks.

[0018] In addition to a vasoconstricting agent and an anti-acne agent, the kits of this invention may include components that promote the healing of existing acne lesions and / or help to conceal the acne lesions.

Problems solved by technology

Sebum which normally drains to the surface gets blocked and bacteria begin to grow.

Blackheads can often take a long time to clear because the contents very slowly drain to the surface.

Nodular acne consists of acne spots which are much larger, can be quite painful, and can sometimes last for months.

They can be painful and scarring is common with cystic acne.

The redness is often accompanied by bumps, pimples, and skin blemishes.

Left untreated, it can cause swelling of the nose and the growth of excess tissue, a condition called rhinophyma.

It can cause severe, irrevocable damage to the skin, and disfiguring scarring.

It is confined to the face, and usually does not last longer than one year, but can wreak havoc in a very short time.

No ethnic groups are predisposed to acne, but certain cosmetic practices, such as the use of oily grooming agents, can lead to a specific pattern of lesions.

During puberty, the skin cells lining the follicle shed more quickly, mix with the increased levels of sebum and increase the likelihood of the pores becoming clogged.