Skin treatment compositions containing copper-pigment complexes

Abstract

A therapeutic method is described in which copper is delivered into the skin as a complex with sodium chlorophyllin. Sodium copper chlorophyllin is encapsulated in suitable lecithin-type liposomes, containing a high concentration of linoleic acid and having diameters in the range 150-350 nanometers. The method provides therapeutic benefits in the treatment of environmentally-induced premature skin aging, excessively oily skin, acne and acne-related skin disorders, acne-rosacea, and also stimulates the natural tanning response of skin to sunlight and other ultraviolet-containing radiation.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention is directed toward therapeutic substances and methods for treating skin problems caused by environmental factors or chronic skin pathologies. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] There are important roles for copper in regulating various functions and processes in the human body, including within the skin. Copper is part of an enzyme that regulates energy metabolism, cytochrome c oxidase, and is also essential for the repair of skin tissues by virtue of its role in the cross-linking of elastin and collagen by lysyl oxidase. Copper is a key part of the skin's antioxidant protection system, for removal of superoxide radicals by the antioxidant SOD (superoxide dismutase). Studies have shown that when copper salts are applied directly to the skin in an aqueous solution there is little or no significant benefit. Moreover, the cuprous copper ion (Cu+2) is a catalyst for activating molecular oxygen and is therefore a potential pro-oxidant. It is t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003] Biological systems are protected from environmental assaults, in part, by a variety of biochemical mechanisms designed to suppress oxidative reaction pathways. These antioxidant processes reduce exogenous pro-oxidant species and the endogenous secondary free radicals produced by these pro-oxidants. The most common source for generating free radicals in the skin is UV light, which splits hydrogen peroxide, a prevalent metabolic by-product, thereby generating the extremely reactive hydroxyl radical (OH). The general environment in which people live and work also contains free radicals produced by combustion and other types of industrial chemical processes as well as cigarette smoking. The intensity of oxidative risks from our environment is increasing; this is particularly significant for skin because of its direct exposure to the environment. The skin employs various physiological mechanisms to repair oxidized macromolecules for renewal and recovery after oxidative injury. Interestingly, skin renewal can include the physiological production of superoxide radicals (O2) by phagocytic cells in order to destroy invading microorganisms. Although the superoxide radical is of itself not very reactive, it can react with transition metals such as ferrous iron (Fe+2) and cuprous copper (Cu+2 ) to generate the extremely reactive hydroxyl radical. Elimination of superoxide is primarily the responsibility of enzymes known as superoxide dismutases (SODs). The predominant form of SOD in the skin is the Cu+2 / Zn+2 containing dimeric SOD enzyme. It is postulated here that increasing the amount of copper in the skin by the present method results in increased SOD activity, thereby reducing the amount of superoxide. To offset potentially harmful oxidizing side-effects, copper is applied to the skin in forms that can provide their own antioxidant protection; that is, by means of copper-complexed plant pigments and chromophores.

[0004] Another natural role for copper in the skin has to do with its binding to small peptides, notably the tripeptide GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine), which plays a key role in anti-aging and tissue repair processes. The Cu2+ bound form of GHK (GHK—Cu) promotes the deposition of new collagen, and stimulates growth of new blood vessels in wound healing. GHK—Cu supports the activity of protease enzymes that remove scar tissue, replacing it with more normal-looking skin. GHK—Cu has also been reported to stimulate hair growth. It is postulated here that because the invention delivers copper in a non-toxic, bioavailable way, it promotes the formation of GHK—Cu and enhances skin repair, even in the absence of open wounds, as in acne, rosacea, etc.

[0005] Damaged or incomplete cross-linking of collagen and elastin can reduce the tensile strength of connective tissue. It has also been suggested by other investigators that such reduced cross-linking is the cause of spider veins: due to distension and thinning of blood vessel walls, which make dark venous blood visible through the skin. It is postulated here, that by increasing cross-linking as a result of the increased bioavailability of copper, the method can 1) reduce the visibility of under-eye dark circles, 2) improve tensile strength and elasticity of skin and thereby diminish the amount of skin lines and wrinkles, and 3) reduce the size of unattractive enlarged facial pores. It is further postulated that by binding the applied copper to antioxidant plant pigments and chromophores, the skin is afforded significant antioxidant protection.

Problems solved by technology

The intensity of oxidative risks from our environment is increasing; this is particularly significant for skin because of its direct exposure to the environment.

Damaged or incomplete cross-linking of collagen and elastin can reduce the tensile strength of connective tissue.

It has been suggested that seborrheic inflammatory conditions also play a role in excess oiliness of skin, producing a cosmetically unattractive shiny appearance.