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

CROSS REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATION [0001] This application is a division of co-pending application entitled, “SKIN TREATMENT COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING COPPER-PIGMENT COMPLEXES”, Ser. No. 11 / 320280; filing date: Dec. 28, 2005.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] 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 [0003] 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 ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] 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 af

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 elast