Skin treatment compositions containing copper-pigment complexes

Abstract

This invention discloses compositions and method for treating various types of skin disorders, based on topical cutaneous delivery of copper chemically bound with botanical pigments. Sodium-copper-chlorophyllin is used as an example, showing benefits in the treatment of rosacea, acne, oily skin, enlarged pores, and in relieving skin inflammation. Benefits are also disclosed in treatment of environmentally caused premature skin aging, via reductions in fine facial lines and wrinkles, increased tensile strength of the skin, and increased protection against sunlight via increased production of melanin. Therapeutic outcomes are improved when the copper-pigment complex is enclosed within submicron liposomes.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of divisional application Ser. No. 11 / 320,280 filed Dec. 28, 2005 and titled “SKIN TREATMENT COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING COPPER-PIGMENT COMPLEXES”Peter L. Dorogi, David B. Vasily and John P. McCook[0002]This Continuation-in-Part differs from the original application in that the inventors have demonstrated increased utility for the invention, particularly in the treatment of rosacea characterized by diffuse facial redness, with currently no effective topical therapy. The inventors have conducted further experiments to show that artificial light therapy used to treat acne, rosacea, and other inflammatory skin conditions is unnecessary in conjunction with the application of the subject invention, and, is, in fact, contraindicated. Lastly, this Continuation-in-Part more fully describes the formulation options for effective skin penetration of the active copper pigment complex and the effective pH for formulation stability and dermal and epide...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The invention disclosed here is designed, in part, to deliver copper to binding sites in the skin, where it can be utilized to form enzymes and wound-healing copper-peptides; for example, for preventing, reducing and eliminating the signs and symptoms of rosacea.

[0014]It is another aim of this invention to provide copper to binding sites where it is utilized to restructure the skin so as to reduce enlarged facial pores (follicular hypertrophy) and the signs and symptoms of acne, notably acne-scarring.

[0015]Copper is anti-microbial, and the processes and compositions disclosed in this invention can be used to deliver copper into follicles and sebaceous glands, thereby reducing inflammatory acne by the killing action of copper on the acne-associated bacterium Propionibacterium acnes.

[0018]It is a further goal of this invention to improve the skin's tanning response to ultraviolet light by providing essential copper to activate the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase for increased biosynthesis of melanin.

[0019]It is also the aim of this invention to simultaneously supply to the skin, besides copper, botanical pigments which are natural antioxidants, so as to further reduce oxidation damage.

[0022]It is disclosed here that combining the compositions and processes utilizing copper-pigments with currently established anti-aging, anti-acne, and rosacea treatment technologies will bring additional benefits to those technologies. For example, the anti-inflammatory activity and the control of high skin oil production seen in our studies with sodium-copper-chlorophyllin could be important additions to established treatments. In the acne area, copper-pigment technology could be combined with one or more other treatment compounds that include salicylic acid, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, tetracyclines, clindamycin, erythromycin, adapalene, tazarotene, resorcinol, colloidal sulfur, alpha-hydroxy acids or other established anti-acne actives. In the anti-aging area, combinations with one or more compounds that include alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, peptides, alpha- and beta-keto acids, other antioxidants, sunscreens, isoflavones, metalloprotease enzyme inhibitors or other established anti-aging actives may be advantageous. In the treatment of rosacea, copper-pigment technology may be combined with one or more other treatment compounds that include topical metronidazole, or oral therapy with doxycyline, tetracycline, erythromycin, minocycline, or other established rosacea treatment actives. Co-dispensing the copper-pigment preparation with other actives formulated at an acidic pH could also speed the release of the copper, which may also prove advantageous in some cases.

Problems solved by technology

In fact, the resulting increase in skin temperature may worsen rosacea.