Composition for treating skin pigmentation

Abstract

The invention relates to a topical composition containing a bilirubin-producing plant extract. In particular, the bilirubin-producing plant extract is obtained from the genus Strelitzia. When topically applied to skin, the composition is effective in accelerating the degradation of heme by-products such as bilirubin present in the skin.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 61 / 579,178 filed Dec. 22, 2011, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to compositions effective in accelerating the degradation of heme by-product accumulation in the skin, particularly bilirubin accumulated in bruised skin or areas under the eyes. More particularly, the present invention relates to topical compositions containing an extract derived from the plants of the genus Strelitzia or Phenakospermum, and to the manufacture and methods of using such compositions.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0003]The human body comprises a number of pigmented molecules that contain porphyrin-containing components that comprise iron as part of the porphyrin molecule. These are frequently referred to as “heme” type molecules. Hemoglobin, and to a lesser extent, myoglobin, neuroglobin and cytoglobin are well-known porphyrin-c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a topical composition that can help speed up the breakdown of bilirubin in the skin. It contains an extract from certain plants, a preservative, and a dermatologically-friendly carrier. The composition can be made into a concentrated form that has a certain amount of Non-Volatile Matter. The method for using the composition involves applying it to the skin. This invention can help reduce the buildup of untilin in the skin, which can cause skin issues like yellowing or erythema.

Problems solved by technology

When these molecules accumulate near the surface of the skin, they can manifest themselves as undesirable spots such as bruises, dark circles, and other skin pigment disorders.

This includes principally blood vessel leakage, accumulation of blood and blood degradation by-products around the eyes, and ineffective drainage of the blood and blood by-products through the lymph system surrounding the eyes.

Similar problems can occur in skin that is damaged by bruising usually from some form of blunt force trauma which causes the blood vessels in the skin to leak but does not result in breakage of the skin to provide external bleeding relief.

While these products can be helpful, they have to be carefully blended with the surrounding skin color, which changes throughout the day, and so are only a partial solution to the problem.

Understandingly, the use of harsh chemicals for treatments around the eyes is not welcomed by many consumers as the eye is sensitive to stinging and irritating chemicals.

What all of these prior inventions fail to disclose are methods to actually accelerate the degradation of the heme by-products as a means to control under eye color.

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