Topical Composition for Skin Firming via Plant Extracts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for addressing loose or sagging skin, such as surgery, lasers, and topical compositions, are either invasive, costly, or ineffective in providing lasting results, often causing skin irritation and requiring frequent treatments.

Innovation Solution

A topical cosmetic composition combining Argania spinosa kernel extract, dill extract, Myrciaria dubia fruit extract, and Croton lechleri extract or Morus alba fruit extract, which modifies biochemical pathways to increase production of proteins like elastin, collagen, laminin, and fibronectin, improving skin firmness and elasticity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If cosmetic or plastic surgery is used to tighten skin, then skin firmness is improved, but risk of infection and expense increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin firmnessVSAvoidrisk of infection and expense
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical surgical intervention with a chemical/biochemical system. The topical composition uses plant extracts (Argania spinosa kernel extract, dill extract, Myrciaria dubia fruit extract, Croton lechleri extract, and/or Morus alba fruit extract) that modify biochemical pathways in skin cells to increase production of structural proteins (elastin, collagen, laminin, fibronectin), thereby improving skin firmness without physical incisions or mechanical manipulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables the skin to self-repair and self-firm through stimulation of its own protein synthesis mechanisms. The active ingredients trigger fibroblasts to naturally produce more elastin, collagen, laminin, and fibronectin, allowing the skin to regenerate its structural integrity autonomously without external mechanical intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Speed

If laser skin tightening is used, then skin tightening effect is immediate, but treatments require frequent repetition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin tightening speedVSAvoidduration of skin tightening effect
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The topical composition performs preliminary action by stimulating protein synthesis before skin laxity becomes severe. By continuously promoting the production of elastin, collagen, laminin, and fibronectin in advance, the skin maintains its structural integrity and prevents sagging before it occurs, rather than attempting to reverse damage after it has set in

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention establishes continuous useful action through regular application of the topical composition, which continuously stimulates protein synthesis. This ongoing biochemical process maintains skin firmness over time, replacing the discontinuous, repeated laser treatments with a sustained, progressive improvement mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Shape

If hyaluronic acid is used to fill spaces between connective fibers, then skin appears tightened, but large amounts and multiple applications are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin appearanceVSAvoidamount of hyaluronic acid required
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite formulation of five different plant extracts (Argania spinosa kernel extract, dill extract, Myrciaria dubia fruit extract, Croton lechleri extract, and/or Morus alba fruit extract) that work synergistically to stimulate production of multiple structural proteins (elastin, collagen, laminin, fibronectin). This composite approach replaces the single-substance hyaluronic acid filling mechanism with a multi-component system that addresses skin firmness through comprehensive protein synthesis stimulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and utilizes the active biochemical components from natural plant sources to stimulate endogenous protein production. Rather than injecting exogenous hyaluronic acid to fill spaces, the patent extracts potent compounds from plants that trigger the skin's own cells to produce the necessary structural proteins, eliminating the need for large quantities of filler substances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Strength

If chemically modified peptides are used to tighten skin, then skin firmness is improved, but skin irritation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin firmnessVSAvoidskin irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the active ingredients by using naturally occurring plant extracts instead of chemically modified peptides. The plant extracts (particularly Croton lechleri extract and Morus alba fruit extract) contain natural compounds that stimulate protein synthesis without the harsh chemical modifications that cause irritation, thereby maintaining efficacy while improving biocompatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts potentially harmful chemical modifications into beneficial natural plant compounds. Instead of using chemically altered peptides that irritate skin, the patent utilizes naturally occurring phytochemicals from plants that have evolved to be biocompatible with human skin, turning the potential harm of chemical intervention into the benefit of natural, gentle efficacy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS11389392B2Cosmetic compositions and methods for their use in firming skin
Publication Date: 2022.07.19 MARY KAY INC

AI summary

The present invention relates generally to methods of use and compositions useful for treating skin. The composition includes a combination of Argania spinosa kernel extract, dill extract, Myrciaria dubia fruit extract, and Croton lechleri extract and/or Morus alba fruit extract. This combination can be used to create topical skin compositions that reduce the appearance of loose, sagging, and/or flaccid skin, and/or improve facial contouring.