Topical Ketone Body Composition for UV Protection and Skin Hydration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing topical compositions fail to effectively protect skin from the harmful effects of radiation and aging, and do not provide immediate benefits in improving skin properties such as hydration, anti-aging, and reducing dryness.
Innovation Solution
A ketone body, specifically (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate moieties, is applied topically in a composition with a cosmetically acceptable carrier to protect and improve skin properties, including the use of R-3-hydroxybutyl-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate monoester, which is metabolized for energy and nourishment at a cellular level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional topical compositions (occlusives, humectants, keratolytic agents) are applied to skin, then immediate improvement in skin appearance and texture is provided, but effective protection from radiation damage and aging deterioration is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter by using ketone bodies (specifically beta-hydroxybutyrate and its esters) instead of conventional occlusives or humectants. This parameter change enables the composition to provide both immediate skin improvement and reliable radiation protection, as ketone bodies can be metabolized by skin cells for energy while also providing cytoprotective effects against UV damage and aging
Solution Approach 2:
The ketone body composition serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an emollient for immediate skin softening, provides humectant properties for hydration, offers cytoprotective effects against radiation damage, and supplies metabolic energy to skin cells. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single composition effective for both immediate improvement and long-term protection
2Reliability
If ingestible ingredients (dietary fish oil, carotenoids, vitamins) are used to improve skin properties, then protection against UVR-induced erythema is achieved, but immediate sense of improvement is not provided to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the approach by applying the protective agent topically rather than systemically through ingestion. The ketone body composition is applied directly to the skin surface, allowing it to act locally on skin cells immediately upon application, thus providing both radiation protection and immediate sensory benefit without requiring systemic absorption
Solution Approach 2:
The ketone bodies act as an intermediary substance that can be metabolized by skin cells (providing immediate energy and metabolic support) while simultaneously providing cytoprotective effects. This intermediary role allows the composition to deliver both immediate benefits and reliable protection, bridging the gap between ingestible and topical approaches
3Reliability
If ketone bodies are administered enterally or parenterally to elevate blood concentrations, then medical benefits are achieved, but topical application for skin protection has not been explored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional administration route by applying ketone bodies topically to the skin rather than administering them enterally or parenterally. This inversion allows the ketone bodies to act directly on skin cells, providing both the medical efficacy established in systemic administration and new versatility in topical skin protection and improvement applications
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of protecting animal tissue particularly skin, from damage caused by radiation exposure, by contacting the tissue with a ketone ester, a method of protecting skin, reducing the deterioration of skin or maintaining or improving the properties of skin by applying topically to the skin a ketone body comprising (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate moieties is disclosed. A ketone body comprising (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate moieties, especially enantiomerically enriched R-1,3-hydroxybutyl-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate, for such uses is also provided.