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

Claims

1. A method for beneficially treating one or more human skin disorders comprising the steps of: [a]producing a composition containing a non-acidic formulation of copper chemically bound to a botanical pigment possessing antioxidant qualities; said composition thus containing a copper-botanical-antioxidant complex;[b] locating physiological copper-binding sites in the skin that show signs of chronic skin pathologies or environmental damage;[c] applying topically to the skin said copper-botanical-antioxidant complex composition to cause enhanced penetration of the complex to copper binding sites; and,[d] simultaneously delivering skin pH-activated copper ions and plant-based antioxidant pigment to said physiological binding sites to beneficially treat said skin disorders and to protect against further skin damage.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said composition is a pharmaceutical formulation.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said composition is a cosmeceutical formulation.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the human skin disorder consists of one or more of the following: rosacea, acne, enlarged facial pores, seborrhea or excessively oily facial skin, acne scars, post-acne pigmentation, and premature aging of the skin which includes skin wrinkling, sagging, roughness, blotchiness and uneven pigmentation caused by sun damage.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of a liquid, gel, spray, lotion, cream, or solid.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the topical composition is applied at least once daily for 14 days or more.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the skin penetration of the copper-pigment complex is enhanced by encapsulating the copper-pigment complex within a liposome shell; said liposome shell preferably containing a linoleic acid-phosphatidyl choline type of lecithin.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the copper-pigment antioxidant complex is sodium-copper-chlorophyllin.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is applied topically in conjunction or simultaneously with a secondary pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical treatment composition for a skin disorder that includes one or more of the following: rosacea, acne, enlarged facial pores, seborrhea or excessively oily facial skin, acne scars, post-acne pigmentation, and premature aging of the skin which includes skin wrinkling, sagging, roughness, blotchiness and uneven pigmentation caused by sun damage; said secondary treatment composition not containing a copper-botanical antioxidant complex.

10. A composition for topical application for the beneficial treatment of one or more human skin disorders, said composition containing: a) an aqueous, non-acidic solution of sodium copper chlorophyllin within a submicron liposomal structure; b) said liposomal structure consisting of a linoleic acid/phosphatidyl choline type lecithin shell; c) said liposomes being dispersed in a cosmetically, pharmaceutically, or dermatology acceptable carrier vehicle.

11. The composition of claim 10 wherein the human skin disorder consists of one or more of the following: rosacea, acne, enlarged facial pores, seborrhea or excessively oily facial skin, acne scars, post-acne pigmentation, and premature aging of the skin which includes skin wrinkling, sagging, roughness, blotchiness and uneven pigmentation caused by sun damage.

12. The composition of claim 10 where the size of the liposomes is in the range of 150-350 nanometers in diameter.

13. The composition of claim 10 wherein the concentration of sodium copper chlorophyllin ranges between 0.0001% and 0.5% by weight of the total composition.

14. The composition of claim 10 wherein the cosmetically, pharmaceutically or dermatology acceptable carrier vehicle comprises a gel, lotion, spray, solid, liquid, emulsion, microemulsion, suspension, or liposomal dispersion.

15. The composition of claim 10 wherein the pH is adjusted to between 7.0-8.5 and preferably between 7.2-7.6.

16. A composition for topical application to human skin for increasing the natural tanning response induced by sunlight or simulated solar radiation or by UV tanning beds, said composition containing: a) an aqueous, non-acidic solution of sodium copper chlorophyllin within a submicron liposomal structure; b) said liposomal structure consisting of a linoleic acid/phosphatidyl choline type lecithin shell; c) said liposomes being dispersed in a cosmetically, pharmaceutically, or dermatology acceptable carrier vehicle.

17. The composition of claim 16 where the size of the liposomes is in the range of 150-350 nanometers in diameter.

18. The composition of claim 16 where the concentration of sodium copper chlorophyllin ranges between 0.0001% and 0.5% by weight of the total composition.

19. The composition of claim 16 wherein the cosmetically, pharmaceutically, or dermatology acceptable carrier vehicle comprises a gel, lotion, liquid or cream emulsion, microemulsion, suspension, or liposomal dispersion.

20. The composition of claim 10 and claim 16 wherein the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, or dermatological vehicle contains one or more water soluble skin penetration enhancing ingredients selected from the group that includes propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, isopentyl glycol, ethoxydiglycol, dimethyl isosorbide, acetamide MEA, tetrahydropiperine, various PEG glyceryl ethers, Levomenol [(−)-6-Methyl-2-((4-methyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-5-hepten-2-ol], N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone, dimethyl sulfoxide and methyl sulfone.