Patent Application
20080097278
A more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be so noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the invention and, therefore, are not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
a is a schematic top view of an expanse of skin being treated with light;
b is a schematic top view of an expanse of skin, and light being progressively repositioned across the expanse of skin; and
To facilitate understanding identical reference elements have been used, wherever possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.
Embodiments of the invention includes apparatus and methods for mitigating the effects of aging on skin. By “mitigating the effects of aging on skin,” it is meant one or more of the following benefits are imparted to a subject's skin: skin rejuvenation benefits such as younger, healthier, radiant skin, even or non-blotchy texture tone and/or texture, removal or reduction of the appearance of such features as wrinkles or fine lines, surface roughness, folds or sagging (such as on the tissues of the cheeks, jowels, or brow), surface vessels, age spots/pigmentation, redness, scars from acne or other sources, and reduction of pore size and appearance.
In order mitigate the effects of aging on skin at least one skin treatment is provided. By “providing a skin treatment,” it is meant initiating exposure of an expanse of skin to light, terminating exposure to the light; and applying a benefit agent to the expanse of skin after a delay following the termination of the exposure to the light. Thus a “skin treatment” includes a light treatment followed by at least one topical treatment. More detail regarding exposing the skin to light and administering a benefit agent is provided below.
Referring to
The incident light 7 includes an “active portion” that is within a spectral range from about 400 nanometers (nm) to about 850 nm. Note that the emitted light and/or the incident light may or may not also include wavelengths outside of this active portion, but emission outside of the active portion is not required.
In one embodiment of the invention, the incident light is primarily within the 400 nanometers (nm) to about 850 nm spectral range. By “primarily within” it is meant that 80% or more of the total energy of the incident light is within the 400 nm to 850 nm. In one embodiment of the invention, the incident light 7 is substantially within the spectral range of about 400 nm to about 850 nm. By “substantially within the spectral range of about 400 nm to about 850 nm,” it is meant that 90% or more of the total energy is within the 400 nm to 850 nm. In another embodiment of the invention, incident light 7 is substantially free of ultraviolet radiation (i.e., less than about 1% of the total energy of the incident light 7 is in the spectral range from about 200 nm to about 400 nm).
The active portion is generally capable of being absorbed by one or more types of endogenous chromophores 13 present within the expanse of skin 11. The chromophores 13 include one or more of the following compounds: melanin, hemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and water.
In one embodiment of the invention, the incident light 7 is primarily within one or more of the following spectral bands: (A) about 400 nm to about 500 nm; (B) about 575 nm to about 625 nm; and (C) about 600 nm to about 850 nm. These spectral bands are selected based upon the ability of various endogenous chromophores to absorb light within these bands. The incident light 7 may be primarily within one or more of these bands, any two of these bands, or primarily within all of these bands, in order to facilitate absorption by the endogenous chromophores.
The incident light 7 may include one or more spectral bands for facilitating particular anti-aging effects. For example, the incident light 7 may be primarily within about 400 nm to about 850 nm in order to reduce pigment contrast of the expanse of skin 11. In one particular embodiment the incident light is primarily within about 400 nm to about 800 nm, such as within about 580 nm to about 850 nm, such as within about 650 nm to about 850 nm to facilitate absorption that is primarily by melanin (as opposed to hemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, or water).
In another embodiment of the invention, the incident light 7 may be primarily within about 575 nm to about 625 nm in order to stimulate collagen and reduce wrinkles or fine lines on the expanse of skin 11. Light within the range of about 575 nm to about 625 nm reduces fine line and wrinkles and stimulates collagen by heating blood contained in the dermal vasculature, inducing one or more wound healing responses, i.e., blood may become a radiator of heat to the surrounding tissue.
In another embodiment of the invention, the incident light 7 maybe primarily within about 600 nm to about 750 nm in order to reduce inflammation or redness on the expanse of skin 11. Without wishing to be bound by theory, such incident light 7 reduces inflammation and redness by being absorbed by both melanin and hemoglobin.
In general, by concentrating the wavelengths of the incident light 7 to those below 850 nm, the primary endogenous chromophores that absorb the incident light 7 are melanin, hemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, rather than water. As such, it is possible to use incident light with lower energy density than if one were concentrating the wavelengths of the incident light 7 in the infrared. This is beneficial in that ablation of the epidermis (which may cause permanent scarring of the skin and/or pain) is prevented.
Furthermore, while the incident light 7 is generally not energetic enough to ablate the epidermis, the incident light 7 impinges upon the expanse of skin 11 with an energy density that is generally sufficient to provide localized thermal heating (such as to, for example, raise the temperature of the skin by less than about 10 Celsius degrees) and a beneficial wound-healing response.
The energy density of the incident light 7 is generally within a range of about 5 J/cm2 and about 100 J/cm2, such as between about 5 J/cm2 and about 50 J/cm2. By “energy density of the incident light” 7, it is meant the energy of the incident light 7 divided by the area of a spot 210, as shown in
The energy density of the incident light 7 is delivered over a particular time that may be, for example in a range of about 1 millisecond (msec) to about 60 minutes. Note that shorter times are generally more suitable for higher fluence, and longer times are more suitable for lower fluence.
The incident light 7 or the active portion thereof generally impinges upon the expanse of skin 11 with an irradiance that is in a range from about 1 milliwatt per square centimeter (mW/cm2) to about 100,000 watts per square centimeter (W/cm2). “Irradiance” of the incident light, is the energy density of the incident light 7 delivered to the expanse of skin 11 per unit time period.
The spot 210 may, in one embodiment of the invention, as shown in
The incident light 7, or active portion thereof has a bandwidth. The bandwidth is determined by finding a wavelength (i.e., a maxima) within the active portion that is of maximum intensity, dividing this intensity in half (a “half max”) and locating a nearest first wavelength in one spectral direction that is incident at that half max intensity. A nearest second wavelength in the other spectral direction is then located. The difference between the first wavelength and the second wavelength is calculated as the bandwidth. Note that if multiple maxima are incident on the expanse of skin 11, then the maxima of greatest intensity is chosen to calculate the bandwidth.
Note that while
The light source 1 suitable for the present invention may provide, for example, a directed beam that is capable of impinging upon the expanse of skin 11 with a relatively small spot size. One suitable light source for generating a narrow spot size is a laser, such as, for example, a semiconductor laser (i.e., a “laser diode”), a ruby laser, or an Nd:YAG laser, an argon laser, a KTP laser, a dye laser, an alexandrite laser or, other lasers that may be capable of emitting light that includes the active region of wavelengths. The laser may emit light in continuous or pulsed fashion. Furthermore, suitable lasers typically have an emitted light 3 with a bandwidth less than about 2 nm. Examples of specific laser light sources that may be used in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention include those described in Altshuler (U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,884) and Anderson (U.S. patent application 20020099094A1), paragraphs 47-49. These disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference.
In another embodiment of the invention, the light source 1 may be a broadband source such as, for example a flashlamp, such as may include an incandescent, fluorescent, or chemiluminescent source. Note that specific examples of particularly suitable light sources are discussed below. Note also that the source 1 may be a broadband source that includes a filament (e.g., a tungsten filament).
Flashlamp
One notable example of a light source that may be used for practicing embodiments of the invention described herein is a pulsed, broadband source is a flashlamp (e.g. a xenon flashlamp). The flashlamp is a gas filled discharge device that takes incident electrical energy, and generates a high voltage electrical pulse that discharges the flashlamp, thereby producing pulses of electromagnetic radiation that fall within a spectral range, such as from about 200 nm to about 2000 nm. The spectral range may be adjusted by selecting a particular fill gas, a particular gas pressure, and a particular current density. Furthermore selection of a particular glass enclosure, or using one or more filters or fluorescent materials may be used to focus the incident energy within a spectral range that is narrower than the spectral range of the emitted electromagnetic radiation.
A flashlamp is suitable for providing benefits to the skin in that it emits emitted light 3 that generally extends widely (in a spatial sense) from the flashlamp, and is therefore capable of simultaneously treating an expanse of skin 11 having a large area. The area over which the light from the flashlamp extends may, however, be limited, such as by using reflectors to concentrate the light spatially.
The active portion may have a bandwidth that is greater than about 20 nm.
In one embodiment of the invention, the active portion has a bandwidth greater than about 100 nm. The incident light 7 from the flashlamp is generally non-collimated (i.e., the light is emitted in rays that are generally parallel with one another) and non-coherent (the light is emitted in rays that are not phase synchronized with one another). The flashlamp may provide pulses of light that have a duration in a range from about 1 millisecond (msec) to about several hundred milliseconds.
The flashlamp may deliver the particular range of intensity and bandwidth of the active portion that is specified above when the source 1 is placed a distance of, for example, between about 5 cm to about 10 cm (for example, when the outer surface 33 is placed in contact with the surface 9 of the expanse of skin 11).
Incident light 7 of the flashlamp may be high intensity, i.e., the active portion may deliver an energy density that is from about 10 J/cm2 to about 100 J/cm2. The use of high intensity flashlamp may be may be particularly suitable for use by a skilled user (e.g., a dermatologist, a medical technician, or the like). Alternatively, a high intensity flashlamp may be used for a consumer product if appropriate safety features are employed (e.g., such as those to limit over-treatment to the skin or exposure to the eye). In fact, by having a consumer use a light source having a fluence from about 10 J/cm2 to about 100 J/cm2, and using methods consistent with embodiments of the invention described herein, the consumer may self-treat with “at home” treatments that are highly efficacious. At home use of such devices allows for more frequent treatments than might be otherwise possible if an appointment to a professional's office were required for each treatment. More frequent treatments, even at lower dose levels provide opportunity for greater compliance and treatment efficacy. A suitable high intensity flashlamp is described in Ekhouse (U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,368), incorporated herein by reference.
Alternatively, the incident light 7 of the flashlamp maybe low intensity, i.e., the active portion may have an energy density in a range from about 5 J/cm2 to about 10 J/cm2. The use of low intensity radiation may be particularly suitable for use by a consumer that may not have any special or professional training in the use of the flashlamp. In general, a suitable low intensity flashlamp will have, for example, a smaller capacitor or a lower voltage than a comparable high intensity flashlamp.
Furthermore, other low intensity sources such as light emitting diodes, filament sources, fluorescent sources, and even chemiluminescent sources can provide skin benefits when used over longer exposure periods (seconds to many minutes) and with more frequent treatments than is typically used in a professional setting.
Light Emitting Diode
Another notable source for practicing embodiments of the present invention is a light emitting diode (LED). The LED is constructed from materials known in the art (e.g., compound semiconductor materials). In one embodiment of the invention, the emitted light 3 from the LED is within (A) about 400 nm to about 500 nm; (B) about 580 nm to about 600 nm; and (C) about 600 nm to about 800 nm. The narrowband source may have an emitted energy density within the active range that is greater than about 0.1 J/cm2.
Referring again to
As shown in
The incident light 7 from the narrowband source may be “continuous wave,” (as described in Altschuler U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,473. The disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference). By continuous wave it is meant that the source is adapted to provide a steady-state, uninterrupted beam such that an intensity of the incident light is relatively constant over any time period less than about 1 second.
Note that while the light source 1 is described in this embodiment of the invention as “an LED,” the light source may actually include multiple LEDs in order to enhance the energy density that the light source 1 is capable of delivering.
Benefit agents of the present invention are generally passive in that they are substantially non-absorptive or otherwise substantially non-interactive with light within the active region. In other words, the benefit agents of the present invention are not necessarily selected in order to absorb incident light from the light source 1 in order to convert the incident light 7 to thermal energy and dissipate the thermal energy to the expanse of skin 11.
In fact, for embodiments of the invention in which the treatment is cyclical (i.e., a second treatment is provided following a first treatment). It is, to a degree, beneficial that the benefit agent not absorb the incident light 7 to a significant degree. This is because, if benefit agent remains on the expanse of skin 11 when the expanse of skin 11 is treated with light, losses due to absorption by the benefit agent either reduce the ability of the incident light 7 to provide thermal heating to the expanse of skin 11, and/or require sources of greater power (thus requiring more space, more expense, more cooling of the source, or more expense). In one embodiment of the invention, the benefit agent has an absorbance that is no greater than 0.3 Absorbance Units for any wavelength comprising the incident light 7. This absorbance can be determined through spectrophotometric measurements of a thin film of the agent applied to transparent medium, standard in the sunscreen industry, at approximately 2 mg/cm2
The benefit agent may fall into one or more classes. In one embodiment the benefit agent is an anti-wrinkle treatment. Examples of suitable anti-wrinkle treatments include, for example, retinoids such as retinol, retinyl palmitate, retinyl propionate, retinaldahyde, retinoic acid, adapelene, tazarotene, 13 cis retinoic acid, peptides that stimulate collagen synthesis such as copper-containing peptides, and Pal-KTTP sugars such as melibiose, lactose, galactose. Particularly noteworthy anti- wrinkle benefit agents are retinol and retinoic acid.
In another embodiment of the invention, the benefit agent is a keratolytic agent. Examples of suitable keratolytic agents include hydroxyacids such as alpha-hydroxyacids (AHAs), beta-hydroxyacids BHAs, and polyhyrdoxyacids. Suitable hydroxyacids include: glycolic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, mandelic acid, ascorbic acid, alpha-hydroxybutyric acid, alpha-hydroxyisobutyric acid, alpha-hydroxyisocaproic acid, atrrolactic acid, alpha-hydroxyisovaleric acid, ethyl pyruvate, galacturonic acid, glucoheptonic acid, glucoheptono 1,4-lactone, gluconic acid, gluconolactone, glucuronic acid, glucuronolactone, glycolic acid, isopropyl pyruvate, methyl pyruvate, mucic acid, pyruvic acid, saccharic acid, saccaric acid 1,4-lactone, tartaric acid, and tartronic acid; beta hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, beta-phenyl-lactic acid, beta-phenylpyravic acid, azeleic acid; Another useful class of keratolytics are keratolytic enzymes papain, bromaline, pepsin, trypsin.
In one embodiment the benefit agent is an anti-inflammatory/anti-redness agent. Suitable anti-inflammatory/anti-redness agents include: feverfew; alkanolamines such as ethylaminoethanol, methylaminoethanol, dimethylaminoethanolamine (DMAE), isopropanolamine, triethanolamine, isopropanoldimethylamine, ethylethanolamine, 2-butanolamine, choline and serine, catacholamines; hydrocortisone, salicylates, β sitosterol, allantoin, oat extracts, dexamethasone, caffeic acid, ginko bilboa, Stearyl glycyrrhetinate, CM Glucam, green tea extract, hyluronic acid, horsechestnut extract, licorice extract, colloidal oatmeal, tetrahydrozaline, and indomethacin. Alkanolamines such as DMAE, Feverfew, and hydrocortisone are particularly noteworthy anti-inflammatory/anti-redness agents.
In another embodiment of the invention, the benefit agent is an anti-spot/pigmentation agent. Suitable anti-spot/pigmentation agents include: depigmentation agents such as hydroquinone, catechol and its derivatives, ascorbic acid and its derivatives, kojic acid, licorice extract, azelaic acid, stearyl glycyrrhetinate, soy extracts, yohimbine, black tea extracts, and mixtures thereof; kinetin. Soy extracts are particularly noteworthy anti-spot/pigmentation agents.
In another embodiment of the invention, the benefit agent is a collagen-stimulating agent, such as peptides including Pal-KTTP, Biopeptide EL™, Biopeptide CL ™,; and copper-containing peptides such as copper polypeptide and copper peptide (GHK). Copper-containing peptides are particularly noteworthy collagen-stimulating agents.
In another embodiment of the invention, the benefit agent operates through a preventative mechanism. Suitable agents that operate through a preventative mechanism include the sub-class of anti-oxidants (for preventing oxidation) and the sub-class of sunscreens (for preventing photodamage). Suitable anti-oxidants include: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, tocopherols (alpha, gamma, delta), genistein, tocotrienols, ubiquinones, resveratrol, CoQ-10, lipoic acid, lactoferrin, pycnogenol, lycopene, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phospate, isoascorbic acid, pantothenic acid, erythorbic acid, green tea extract, N acetyl cysteine, olive leaf extract, ferulic acid, feverfew, polyphenols, linoleic acid, grape seed extract, L-carnitine, lipoic acid, dihydrolipoic acid. Suitable sunscreens include: benzophenones, bomelone, butyl cinnamidopropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, disodium distyrylbiphenyl disulfonate, potassium methoxycinnamate, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, octyl methoxycinnamate, oxybenzone, octocrylene, octyl salicylate, butyl salicylate, homosalate, phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, ethyl hydroxypropyl aminobenzoate, menthyl anthranilate, aminobenzoic acid, cinoxate, diethanolamine methoxycinnamate,isoamyl methoxycinnamate, methyl benzylidine camphor, glyceryl aminobenzoate, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, octotriazole, Padimate O, red petrolatum, avobenzone, Mexoryl™, Tinosorb S™ and Tinosorb M™, and mixtures thereof Particularly noteworthy sunscreens include benzophenones, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, octyl methoxycinnamate, oxybenzone, octocrylene, octyl salicylate, phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, octotriazole, butyl dibenzoylmethane, and Tinosorb S™ and Tinosorb M™.
The benefit agent may be combined or compounded with various other auxiliary ingredients into a topical personal care composition (e.g., a cream, emulsion, serum, solution, or the like). The selection of the auxiliary ingredients may vary depending upon, for example, the ability of the benefit agent to penetrate through the skin, the specific benefit agent chosen, the particular benefit desired, the sensitivity of the user to the benefit agent, the health condition, age, and skin condition of the user, and the like. Suitable auxiliary agents include fillers, emollients and spreading agents, skin conditioners, emulsifiers, wetting agents, chelating agents, fragrances, thickeners, dyes, sensates, and the like. In one embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary ingredients have a low absorbance with respect to the incident light 7 (such as less than about 0.3 Absorbance Units, as discussed above for the benefit agent).
The benefit agent is used in a “safe and effective amount,” which is an amount that is high enough to deliver a desired skin, hair or nail benefit or to modify a certain condition to be treated, but is low enough to avoid serious side effects, at a reasonable risk to benefit ratio within the scope of sound medical judgment. Unless otherwise expressed herein, typically the benefit agent is present in the personal care composition in an amount, based upon the total weight of the composition/system, from about 0.01 percent to about 20 percent, such as from about 0.01 percent to about 5 percent (e.g., from about 0.01 percent to about 1 percent).
In one embodiment of the invention, the expanse of skin 11 to be treated is provided a first skin treatment. The first skin treatment includes exposing the expanse of skin 11 to light primarily within the spectral range of about 400 nm to about 850 nm, said light source delivering from about 5 Joules per square centimeter to about 100 Joules per square centimeter to the skin. The light may be a source of continuous or pulsed light. In the case of pulsed light, the light treatment is terminated by terminating a series of pulses. After a period that is less than about 1 hour, exposure to the light is terminated. Note that depending upon the fluence of the light, the light may be terminated in a shorter period of time such as within a few minutes, a few seconds or even within less than one second.
Within a first delay period of less than about 24 hours after terminating the exposure to the light, a benefit agent is topically applied. By combining post-treating the expanse of skin 11 with a benefit agent after light treatment within a first delay period of 24 hours or less, a higher order of benefits is provided (i.e., a higher degree of effectiveness and/or a faster onset of benefits is provided as compared with conventional treatments). Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the inventive treatment regimen operates by multiple biological pathways (e.g., collagen formation and redness reduction). As such, the magnitude or speed of onset of benefits is not limited by the saturation of a single (i.e., light only or topical only) pathway. In order to further enhance the efficacy of the first skin treatment, the first delay may be less than 12 hours, less than 1 hour, such as from about 1 minute to about 1 hour. In particular, it is believed that by reducing the first delay period to such lower levels, a high degree of synergy is obtained between the light treatment and the topical treatment.
After a second delay period, a second skin treatment is optionally provided to the expanse of skin 11. The second skin treatment includes exposing the expanse of skin to light, terminating the exposure of the expanse of skin 11 to the light, followed by topically administering benefit agent. The second skin treatment may, for example, be similar or identical to the first skin treatment. Note that the second delay period is the time elapsed between the application of the benefit agent in the first skin treatment and the initiation of exposure of the expanse of skin 11 to light in the second skin treatment. The second delay period may be of greater duration than the first delay period. Preferably, the second delay period has a greater duration than the first delay period, more preferably a significantly greater duration. Thus, the application of the benefit agent is a post-exposure treatment, not a pre-treatment.
Note that benefit agent maybe topically applied one or more times to the expanse of skin 11 during the second delay. The benefit agent topically applied during the second delay may be the same benefit agent or same class of benefit agent applied in the first treatment, or it may be a different benefit agent or a different class of benefit agent. Topical treatments of the benefit agent may be repeated multiple times and on multiple days between light treatments. Topical and light treatments may be administered at home using a handheld light source.
The light and the topically applied benefit agent may be directed to similar benefits (e.g., collagen-stimulating/wrinkle-reducing light followed by an anti-wrinkle or collagen-stimulating benefit agent; pigment contrast-reducing light followed by anti-pigmentation agent; redness and inflammation-reducing light followed by an anti-inflammatory benefit agent). Because the topical operates through a chemical-biological pathway (the chemistry of the topical directly induces a biological response), and the light operates through a optical-biological pathway (photons of light induce a thermal response, and, in turn, a biological response), the topical and light can act synergistically and achieve a higher order of benefits.
While it is contemplated that the light and the topically applied benefit agent may be directed to similar skin care benefits, this is not required. In one embodiment of the invention the particular topical treatment and particular spectral distribution of light are chosen to complement one another and/or to act on separate, distinct pathways. Examples are provided in the paragraphs below.
For example, the light treatment may have a spectral distribution that is primarily within about 400 nm to about 850 nm in order to reduce pigment contrast. The post-treatment with benefit agent, complementary to this light treatment, may be one or more of: an anti-wrinkle treatment; a keratolytic agent; an anti-inflammatory/anti-redness agent; and a collagen-stimulating agent; or a preventative.
In another embodiment of the invention, the light treatment may have a spectral distribution that is primarily within about 550 nm to about 650 nm in order to stimulate collagen and reduce wrinkles or fine lines. The post-treatment with benefit agent, complementary to this light treatment may be one or more of: an anti-spot/pigmentation agent; an anti-inflammatory/anti-redness agent; a keratolytic agent; or a preventative.
In another embodiment of the invention, the light treatment may have a spectral distribution that is primarily within about 600 nm to about 750 nm in order to reduce inflammation or redness. The post-treatment with benefit agent, complementary to this light treatment may be one or more of: an anti-spot/pigmentation agent; an anti- wrinkle agent; a collagen-stimulating agent; a keratolytic agent; or a preventative.
For convenience to the end user, one or more of light sources 1 and one or more benefit agents may be contained within an outer package and sold as a product. The product may further include instructions that indicate to the user that the user should illuminate the skin with the light source 1 and topically apply the benefit agent. The instructions may further indicate that the light source 1 and the benefit agent are to be used together (i.e., applying the benefit agent to the expanse of skin 11 after exposing the expanse of skin 11 to the light source and within about 24 hours), consistent with embodiments of the invention described herein. Note that the product may include a plurality of light sources 1 and/or benefit agents (i.e., one or more light sources 1 and/or one or more benefit agents). These light sources 1 and benefit agents may be, for example, housed in a primary package (e.g., a tube, ajar, a plastic wrap or film, and the like) that is within the outer package.
Embodiments of the invention overcome one or more drawbacks of the prior art by combining the benefits associated with a treatment based on light (i.e., wound repair) with a topical post-treatment that enhances the efficacy of the light treatment. By employing such a therapy subsequent to the light therapy, it is possible to overcome the limitations of the biological response of “light only” or “topical only” therapy by, for example, stimulating a second pathway resulting in faster onset of benefits and a higher magnitude of benefits. By combining moderate fluence of light that primarily within certain range of wavelengths with topical benefit agents, device design flexibility is enhanced since an complex cooling system is not needed, and since the treatments can be repeated more often than if professional visits might allow, treatment is highly efficacious as well as safe to use at home. Post treatment application of the topical benefit agents prevents any potential degradation of the active ingredients that may occur during the light exposures, either from direct energy absorption and degradation, or from thermal breakdown from exposures. Since the topicals are not applied before the light exposures, there is virtually unlimited time for absorption into the skin for the benefit delivery and a “wait” time between topical treatment and light exposure as is taught by others is not needed.
The following is a description of examples for treating the skin consistent with embodiments of the invention described herein. Other methods of the present invention may be performed in an analogous manner by a person of ordinary skill in the art.
An expanse of skin is treated with a light from a flashlamp light source (such as one having a xenon-filled quartz-envelope and) including any necessary filters to provide a spectral distribution that is primarily within 400 to 800 nm, a bandwidth of 400 nm, a fluence of 20 to 80 J/cm2 and delivered in a pulse of less than
1 second, impinges with a spot size of about 5 to 10 cm2 on an expanse of skin. The light source is repositioned (stamped) across adjacent sites to complete treatment over the entire expanse of skin (e.g., an entire face). Within a first time interval of about an hour after the light treatment is completed, a benefit agent comprising retinol and an alpha-hydroxyacid such as glycolic acid is topically applied to the expanse of skin. After about 24 to 48 hours, the above steps light treatment, then topical treatment after 1 hour) are repeated. The preceding method is suitable to treat, for example, age spots and undesired pigmentation contrast present on the expanse of skin.
An expanse of skin is treated with a light from flashlamp light source such as one having including any necessary filters to provide a spectral distribution that is primarily within 400 to 800 nm, a bandwidth of 400 nm, a fluence of 20 to 80 J/cm2 and delivered in a pulse of less than 1 second, impinges with a spot size of about 5 to 10 cm2 on an expanse of skin. The light source is repositioned (stamped) across adjacent sites to complete treatment over the entire expanse of skin. Within a first time interval of about an hour after the light treatment is completed, a benefit agent comprising natural soy extracts is topically applied to the expanse of skin. After about 24 to 48 hours, the above steps (light treatment, then topical treatment after 1 hour) are repeated. The preceding method is suitable to treat, for example, age spots and undesired pigmentation contrast present on the expanse of skin.
An expanse of skin is treated with a light from a flashlamp light source having a spectral distribution of 575 to 625 nm, a bandwidth of less than 50 nm, a fluence of 20 to 80 J/cm2 and delivered in a pulse of less than 1 second, impinges with a spot size of about 5 to 10 cm on an expanse of skin. The light source is repositioned (stamped) across adjacent sites to complete treatment over the entire expanse of skin. Within a first time interval of about an hour after the light treatment is completed, a benefit agent comprising retinol and/or a alpha hydroxy acid as glycolic acid is topically applied to the expanse of skin. After about 24 to 48 hours, the above steps (light treatment, then topical treatment after 1 hour) are repeated. The preceding method is suitable, for example, to reduce the appearance of wrinkles present on the expanse of skin.
An expanse of skin is treated with a light from a flashlamp light source having a spectral distribution of 575 to 625 nm, a bandwidth of 50 nm, a fluence of 20 to 80 J/cm2 and delivered in a pulse of less than 1 second, impinges with a spot size of about 5 to 10 cm2 on an expanse of skin. The light source is repositioned (scanned) across adjacent sites to complete treatment over the entire expanse of skin. Within a first time interval of about an hour after the light treatment is completed, a benefit agent comprising a copper-containing peptide is topically applied to the expanse of skin. After about 24 to 48 hours, the above steps (light treatment, then topical treatment after 1 hour) are repeated. The preceding method is suitable, for example, to reduce the appearance of wrinkles present on the expanse of skin.
An expanse of skin is treated with a light from a flashlamp light source having a spectral distribution of 575 to 625 nm, a bandwidth of 50 nm, a fluence of 20 to 80 J/cm2 and delivered in a pulse of less than 1 second, impinges with a spot size of about 5 to 10 cm2 on an expanse of skin. The light source is repositioned (stamped) across adjacent sites to complete treatment over the entire expanse of skin. Within a first time interval of about an hour after the light treatment is completed, a benefit agent comprising DMAE and/or, retinol, and/or an alpha hydroxyl acid such as glycolic acid is topically applied to the expanse of skin. After about 24 to 48 hours, the above steps (light treatment, then topical treatment after 1 hour) are repeated. The preceding method is suitable, for example, to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging present on the expanse of skin.
An expanse of skin is treated with a light from a flashlamp light source having a spectral distribution of 625 to 800 nm, a bandwidth of 175 nm, a fluence of 20 to 80 J/cm2 and delivered in a pulse of less than 1 second, impinges with a spot size of about 5 to 10 cm2 on an expanse of skin. The light source is repositioned (stamped) across adjacent sites to complete treatment over the entire expanse of skin. Within a first time interval of about an hour after the light treatment is completed, a benefit agent comprising a natural soy extract, or a depigmentation such as hydroquinone or retinol is topically applied to the expanse of skin. After about 24 to 48 hours, the above steps (light treatment, then topical treatment after 1 hour) are repeated. The preceding method is suitable, for example, to even skin tone across the expanse of skin.
An expanse of skin is treated with a light from a flashlamp light source having a spectral distribution of 575 to 625 nm, a bandwidth of 50 nm, a fluence of 20 to 80 J/cm2 and delivered in a pulse of less than 1 second, impinges with a spot size of about 5 to 10 cm on an expanse of skin. The light source is repositioned (stamped) across adjacent sites to complete treatment over the entire expanse of skin. Within a first time interval of about an hour after the light treatment is completed, a benefit agent comprising a retinol or and/or a alpha hydroxy acid as glycolic acid is topically applied to the expanse of skin. After about 24 to 48 hours, the above steps (light treatment, then topical treatment after 1 hour) are repeated. The preceding method is suitable, for example, to reduce the appearance of rough skin texture present on the expanse of skin.
An expanse of skin is treated with a light from a flashlamp light source having a spectral distribution of 625 to 700 nm, a bandwidth of 75 nm, a fluence of 5 to 50 J/cm2 and delivered in a pulse of less than 1 second, impinges with a spot size of 500 cm2 on an expanse of skin. Within a first time interval of about an hour after the light treatment is completed, a benefit agent comprising DMAE or an anti-inflammatory agent such as fever-few extract or natural soy extract is topically applied to the expanse of skin. After about 24 to 48 hours, the above steps (light treatment, then topical treatment after 1 hour) are repeated. The preceding method is suitable, for example, to reduce redness on the expanse of skin.
An expanse of skin is treated with a light from a flashlamp light source having a spectral distribution of 575 to 625 nm, a bandwidth of 50 nm, a fluence of 20 to 80 J/cm2 and delivered in a pulse of less than 1 second, impinges with a spot size of about 5 to 10 cm2 on an expanse of skin. The light source is repositioned (stamped) across adjacent sites to complete treatment over the entire expanse of skin. Within a first time interval of about an hour after the light treatment is completed, a benefit agent comprising DMAE or an anti-inflammatory such as fever few extract or natural soy extract is topically applied to the expanse of skin. After about 24 to 48 hours, the above steps (light treatment, then topical treatment after 1 hour) are repeated. The preceding method is suitable, for example, to reduce redness present on the expanse of skin.
An expanse of skin is treated with a light from a flashlamp light source having a spectral distribution of 400 to 800 nm, a bandwidth of 400 nm, a fluence of 5 to 10 J/cm2 and delivered in a time period of less than 30 minutes, impinges with a spot size of 400 to 500 cm2 on an expanse of skin. Within a first time interval of about an hour after the light treatment is completed, a benefit agent comprising retinol and an alpha-hyrdoxyacid such as glycolic acid is topically applied to the expanse of skin. After about 24 to 48 hours, the above steps (light treatment, then topical treatment after 1 hour) are repeated. The preceding method is suitable, for example, to reduce age spots present on the expanse of skin.
An expanse of skin is treated with a light from a filament light source having a spectral distribution of 575 to 625 nm, a bandwidth of 50 nm, a fluence of 5 to 10 J/cm2 and delivered in a time period of less than 30 minutes, impinges with a spot size of 400 to 500 cm2 on an expanse of skin. Within a first time interval of about an hour after the light treatment is completed, a benefit agent comprising retinol and an alpha-hyrdoxyacid such as glycolic acid is topically applied to the expanse of skin. After about 24 to 48 hours, the above steps (light treatment, then topical treatment after 1 hour) are repeated. Alternatively, the benefit agent may include a natural soy extract, with or without retinol. The preceding method is suitable, for example, to reduce age spots present on the expanse of skin.
An expanse of skin is treated with a light from a light emitting diode source (e.g., one that includes compound semiconductor-based thin films) having a spectral distribution of 575 to 625 nm, a bandwidth of 50 nm, a fluence of 5 to 10 J/cm2 and delivered in a time period of less than 30 minutes, impinges with a spot size of 400 to 500 cm2 on an expanse of skin. Within a first time interval of about an hour after the light treatment is completed, a benefit agent comprising retinol and an alpha-hyrdoxyacid such as glycolic acid is topically applied to the expanse of skin. After about 24 to 48 hours, the above steps (light treatment, then topical treatment after 1 hour) are repeated. The preceding method is suitable, for example, to reduce the appearance of wrinkles present on the expanse of skin.
An expanse of skin is treated with a light from a filament light source having a spectral distribution of 400 to 800 nm, a bandwidth of 400 nm, a fluence of 5 to 10 J/cm2 and delivered in a time period of less than 30 minutes, impinges with a spot size of 400 to 500 cm2 on an expanse of skin. Within a first time interval of about an hour after the light treatment is completed, a benefit agent comprising retinol and an alpha-hyrdoxyacid such as glycolic acid is topically applied to the expanse of skin. After about 24 to 48 hours, the above steps (light treatment, then topical treatment after 1 hour) are repeated. The preceding method is suitable, for example, to reduce the appearance of wrinkles present on the expanse of sin.
An expanse of skin is treated with a light from either (a) a filament light source or (b) a plurality of LEDs having a collectively broad emission spectrum. The spectra distribution of the light is 400 to 800 nm, a bandwidth of 400 nm, a fluence of 5 to 10 J/cm2 and delivered in a time period of less than 30 minutes, impinges with a spot size of 400 to 500 cm on an expanse of skin. Within a first time interval of about an hour after the light treatment is completed, a benefit agent comprising DMAE and an alpha-hyrdoxyacid such as glycolic acid is topically applied to the expanse of skin. After about 24 to 48 hours, the above steps (light treatment, then topical treatment after 1 hour) are repeated. The preceding method is suitable, for example, to reduce sagging present on the expanse of skin. The light treatment may be performed by a skilled user, in a clinical setting, such as a dermatologist's office, or by a lay user, such as in a household.
An expanse of skin is treated with a light from a filament light source having a spectral distribution of 400 to 800 nm, a bandwidth of 400 nm, a fluence of 5 to 10 J/cm2 and delivered in a time period of less than 30 minutes, impinges with a spot size of 400 to 500 cm2 on an expanse of skin. Within a first time interval of about an hour after the light treatment is completed, a benefit agent comprising a sunscreen such as octyl methoxycinnamate, oxybenzone, or butyl dibenzoylmethane is topically applied to the expanse of skin. After about 24 to 48 hours, the above steps (light treatment, then topical treatment after 1 hour) are repeated. The preceding method is suitable, for example, to reduce sagging present on the expanse of skin as well as protecting the skin from ultraviolet radiation between treatments.
While the foregoing is directed to various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US05/25143 | 7/15/2005 | WO | 00 | 1/16/2007 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60588715 | Jul 2004 | US |
