Use of polyphenols to treat skin conditions

Abstract

A composition is provided to treat and/or prevent for treating skin conditions including fine lines and wrinkles, acne rosacea, surface irregularities of the skin and hyper-pigmentation melasma of the skin, which includes use of a topically applied composition such as an ointment, lotion, cream, serum, gel or pad applied formulation, containing an effective amount of polyphenols, such as green tea based polyphenols, including but not limited to catechins, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicathechin 3-gallate (ECG) and epicatechin (EC). The formulation is preferably composed of 90 percent polyphenol isolates, derived from green tea with potent antioxidant properties, to assist in minimizing free-radical induced skin damage.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to topical treatments for fine lines and wrinkles, acne rosacea, or surface irregularities of the skin, as well for a topically applied as a skin bleaching agent for reduction of hyper-pigmentation melasma.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Overexposure to the sun and other toxic free radical sources and irritants induces skin damage, resulting in a variety of disfiguring skin conditions. Among these skin conditions, wrinkles and fine lines are caused by sun damage and aging. Wrinkles of the skin are either deep furrows and creases or fine lines. Wrinkles can occur on any part of the body, but especially where sun exposure is greatest, such as on the face, neck, forearms and hands.

[0004] Acne is a blemishing skin condition displayed as pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, skin cysts and other blemishes in areas which are concentrated with a preponderance of skin oils, such as on the face, chest or back. If untreated, acne can result in deep surface scarring irregularities.

[0005] The aforementioned skin conditions are typically treated by topical application of salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids, either alone or in combination with drying agents such as benzoyl peroxide. In the case of acute acne, the treatment regimen includes oral ingestion of antibiotics.

[0006] Acne rosacea is a specialized skin condition causing persistent redness over the forehead, chin, cheeks and nose. Acne rosacea is treated with anti-inflammatories, such as metronitizole USP, such as METROGEL® or NORITATE®.

[0007] Furthermore, melasma is a skin condition where the skin is discretely spotted with excessive hyper-pigmentation in selected areas of the skin, resulting in prominent blotches on the skin.

[0008] Heretofore, it has been difficult to treat these skin conditions with existing treatment regimens. Therefore, there is a long felt need to provide a tolerable yet effective treatment for the aforementioned skin abnormalities. In Applicant's issued U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,843,411 and 6,110,477, it has been shown that anti-oxidants such as ascorbic acid are effective for treating certain conditions, but ascorbic acid is inherently unstable and needs to be stabilized before its anti-oxidant proportion can be effectively utilized. Therefore, there is a need for a stable anti-oxidant for treating certain skin conditions.

[0009] Certain plants such as green tea, are composed of a high content of polyphenols, which are bioflavonoids that have been shown to have anti-oxidant properties. Green tea contains specific polyphenols that are commonly known as catechins, which possess highly potent antioxidant characteristics. The most noted preventive catechin in green tea polyphenols is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Other catechins found in green tea are epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin 3-gallate (ECG) and epicatechin (EC).

[0010] It has been demonstrated in scientific literature that polyphenols, such as from green tea, are antioxidants, with anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties, as noted in Archives of Dermatology 2000; 136:989-994. Research has shown that green tea, especially its component epigallocatechin gallate, can block Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) light ray induced leukocyte infiltration in mouse and human skin, as noted in Carcinogenesis 1999, 2117-2124, and in Nutrition and Cancer 1996, 26(3); 325-335.

[0011] However it is not known to provide a topical composition for treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, acne rosacea, surface irregularities of the skin and melasma hyper-pigmentation of the skin, wherein the composition includes green tea extract and its polyphenol components, such as, for example, catechins.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to reduce skin fine lines and wrinkles, acne rosacea, surface irregularities of the skin and hyper-pigmentation melasma of the skin.

[0013] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a skin treatment composition useful in the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, acne rosacea, surface irregularities of the skin and melasma hyper-pigmentation of the skin.

[0014] It is also an object of the present invention to improve over the disadvantages of the prior art.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention comprises a method for treating skin conditions including fine lines and wrinkles, acne rosacea, surface irregularities of the skin and hyper-pigmentation melasma of the skin, which includes use of a topically applied composition such as an ointment, lotion, cream or serum, containing an effective amount of polyphenols or polyphenols from green tea, including but not limited to catechins, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicathechin 3-gallate (ECG) and epicatechin (EC).

[0016] The formulation is preferably composed of 90 percent polyphenol isolates, derived from green tea with potent antioxidant properties, to assist in minimizing free-radical induced skin damage.

[0017] In one embodiment, the formulation is a lightweight, fast absorbing water soluble serum formulation also containing the humectant hyaluronic acid to deliver enhanced moisturization and improved texture, tone and overall skin appearance.

[0018] In another embodiment for a cream formulation, there is provided an emollient, rich, water soluble cream containing hyaluronic acid and a soy phospholipid complex to achieve smoother, silkier, softer and more radiant looking skin.

[0019] The formulations of the present invention are non-comedogenic in that they do not tend to produce or aggravate skin acne. Moreover, they can be incorporated into existing prescription and over the counter skin care regimens.

EXAMPLES

[0020] A serum of the present invention was shown in the a medical case profile to be therapeutically effective in treatment of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, skin redness and a skin surface irregularity of large skin pores, where the serum was applied twice daily, in a morning and evening regimen, for a thirty day period with positive results, preventing further development of these skin conditions.

[0021] In addition, the formulations of the present invention have been found in clinical studies to be effective in reduction of hyper-pigmentation melasma of the skin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for the treatment of skin conditions including fine lines and wrinkles, acne rosacea and surface irregularities of the skin, as well as hyper-pigmentation melasma of the skin, which includes the steps of using a topically applied composition such as an ointment, lotion, cream, serum, gel or pad applied formulation containing an effective amount of polyphenols, such as green tea based polyphenols, including but not limited to catechins, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicathechin 3-gallate (ECG), and epicatechin (EC), or combinations thereof.

[0023] The formulation is preferably composed of 90 percent polyphenol isolates, derived from green tea with potent antioxidant properties, to assist in minimizing free-radical induced skin damage.

[0024] For example, the serum formulation preferable includes 90% polyphenol green tea extract in an amount of 0.05-10 percent, preferably about 0.25 percent, by weight of the total composition.

[0025] In addition, the cream formulation preferably includes 90% polyphenol green tea extract in an amount of from about 0.05 to about 10 percent, preferably about 0.25 percent.

[0026] In one embodiment, the formulation is a lightweight, fast absorbing water soluble serum formulation also containing the humectant hyaluronic acid, to deliver enhanced moisturization and improved texture, tone and overall skin appearance.

[0027] In another embodiment for a cream formulation, there is provided an emollient, rich, water soluble cream containing hyaluronic acid and a soy phospholipid complex to achieve smoother, silkier, softer and more radiant looking skin.

[0028] Each of these components has been shown in the medical literature to have effects that promote healing by a variety of mechanisms.

[0029] The following examples illustrate typical topically applied skin care products, which can be prepared using conventional procedures, from the following ingredients with ranges of acceptable percentages shown by weight, and typical preferred percentage by weight shown.

[0030] The formulations are illustrative only:

	Ingredient	% Range	% Preferred
	1. Cream
	Water	0-99.95	87.57
	Carbomer	0-5	0.40
	Methylparaben	0-1	0.10
	Tetrasodium EDTA	0-1	0.12
	Triethanolamine	0-5	0.50
	Lecithin	0-25	5.00
	Behenyl Alcohol	0-25	1.00
	Stearic Acid	0-25	0.10
	Sodium Hyaluronate	0-5	0.01
	Glyceryl Stearate	0-25	1.00
	C12-16 Alcohols	0-25	1.00
	Germall II	0-1.0	0.30
	Palmitic Acid	0-25	1.00
	Bisabolol	0-10	0.10
	Polysorbate - 20	0-25	0.20
	90% Polyphenol Green Tea Ext.	0.05-10	0.25
	Cucumber Extract	0-99.95	1.00
	Chamomile Extract	0-99.95	0.10
	Soy Phospholipids	0-25	0.25
	2. Serum
	Water	0-99.95	96.92
	Carbomer	0-5	0.40
	Methylparaben	0-1	0.10
	Tetrasodium EDTA	0-1	0.12
	Triethanolamine	0-5	0.50
	Sodium Hyaluronate	0-5	0.01
	Germall II	0-1.0	0.30
	Bisabolol	0-10	0.10
	Polysorbate - 20	0-25	0.20
	90% Polyphenol Green Tea Ext.	0.05-10	0.25
	Cucumber Extract	0-99.95	1.00
	Chamomile Extract	0-99.95	0.10

[0031] In general, the treatment composition suitable for use in accordance with the invention may be applied in any dermatological acceptable vehicle such as a serum, cream, ointment, gel, lotion, or pad applied formulation, which may or may not be emulsified and may contain ingredients to improve, modify, or stabilize the formulation physically or cosmetically. Other suitable formulations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0032] Other changes to the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit or scope thereof, in accordance with the accompanying Claims.

Claims

1. A method of treating fine lines and wrinkles in skin by topical application of polyphenol compounds derived from green tea dispensed in a suitable pharmaceutical vehicle, comprising the steps of: a. preparing a composition for topical application containing a therapeutically effective amount of polyphenols derived from green tea; b. topically applying said composition to the skin to be treated; and c. periodically repeating said topical application.

2. The method of treating fine lines and wrinkles as in claim 1, wherein said composition for topical application comprises green tea extract containing about 90% polyphenol isolates.

3. The method of treating fine lines and wrinkles as in claim 2, wherein said composition for topical application comprises green tea extract containing about 90% polyphenol isolates in an amount of from about 0.05 percent to about 10 percent by weight of the total topical application composition.

4. The method of treating fine lines and wrinkles as in claim 3, wherein said composition for topical application comprises green tea extract containing about 90% polyphenol isolates in an amount of from about 0.05 percent to about 1.0 percent by weight of the total topical application composition.

5. The method of treating fine lines and wrinkles as in claim 4, wherein said composition for topical application comprises green tea extract containing about 90% polyphenol isolates in an amount of about 0.25 percent by weight of the total topical application composition.

6. The method of treating fine lines and wrinkles as in claim 1, wherein said suitable pharmaceutical vehicle comprises a lightweight fast-absorbing water-soluble serum containing an effective amount of hyaluronic acid.

7. The method of treating fine lines and wrinkles as in claim 1, wherein said suitable pharmaceutical vehicle comprises a cream formulation comprising a water-soluble cream containing an effective amount of hyaluronic acid and an effective amount of a soy phospholipid complex.

8. The method of treating fine lines and wrinkles as in claim 1 wherein said periodic repetition of said topical application comprises twice-daily morning and evening applications for a duration of about 30 days.

9. The method of treating fine lines and wrinkles as in claim 1, wherein said composition for topical application comprises a cream having the following ingredients with the listed ranges and with said ingredients falling preferably within about the below-listed preferable percentage by weight ranges:

10. The method of treating fine lines and wrinkles as in claim 9, wherein said composition for topical application comprises a cream having the following ingredients with said ingredients being provided in about the below listed preferable percentage by weight:

11. The method of treating fine lines and wrinkles as in claim 1, wherein said composition for topical application comprises a serum having the following ingredients with the listed percentage by weight ranges and with said ingredients falling preferably within about the below-listed preferable percentage by weight ranges:

12. The method of treating fine lines and wrinkles as in claim 11, wherein said composition for topical application comprises a serum having the following ingredients with the listed percentage by weight ranges and with said ingredients falling preferably within about the below-listed preferable percentage by weight:

13. A method of treating acne rosacea of the skin by topical application of polyphenol compounds derived from green tea dispensed in a suitable pharmaceutical vehicle, comprising the steps of: a. preparing a composition for topical application containing a therapeutically effective amount of polyphenols derived from green tea; b. topically applying said composition to the skin to be treated; and c. periodically repeating said topical application.

14. The method of treating acne rosacea as in claim 13, wherein said composition for topical application comprises green tea extract containing about 90% polyphenol isolates.

15. The method of treating acne rosacea as in claim 14, wherein said composition for topical application comprises green tea extract containing about 90% polyphenol isolates in an amount of from about 0.05 percent to about 10 percent by weight of the total topical application composition.

16. The method of treating acne rosacea as in claim 15, wherein said composition for topical application comprises green tea extract containing about 90% polyphenol isolates in an amount of from about 0.05 percent to about 1.0 percent by weight of the total topical application composition.

17. The method of treating acne rosacea as in claim 16, wherein said composition for topical application comprises green tea extract containing about 90% polyphenol isolates in an amount of about 0.25 percent by weight of the total topical application composition.

18. The method of treating acne rosacea as in claim 13, wherein said suitable pharmaceutical vehicle comprises a lightweight fast-absorbing water-soluble serum containing an effective amount of hyaluronic acid.

19. The method of treating acne rosacea as in claim 13, wherein said suitable pharmaceutical vehicle comprises a cream formulation comprising a water-soluble cream containing an effective amount of hyaluronic acid and an effective amount of a soy phospholipid complex.

20. The method of treating acne rosacea as in claim 13 wherein said periodic repetition of said topical application comprises twice-daily morning and evening applications for a duration of about 30 days.

21. The method of treating acne rosacea as in claim 13, wherein said composition for topical application comprises a cream having the following ingredients with the listed percentage by weight ranges and with said ingredients falling preferably within about the below-listed preferable percentage by weight ranges:

22. The method of treating acne rosacea as in claim 21, wherein said composition for topical application comprises a cream having the following ingredients with the listed percentage by weight ranges and with said ingredients falling preferably within about the below-listed preferable percentage by weight:

23. The method of treating acne rosacea as in claim 13, wherein said composition for topical application comprises a serum having the following ingredients with the listed percentage by weight ranges and with said ingredients falling preferably within about the below-listed preferable percentage by weight:

24. The method of treating acne rosacea as in claim 23, wherein said composition for topical application comprises a serum having the following ingredients with the listed percentage by weight ranges and with said ingredients falling preferably within about the below-listed preferable percentage by weight:

25. A method of treating skin surface irregularities and acne scars in skin by topical application of polyphenol compounds derived from green tea dispensed in a suitable pharmaceutical vehicle, comprising the steps of: a. preparing a composition for topical application containing a therapeutically effective amount of polyphenols derived from green tea; b. topically applying said composition to the skin to be treated; and c. periodically repeating said topical application.

26. The method of treating skin surface irregularities and acne scars as in claim 25, wherein said composition for topical application comprises green tea extract containing about 90% polyphenol isolates.

27. The method of treating skin surface irregularities and acne scars as in claim 26, wherein said composition for topical application comprises green tea extract containing about 90% polyphenol isolates in an amount of from about 0.05 percent to about 10 percent by weight of the total topical application composition.

28. The method of treating skin surface irregularities and acne scars as in claim 27, wherein said composition for topical application comprises green tea extract containing about 90% polyphenol isolates in an amount of from about 0.05 percent to about 1.0 percent by weight of the total topical application composition.

29. The method of treating skin surface irregularities and acne scars as in claim 28, wherein said composition for topical application comprises green tea extract containing about 90% polyphenol isolates in an amount of about 0.25 percent by weight of the total topical application composition.

30. The method of treating skin surface irregularities and acne scars as in claim 25, wherein said suitable pharmaceutical vehicle comprises a lightweight fast-absorbing water-soluble serum containing an effective amount of hyaluronic acid.

31. The method of treating skin surface irregularities and acne scars as in claim 25, wherein said suitable pharmaceutical vehicle comprises a cream formulation comprising a water-soluble cream containing an effective amount of hyaluronic acid and an effective amount of a soy phospholipid complex.

32. The method of treating skin surface irregularities and acne scars as in claim 25 wherein said periodic repetition of said topical application comprises twice-daily morning and evening applications for a duration of about 30 days.

33. The method of treating skin surface irregularities and acne scars as in claim 25, wherein said composition for topical application comprises a cream having the following ingredients with the listed percentage by weight ranges and with said ingredients falling preferably within about the below-listed preferable percentage by weight ranges:

34. The method of treating skin surface irregularities and acne scars as in claim 33, wherein said composition for topical application comprises a cream having the following ingredients with the listed percentage by weight ranges and with said ingredients falling preferably within about the below-listed preferable percentage by weight:

35. The method of treating skin surface irregularities and acne scars as in claim 25, wherein said composition for topical application comprises a serum having the following ingredients with the listed percentage by weight ranges and with said ingredients falling preferably within about the below-listed preferable percentage by weight ranges:

36. The method of treating skin surface irregularities and acne scars as in claim 35, wherein said composition for topical application comprises a serum having the following ingredients with the listed percentage by weight ranges and with said ingredients falling preferably within about the below-listed preferable percentage by weight:

37. A method of treating hyper-pigmentation melasma of the skin by topical application of polyphenol compounds derived from green tea dispensed in a suitable pharmaceutical vehicle, comprising the steps of: a. preparing a composition for topical application containing a therapeutically effective amount of polyphenols derived from green tea; b. topically applying said composition to the skin to be treated; and d. periodically repeating said topical application.

38. The method of treating hyper-pigmentation melasma skin, as in claim 37, wherein said composition for topical application comprises green tea extract containing about 90% polyphenol isolates.

39. The method of treating hyper-pigmentation melasma as in claim 38, wherein said composition for topical application comprises green tea extract containing about 90% polyphenol isolates in an amount of from about 0.05 percent to about 10 percent by weight of the total topical application composition.

40. The method of treating hyper-pigmentation melasma as in claim 38, wherein said composition for topical application comprises green tea extract containing about 90% polyphenol isolates in an amount of from about 0.05 percent to about 1.0 percent by weight of the total topical application composition.

41. The method of treating hyper-pigmentation melasma as in claim 40, wherein said composition for topical application comprises green tea extract containing about 90% polyphenol isolates in an amount of about 0.25 percent by weight of the total topical application composition.

42. The method of treating hyper-pigmentation melasma as in claim 37, wherein said suitable pharmaceutical vehicle comprises a lightweight fast-absorbing water-soluble serum containing an effective amount of hyaluronic acid.

43. The method of treating hyper-pigmentation melasma as in claim 37 wherein said suitable pharmaceutical vehicle comprises a cream formulation comprising a water-soluble cream containing an effective amount of hyaluronic acid and an effective amount of a soy phospholipid complex.

44. The method of treating hyper-pigmentation melasma as in claim 37 wherein said periodic repetition of said topical application comprises twice-daily morning and evening applications for a duration of about 30 days.

45. The method of treating hyper-pigmentation melasma as in claim 37, wherein said composition for topical application comprises a cream having the following ingredients with the listed percentage by weight ranges and with said ingredients falling preferably within about the below-listed preferable percentage by weight ranges:

46. The method of treating hyper-pigmentation melasma as in claim 45, wherein said composition for topical application comprises a cream having the following ingredients with the listed percentage by weight ranges and with said ingredients falling preferably within about the below-listed preferable percentage by weight:

47. The method of treating hyper-pigmentation melasma as in claim 37, wherein said composition for topical application comprises a serum having the following ingredients with the listed percentage by weight ranges and with said ingredients falling preferably within about the below-listed preferable percentage by weight ranges:

48. The method of treating hyper-pigmentation melasma as in claim 37, wherein said composition for topical application comprises a serum having the following ingredients with the listed percentage by weight ranges and with said ingredients falling preferably within about the below-listed preferable percentage by weight:

49. A topically applied composition for treating fine lines and wrinkles in skin, acne rosacea, surface irregularities of the skin and hyperpigmentation melasma of the skin comprising at least one polyphenol compound derived from green tea dispensed in a suitable pharmaceutical vehicle.

50. The composition as in claim 49, wherein said composition for topical application comprises green tea extract containing about 90% polyphenol isolates.

51. The composition as in claim 50, wherein said composition for topical application comprises green tea extract containing about 90% polyphenol isolates in an amount of from about 0.05 percent to about 10 percent by weight of the total topical application composition.

52. The composition as in claim 51, wherein said composition for topical application comprises green tea extract containing about 90% polyphenol isolates in an amount of from about 0.05 percent to about 1.0 percent by weight of the total topical application composition.

53. The composition as in claim 52, wherein said composition for topical application comprises green tea extract containing about 90% polyphenol isolates in an amount of about 0.25 percent by weight of the total topical application composition.

54. The composition as in claim 49, wherein said suitable pharmaceutical vehicle comprises a lightweight fast-absorbing water-soluble serum containing an effective amount of hyaluronic acid.

55. The composition as in claim 49, wherein said suitable pharmaceutical vehicle comprises a cream formulation comprising a water-soluble cream containing an effective amount of hyaluronic acid and an effective amount of a soy phospholipid complex.

56. The composition as in claim 49 wherein said composition for topical application comprises a cream having the following ingredients with the listed ranges and with said ingredients falling preferably within about the below-listed preferable percentage by weight ranges:

57. The composition as in claim 56, wherein said composition for topical application comprises a cream having the following ingredients with said ingredients being provided in about the below listed preferable percentage by weight:

58. The composition as in claim 49, wherein said composition for topical application comprises a serum having the following ingredients with the listed percentage by weight ranges and with said ingredients falling preferably within about the below-listed preferable percentage by weight ranges:

59. The composition as in claim 58, wherein said composition for topical application comprises a serum having the following ingredients with the listed percentage by weight ranges and with said ingredients falling preferably within about the below-listed preferable percentage by weight:

60. The composition as in claim 49, wherein said suitable pharmaceutical vehicle comprises a lotion.

61. The composition as in claim 49, wherein said suitable pharmaceutical vehicle comprises a gel.

62. The composition as in claim 49, wherein said suitable pharmaceutical vehicle comprises a pad having an effective amount of said composition saturated therein.