Skin treatment compositions containing copper-pigment complexes

Abstract

A therapeutic method is described in which copper is delivered into the skin as a complex with sodium chlorophyllin. Sodium copper chlorophyllin is encapsulated in suitable lecithin-type liposomes, containing a high concentration of linoleic acid and having diameters in the range 150-350 nanometers. The method provides therapeutic benefits in the treatment of environmentally-induced premature skin aging, excessively oily skin, acne and acne-related skin disorders, acne-rosacea, and also stimulates the natural tanning response of skin to sunlight and other ultraviolet-containing radiation.

1 . A composition for topical application to human skin to treat, prevent, or otherwise reduce acne, acne scars, oiliness, large pores and associated inflammation, said composition containing: a) an aqueous 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.  
   
   
       2 . The composition of  claim 1  where the size of the liposomes is in the range of 150-350 nanometers in diameter.  
   
   
       3 . The composition of  claim 1  where the concentration of sodium copper chlorophyllin ranges between 0.0001% and 0.5% by weight of the total composition.  
   
   
       4 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the cosmetically, pharmaceutically or dermatology acceptable carrier vehicle comprises a gel, lotion, liquid or cream emulsion, microemulsion, suspension, or liposomal dispersion.  
   
   
       5 . The composition of  claim 1  with the pH adjusted to between 6.5-8.5 and preferably between 7.2-7.6.  
   
   
       6 . A composition for topical application to human skin for treating environmentally-induced premature skin aging and to reduce or otherwise improve the signs of premature skin aging including the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven or blotchy pigmentation and skin color and sagging of skin, caused by incomplete cross-linking of collagen and elastin fibers, said composition containing: a) an aqueous 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.  
   
   
       7 . The composition of  claim 6  where the size of the liposomes are in the range of 150-350 nanometers in diameter.  
   
   
       8 . The composition of  claim 6  where the concentration of sodium copper chlorophyllin ranges between 0.0001% and 0.5% by weight of the total composition.  
   
   
       9 . The composition of  claim 6  wherein the cosmetically, pharmaceutically, or dermatology acceptable carrier vehicle comprises a gel, lotion or cream emulsion, microemulsion, suspension, or liposomal dispersion.  
   
   
       10 . The composition of  claim 6  with the pH adjusted to between 6.5-8.5 and preferably between 7.2-7.6.  
   
   
       11 . A composition for topical application to human skin for treating acne-rosacea, said composition containing: a) an aqueous 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.  
   
   
       12 . The composition of  claim 11  where the size of the liposomes is in the range of 150-350 nanometers in diameter.  
   
   
       13 . The composition of  claim 11  where the concentration of sodium copper chlorophyllin ranges between 0.0001% and 0.5% by weight of the total composition.  
   
   
       14 . The composition of  claim 11  wherein the cosmetically, pharmaceutically, or dermatology acceptable carrier vehicle comprises a gel, lotion, liquid or cream emulsion, microemulsion, suspension, or liposomal dispersion.  
   
   
       15 . The composition of  claim 11  with the pH adjusted to between 6.5-8.5 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 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 16  with the pH adjusted between 6.5-8.5 and preferably between 7.2-7.6.