Vitamin c composition for use in the prevention and treatment of stretch marks, radiation dermatitis, and other skin conditions and methods of using the same

Abstract

A formulation for a stable ascorbic acid composition which, in a simplified form, is comprised of ascorbic acid in solution with a hygroscopic compound (i.e., a substance with the ability to attract water molecules from the surrounding environment through either absorption or adsorption). Also disclosed herein are methods for the production of such compounds and methods of using such compounds in the prevention, inhibition and treatment of striae gravidarum, radiation dermatitis, rhytids, lentigoes, dyschromia, sun-damage induced hyperpigmentation, cellulite, scars and purpura, among other skin diseases or conditions.

1 . A composition of matter comprising:
 ascorbic acid in solution with a hygroscopic compound.   
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said hygroscopic compound is chosen from the group consisting of: glycerin, sucrose, sorbitol, dextrose and corn syrup. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 2 , wherein said ascorbic acid composition further comprises a silicone-based organic polymer. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 3 , wherein the silicone-based organic polymer is chosen from the group consisting of: dimethicone and cylcomethicone. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 3 , wherein the composition further comprises matter chosen from the group consisting of: panthenol, pantothenic acid, tocopherol, propylene glycol and ethanol. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 5 , said composition comprising:
 5-20% ascorbic acid;   85-95% hygroscopic compound;   0-3% silicone-based organic polymer;   0-5% pantothenic acid;   0-5% tocopherol;   0-30% propylene glycol; and   0-20% ethanol.   
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition remains stable for at least one year. 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition remains stable for at least two years. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the purity of ascorbic acid is at least 95% after two years. 
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the purity of ascorbic acid is at least 95% after four years. 
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein said composition is a topical composition. 
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 1  further comprising a silicone-based organic polymer;
 wherein the hygroscopic compound is 99% pure glycerin; and 
 wherein the composition comprises about 10% ascorbic acid in solution with about 90% of the 99% pure glycerin and about 1% silicone-based organic polymer. 
 
     
     
         13 . A method of producing a composition of ascorbic acid in solution with a hygroscopic compound, the method comprising:
 heating a hygroscopic compound to about 40-70° C.; and   adding ascorbic acid to the heated hygroscopic compound to form a solution.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the hygroscopic compound is heated in a covered container. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein an agitating device is used to mix the composition. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the composition has a final ascorbic acid concentration of about 20%. 
     
     
         17 . A method of stimulating collagen synthesis comprising:
 forming a composition of ascorbic acid in solution with a hygroscopic compound; and   applying said composition topically to a patient's skin.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the composition is topically applied to the patient for the treatment of a skin condition chosen from the group consisting of: striae gravidarum, radiation dermatitis, rhytids, lentigoes, dyschromia, sun-damage induced hyperpigmentation, cellulite, scars and pupura.