N-acetyl aldosamines, N-acetylamino acids and related N-acetyl compounds and their topical use

Abstract

Compositions comprising N-acetyl-aldosamines, N-acetylamino acids, and related N-acetyl compounds are useful to alleviate or improve various cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders, including changes or damage to skin, nail and hair associated with intrinsic aging and/or extrinsic aging, as well as changes or damage caused by extrinsic factors. N-acetyl-aldosamines, N-acetylamino acids, and related N-acetyl composition may further comprise a cosmetic, pharmaceutical or other topical agent to enhance or create synergetic effects.

We claim: 
     
       1. A composition comprising (A) a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle for topical treatment of cosmetic conditions or dermatological disorders and (B) a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of N-acetyl aldosamines, N-acetylamino acids, and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof,
 wherein said N-acetyl aldosamine has the formula:   
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein n is an integer; R 1  is selected from the group consisting of CHO, CONH 2 , and COOR 3 ; R 2  is selected from the group consisting of H, I, F, Cl, Br, and an alkyl, alkoxyl, aralkyl or aryl group of saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched chain or cyclic form having 1 to 19 carbon atoms; R 3  is selected from the group consisting of H and an alkyl, aralkyl, or aryl group having from 1 to 9 carbon atoms, 
       wherein said N-acetylamino acid or isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester form thereof is at least one member selected from the group consisting of N-acetyl-glycine, N-acetyl-alanine, N-acetyl-valine, N-acetyl-leucine, N-acetyl-isoleucine, N-acetyl-serine, N-acetyl-threonine, N-acetyl-tyrosine, N-acetyl-methionine, N-acetyl-aspartic acid, N-acetyl-asparagine, N-acetyl-glutamine, N-acetyl-arginine, N-acetyl-lysine, N-acetyl-histidine, N-acetyl-phenylalanine, N-acetyl-tyrosine, N-acetyl-tryptophan, N-acetyl-β-alanine, N-acetyl-taurine, N-acetyl-r-aminobutanoic acid, N-acetyl-hydroxyproline, N-acetyl-canavanine, N-acetyl-hydroxylysine, N-acetyl-cycloserine, N-acetyl-homoarginine, N-acetyl-norleucine, N-acetyl-norvaline, N-acetyl-homoserine, N-acetyl-methylserine, N-acetyl-hydroxyvaline, N-acetyl-ethionine, N-acetyl-methoxinine, N-acetyl-β-aminoisobutanoic acid, N-acetyl-homocysteine, N-acetyl-cysteine sulfinic acid, N-acetyl-homophenylalanine, N-acetyl-homotryptophan, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (N-acetyl-serotonin), N-acetyltryptamine, N-acetyl-ornithine, N-acetyl-citrulline, N-acetyl-argininosuccinic acid, N-acetyl-dopa, N-acetyl-3-iodotyrosine, N-acetyl-3,5-diiodotyrosine, N-acetyl-3,5,3′-triiodothyronine, N-acetyl-thyroxine, N-acetyl-creatine, N-acetyl-creatinine, N-acetyl-cystine, N-acetyl-homocystine, and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof, and N-acetyl-glutamic acid and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof. 
     
     
       2. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said N-acetyl aldosamine or isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester form thereof is at least one member selected from the group consisting of N-acetyl-glycerosamine, N-acetyl-erythrosamine, N-acetyl-threosamine, N-acetyl-ribosamine, N-acetyl-arabinosamine, N-acetyl-xylosamine, N-acetyl-lyxosamine, N-acetyl-allosamine, N-acetyl-altrosamine, N-acetyl-glucosamine, N-acetyl-mannosamine, N-acetyl-gulosamine, N-acetyl-idosamine, N-acetyl-galactosamine, N-acetyl-talosamine, N-acetyl-glucoheptosamine, N-acetyl-galactoheptosamine, N-acetyl-mannoheptosamine, N-acetyllactosamine, N-acetylmuramic acid, N-acetylneuramine, N-acetylneuramin Lactose, N-acetyl-glyceraminic acid, N-acetyl-erythrosaminic acid, N-acetyl-threosaminic acid, N-acetyl-ribosaminic acid, N-acetyl-arabinosaminic acid, N-acetyl-xylosaminic acid, N-acetyl-lyxosaminic acid, N-acetyl-allosaminic acid, N-acetyl-altrosaminic acid, N-acetyl-glucosaminic acid, N-acetyl-mannosaminic acid, N-acetyl-gulosaminic acid, N-acetyl-idosaminic acid, N-acetyl-galactosaminic acid, N-acetyl-talosaminic acid, N-acetyl-heptoglucosaminic acid, N-acetyl-heptogalactosaminic acid, N-acetyl-heptomannosaminic acid, N-acetyl-N-acetylneuraminic acid, and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof. 
     
     
       3. The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders are selected from the group consisting of disturbed keratinization, defective syntheses of dermal components, and changes associated with aging of skin, nail and hair, conditions and disorders which include dryness or loose of skin, nail and hair, xerosis, ichthyosis, palmar hyerperkeratoses, plantar hyperkeratoses, uneven and rough surfaces of skin, nail and hair, dandruff, Darier's disease, lichen simplex chronicus, keratoses, acne, pseudofolliculitis barbae, eczema, psoriasis, pruritus, warts, herpes, age spots, lentigines, melasmas, blemished skin, hyperkeratoses, hyperpigmented skin, abnormal or diminished syntheses of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans and elastin as well as diminished levels of such components in the dermis, stretch marks, skin lines, fine lines, wrinkles, thinning of skin, nail plate and hair, skin thickening due to elastosis of photoaging, loss or reduction of skin, nail and hair resiliency, elasticity and recoilability, lack of skin, nail and hair lubricants and luster, dull and older-looking skin, nails and hair, and fragility and splitting of nails and hair. 
     
     
       4. A composition comprising:
 (A) a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle for topical treatment of cosmetic conditions or dermatological disorders,   (B) a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of N-acetyl aldosamines, N-acetylamino acids, and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof, wherein said N-acetyl aldosamine has the formula:   
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein n is an integer; R 1  is selected from the group consisting of CHO, CONH 2 , and COOR 3 ; R 2  is selected from the group consisting of H, I, F, Cl, Br, and an alkyl, alkoxyl, aralkyl or aryl group of saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched chain or cyclic form having 1 to 19 carbon atoms; R 3  is selected from the group consisting of H and an alkyl, aralkyl, or aryl group having from 1 to 9 carbon atoms, 
       wherein said N-acetylamino acid has the formula: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein R 1  is H or an alkyl or aralkyl group having 1 to 14 carbon atoms; n is an integer; R 2  is OH, NH 2  or OR 3 ; and R 3  is an alkyl, aralkyl or aryl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms which may be saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched chain or cyclic form; H attached to a carbon atom may be substituted by I, F, Cl, Br or an alkoxyl group having 1 to 9 carbons; and R 1  may carry OH, SH, SCH 3 , COOH, NH 2 , CONH 2 , guanidine or heterocyclic group, 
       and wherein said N-acetylamino acid is not N-acetylcysteine or a derivative thereof, and
 (C) a cosmetic, pharmaceutical or other topical agent. 
 
     
     
       5. The composition of  claim 4 , wherein said N-acetyl aldosamine or isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester form thereof is at least one member selected from the group consisting of N-acetyl-glycerosamine, N-acetyl-erythrosamine, N-acetyl-threosamine, N-acetyl-ribosamine, N-acetyl-arabinosamine, N-acetyl-xylosamine, N-acetyl-lyxosamine, N-acetyl-allosamine, N-acetyl-altrosamine, N-acetyl-glucosamine, N-acetyl-mannosamine, N-acetyl-gulosamine, N-acetyl-idosamine, N-acetyl-galactosamine, N-acetyl-talosamine, N-acetyl-glucoheptosamine, N-acetyl-galactoheptosamine, N-acetyl-mannoheptosamine, N-acetyllactosamine, N-acetylmuramic acid, N-acetylneuramine, N-acetylneuramin Lactose, N-acetyl-glyceraminic acid, N-acetyl-erythrosaminic acid, N-acetyl-threosaminic acid, N-acetyl-ribosaminic acid, N-acetyl-arabinosaminic acid, N-acetyl-xylosaminic acid, N-acetyl-lyxosaminic acid, N-acetyl-allosaminic acid, N-acetyl-altrosaminic acid, N-acetyl-glucosaminic acid; N-acetyl-mannosaminic acid, N-acetyl-gulosaminic acid, N-acetyl-idosaminic acid, N-acetyl-galactosaminic acid, N-acetyl-talosaminic acid, N-acetyl-heptoglucosaminic acid, N-acetyl-heptogalactosaminic acid, N-acetyl-heptomannosaminic acid, N-acetyl-N-acetylneuraminic acid, and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof. 
     
     
       6. The composition of  claim 4  wherein said N-acetylamino acid or isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester form thereof is at least one member selected from the group consisting of N-acetyl-glycine, N-acetyl-alanine, N-acetyl-valine, N-acetyl-leucine, N-acetyl-isoleucine, N-acetyl-serine, N-acetyl-threonine, N-acetyl-tyrosine, N-acetyl-methionine, N-acetyl-aspartic acid, N-acetyl-asparagine, N-acetyl-glutamic acid, N-acetyl-glutamine, N-acetyl-arginine, N-acetyl-lysine, N-acetyl-histidine, N-acetyl-phenylalanine, N-acetyl-tyrosine, N-acetyl-tryptophan, N-acetyl-proline, N-acetyl-β-alanine, N-acetyl-taurine, N-acetyl-r-aminobutanoic acid, N-acetyl-hydroxyproline, N-acetyl-canavanine, N-acetyl-hydroxylysine, N-acetyl-cycloserine, N-acetyl-homoarginine, N-acetyl-norleucine, N-acetyl-norvaline, N-acetyl-homoserine, N-acetyl-methylserine, N-acetyl-hydroxyvaline, N-acetyl-ethionine, N-acetyl-methoxinine, N-acetyl-β-aminoisobutanoic acid, N-acetyl-homocysteine, N-acetyl-cysteine sulfinic acid, N-acetyl-homophenylalanine, N-acetyl-homotryptophan, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (N-acetylserotonin), N-acetyltryptamine, N-acetyl-ornithine, N-acetyl-citrulline, N-acetyl-argininosuccinic acid, N-acetyl-dopa, N-acetyl-3-iodotyrosine, N-acetyl-3,5-diiodotyrosine, N-acetyl-3,5,3′-triiodothyronine, N-acetyl-thyroxine, N-acetyl-creatine, N-acetyl-creatinine, N-acetyl-cystine, N-acetyl-homocystine, and or isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof. 
     
     
       7. The composition of  claim 4 , wherein said cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders are selected from the group consisting of disturbed keratinization, defective syntheses of dermal components, and changes associated with aging of skin, nail and hair, conditions and disorders which include dryness or loose of skin, nail and hair, xerosis, ichthyosis, palmar hyerperkeratoses, plantar hyperkeratoses, uneven and rough surfaces of skin, nail and hair, dandruff, Darier's disease, lichen simplex chronicus, keratoses, acne, pseudofolliculitis barbae, eczema, psoriasis, pruritus, warts, herpes, age spots, lentigines, melasmas, blemished skin, hyperkeratoses, hyperpigmented skin, abnormal or diminished syntheses of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans and elastin as well as diminished levels of such components in the dermis, stretch marks, skin lines, fine lines, wrinkles, thinning of skin, nail plate and hair, skin thickening due to elastosis of photoaging, loss or reduction of skin, nail and hair resiliency, elasticity and recoilability, lack of skin, nail and hair lubricants and luster, dull and older-looking skin, nails and hair, and fragility and splitting of nails and hair. 
     
     
       8. The composition of  claim 4 , wherein said cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or other topical agent is selected from the group consisting of agents that improve or eradicate age spots, keratoses and wrinkles, local analgesics and anesthetics, antiacne agents, antibacterials, antiyeast agents, antifungal agents, antiviral agents, antidandruff agents, antidermatitis agents, antihistamine agents, antipruritic agents, antiemetics, antimotion sickness agents, antiinflammatory agents, antihyperkeratolytic agents, antiperspirants, antipsoriatic agents, antiseborrheic agents, hair conditioners and hair treatment agents, antiaging and antiwrinkle agents, sunblock and sunscreen agents, skin lightening agents, depigmenting agents, vitamins, corticosteroids, tanning agents, hormones, retinoids, and topical cardiovascular agents. 
     
     
       9. The composition of  claim 8 , wherein said cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or other topical agent is selected from the group consisting of clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, griseofulvin, econazole, metronidazole, hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine, pramoxine, lidocaine, procaine, mepivacaine, monobenzone, erythromycin, tetracycline, clindamycin, meclocycline, hydroquinone, hydroquinone monoether, minocycline, naproxen, ibuprofen, theophylline, cromolyn, albuterol, retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid, 13-cis retinoic acid, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone 21-acetate, hydrocortisone 17-valerate, hydrocortisone 17-butyrate, betamethasone valerate, betamethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide, fluocinonide, clobetasol propionate, benzoyl peroxide, crotamiton, propranolol, promethazine, salicylic acid, vitamin E and vitamin E acetate. 
     
     
       10. A composition comprising (A) a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle for topical treatment of cosmetic conditions or dermatological disorders and (B) at least 1% by total weight of the composition of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of N-acetyl aldosamines, N-acetylamino acids, and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof,
 wherein said N-acetyl aldosamine has the formula:   
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein n is an integer; R 1  is selected from the group consisting of CHO, CONH 2 , and COOR 3 ; R 2  is selected from the group consisting of H, I, F, Cl, Br, and an alkyl, alkoxyl, aralkyl or aryl group of saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched chain or cyclic form having 1 to 19 carbon atoms; R 3  is selected from the group consisting of H and an alkyl, aralkyl, or aryl group having from 1 to 9 carbon atoms,
 wherein said N-acetylamino acid or isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester form thereof is at least one member selected from the group consisting of N-acetyl-glycine, N-acetyl-alanine, N-acetyl-valine, N-acetyl-leucine, N-acetyl-isoleucine, N-acetyl-serine, N-acetyl-threonine, N-acetyl-tyrosine, N-acetyl-methionine, N-acetyl-aspartic acid, N-acetyl-asparagine, N-acetyl-glutamine, N-acetyl-arginine, N-acetyl-lysine, N-acetyl-histidine, N-acetyl-phenylalanine, N-acetyl-tyrosine, N-acetyl-tryptophan, N-acetyl-proline, N-acetyl-β-alanine, N-acetyl-taurine, N-acetyl-r-aminobutanoic acid, N-acetyl-hydroxyproline, N-acetyl-canavanine, N-acetyl-hydroxylysine, N-acetyl-cycloserine, N-acetyl-homoarginine, N-acetyl-norleucine, N-acetyl-norvaline, N-acetyl-homoserine, N-acetyl-methylserine, N-acetyl-hydroxyvaline, N-acetyl-ethionine, N-acetyl-methoxinine, N-acetyl-β-aminoisobutanoic acid, N-acetyl-homocysteine, N-acetyl-cysteine sulfinic acid, N-acetyl-homophenylalanine, N-acetyl-homotryptophan, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (N-acetylserotonin), N-acetyltryptamine, N-acetyl-ornithine, N-acetyl-citrulline, N-acetyl-argininosuccinic acid, N-acetyl-dopa, N-acetyl-3-iodotyrosine, N-acetyl-3,5-diiodotyrosine, N-acetyl-3,5,3′-triiodothyronine, N-acetyl-thyroxine, N-acetyl-creatine, N-acetyl-creatinine, N-acetyl-cystine, N-acetyl-homocystine, and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof, and N-acetyl glutamic acid and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof. 
 
     
     
       11. A composition comprising:
 (A) a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle for topical treatment of cosmetic conditions or dermatological disorders,   (B) at least 1% by total weight of the composition of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of N-acetyl aldosamines, N-acetylamino acids, and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof,   wherein said N-acetyl aldosamine has the formula:   
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein n is an integer; R 1  is selected from the group consisting of CHO, CONH 2 , and COOR 3 ; R 2  is selected from the group consisting of H, I, F, Cl, Br, and an alkyl, alkoxyl, aralkyl or aryl group of saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched chain or cyclic form having 1 to 19 carbon atoms; R 3  is selected from the group consisting of H and an alkyl, aralkyl, or aryl group having from 1 to 9 carbon atoms, 
       wherein said N-acetylamino acid is N-acetyl-proline or has the formula: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein R 1  is H or an alkyl or aralkyl group having 1 to 14 carbon atoms; n is an integer; R 2  is OH, NH 2  or OR 3 ; and R 3  is an alkyl, aralkyl or aryl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms which may be saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched chain or cyclic form; H attached to a carbon atom may be substituted by I, F, Cl, Br or an alkoxyl group having 1 to 9 carbons; and R 1  may carry OH, SH, SCH 3 , COOH, NH 2 , CONH 2 , guanidine or heterocyclic group, 
       and wherein said N-acetylamino acid is not N-acetylcysteine or a derivative thereof, and
 (C) a cosmetic, pharmaceutical or other topical agent. 
 
     
     
       12. A method for treating cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders comprising topically applying a composition comprising (A) a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle for topical treatment of cosmetic conditions or dermatological disorders and (B) a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of N-acetyl aldosamines, N-acetylamino acids and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof,
 wherein said N-acetyl aldosamine has the formula:   
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein n is an integer; R 1  is selected from the group consisting of CHO, CONH 2 , and COOR 3 ; R 2  is selected from the group consisting of H, I, F, Cl, Br, and an alkyl, alkoxyl, aralkyl or aryl group of saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched chain or cyclic form having 1 to 19 carbon atoms; R 3  is selected from the group consisting of H and an alkyl, aralkyl or aryl group having from 1 to 9 carbon atoms, and
 wherein said N-acetylamino acid or isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester form thereof is at least one member selected from the group consisting of N-acetyl-glycine, N-acetyl-alanine, N-acetyl-valine, N-acetyl-leucine, N-acetyl-isoleucine, N-acetyl-serine, N-acetyl-threonine, N-acetyl-tyrosine, N-acetyl-cysteine, N-acetyl-methionine, N-acetyl-aspartic acid, N-acetyl-asparagine, N-acetyl-glutamine, N-acetyl-arginine, N-acetyl-lysine, N-acetyl-histidine, N-acetyl-phenylalanine, N-acetyl-tyrosine, N-acetyl-tryptophan, N-acetyl-proline, N-acetyl-β-alanine, N-acetyl-taurine, N-acetyl-r-aminobutanoic acid, N-acetyl-hydroxyproline, N-acetyl-canavanine, N-acetyl-hydroxylysine, N-acetyl-cycloserine, N-acetyl-homoarginine, N-acetyl-norleucine, N-acetyl-norvaline, N-acetyl-homoserine, N-acetyl-methylserine, N-acetyl-hydroxyvaline, N-acetyl-ethionine, N-acetyl-methoxinine, N-acetyl-β-aminoisobutanoic acid, N-acetyl-homocysteine, N-acetyl-cysteine sulfinic acid, N-acetyl-homophenylalanine, N-acetyl-homotryptophan, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (N-acetylserotonin), N-acetyltryptamine, N-acetyl-ornithine, N-acetyl-citrulline, N-acetyl-argininosuccinic acid, N-acetyl-dopa, N-acetyl-3-iodotyrosine, N-acetyl-3,5-diiodotyrosine, N-acetyl-3,5,3′-triiodothyronine, N-acetyl-thyroxine, N-acetyl-creatine, N-acetyl-creatinine, N-acetyl-cystine, N-acetyl-homocystine, and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof, and N-acetyl-glutamic acid and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof. 
 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , wherein said N-acetyl aldosamine or isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester form thereof is at least one member selected from the group consisting of N-acetyl-glycerosamine, N-acetyl-erythrosamine, N-acetyl-threosamine, N-acetyl-ribosamine, N-acetyl-arabinosamine, N-acetyl-xylosamine, N-acetyl-lyxosamine, N-acetyl-allosamine, N-acetyl-altrosamine, N-acetyl-glucosamine, N-acetyl-mannosamine, N-acetyl-gulosamine, N-acetyl-idosamine, N-acetyl-galactosamine, N-acetyl-talosamine, N-acetyl-glucoheptosamine, N-acetyl-galactoheptosamine, N-acetyl-mannoheptosamine, N-acetyllactosamine, N-acetylmuramic acid, N-acetylneuramine, N-acetylneuramin Lactose, N-acetyl-glyceraminic acid, N-acetyl-erythrosaminic acid, N-acetyl-threosaminic acid, N-acetyl-ribosaminic acid, N-acetyl-arabinosaminic acid, N-acetyl-xylosaminic acid, N-acetyl-lyxosaminic acid, N-acetyl-allosaminic acid, N-acetyl-altrosaminic acid, N-acetyl-glucosaminic acid, N-acetyl-mannosaminic acid, N-acetyl-gulosaminic acid, N-acetyl-idosaminic acid, N-acetyl-galactosaminic acid, N-acetyl-talosaminic acid, N-acetyl-heptoglucosaminic acid, N-acetyl-heptogalactosaminic acid, N-acetyl-heptomannosaminic acid, N-acetyl-N-acetylneuraminic acid, and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 12 , wherein said cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders are selected from the group consisting of disturbed keratinization, defective syntheses of dermal components, and changes associated with aging of skin, nail and hair, conditions and disorders which include dryness or loose of skin, nail and hair, xerosis, ichthyosis, palmar hyerperkeratoses, plantar hyperkeratoses, uneven and rough surfaces of skin, nail and hair, dandruff, Darier's disease, lichen simplex chronicus, keratoses, acne, pseudofolliculitis barbae, eczema, psoriasis, pruritus, warts, herpes, age spots, lentigines, melasmas, blemished skin, hyperkeratoses, hyperpigmented skin, abnormal or diminished syntheses of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans and elastin as well as diminished levels of such components in the dermis, stretch marks, skin lines, fine lines, wrinkles, thinning of skin, nail plate and hair, skin thickening due to elastosis of photoaging, loss or reduction of skin, nail and hair resiliency, elasticity and recoilability, lack of skin, nail and hair lubricants and luster, dull and older-looking skin, nails and hair, and fragility and splitting of nails and hair. 
     
     
       15. A method for treating cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders comprising topically applying a composition comprising:
 (A) a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle for topical treatment of cosmetic conditions or dermatological disorders,   (B) a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of N-acetyl aldosamines, N-acetylamino acids, and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof,
 wherein said N-acetyl aldosamine has the formula: 
   
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein n is an integer; R 1  is selected from the group consisting of CHO, CONH 2 , and COOR 3 ; R 2  is selected from the group consisting of H, I, F, Cl, Br, and an alkyl, alkoxyl, aralkyl or aryl group of saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched chain or cyclic form having 1 to 19 carbon atoms; R 2  is selected from the group consisting of H and an alkyl, aralkyl, or aryl group having from 1 to 9 carbon atoms, 
       wherein said N-acetylamino acid is N-acetyl-proline or has the formula: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein R 1  is H or an alkyl or aralkyl group having 1 to 14 carbon atoms; n is an integer; R 2  is OH, NH 2  or OR 3 ; and R 3  is an alkyl, aralkyl or aryl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms which may be saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched chain or cyclic form; H attached to a carbon atom may be substituted by I, F, Cl, Br or an alkoxyl group having 1 to 9 carbons; and R 1  may carry OH, SH, SCH 3 , COOH, NH 2 , CONH 2 , guanidine or heterocyclic group, and wherein said N-acetylamino acid is not N-acetylcysteine or a derivative thereof, and
 (C) a cosmetic, pharmaceutical or other topical agent. 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , wherein said N-acetyl aldosamine or isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester form thereof is at least one member selected from the group consisting of N-acetyl-glycerosamine,N-acetyl-erythrosamine, N-acetyl-threosamine, N-acetyl-ribosamine, N-acetyl-arabinosamine, N-acetyl-xylosamine, N-acetyl-lyxosamine, N-acetyl-allosamine, N-acetyl-altrosamine, N-acetyl-glucosamine, N-acetyl-mannosamine, N-acetyl-gulosamine, N-acetyl-idosamine, N-acetyl-galactosamine, N-acetyl-talosamine, N-acetyl-glucoheptosamine, N-acetyl-galactoheptosamine, N-acetyl-mannoheptosamine, N-acetyllactosamine, N-acetylmuramic acid, N-acetylneuramine, N-acetylneuramin Lactose, N-acetyl-glyceraminic acid, N-acetyl-erythrosaminic acid, N-acetyl-threosaminic acid, N-acetyl-ribosaminic acid, N-acetyl-arabinosaminic acid, N-acetyl-xylosaminic acid, N-acetyl-lyxosaminic acid, N-acetyl-allosaminic acid, N-acetyl-altrosaminic acid, N-acetyl-glucosaminic acid, N-acetyl-mannosaminic acid, N-acetyl-gulosaminic acid, N-acetyl-idosaminic acid, N-acetyl-galactosaminic acid, N-acetyl-talosaminic acid, N-acetyl-heptoglucosaminic acid, N-acetyl-heptogalactosaminic acid, N-acetyl-heptomannosaminic acid, N-acetyl-N-acetylneuraminic acid, and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 15 , wherein said N-acetylamino acid or isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester form thereof is at least one member selected from the group consisting of N-acetyl-glycine, N-acetyl-alanine, N-acetyl-valine, N-acetyl-leucine, N-acetyl-isoleucine, N-acetyl-serine, N-acetyl-threonine, N-acetyl-tyrosine, N-acetyl-methionine, N-acetyl-aspartic acid, N-acetyl-asparagine, N-acetyl-glutamic acid, N-acetyl-glutamine, N-acetyl-arginine, N-acetyl-lysine, N-acetyl-histidine, N-acetyl-phenylalanine, N-acetyl-tyrosine, N-acetyl-tryptophan, N-acetyl-proline, N-acetyl-β-alanine, N-acetyl-taurine, N-acetyl-r-aminobutanoic acid, N-acetyl-hydroxyproline, N-acetyl-canavanine, N-acetyl-hydroxylysine, N-acetyl-cycloserine, N-acetyl-homoarginine, N-acetyl-norleucine, N-acetyl-norvaline, N-acetyl-homoserine, N-acetyl-methylserine, N-acetyl-hydroxyvaline, N-acetyl-ethionine, N-acetyl-methoxinine, N-acetyl-β-aminoisobutanoic acid, N-acetyl-homocysteine, N-acetyl-cysteine sulfinic acid, N-acetyl-homophenylalanine, N-acetyl-homotryptophan, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (N-acetylserotonin), N-acetyltryptamine, N-acetyl-ornithine, N-acetyl-citrulline, N-acetyl-argininosuccinic acid, N-acetyl-dopa, N-acetyl-3-iodotyrosine, N-acetyl-3,5-diiodotyrosine, N-acetyl-3,5,3′-triiodothyronine, N-acetyl-thyroxine, N-acetyl-creatine, N-acetyl-creatinine, N-acetyl-cystine, N-acetyl-homocystine, and isomeric or nonisomeric, free acid, salt, lactone, amide, or ester forms thereof. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 15 , wherein said cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders are selected from the groups consisting of disturbed keratinization, defective syntheses of dermal components, and changes associated with aging of skin, nail and hair, conditions and disorders which include dryness or loose of skin, nail and hair, xerosis, ichthyosis, palmar hyerperkeratoses, plantar hyperkeratoses, uneven and rough surfaces of skin, nail and hair, dandruff, Darier's disease, lichen simplex chronicus, keratoses, acne, pseudofolliculitis barbae, eczema, psoriasis, pruritus, warts, herpes, age spots, lentigines, melasmas, blemished skin, hyperkeratoses, hyperpigmented skin, abnormal or diminished syntheses of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans and elastin as well as diminished levels of such components in the dermis, stretch marks, skin lines, fine lines, wrinkles, thinning of skin, nail plate and hair, skin thickening due to elastosis of photoaging, loss or reduction of skin, nail and hair resiliency, elasticity and recoilability, lack of skin, nail and hair lubricants and luster, dull and older-looking skin, nails and hair, and fragility and splitting of nails and hair. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 15 , wherein said cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or other topical agent is selected from the group consisting of agents that improve or eradicate age spots, keratoses and wrinkles, local analgesics and anesthetics, antiacne agents, antibacterials, antiyeast agents, antifungal agents, antiviral agents, antidandruff agents, antidermatitis agents, antihistamine agents, antipruritic agents, antiemetics, antimotion sickness agents, antiinflammatory agents, antihyperkeratolytic agents, antiperspirants, antipsoriatic agents, antiseborrheic agents, hair conditioners and hair treatment agents, antiaging and antiwrinkle agents, sunblock and sunscreen agents, skin lightening agents, depigmenting agents, vitamins, corticosteroids, tanning agents, hormones, retinoids, and topical cardiovascular agents. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 19 , wherein said cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or other topical agent is selected from the group consisting of clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, griseofulvin, econazole, metronidazole, hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine, pramoxine, lidocaine, procaine, mepivacaine, monobenzone, erythromycin, tetracycline, clindamycin, meclocycline, hydroquinone, hydroquinone monoether, minocycline, naproxen, ibuprofen, theophylline, cromolyn, albuterol, retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid, 13-cis retinoic acid, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone 21-acetate, hydrocortisone 17-valerate, hydrocortisone 17-butyrate, betamethasone valerate, betamethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide, fluocinonide, clobetasol propionate, benzoyl peroxide, crotamiton, propranolol, promethazine, salicylic acid, vitamin E, and vitamin E acetate. 
     
     
       21. A method for treating dermal conditions comprising topically applying a water-containing composition comprising (A) a cosmetically acceptable vehicle and (B) a therapeutically effective amount of N-acetyl-glucosamine, wherein the composition does not contain glucuronic acid, or vitamin E,
 wherein the conditions are selected from the group consisting of defective syntheses of dermal components, conditions and disorders selected from abnormal or diminished syntheses of collagen and elastin, diminished levels of collagen and elastin, and skin thickening due to elastosis of photoaging.    
     
     
       22. The method of claim 21, wherein the condition is diminished levels of collagen.  
     
     
       23. The method of claim 21, wherein the condition is abnormal or diminished synthesis of collagen.  
     
     
       24. The method of claim 21, wherein the condition is diminished levels of elastin.  
     
     
       25. The method of claim 21, wherein the condition is abnormal or diminished synthesis of elastin.  
     
     
       26. The method of claim 21, wherein the composition further comprises other topical agents selected from the group consisting of agents that improve or eradicate age spots, keratoses, local analgesics and anesthetics, antiacne agents, antiyeast agents, antidermatitis agents, antihistamine agents, antipruritic agents, antiemetics, antimotion sickness agents, antiinflammatory agents, antihyperkeratotic agents, antiperspirants, antipsoriatic agents, antiseborrheic agents, hair conditioners and hair treatment agents, antiaging and antiwrinkle agents, sunblock and sunscreen agents, skin lightening agents, depigmenting agents, vitamins, corticosteroids, tanning agents, hormones, retinoids, and topical cardiovascular agents.  
     
     
       27. The method of claim 26, wherein the topical agent is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine, pramoxine, lidocaine, procaine, mepivacaine, monobenzone, hydroquinone, hydroquinone monoether, naproxen, ibuprofen, theophylline, cromolyn, albuterol, retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid, 13-cis retinoic acid, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone 21-acetate, hydrocortisone 17-valerate, hydrocortisone 17-butyrate, betamethasone valerate, betamethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide, fluocinonide, clobetasol propionate, benzoyl peroxide, crotamiton, propranolol, promethazine, and salicylic acid.  
     
     
       28. The method of claim 26, wherein the topical agent is a vitamin.  
     
     
       29. The method of claim 28, wherein the vitamin is vitamin B 3 , niacinamide.  
     
     
       30. The method of claim 29, wherein the composition comprises N-acetyl-glucosamine and niacinamide, and the conditions are selected from the group consisting of diminished levels of collagen and elastin, and skin thickening due to elastosis of photoaging.  
     
     
       31. The method of claim 30, wherein the condition is diminished levels of collagen.  
     
     
       32. A method for treating dermal conditions comprising topically applying a water-containing composition consisting essentially of (A) a cosmetically acceptable vehicle; (B) a therapeutically effective amount of N-acetyl-glucosamine; and optionally (C) a topical agent,
 wherein the conditions are selected from the group consisting of defective syntheses of dermal components, conditions and disorders selected from abnormal or diminished syntheses of collagen and elastin, diminished levels of collagen and elastin, and skin thickening due to elastosis of photoaging.    
     
     
       33. The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the topical agent is selected from the group consisting of local analgesics and anesthetics, antiacne agents, antiyeast agents, antidermatitis agents, antihistamine agents, antipruritic agents, antiemetics, antimotion sickness agents, antiinflammatory agents, antihyperkeratotic agents, antiperspirants, antipsoriatic agents, antiseborrheic agents, antiaging and antiwrinkle agents, sunblock and sunscreen agents, skin lightening agents, depigmenting agents, vitamins, corticosteroids, tanning agents, hormones, retinoids, and topical cardiovascular agents.  
     
     
       34. The method of claim 33, wherein the topical agent is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine, pramoxine, lidocaine, procaine, mepivacaine, monobenzone, hydroquinone, hydroquinone monoether, naproxen, ibuprofen, theophylline, cromolyn, albuterol, retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid, 13-cis retinoic acid, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone 21-acetate, hydrocortisone 17-valerate, hydrocortisone 17-butyrate, betamethasone valerate, betamethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide, fluocinonide, clobetasol propionate, benzoyl peroxide, crotamiton, propranolol, promethazine, and salicylic acid.  
     
     
       35. The method of claim 33, wherein the topical agent is a vitamin.  
     
     
       36. The method of claim 35, wherein the vitamin is vitamin B 3 , niacinamide.  
     
     
       37. The method of claim 36, wherein the composition comprises N-acetyl-glucosamine and niacinamide, and the conditions are selected from the group consisting of diminished levels of collagen and elastin, and skin thickening due to elastosis of photoaging.  
     
     
       38. The method of claim 37, wherein the condition is diminished levels of collagen.  
     
     
       39. The method of claim 32, wherein the topical agent is one or more topical agents selected from the group consisting of sunblock and sunscreen agents, and vitamins.