The specification discloses that synergistic compositions for depigmentation by topical application have been found which comprise a mixture of hydroquinone, retinoic acid and a corticosteroid formulated in a pharmaceutically-cosmetically acceptable vehicle. An illustrative composition comprising from about 2 percent to about 5 percent hydroquinone, from about 0.05 percent to about 0.1 percent retinoic acid and from about 0.05 percent to about 0.1 percent dexamethasone was particularly effective.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a continuation-in-part of copending application Ser. No. 49,523, filed June 24, 1970, now abandoned.
A new and improved topically applied pharmaceutical preparation for the treatment of acne and an improved vehicle for delivering the active ingredients thereof to the human skin in a manner whereby the bioavailability and percutaneous absorption of the active ingredient is remarkably enhanced. The vehicle comprises a volatile silicone, a fatty alcohol having from 12-22 carbon atoms, benzoyl peroxide; and such preservatives or emulsifying agents as may be warranted.
A composition comprising hydrated lipidic lamellar phases of liposomes containing a mulberry component. The composition may also contain kojic acid or its salts or esters, hydroquinone, or a mixture of kojic acid or its salts or esters and hydroquinone. This composition has skin-lightening properties or anti-inflammatory activity and has pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. A method for lightening the skin or for applying anti-inflammatory formulation to the skin by applying to the skin a composition comprising hydrated lipidic lamellar phases or liposomes containing a mulberry component.
Various effects of aging of skin due to impairment of differentiation of epidermal epithelial cells and loss of collagen fibers, abnormal changes in elastic fibers and deterioration of small blood vessels in the dermis of the skin are retarded by applying topically to the epidermis in a maintenance therapy program effective amounts of vitamin A acid (tretinoin) such that epithelial growths are substantially reduced and prevented and the skin substantially regains and maintains its firmness, turgor and elasticity. Moreover, with persistent treatment dermal blood cells and vessels increase and the epidermis and dermis thicken, resulting in improved ability of the skin to sense, resist and recover from irritation or injury. Further, hyperpigmentation, lines and wrinkles due to aging are reduced and prevented. The treatment is particularly useful for human facial skin and preferably applied in amounts insufficient to cause excessive irritation.
There is disclosed a synergistic composition for skin depigmentation with reduced irritation which does not contain a corticosteroid comprising 4-hydroxyanisole and a retinoid, such as all-trans retinoic acid, 11-cis,13-cis-12-hydroxymethyl retinoic acid .delta.-lactone or (N-acetyl-4-aminophenyl) retinoate, in a pharmaceutically acceptable topical vehicle.
