Surgery: light – thermal – and electrical application – Light – thermal – and electrical application – Light application
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-23
2001-11-06
Gibson, Roy (Department: 3739)
Surgery: light, thermal, and electrical application
Light, thermal, and electrical application
Light application
C607S089000, C607S095000, C424S400000, C424S401000, C606S009000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06312450
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a cosmetic substance and a method for improving the appearance of skin, and particularly to a topical application that permits energy from the sun to stimulate the release of collagen beneath the epidermis of an individual without damaging the epidermis.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Heat has long been used to modify and reshape collagen beneath the surface of the skin. Egyptians used salt, oil and alabaster to improve skin texture and Turks used fire to singe the surface of the skin. In the twentieth century, chemical peels implementing phenol and trichloacetic acid were introduced to reduce wrinkles and remove other anomalies of the skin. Lasers, such as carbon dioxide lasers, were also developed and used for the reduction or elimination of wrinkles, such as periorbital wrinkles, and other anomalies of the skin.
Such methods were more or less effective in reducing or eliminating wrinkles by providing energy in the form of heat to the subepidermal layer, the so-called papillary dermis, between the epidermis and the reticular dermis of an individuals skin. Heat stimulates release of factors that promote new collagen growth and a thicker healthier matrix of elastins and collagen to provide a younger looking skin. However, these techniques result in removal, destruction or damage to the epidermis proximate the area in which heat is applied to the subepidermal layer. The damage or destruction of the epidermis results in redness, loss of body fluid and a greater potential for infection.
For example, with lasers, laser light energy is used to heat tissue beneath the epidermis, but the laser light energy must pass through the epidermis on its way to the treatment area. This laser light energy is absorbed by the epidermis as it passes therethrough and generates unwanted heat that effectively damages or ablates the epidermal layer in the area of treatment. After time, the epidermis heals and grows back over the treatment area.
Attempts have been made to minimize injury to the epidermis by removing heat from the epidermal area proximate the area of treatment. This is typically accomplished by delivering a coolant to the epidermis at the area where it is penetrated by the laser beam. However, this adds to the complexity of the equipment and the procedure.
It would be advantageous to have a light transport modifier that could be applied to the epidermis to permit the transfer of certain types of electromagnetic energy through the epidermis to the area of treatment without absorption of energy and the resultant detrimental buildup of heat in that area of the epidermis.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention features a topical skin composition. The composition comprises a cosmetic or cosmeceutical material and a light transport modifier mixed with the cosmetic or cosmeceutical material. The light transport modifier is in liquid form and readily absorbed by an epidermal layer of an individual's skin. The light transport modifier permits the passage of infrared energy through the epidermal layer with reduced absorption of energy by that layer.
According to another aspect of the invention, a composition is provided for application to the epidermis of an individual. The composition reduces absorption of certain types of electromagnetic energy that strike the epidermis. The composition comprises a light transport modifier that may be applied to a portion of the epidermis of an individual. The light transport modifier is formulated to displace naturally occurring water within the portion of the epidermis.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provide for utilizing energy produced by the sun. The energy is used to improve the appearance of the skin of an individual. The method includes selecting a substance that permits the passage of a desired radiation produced by the sun. The method further includes substantially displacing water that naturally occurs in an epidermal region of an individual with the substance. Thus, when the epidermal region is exposed to the sun, energy from the sun passes through the epidermis and stimulates subepidermal release of collagen.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3074407 (1963-01-01), Moon et al.
patent: 4156124 (1979-05-01), Macken et al.
patent: 4406285 (1983-09-01), Villasenor et al.
patent: 4461294 (1984-07-01), Baron
patent: 4608392 (1986-08-01), Jacquet et al.
patent: 4826828 (1989-05-01), Wilmott et al.
patent: 4840175 (1989-06-01), Peyman
patent: 4903695 (1990-02-01), Warner et al.
patent: 4905711 (1990-03-01), Bennett et al.
patent: 4976709 (1990-12-01), Sand
patent: 5092863 (1992-03-01), Schanzlin
patent: 5108412 (1992-04-01), Krumeich et al.
patent: 5137530 (1992-08-01), Sand
patent: 5186857 (1993-02-01), Ramirez et al.
patent: 5234957 (1993-08-01), Mantelle
patent: 5312395 (1994-05-01), Tan et al.
patent: 5336215 (1994-08-01), Hsueh et al.
patent: 5356409 (1994-10-01), Nizzola
patent: 5437657 (1995-08-01), Epstein
patent: 5476661 (1995-12-01), Pillai et al.
patent: 5582608 (1996-12-01), Brown
patent: 5616139 (1997-04-01), Okamoto
patent: 5649922 (1997-07-01), Yavitz
patent: 5670547 (1997-09-01), Milstein et al.
patent: 5846514 (1998-12-01), Foster et al.
patent: 5885596 (1999-03-01), Parab
patent: 5968034 (1999-10-01), Fullmer et al.
patent: 0 531 756 A2 (1993-03-01), None
patent: WO 92/10152 (1992-02-01), None
patent: WO 92/01430 (1992-02-01), None
patent: WO 94/18920 (1994-09-01), None
patent: WO 95/15134 (1995-06-01), None
Berry Michael J.
Yavitz Edward Q.
Fletcher Yoder & Van Someren
Gibson Roy
Natural Vision Center, Inc.
LandOfFree
System and method for improving the appearance of skin does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with System and method for improving the appearance of skin, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and System and method for improving the appearance of skin will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2617827