METHODS FOR IMPROVING SKIN APPEARANCE

The disclosure herein relates to methods for improving the appearance of skin, in particular facial skin. The method disclosed herein are designed to reduce the appearance of various skin conditions such as melasma, fine lines, and ruddiness due to natural aging and photoaging. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a thee step process comprising light therapy, chemical peel, and dermaplane for improving the appearance of facial skin.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure herein relates to methods for improving the appearance of skin, in particular facial skin. The method disclosed herein are designed to reduce the appearance of various skin conditions such as melasma, fine lines, and ruddiness due to natural aging and photoaging. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to treatment methods that target both the surface of the skin and below the surface of the skin. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a thee step process comprising light therapy, chemical peel, and dermaplane for improving the appearance of facial skin.

BACKGROUND

The skin is the largest organ of the body. It plays an important role in protecting the body by keeping out pathogens, preventing excessive water loss, providing insulation, regulating temperature, communicating environmental information, and synthesizing vitamins to name a few. The skin is composed of three primary layers, the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. It forms a waterproof, protective wrap over the body's surface. The main types of cells that make up the epidermis are keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans cells, and Merkel cells. The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis. It consists of connective tissue and protects the body from stress and strain. The dermis also contains the hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands, lymphatic vessels, blood vessels, and nerve endings. The hypodermis is beneath the dermis. The hypodermis consists of loose connective tissue, adipose tissue, and elastin that attaches the skin to the underlying bone and muscle. The main type of cells in the hypodermis are fibroblasts, macrophages, and adipocytes.

Many factors affect the health and appearance of the skin. Non-limiting factors include, age, genetics, environmental factors, allergies/sensitivities, nutrition/diet, smoking, and lifestyle. As we age, skin can become rough, dry, and itchy, which may be due to the loss of sweat and oil glands. The loss of elastic and adipose tissue can cause fine lines, wrinkles, and laxity (i.e., sagging). Cartilage loss in the nose can cause the nasal tip to droop. Thinning of the skin can make the skin more transparent, fragile, and prone to developing skin lesions. On the environmental side, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is one of the primary factors of skin aging and is referred to as photoaging. The effects of photoaging include melasma, freckles, age spots, uneven skin color, loss of skin tone, increased number wrinkles, increased depth of wrinkles, actinic keratosis, texture changes, redness or blotchiness from broken blood vessels, skin cancer, and the like. With the rise in the aging population, there is a demand for anti-aging products that reduce the appearance of aging and photoaging.

SUMMARY

The disclosure herein is directed to a method for improving the appearance of skin. In particular, facial skin. The first step of the method is to evaluate the skin for various skin conditions as well as for other factors that can affect treatment such as scar tissue, moles, or tattoos. Exemplary skin conditions include, but are not limited to, acne, actinic keratosis, atopic dermatitis, broken capillaries, cherry anginomas, folliculitis barbae, pseudofolliculitis barbae, hyperpigmentation, keratosis pilaris, age spots, melisma, nevus, psoriasis, rosacea, scars, seborrheic dermatitis, skin tags, spider veins, wrinkles, and the like. The skin is also scored to determine the Fitzpatrick type. A skin treatment plan is developed to address as many of the skin conditions identified, while minimizing downtime. Exemplary skin treatments include, but are not limited to chemical peels, dermaplane, intense pulse light therapy, laser (both ablative and non-ablative) therapy, light emitting diode therapy, microdermabrasion, microneedling, oxygenation therapy, and the like. In general, the treatment plan should include a treatment that treats the surface as well as below the surface of the skin. For example, microdermabrasion, ablative lasers, chemical peels, microneedling, or oxygenation treat the surface of the skin whereas intense pulse light therapy, and non-ablative lasers treat below the surface of the skin. In general, the treatments that treat below the surface of the skin should be done before the treatment that treat the surface of the skin. In some cases, the subject will benefit from the use of a post treatment exfoliating therapy such as microdermabrasion or dermaplane. The post-treatment exfoliation therapy should occur between 3 days to 6-7 weeks after the skin treatments.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the claimed subject matter may be employed and the claimed subject matter is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features may become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is directed to a method for improving the appearance of skin due to aging, photoaging, and/or skin condition. The method improves the appearance of skin by reducing or eliminating melisma, age spots, and/or freckles; improving skin texture; improving skin tone; reducing or eliminating fine lines and/or wrinkles; reducing or eliminating acne; and/or reducing pore size.

From time-to-time, the disclosure described herein in terms of example environments. Description in terms of these environments is provided to allow the various features and embodiments of the invention to be portrayed in the context of an exemplary application. After reading this description, it will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art how the invention can be implemented in different and alternative environments

Definitions

In the description that follows, a number of terms are extensively utilized. The following non-limiting definitions provide a clear and consistent understanding of the specification and claims, including the exemplary scope to be given such terms.

When the terms “one,” “a,” or “an” are used in this disclosure, they mean “at least one” or “one or more,” unless otherwise indicated.

The terms “invention” or “present invention” as used herein are intended to be non-limiting and are not intended to refer to any single embodiment of the particular invention but encompasses all possible embodiments as described in the specification and the claims.

The term “treat” or “treatment” as used herein refers to a procedure provided to a subject to improve the appearance of at least one skin condition.

The term “at home” as used herein refers treatments/procedures that can be done at home, often using products available over-the-counter.

The term “in-office” as used herein refers to treatments/procedures that are done by a professional skin care specialist such as an esthetician or physician.

Skin Conditions

The term “acne” as used herein refers to blocked oil glands and/or hair follicles. Acne includes pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and nodules. Acne can occur anywhere on the skin with the face, back, and buttocks being notable problematic areas.

The term “actinic keratosis” as used herein refers to thick, warty, rough, reddish growths.

The term “aging skin” as used herein refers to the changes in the appearance of skin due to aging and environmental factors such as (but not limited to) sagging, fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration, dryness, broken capillaries, thinning, age spots, and the like.

The term “atopic dermatitis” or “eczema” as used herein refers to inflamed, red, dry, and itchy patches of skin. The patches can occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly are seen on the face, elbows, hands, and in skin folds.

The term “broken capillaries” or “broken blood vessels” or “telangiectasias” as used herein refers to dilated blood vessels.

The term “blue nevus” as used herein refers to blue, gray-blue, or brown-blue papules.

The term “cherry anginomas” as used herein refers to small, bright red domes created by dilated blood vessels.

The term “dry skin” or “xeroderma” as used herein refer to a condition when the skin does not retain sufficient moisture resulting in skin that is itchy, rough, scaling, or cracking.

The terms “fine lines,” “lines,” or “wrinkles” as used herein refers to elastic changes in tissue resulting in a crease or fold.

The term “folliculitis barbae” as used herein refers to an infection of the hair follicles often caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus.

The term “pseudofolliculitis barbae” or “razor bumps” as used herein refers to hair that curls back and grows into the skin.

The term “hyperpigmentation” or “uneven skin tone” as used herein refers to patches of skin that is darker in color than the normal surrounding skin.

The term “keratosis pilaris” as used herein refers to small, rough bumps on the skin that are typically red or white and generally do not hurt or itch.

The term “lentigines” “age spots” or “liver spots” as used herein refers to dark spots on the skin. Age spots are generally bigger than freckles.

The term “melasma” or “chloasma” or “pregnancy mask” as used herein refers to tan or brown patches on the skin, often on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin.

The term “nevus” or “nevi” or “moles” as used herein refers to brown or black spots that can be smooth, wrinkled, flat, raised, or may have hair growing from them.

The term “oily skin” as used herein refers to the overproduction of sebum from the sebaceous glands.

The term “psoriasis” as used herein refers to thick, red patches or plaques of skin covered with white or silvery scales. Psoriasis is caused by a person's immune system triggering the accelerated growth of new skin cells resulting in the accumulation of dead skin cells that form the patches or plaques.

The term “rosacea” as used herein refers to chronic swelling, flushing, and/or redness in the face, most commonly on the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead. The skin may be thickened and/or have prominent or broken blood vessels.

The term “scar” as used herein refers to an area of fibrous tissue that replaces normal skin after an injury. There are different types of scars. Hypertrophic scars result from overproduced collagen which causes the scar to be raised above the surrounding skin. Keloid scars are scar tissue which continues to grow forming a frim, rubbery lesions or shiny, fibrous nodules. Atrophic scars form a sunken recess in the skin, which has a pitted appearance. Stretch marks or striae are scars that occur when the skin is stretched rapidly.

The term “sebaceous hyperplasia” as used herein refers to small bumps on the skin that are often skin colored, white, or slightly yellow and range in size from one to several millimeters.

The term “seborrheic dermatitis” or “dandruff” or “cradle cap” as used herein refers to rough scaly skin or the scalp and face.

The term “seborrheic keratosis” as used herein refers to black or brown raised spots, or wart-like growths.

The term “skin tags” as used herein refers to small growths of skin that have a raised surface. They are usually flesh-colored or slightly darker and hang from the skin by a stalk.

The term “spider veins” as used herein refers to damaged veins that form thin lines, webs, or branches on the surface of the skin.

The term “sun damage” or “photoaging” as used herein refers to the changes in skin due to exposure to ultraviolet light such as (but not limited to) sunburn, wrinkles, age spots, dry skin, actinic keratosis and the like.

The term “TMJ” or “temporomandibular joint disorder” as used herein refers to (but not limited to) pain or tenderness in the jaw, jaw joint, muscles that control jaw movement; pain in an around the ear, aching facial pain, or difficulty opening or closing the mouth.

Skin Treatments

There are numerous skin treatments available for improving the appearance of skin. Some are available for at home use, while others require the treatment to be provided by a licensed practitioner or licensed physician (herein referred to as “in-office” treatments). In general, at home treatments tend to address one skin problem, such as fine lines/wrinkles, acne, or dry skin, and do not provide dramatic results that can be achieved with in-office treatments. In-office treatments include, but are not limited to, laser treatments for laser rejuvenation and laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion, Botox 0 (anabotulinumtoxin A), dermal fillers, chemical peels, light therapy (LED and/or pulse), microneedling, extractions, dermaplane, skin oxygenation, and hydrodermabrasion, to name a few.

A Chemical peel or chemexfoliation is a procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to rapidly exfoliate the skin. Chemical peels vary in the depth of exfoliation. Superficial peels use mild acids and only penetrate the outermost layer of skin. Medium peels penetrate the meddle and outer layer of skin and deep peels fully penetrate the middle layer of skin. Chemical peels are used to correct skin irregularities in texture, such as fine lines, and color, such as spots caused by sun damage. Common acids used in chemical-peel solutions include, but are not limited to: alphahydroxy acid (AHA), glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and phenol to name a few. Chemical peels can be self-neutralizing.

Dermaplane is a simple exfoliating treatment that helps restore smoothness in the skin, removes dead skin cells and promotes product absorption.

Extractions are performed to help clear clogged pores. These are best on a regular basis and especially when experiencing breakouts. The extraction process involves a steam or mask to loosen pores and then removal.

Hair removal uses lasers to eliminate or reduce the growth of hair in a specific area. The type of laser used depend on the skin tone and the texture of the hair. Alexandrite lasers are generally used for those with light skin. Ruby lasers are generally used for those with light or find hair and fair skin. Diode lasers are generally used for fair to medium skin tones. Nd and LP Nd: YAG laser is generally use for darker skin tones.

Intense pulse light (IPL) therapy uses intense pulses of visible light in the range of 400 to 1200 nanometers. IPL uses filters to narrow the light wavelength to target specific structures and chromohores (e.g. melanin, red blood cells, etc.). IPL uses both light and heat to destroy the target structure/chromophores.

Laser, non-ablative, works by hearing up the underlying skin tissue with harming the surface. The heat generated by laser promotes collagen production and kills bacteria. The laser may be fractionated, that is it only treats a portion of any given section of skin it is exposed to. Typical non-ablative lasers include pulsed-dye lasers and fractional lasers.

Laser, ablative, directs short, concentrated pulsating beams of light that remove skin layer by layer. The two most commonly used ablative lasers are carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium.

LED (light emitting diode) therapy uses varying wavelengths/spectrums/frequencies of light to help regenerate skin. LED therapy was originally developed to help wounds heal faster and to help regenerate damaged muscle tissue. Amber light stimulates collagen and elastin. Red light promotes circulation, reduces inflammation, and helps stimulate collagen. White light reduces inflammation. Blue light reduces oil production and kills bacteria. LED therapy is generally used to treat acne (blue light) and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (red light).

Mircodermabrasian is a procedure that involves the use of superfine crystals, or diamond tipped wand on the skin to remove dead cells. Microdermabrasion can be used to improve the appearance of fine lines/wrinkles, minor hyperpigmentation, and enlarged pores.

Microneedling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, is a process that involves using an pen with tiny needles on the face to promote cell turnover. The result is improved skin texture, less noticeable pores, and long lasting collagen production.

Oxygenation of the skin involves the use of a pressurized stream of oxygen that delivers active ingredients to the skin. The ingredients can be, but are not limited to moisturizers, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, peptides, vitamins, and the like.

Vein removal involves using a laser to decrease the appearance of spider veins on the skin.

The figures disclosed herein show before and after pictures of subjects treated using the disclosed treatment method combinations.

Assessment of the Skin

With many of the above listed procedures, the results vary depending on the extent of the damages sought to be repaired. Furthermore, the patients skin color and type also affects the success of a treatment procedure. In general, the darker the skin, the more difficult it is to treat the skin condition.

Skin coloring can be classified using the Fitzpatrick scale. The Fitzpatrick scale includes six different skin types and colors with respect to the skin's toleration to the sun. Table 1, below, summarizes the Fitzpatrick scale.

The Fitzpatrick skin type is determined by a patients answer to the questions listed in Table 2, below. For each question, the answer will garner 0-4 points. The total number of point from each question is combined to determine the skin type. Skin type I has a total score of 0-7 points. Skin type II has a total score of 8-16 points. Skin type III has a total score of 17-25 points. Skin type IV has a total score of 25-30 points. Skin type V and VI have a total score of 30-40 points.

The skin is evaluated to look for signs of damage and/or any of the conditions mentioned above. Sun damage often presents as mild redness and enlarged pores. The color of melasma, freckles, age spots are noted. Typically, a lighter brown color indicates deeper damage and can be difficult to treat. The darker brown color tends to be more superficial and thus more reactive to treatment.

The patient's lifestyle is also assessed to look for factors contributing to skin damage. For example, does the patient spend a lot of time outdoors? Does the patient smoke? Is the patient obese? Does the patient exercise? Does the patient have a high stress job or stressful home environment? Is the patient pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the near future? What medications and/or supplements is the patient taking? Lifestyle factors also provide an indication of how long treatment results might last.

A treatment plan is devised based on the patients Fitzpatrick skin type, skin conditions, and lifestyle. In one embodiment, the treatment plan includes at least two different skin treatments described above. In another embodiment, the treatment plan includes at least three different skin treatments described above. In yet another embodiment, the treatment plan includes at least four different skin treatments described above. In yet another embodiment, the treatment plan includes at least five different skin treatments described above.

In one embodiment, the treatment plan includes at least one treatment that targets the surface of the skin and at least one treatment that targets below the surface of the skin. In another embodiment, the treatment plan includes at least two treatments that targets the surface of the skin and at least one treatment that targets below the surface of the skin. In this embodiment, the second treatment that targets the surface of the skin may be done three days to six to seven weeks after the first treatment that targets the surface of the skin and the treatment that targets below the surface of the skin.

In one embodiment the treatment plan includes a non-ablative laser and a chemical peel. In another embodiment the treatment plan includes a non-ablative laser and a microdermabrasion. In another embodiment the treatment plan includes a non-ablative laser and microneedling. In another embodiment the treatment plan includes a non-ablative laser and oxygenation.

In one embodiment the treatment plan includes an LED therapy and a chemical peel. In another embodiment the treatment plan includes an LED therapy and a microdermabrasion. In another embodiment the treatment plan includes an LED therapy and microneedling. In another embodiment the treatment plan includes an LED therapy and oxygenation.

In one embodiment the treatment plan includes intense pulse light therapy and a chemical peel. In another embodiment the treatment plan includes intense pulse light therapy and a microdermabrasion. In another embodiment the treatment plan includes intense pulse light therapy and microneedling. In another embodiment the treatment plan includes intense pulse light therapy and oxygenation.

In another embodiment, the treatment plan includes an extraction and oxygen treatment. In another embodiment, the treatment plan includes an oxygen treatment and microneedling. In another embodiment the treatment plan includes microdermabrasion and microneedling.

In another embodiment, the treatment plan includes a blue light therapy and a facial. In another embodiment, the treatment plan includes a CO2 laser and a fractional. In another embodiment, the treatment plan includes a dermaplane and a peel. In another embodiment, the treatment plan includes a hydrafacial and a red light therapy. In another embodiment, the treatment plan includes a hydrafacial and a blue light therapy. In another embodiment, the treatment plan includes a laser and a peel. In another embodiment, the treatment plan includes Levulan IPL and blue light therapy. In another embodiment, the treatment plan includes a microneedle and a chemical peel. In another embodiment, the treatment plan includes a microneedle and PRP.

With any of the above embodied treatment plans, the plan can also include a dermaplane done about three days to 6-7 weeks after other skin treatment(s). For treatments involving microneedling, chemical peel, or ablative laser treatment, a dermaplane can reduce the time needed to achieve the “finished” look, especially in older subjects whose skin naturally takes longer to heal.

EXAMPLES

The examples below use a Limelight laser made by Cutera, Inc. and Rejuvenize Peel made by SkinMedica, an Allergan company. The Limelight laser is an intense pulse light laser. Rejuvenize Peel is a self-neutralizing peel. Other lasers and chemical peels can be used with the settings adjusted to provide similar wavelengths/energy and peel depths.

In this example, the treatment plan is designed to reduce the effects of aging and photoaging. This treatment plan was for a Caucasian woman, Fitzpatrick type 1-2. The skin was numbed for 20 minutes with BPO (20% benzocaine/8% lidocaine/8% tetracaine (PL Asticized)). Ultrasound gel was applied to the skin. The skin was treated with the Limelight laser using the B-18 Sun Mode setting. The treated skin was wiped down with a lukewarm towel. Rejuvenize Peel was applied to the skin and the peel self-neutralized in about 6 hours. For the next 7 days, the subject used a gentle cleanser and moisturizer. On the 7thday after the laser/peel treatment, the subject underwent a dermaplane treatment on the treated skin.

The same treatment plan as Example 1, but for a subject with a Fitzpatrick 1 skin type. For this skin type the Limelight laser is set to B-19 with sun mode on.

The same treatment plan as Example 1, but for a subject with a Fitzpatrick 2 skin type. For this skin type the Limelight laser is set to B-18 with sun mode on.

The same treatment plan as Example 1, but for a subject with a Fitzpatrick 3 skin type. For this skin type the Limelight laser is set to B-17 no sun mode.

The same treatment as plan as Example 1, but for a subject with a Fitzpatrick 4 skin type. For this skin type the Limelight laser is set to B-14-15 no sun mode. This skin type is difficult to treat and should be treated with caution. The Limelight laser should only treat the damaged areas.

A subject with severe acne sought treatment. The subject underwent a treatment combination of microneedle and Rejuvenate peel and used Vivant® skin care products post treatment. Two months after treatment, the subject underwent a second treatment combination of microneedle and Rejuvenate peel.FIG. 1shows the before and after images. The image on the right was taken about 6 months after the first treatment.

A subject with severe hyperpigmentation/melasma sought treatment. The subject underwent a treatment combination of Limelight laser and Rejuvenate peel. The subject underwent a dermaplane treatment several days after the laser/peel treatment.FIG. 2shows before and after images of the subject. The picture on the right was taken 7 days after the laser/peel treatment.

A subject with hyperpigmentation/freckles sought treatment. The subject underwent a treatment combination of Limelight laser and Rejuvenate peel. The subject underwent a dermaplane treatment several days after the laser/peel treatment.FIG. 3shows before and after images of the subject. The picture on the right was taken 7 days after the laser/peel treatment.

A subject with hyperpigmentation/freckles/melasma sought treatment. The subject underwent a treatment combination of Limelight laser and Rejuvenate peel. The subject underwent a dermaplane treatment several days after the laser/peel treatment.FIG. 4shows before and after images of the subject. The picture on the right was taken 7 days after the laser/peel treatment.

A subject with hyperpigmentation/melasma sought treatment. The subject underwent a treatment combination of Limelight laser and Rejuvenate peel. The subject underwent a dermaplane treatment several days after the laser/peel treatment.FIG. 5shows before and after images of the subject. The picture on the bottom was taken 7 days after the laser/peel treatment.

The examples set forth above are provided to give those of ordinary skill in the art a complete disclosure and description of how to make and use embodiments of the compositions, and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as their invention. Modifications of the above-described modes (for carrying out the invention that are obvious to persons of skill in the art) are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. All publications, patents and patent applications cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference as if each such publication, patent or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments disclosed and described herein. Therefore, it is understood that the illustrated and described embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples and that they are not to be taken as limiting the embodiments as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the embodiments include other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed above even when not initially claimed in such combinations.

Furthermore, to the extent that the term “having,” “includes,” or “wherein” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.