Abstract:
A two-stage skin treating technique wherein a film of sodium polystyrene sulfonate cosmetic solution is applied to predetermined areas of the skin and allowed to dry. The dried film tightens the skin and enhances blood circulation which causes an increase in subcutaneous fluids and diminishes skin lines. When the film is removed, scurf skin and sebaceous soil is also removed thereby creating a highly effective cleansing action. A moisture barrier formulation is subsequently applied to enhance and protect the skin moisture level while creating a fresh youthful appearance and feeling.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to cosmetic techniques and, more particularly, to methods and compositions for cosmetic treatment of the skin. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     In general, two broad categories of treatments have evolved for beautifying one&#39;s skin. Among the first category are creams, astringents and lotions which are massaged into the skin. A second category includes powders or coatings which are used to mask or cover portions of the skin. U.S. Pat. No. 3,862,309 is representative of the latter group wherein a composition is disclosed which is left on the skin to smoothout and/or mask wrinkles. The composition contains a small percentage of high molecular weight sodium polystyrene sulfonate and may include color pigments when functioning as a makeup. 
     The above-patented treatment is unlike the present invention because it relies on the presence of a skin covering to mask one&#39;s skin. The system described herein provides a natural two-stage skin treatment whereby the skin is cleansed and plumped by the application and removal of a low molecular weight sodium polystyrene sulfonate-based film followed by the application of a cosmetic oil composition. The present system is not dependent on the durability or strong adherence of a film over skin nor is it concerned with skin remolding by external means. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a novel cosmetic skin treating system which cleanses the skin and diminishes wrinkles without the necessity of a user wearing a tight adherent skin cover. The system utilizes a 2-25 weight percent aqueous solution of sodium polystyrene sulfonate having a molecular weight below about 200,000. The solution is applied to one&#39;s skin and allowed to dry. It is then removed and a moisture barrier preparation applied. The combined treatment produces a natural long-lasting youthful skin appearance which is not attainable with an oil or cleansing lotion treatment alone. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The skin treating formulations used in the process of this invention comprise aqueous solutions of polystyrene sulfonate salts which contain effective amounts of a viscolizer and a liquid modifier defined as a plasticizer and/or surfactant depending on the specific end product desired. Additional additives may be used for obtaining particular effects such as preservatives, volatile solvents, humectants, fragrances and dermotrophic agents. 
     In general, the polystyrene sulfonate salt should be present in a concentration ranging from about 2-25 percent by weight of the total aqueous composition with the liquid modifier and viscolizer each being present in amounts ranging between about 0.1-20 weight percent. 
     The sulfonated polystyrene salts useful in the practice of this invention have molecular weights less than about 200,000 and are produced by sulfonating styrene polymers and treating the product with neutralizing bases such as sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or sodium carbonate. Sodium salts of the sulfonated polymers are preferred. 
     In general, the basic oil formulation of the present invention may comprise any one or combination of animal, vegetable or mineral oils to achieve the desired effect of forming a barrier to prevent tissue moisture loss. Mineral oil may be used as the main barrier as well as vegetable oils such as soybean oil, castor oil, avocado, corn and the highly unsaturated oils such as safflower oil, olive oil, rice bran oil and peanut oil. Synthetic esters such as isopropyl myristate, octyl stearate, dioctyl adipate are useful as well as porosity esters such as 2-ethyl hexyl stearate and 2-ethyl hexyl palmitate which are miscible with mineral and vegetable oils. Other additives such as oil soluble proteins and vitamins such as A, D and E can be added to enhance the cosmetic effects of the oil formulas. Various animal derived oils such as mink oil may be used also. 
     Liquid modifiers such as plasticizers and/or surfactants which are useful in conjunction with the present invention may be characterized as anionic, cationic, nonionic and amphoteric compounds suitable for physiological use. Representative of such compounds are silicone fluids, water soluble polyoxyethylene fatty ethers, propylene glycol, polysorbate 20 and 80, glycerin, sorbitol, and acetylated esters of the ethoxylated ether of lanolin alcohols. These materials are used to adjust the spreading ability of the film solutions. They also facilitate removal of the dried film. Other compounds useful for the above purposes are imidazoline type zwitter ions and betaines. 
     Viscolizers suitable for use in controlling the viscosity of the sulfonated polystyrene solutions are natural gums such as tragacanth, acacia, guar, gelatin, pectin, carrageenan, sodium alginate and dextrin. Synthetic gums such as methyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl alcohol copolymer, polymers of acrylic acid (carboxy vinyl polymers), polyvinyl alcohol, and vinyl pyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymer are also useful. 
     The drying time of the films can be shortened by the addition of volatile solvents such as alcohol, e.g. denatured ethanol. Conversely, the drying time can be increased with the addition of small amounts of glycerin or other humectants. The inclusion of a small amount of preservative or physiological bactericides in the film solutions may be appropriate to prevent microbial growth. Suitable physiological bactericides are methyl parahydroxybenzoate and other parahydroxybenzoic acid esters, formaldehyde, imidazolidinyl urea, quaterninum-15, sorbic acid, and 2-bromo-2-nitropropane, 1,3-diol quaternary ammonium salts and formaldehyde donners. 
     A wide variety of optional dermotrophic agents can be incorporated in the film solution to create certain desirable effects on the skin. Peripheral vasodialators such as methyl salicylate and nicotinic acid and its esters can be incorporated in the film composition. Examples of herbal additives are Azulene, Chamomile flowers, Witch hazel leaves, Arnica flowers. Other agents that can be used are powdered milk, proteolytic enzymes, urea, egg oil, egg powder, avocado powder, modified starches, bentonites, clays, ichthammol, vitamins such as vitamins A, B, C, D and E, vegetable extracts and amino acids, polypeptides and proteins. Certain polyvalent metals such as aluminum chloride might be used to produce an astringent effect. Small quantities of cationics such as dimethyl-aminopropyl lanolin (acid) amide diethosulfate quaternium may be used as a &#34;skin feel&#34; agent. 
    
    
     The invention will now be illustrated by the following specific examples, but it is intended that the invention shall not be limited thereby. 
     EXAMPLES 
     Each of the skin formulations are prepared in substantially the same manner. The viscolizers are added to cold water. With constant stirring, the water is heated to 175° F. and the polystyrene sulfonate salt is added. While the solution is allowed to cool, the plasticizers, surfactants, preservatives and other desired ingredients are added. When the temperature reaches about 90° F., the volatile materials are added such as solvents and fragrances. The pH is adjusted to a range between 3.5 to 8.0 and optional colorants are added to the desired shade. 
     EXAMPLE 1 
     
         ______________________________________Skin Formulation:     Weight Percent______________________________________Polystyrene sulfonate salt                 15.0Carrageenan           1.0Alpine herbs          2.0Polysorbate 80        0.5Alcohol               5.0Germall 115           1.0Water                 75.5______________________________________ 
    
     The formulation is prepared as described above and applied to one&#39;s skin by brushing or dabbing with cotton pads to form an even film thereover. The film is allowed to dry under ambient conditions for 10 to 45 minutes. A cool water rinse is used to remove the film and the area covered by the film is treated immediately with an oil formulation as follows: 
     
         ______________________________________                 Weight Percent______________________________________Wickenol 163            55.0Castor oil              18.55Avocado oil             10.0Camellia oil            10.0Vitamin E Natural 1100  3.0Lecithin                2.0Isostearic Hydrolyzed animal protein                   1.0Vitamin A &amp; D           0.33Butyl paraben           0.1Mixed tocopherols       0.02Fragrance   q.s.______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 2 
     Example 1 was repeated with the following compositions: 
     
         ______________________________________               Weight Percent______________________________________Skin Formulation:Polystyrene sulfonate salt                 12.0Hydrolyzed collagen protein                 3.0Polysorbate 20        1.0Glycerin              2.0Dowacil 200           0.1Fragrance             0.2Citric Acid   q.s. pH5.5Water                 81.7Oil FormulationMineral oil           60.0Isopropyl myristate   20.0Butyl paraben         0.1Avocado oil           19.9______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 3 
     Example 1 was repeated with the following: 
     
         ______________________________________               Weight Percent______________________________________Skin Formulation:Polystyrene sulfonate salt                 5.0Carbopol 910          1.0Polysorbate 20        1.0Carbowax 200          2.0Aloe Vera 200         1.0F.D.&amp;C. Blue No. 1    0.01Fragrance             0.30Methyl paraben        0.10Propyl paraben        0.05Germall 115           0.10Water                 86.40Poly vinyl alcohol    3.04Oil Formulation:Isopropyl palmitate   80.0Safflower oil         15.0Butyl paraben         0.1Vitamin E Natural     .9Corn oil              4.0______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 4 
     Example 1 was repeated with the following: 
     
         ______________________________________               Weight Percent______________________________________Skin Formulation:Polystyrene sulfonate salt                 22.50Vitamin E             0.10Vitamin A &amp; D         0.10Vitamin B Complex     0.50Amphoteric -6         2.0Bronopol              0.1Fragrance             0.5Color   q.s.Water                 74.2Oil Formulation:Mink oil              40.0Sesame oil            40.0Buyl paraben          0.2Dioctyl adipate       19.5Perfume               0.3______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 5 
     Example 1 was repeated with the following: 
     
         ______________________________________Weight Percent______________________________________Skin Formulation:Polystyrene sulfonate salt                 15.0Nicotinic acid        0.25Carbowax 400          3.0Baureth-23            2.0Fragrance             0.5Germall 115           1.0Color   q.s.Water                 78.25Oil Formulation:2-ethyl hexyl stearate                 10.02-ethyl hexyl palmitate                 10.0di (2-ethyl hexyl) adipate                 20.0Mineral oil           40.0Isopropyl Myristate   15.0Butyl paraben         0.1Perfume               0.1Camellia oil          4.8______________________________________ 
    
     Skin treated in accordance with the above was cleansed and refreshened. Half face tests resulted in visual natural plumping of the skin and substantial diminution of skin lines. The test subjects reported a fresh youthful appearance not attainable with available lotions or face masks.