KR20040063166A - Method for reducing acne or improving skin tone - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention (1) reduces the number and severity of acne lesions in the skin of a mammal; (2) improve inflammation of acne lesions in the skin of a mammal; (3) improve the skin tone of mammals; (4) treat skin diseases; (5) treating stress related skin diseases; (6) reduce stress and improve the emotional well-being of acne patients; (7) reduce sebaceous gland emissions; (8) It relates to a method of increasing the compliance of the administration of anti-acne product.

Description

How to reduce acne or improve skin tone

A claim of priority

This application is a partial consecutive application of US Patent Application No. 10 / 012,627, filed December 7, 2001, and US Patent Application No. 10 / 017,180, filed December 7, 2001, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Insist on the priority of the call.

Background of the Invention

1. Field of Invention

The present invention (1) reduces the number and severity of acne lesions in the skin of a mammal; (2) improve inflammation of acne lesions in the skin of a mammal; (3) improve the skin tone of mammals; (4) treat skin diseases; (5) treating stress related skin diseases; (6) reduce stress and improve the emotional well-being of acne patients; (7) reduce sebaceous gland emissions; (8) It relates to a method of increasing the compliance of the administration of anti-acne product. The method includes performing sensory therapy in an amount effective to downregulate the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis with administration of the anti-acne composition.

2. Description of Prior Art

Technological advances in the last century have benefited society, but have resulted in stress becoming more prevalent in human daily life at all levels of society. Human stress response mechanisms do not fit at the same rate as technological advances. The effects of stress on health and well-being are well described in the literature. "Why Zebra's Don't Get Ulcers-An Updated Guide to Stress, Stress Related Disease and Coping" by Robert M. Sapolsky, ISBN 0-7167 -3210-6, Chapter 1, (5 ^th Edition 2000) and in "The Concepts of Stress and Stress Systems Disorders-Overview of Physics and Behavioral Homeostasis", JAMA, March 4, 1992, Vol. 267, No. 9]. For example, chronic stress (accumulation of acute stress) can lead to infectious diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, sleep problems, depression, prematurity of pregnant women, low birth weight, memory and learning problems, degeneration of brain neurons, high blood pressure, elevated blood lipids It is known to cause or exacerbate many diseases, including immunosuppression and vulnerability to heart complications and seizures and other health complications due to levels.

Stress has also been proposed to play a specific role in human skin disease, while having a significant effect on general health. It has been suggested that skin diseases (eg psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, pruritis, swelling, poor wound healing) are all linked to stress in a certain way. Specific related references include the following documents, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference: Buske-Kirschbaum et al., Psychosomatic Medicine (1997), 59: 419-426; Denda et al., Am. J. Physiol. Regulatory Integrative Comp. Physiol. 278: R 367-R372, (2000); Dhabhar et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 1999, 96: 1059-1064; Kabat-Zinn et al., Psychosomatic Medicine (1998) 60: 625-632; Tausk et al., Arch. Dermatol., 2001 137: 78-82; Kiecolt-Glaser et al., Journal Behavioral Medicine 1986 9: 5-21, Grag et al., Arch. Dermatol. 2001 137: 53-59; Slominski et al., Physiological Reviews, 2000 80: 979-1020; Panconesier et al., Psychodermatology, 1996; 399-421; Scholzen et al., Exp. Dermatol. 1998 81-96.

Another skin disease potentially linked to stress is vulgar acne. Acne vulgaris is a skin disease that affects more than 85% of all people. The following are the four main factors that cause the formation of vulgar acne: (1) increased sebum output resulting in oily, shiny skin; (2) increased bacterial activity, usually due to excess of Propionibacterium acnes; (3) blockage of the vesicles or follicular gland (exfoliation); And (4) production of inflammation by substances leaking into the dermis causing an inflammatory response. A more detailed description can be found in the literature, which is incorporated by reference (Cunliffe, William J., Acne, London: Martin Duitz Ltd., 1989, Chapter 1).

These primary factors can be affected to some extent by changing human hormone levels. One of the main reasons why acne predominates in the teen population is the rapid increase in androgen emissions in the population that leads to increased sebum production. In addition, since hormone levels change during different times of the menstrual cycle in women, there is a potential correlation with the onset of acne lesions associated with the menstrual cycle.

Stress, which appears positive and in all age groups, but also in the teen and 20-30 year old population, can also exacerbate and cause acne problems through a number of different pathways. For example, chronic stress can lead to a decrease in the overall immune system, which affects the skin's ability to fight Propionibacterium acnes bacteria.

It is known that the functionalized immune system contributes to overall good health, including healthy skin. Researchers [see: Shiseido and Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, see, for example, www.shiseido.co.jp] use color cosmetics to promote positive mind states, which, in turn, stimulate the nervous system and internal secretion. It is supposed to promote beautiful skin. On the contrary, they assume that skin diseases can be exacerbated by stress.

The perceived benefit of using cosmetics and beauty products is that they can contribute to a more positive mental mindset, while in general, the use of cosmetics and beauty products has a significant impact on the activity of the HPA axis to the extent that an individual's quality of life is improved. Has not been proven to give. Indeed, products intended to address skin conditions generally contain beneficial agents that improve skin conditions by treating the outer layers of the skin. In addition, most products are fragrance-free or contain some perfume, which in turn limits the product's ability to deliver any kind of emotional benefit through sensory stimuli.

Emotional stress is generally recognized to negatively affect skin conditions. See, eg, the Journal of Investigation Dermatology Vol. 114, No. 4, April 2000 Abstract No. 415, p. 820]. In this summary, the investigators examined the exacerbation of acne caused by emotional stress by observing the secretion effect of neuropeptides ("substance P") secreted from nerve endings in response to emotional stress. In immunohistochemical studies in which human facial skin was cultured using substance P, they found expression of leukocytes (ELAM-1) and neuropeptide-degrading enzyme (NEP) in sebaceous glands. These findings suggest that substance P can cause neurogenic inflammation and affect the sebaceous glands, causing acne to worsen.

Other hormones are secreted in response to stressors that can be used as indicators of stress. For example, regions of the brain known as the hypothalamus induce the activity of mammalian stress responses. Specifically, the hypothalamus induces the production of "stress hormones" comprising catecholamines and glucocorticoids. The hypothalamus responds to stressors by activating sympathetic nerve endings in the adrenal medulla producing adrenaline. The hypothalamus produces corticotropin-releasing hormone ("CRH"), which acts on the pituitary gland to release the adrenocorticotropin hormone ("ACTH"), which in turn acts on the adrenal cortex, which promotes the production of cortisol. do. CRH and the sympathetic nervous system participate in positive feedback loops so that activation of one nervous system activates the other nervous system. Increased cortisol secretion is an indicator that the HPA axis is activated, and conversely, a decrease in cortisol secretion indicates downregulation of HPA axis activity.

As discussed above, it is desirable to continuously reduce stress-related hormones to reduce acne, improve skin tone, and improve quality of life. Commercially available anti acne agents for topical use, such as salicylic acid, sulfur, lactic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, urea, resorcinol, N-acetylcysteine, retinic acid, benzoyl peroxide, octopyrox, triclosan, azela There are phosphoric acid, phenoxyethanol, phenoxypropanol, flavinoids, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, but they can work slowly and show side effects. In general, current products are effective for reducing clinical observation of acne, but as acne is not completely eliminated, consumers are not completely satisfied with the treatment of the disease. Topical medications may also cause other undesirable effects, such as irritation and dryness. Thus, there is a need to improve the effectiveness of acne products currently on the market.

In addition to the products available at the retail store, there are also a number of different pharmaceutical therapies developed to treat acne. These include, but are not limited to, both topical and oral preparations, for example isotretinoin and tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, azelaic acid, minocycline, doxycycline, antibacterial agents (e.g. erythromycin and clindamycin), vitamins (Eg zinc, folic acid and nicotinamide) as well as combinations of these antibacterial agents and anti-acne agents at the point of sale. However, there is a continuing need to increase the efficacy of these pharmaceutical compounds and to improve the quality of life of users.

The present invention solves the problem by improving acne and acne-related diseases in parallel with the use of antiacne agents with the use of sensory stimuli. The method according to the invention reduces emotional stress, down regulates the HPA axis and improves the quality of life of acne patients.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method of reducing the number and severity of acne lesions in the skin of a mammal. The method comprises performing sensory therapy in an amount effective to downregulate the activity of the mammal's HPA axis with administration of an anti-acne composition comprising an effective amount of an anti-acne agent.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for improving the inflammation of acne lesions in the skin of a mammal and to a method for improving the skin tone of a mammal using the method.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of treating a skin disease comprising administering sensory therapy in an amount effective to downregulate the activity of the mammal's HPA axis with administration of an anti-acne composition. Preferably, the method may provide two or more of the following treatments: (a) reducing the number and severity of acne lesions in the skin of a mammal; (b) improving inflammation of acne lesions in the skin of mammals; And (c) improving the skin tone of mammals.

The invention also relates to methods of treating stress-related skin diseases (eg, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, pruritus, wound healing, fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and combinations thereof). The method includes performing sensory therapy in an amount effective to downregulate the activity of the mammal's HPA axis with administration of an active agent. As used herein, the term "active agent" means a therapeutic agent known in the art to be useful for the treatment and alleviation of the symptoms of these skin diseases.

In another aspect, the invention also relates to a method of reducing stress and improving the emotional well-being of acne patients. The method comprises performing sensory therapy in an amount effective to downregulate the activity of the mammal's HPA axis with administration of an anti-acne composition comprising an effective amount of an anti-acne agent.

The present invention also relates to a method of reducing the flickering visible appearance. The method includes performing sensory therapy in an amount effective to downregulate the activity of the mammal's HPA axis.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes performing a sensory therapy in an amount effective to downregulate the activity of the mammal's HPA axis with administration of an anti-acne composition comprising an effective amount of an anti-acne agent, thereby preventing sebaceous gland discharge. It relates to a method for reducing the.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of increasing the compliance of an anti-acne product comprising the step of performing a sensory therapy with administration of the anti-acne composition.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

As discussed above, the method according to the invention is used to (1) reduce the number and severity of acne lesions in the skin of a mammal; (2) improve inflammation of acne lesions in the skin of a mammal; (3) improve the skin tone of mammals; (4) treat skin diseases; (5) treating stress related skin diseases; (6) reduce stress and improve the emotional well-being of acne patients; (7) reduce sebaceous gland emissions; (8) may increase the compliance of anti-acne product administration. The method includes performing sensory therapy in an amount effective to downregulate the activity of the mammal's HPA axis, with the administration of an antiacne composition comprising an effective amount of the acne agent.

As used herein, a "mammal" includes the rivers of warm-blooded high vertebrates that raise young animals with breast milk secreted by the mammary glands, and generally have somewhat hair-covered skin and non-exclusively include humans, dogs, and cats. do.

The term “effective amount” refers to the desired response, ie, the duration of the sensory therapy sufficient to reduce or downregulate the activity of the HPA axis and to reduce the total daily corticosteroids. The effective amount may vary depending on factors such as the age of the mammal being treated, the physical and emotional condition, the nature of the concurrent therapy, and the particular regimen used.

Sensory therapy may be therapy to relax the user. In general, sensory therapy is selected from the group consisting of auditory stimuli, visual stimuli, tactile stimuli, taste stimuli and olfactory stimuli, and combinations thereof.

Suitable auditory stimuli include, but are not limited to, music and natural sounds that calm or relax the consumer. The term "music" is used herein to refer to instrumental and song music; tune; melody; Mars; Song; Beats and vibrations such as metronome, tuning fork, bell, beat machine, edema; It is used to include poems and verses. The music can be any genre including but not limited to classical, soft rock, easy listening, progressive, country, and show tune. Nature sounds include animal sounds such as whale songs or birds chirping; Insect sounds such as crickets; And sounds of natural environments such as flowing streams or waterfalls. A consistently smooth sound with minimal melody and harmony changes, with little or no conventional beat pitch, little or no voice, little or no tempo, little or no percussion or strong rhythm It is particularly effective at relaxing or stabilizing. Sounds using two pure vibrations, typically binaural beats generated by using one for each ear, are useful for improving the user's mood. Binaural beats of the vibration range of delta, theta and alpha brainwave vibrations are useful for relaxing the user and bits of the vibration range of the beta wave activity are useful for promoting mental alertness in the user. Auditory stimuli may include, but are not limited to, cassette tapes, videotapes, compact discs, interactive toys and games, websites, and computer audio files.

Visual stimuli may include, but are not limited to, soft lighting, candles, videos, movies, pictures, murals, books, landscapes, interactive toys and games, websites, and computer image files that stabilize or relax the user. Soft lighting can be of any color, for example blue, green, pink and purple and the like. Cold colors, such as blue and green colors, are preferred for stabilizing and helping the user relax, and warm colors, such as orange and red, are preferred for raising the user. Low saturation pastel shades are useful to stabilize the user. The lighting may be provided as a kit, such as a light bulb, which may be inserted into the lamp at home, or may be provided as a kit, such as a lamp. In addition, illumination using optical fibers may be useful in the kits of the present invention. Fiber optic illumination can change color intermittently as is known in the art. Soft lighting of about 500 lux is particularly useful for relaxing the user in the evening before bedtime. Bright light above about 2000 lux is useful to improve the user's mood when used in wake-up days, such as during wake-up or any other time during the day before bedtime.

Combinations of light and sound with vibration patterns in the delta, theta and alpha brainwave oscillation ranges are useful for relaxing the user and having patterns in the vibration range of beta wave activity are useful for promoting mental alertness in the user.

Tactile stimuli useful herein include, but are not limited to, computer software, interactive toys and games, bubble baths, lotions, and systemic care compositions. A "systemic composition" may be added to wipes, cleaners, baths, shampoos, gels, soaps, sticks, balms, sachets, pillows, mousses, sprays, lotions, creams, cleaning compositions, powders, oils, bath oils and baths. Systemic cosmetics, toiletries and health care products such as other bath composition. Systemic care compositions may also include, but are not limited to, materials that can be used with aerosols, candles, and evaporators. Substances that can be used with the wipes, cleaners, baths, shampoos, gels, soaps, sticks, balms, sachets, pillows, mousses, sprays, lotions, creams, cleaning compositions, oils, bath oils, aerosols, candles and evaporators are systemic It is commercially known to those skilled in the art of making care compositions. One example of a suitable systemic care composition is Johnson's Bedtime Bath ^R product.

Computer software may be of an interactive nature that allows the consumer to relax while using such software. Such software includes video games and scrabble games.

Taste experiences also help reduce stress. Accordingly, the present invention is a food and beverage including, but not limited to, fruit, candy, crackers, cheese, black tea, and the like.

The method of the present invention may also include an olfactory sensory experience (eg, perfume). Fragrances that have a user find pleasure and have a calming effect on them are useful in the practice of the present invention. Suitable fragrances include loose fragrances, but are not limited to the fragrance compositions described in British Application No. 0301047.4, currently WO 02/49600, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Also suitable are fragrances, filed September 29, 2000 and described in co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 676,876, entitled "Methods of Calming People Using Whole Body Care Compositions," the disclosures of which are disclosed herein. Cited by reference. Generally, fragrances can be perceptible and fragrances that relax the user and down regulate the activity of the HPA axis. If the perfume is present in the antiacne composition, the stability of the perfume in the presence of the acne should be perceptible and should relax the user.

It is desirable to combine a number of sensory experiences useful for down-regulating HPA activity and consequently to reduce corticosteroids to subbasal levels. For example, daily therapy may include fragrances; Soft lighting; Bubble baths containing fragrances; And relaxation music. The fragrance can scent intermittently while listening to relaxation music while sitting in a dimly lit room during the day. Foam baths containing fragrances can be used when bathing or showering in the morning or listening to relaxation music at night.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sensory therapy is carried out daily for at least one week and involves the scent of relaxation fragrance while sitting in the bath and listening to the relaxation music. A further advantage is noted if the sensory therapy comprises soft illumination as described above.

Anti acne compositions useful in the process according to the invention include compositions containing anti acne agents known in the art. Suitable antiacne agents include salicylic acid, sulfur, lactic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, urea, resorcinol, N-acetylcysteine, retinic acid, benzoyl peroxide, octopyrox, triclosan, azelaic acid, phenoxyethanol, phenoxypropanol, Flavinoids, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, including but not limited to. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are preferred anti-acne agents. These anti-acne agents are used in amounts well known in the art for the treatment of acne. Salicylic acid, for example, is generally used in amounts ranging from about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of the composition. If benzoyl peroxide is used, it is generally present at about 2.5 to about 10 weight percent of the composition.

In addition to the products available at the point of sale, there are also a number of different pharmaceutical therapies developed for the treatment of acne useful in the methods according to the invention. These include, but are not limited to, topical and oral preparations, isotretinoin, adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene and azelaic acid. Pharmaceutical anti-acne compounds are used in dosages according to the physician's prescription instructions. While oral isotretinoin is useful for the treatment of acne conditions, it is also known to have side effects (eg depression), and therefore administration of isotretinoin in combination with the sensory therapy according to the invention is particularly advantageous.

In another aspect of the invention, antibacterial agents known to be useful in the treatment of acne and other skin diseases may be incorporated into antiacne compositions in combination with the antiacne agents. Examples of suitable antibacterial agents include, but are not limited to, erythromycin and clindamycin. In general, antibacterial agents should be used in amounts according to the dermatologist's prescription instructions.

In the method of the invention, the anti-acne composition is used by topical application several times daily to the infected area, as indicated in the product. The efficacy of antiacne compositions is significantly improved by the combination of the use of sensory therapy with topical application of antiacne agents.

As discussed above, the use of the sensory therapy in combination with administration of the anti-acne composition (1) reduces the number and severity of acne lesions in the skin of a mammal; (2) improve inflammation of acne lesions in the skin of a mammal; (3) can improve the skin tone of mammals. In addition, the reduction of acne, alleviation of inflammation of acne lesions and / or improved skin tone resulting from the methods of the invention lead to improved quality of life. Thus, in another aspect, the methods of the present invention can be used to reduce stress and improve the emotional well-being of acne patients, which method implements sensory therapy in an amount effective to downregulate the activity of the mammal's HPA axis. And the administration of the anti-acne composition. In one embodiment, the stress is chronic stress.

In another embodiment, the methods according to the invention can be used for the treatment of skin diseases. As described above, the method includes performing sensory therapy in an amount effective to downregulate the activity of the mammal's HPA axis with administration of an anti-acne composition, wherein the treatment comprises two of the following: These include: (a) reducing the number and severity of acne lesions in the skin of a mammal; (b) improving inflammation of acne lesions in the skin of mammals; And (c) improving the skin tone of mammals.

The method according to the invention also comprises the step of performing a sensory therapy in an amount effective to downregulate the activity of the mammal's HPA axis with the administration of an active agent, thereby causing atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, pruritus, wound healing Can be used for the treatment of stress-related skin diseases selected from the group consisting of thin lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the stress-related skin disease is caused by chronic stress.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of reducing the visible appearance of glare in human skin, comprising performing sensory therapy in an amount effective to downregulate the activity of a human's HPA axis. This method further comprises administration of the anti-acne composition.

It has also been found that implementation of the sensory therapy in combination with administration of the anti-acne composition can reduce sebaceous gland emissions. Finally, the implementation of sensory therapy aesthetically delights the user, so that the method according to the invention can be used to increase the compliance of the administration of the anti-acne product.

Examples are further described below to further illustrate the nature of the present invention and the manner in which it is performed. However, the present invention should not be considered as limited to the details thereof.

Example 1

Effects of Relaxing Fresheners on Skin Diseases

Two groups (11 persons per group) of panels with moderate to moderate acne (≥7 flare lesions, ≥5 spontaneous lesions, and ≥2 facial sinter nodules) participated in the study and were placed on their face every day. The effect of the addition of relaxation perfume to the benzoyl peroxide skin cream is measured. The basic formulations for the benzoyl peroxide skin cream used by group I are described below:

Benzoyl Peroxide Skin Cream # 1

ingredient ratio Laures-4 0.4% Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 0.2% Carbomer 934P 1.75% Disodium EDTA 0.2% Sodium hydroxide 0.29% Benzoyl Peroxide ("BPO") (75%) 6.67% water A reasonable amount

Benzoyl peroxide skin cream # 2 used by Group II is prepared by subtracting 0.2% water from benzoyl peroxide skin cream # 1 and replacing it with 0.2% fragrance (Quest PD-1861).

Once daily, the participant's face is evaluated for the severity of acne in terms of the number of lesions present and the type of lesion.

After washing with the commercially available PURPOSE GENTLE CLEANSING WASH (Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.) once a day over the next two weeks, panelists in each group measured approximately soybean-sized benzoyl peroxide skin cream. Squeeze with your palm and apply it to the entire face except for the eyes, lips and mouth. Panelists should not wash their face for at least 3 hours after applying the cream.

At the end of the two-week study, ask panelists what the overall preference of the benzoyl peroxide skin cream they used and whether they agree with the following statement:

What is your overall preference?

1. The product treats a white head.

2. The product treats open blackheads.

3. The product reduces the size of acne.

4. The product makes my skin feel smooth.

5. The product makes my skin feel soft.

6. The product makes my skin have a certain color.

7. The product makes my skin have a certain texture.

8. The product is gentle on my skin.

9. The product is not irritating to my skin.

10. The product is quickly absorbed by my skin.

11. The product does not make my skin easily peel off or have a gray appearance.

12. The product reduces the size of my skin pores.

13. The product reduces the redness of my skin.

14. The product is excellent for dry skin.

Ratings for overall preferences range from 0 (bad) to 10 (close to extremes).

Statements are rated from 1 (disagree) to 5 (strongly agreed).

The results are shown in Table 1 below.

Average score Question Group 2 Group 1 Overall preference ^** 7.3 5.9 Treatment of closed scrim ^*** 3.9 3.4 Treatment of open scrim ^*** 3.7 3.3 Reduced size ^*** 4.1 3.5 Smooth skin ^* 4.5 3.5 Smooth skin ^* 4.1 3.2 Even skin color 3.5 2.7 Even Skin Texture 3.8 3.1 Mild ^* 4.5 3.5 No irritation 4.3 3.4 Rapid absorption 4.5 3.5 Peeled, no gray appearance 4.1 2.8 Reduced pore size ^* 3.7 2.9 Reduced redness 3.8 3.3 Excellent for dry skin 3.5 3.0 * = 95% significance ** = 85% significance *** = 80% significance

Based on the data, the addition of perfume to the benzoyl peroxide skin cream composition was recognized by the participants to significantly improve the performance of the product. Improvements were observed for all inquired symptoms.

Example 2

Effects of various sensory therapies on skin diseases

Since the benefits of adding a relaxing fragrance to benzoyl peroxide skin creams containing antiacne are observed, additional work is performed to determine whether further relaxation treatments further improve panelists' skin disease and quality of life. Groups 1 and 2 are the same as in Example 1 and study a third group of 12 panelists, in which there are a number of additional relaxation factors for therapy.

The following protocol is used for group 3: Group 3 applies topical benzoyl peroxide skin cream # 1 once a day, sitting and relaxing music from a music CD (Eclipse Music Group) entitled "Relax with Ocean Relaxing Surf". Listen to the smell of perfume PD1861 (Quest International) three times a day for 10 minutes and use a bubble bath containing perfume PD1861 (Quest International) at 35 ° C. for 15 minutes at night.

During the 10-minute fragrance / music treatment, participants are instructed to open the lid of the sorbarod and smell the fragrance as often as they wish. At first, they think about the fragrances and the scents that make up the fragrances and the emotions they induce. They are instructed to smell the fragrance whenever they need to forget the fragrance or relive the fragrance. While smelling the fragrance, they listen to music using a personal CD player. Panelists sit or lie in dimly lit rooms. During bath exposure, panelists receive bath products with added fragrance and use them during the period. They are required to listen to the CD using a personal CD player during the bath. They are also required to dim the lights during the experience. The sensory process schedule is as follows: Session 1 consists of 10 minutes of music and 30 minutes of fragrance after waking up; Session 2 consists of 10 minutes of music and 4 hours of fragrance after waking up; Session 3 consists of 10 minutes of music and 8 hours of fragrance after waking up; Session 4 consists of 15 minutes of bath with perfume and 12 hours of music after waking up (or just before bedtime).

At the end of one week and at the end of the two week period, participants are reassessed for the severity of acne. The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

Reduction of inflammatory lesions % Reduction in inflammatory lesions Group number 1 week 2 weeks One 19 20 2 15 23 3 17 28

Reduction of total lesions % Reduction in total lesions Group number 1 week 2 weeks One 12 15 2 NS 20 3 NS 12 NS = No significant change

The data demonstrate that the number of inflammatory lesions is reduced by using skin creams with antiacne. Interestingly, it is also shown that addition of the relaxation perfume, PD1861, to the skin cream further reduces the number of lesions. The group with sensory experience and benzoyl peroxide skin cream showed a significant decrease in the number of inflammatory lesions after the 1 and 2 week time points. After two weeks, the total number of lesions has shown little reduction, but it is important to note that inflammatory lesions are notable for most consumers and product efficacy is often measured by a reduction in the number of inflammatory lesions.

It is important to note that the number of lesions is significantly reduced in the panelists who received a certain level of sensory treatment in the second week of the study and used fragrance in benzoyl peroxide skin creams or added the addition of relaxation elements to their therapy. This is consistent with our assumptions because it is expected that there will be a delay between the "relax" effect before the "relax" effect is expressed on the skin and the "relax" effect that may exist in the body. The fact that both cases of sensory therapy are significantly improved in the second week compared to the reference skin cream supports this theory.

In addition, participants are asked to complete an emotional questionnaire before and after the study to determine if the treatment feels to improve their mood. The question is:

1. Overall, how would you describe your current physical condition?

The ratings are 0 to 10, with 0 being "no relaxation at all" and 10 being "extremely relaxing".

2. Overall, how would you describe your current energy level?

The ratings are from 0 to 10, with 0 being "no energy" and 10 being "extremely energized."

3. Overall, how would you describe your current emotional state?

The ratings are from 0 to 10, with 0 being "no relaxation at all" and 10 being "extremely relaxing".

4. Overall, how would you describe your current stress level?

Ratings are 0 to 10, 0 being "no stress at all" and 10 being "extremely stressed".

The score for each question before the study is compared with the score for the same question after the study. Data is reported in Table 4 as the rate of score improvement after treatment based on the average score for the entire group of participants. Statistical significance for the data is in parentheses.

Emotional Questionnaire % Score improvement Question Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 One 8 (63) 5 (72) 37 (99) 2 13 (83) 5 (75) 34 (96) 3 9 (67) 3 (63) 43 (99) 4 -13 (95) 3 (65) 25 (97)

Group 3 had a higher percentage of participants who felt better than other groups as a result of treatment.

A second survey is conducted before and after the study to establish whether the participant felt the treatment effective for acne. The questionnaire used is in Cren M, Lasek R, Flocke S Improved Discriminative and Evaluative Capability of a Refined Version of Skindex, a Quality-of-Life Instrument for Patients with Skin Diseases. Arch Dermatol. 1997; 133: 1433-1440, a modified Skindex questionnaire. The statement is as follows:

1. My skin is damaged;

2. My skin disease affects how well I sleep;

3. I worry my skin disease is serious;

4. My skin disease makes my work or hobbies difficult;

5. My skin disease affects my social life;

6. My skin disease makes me depressed;

7. My skin disease becomes red or sore;

8. I tend to stay home because of my skin disease;

9. I worry about scarring from my skin disease;

10. My skin is itchy;

11. My skin disease affects how close I can be to someone I love;

12. I am ashamed of my skin disease;

13. I worry that my skin disease will get worse;

14. I tend to work alone because of my skin disease;

15. I am angry about my skin disease;

16. Water bothers my skin disease (bath, hand wash);

17. My skin disease makes it hard to show affection;

18. My skin is irritated;

19. My skin disease affects my interaction with others;

20. I am embarrassed by my skin disease;

21. My skin disease is a problem for my loved one;

22. I am frustrated with my skin disease;

23. My skin is sensitive;

24. My skin disease affects my desire to be with people;

25. I am embarrassed to my skin disease;

26. My skin disease bleeds;

27. I am suffering from my skin disease;

28. My skin disease interferes with my sex life;

29. My skin disease makes me tired.

The technique is scored as follows: 1 = not at all; 2 = rarely; 3 = sometimes; 4 = frequently; 5 = always. The score for each question before the study is compared with the score for the same question after the study. The data are reported in Table 5 as the rate of score improvement after treatment based on the average score for the entire participant group. Changes in scores are represented by those representing changes in symptoms, daily life, emotions, and overall criteria.

Quality of Life Questionnaire % Of score improvement Symptoms (questions 1, 7, 10, 16, 18, 23, 26) Daily life (questions 2, 4, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 28, 29) Emotional (questions 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 15, 20, 22, 25, 27) Overall One 2 8 -3 4 2 One 2 8 5 3 4 8 12 9

Group 3 participants showed an improved score for the questionnaire over other treatments. Positive effects from the combination of antiacne and sensory therapy are observed in symptoms, in function, emotionally and against the overall criteria.

Example 3

Other treatment regimens

Since the acne skin cream has had clinical and perceived benefits in parallel with additional relaxation factors, further studies are conducted in an attempt to better describe the relative contributions of both. In this separate study, Group 4 (13 panelists) applied benzoyl peroxide skin cream # 3, which is the same as benzoyl peroxide skin cream # 1 except that 6.67% of 75% BPO was replaced with water. Group 5 (12 panelists) does not apply benzoyl peroxide skin cream but participates in the same sensory therapy as Group 3, which is described below. The following protocol is used for group # 5: Group 5 sits and listens to relaxation music from the music CD (EclipseMusic Group) entitled "Relax with Ocean Relaxing Surf" three times a day for 10 minutes. Scent, and a bubble bath containing fragrance PD1861 (Quest International) at 35 ° C. for 15 minutes at night.

During the 10-minute fragrance / music treatment, participants are asked to open the lid of soba rod and smell the fragrance as often as they wish. At first, they think about the fragrances and the scents that make up the fragrances and the emotions they induce. They are instructed to smell the fragrance whenever they need to forget the fragrance or relive the fragrance. While smelling the fragrance, they listen to music using a personal CD player. Panelists sit or lie in dimly lit rooms. During bath exposure, panelists receive bath products with added fragrance and use them during the period. They are required to listen to the CD using a personal CD player during the bath. They are also required to dim the lights during the experience. The sensory process schedule is as follows: Session 1 consists of 10 minutes of music and 30 minutes of fragrance after waking up; Session 2 consists of 10 minutes of music and 4 hours of fragrance after waking up; Session 3 consists of 10 minutes of music and 8 hours of fragrance after waking up; Session 4 consists of 15 minutes of bath with perfume and 12 hours of music after waking up (or just before bedtime).

After one week and at the end of the two week period, participants are reassessed using the modified Global Acne Grading Scale described above for the severity of acne. The results are shown in Tables 6 and 7.

Reduction of inflammatory lesions % Reduction in inflammatory lesions Group number 1 week 2 weeks 4 36 50 5 23 28

Reduction of total lesions % Reduction in total lesions Group number 1 week 2 weeks 4 29 33 5 14 7

Placebo group 4 is obviously significantly improved in terms of reduction of inflammatory lesions. This is believed to be at least in part due to improved hygiene, consumer expectations for “treatment” and potentially benzoyl peroxide skin cream # 3 itself during the study. This can be seen by the fact that the use of rather relaxed elements alone indicates a sharp decrease in the number of inflammatory lesions. It is important to note that the studies in Example 3 are performed at different times of the year than Examples 1 and 2, and therefore the results of Example 3 should not be compared with the results of Examples 1 and 2. For data on inflammatory lesions, data on reduction of the total number of lesions also indicates that both treatments are effective and more effective with benzoyl peroxide skin cream # 3.

Groups 4 and 5 are also asked about the emotional and Skindex questionnaire about the ability of the treatment to improve the mood of the user. The results are shown in the following Tables 8 and 9.

Emotional Questionnaire % Of score improvement Question Group 4 Group 5 One 13 (97) -8 (58) 2 -1 (66) 3 (88) 3 8 (70) 7 (84) 4 15 (87) 11 (90)

Quality of Life Questionnaire % Of score improvement group Symptom Functional Emotional Overall 4 One 4 10 6 5 0 10 6 7

These tables show that the relaxation treatments alone in the study represent a wide range of emotional and well-being benefits for panelists. This is consistent with the clinical improvement observed in panelists' acne disease. Improvement is also observed for group 4, but does not appear to be high enough to correspond with the observed clinical improvement. Clearly, optimal treatment for this disease combines both clinical and psychological advantages.

Since one of the factors inducing acne is the increased amount of pizza, sebum production is measured similarly for groups 4 and 5. The increase in sebum has been claimed to result after an increase in stress activity through the corticosteroid pathway. Increasing sebum production may be associated with an increase in the shiny visible appearance. The results are shown in Table 10.

Effect of Treatment on Sebum Reduction Research cells Reduction rate for the first week Reduction rate for the second week Group 4 26% -2% Group 5 16% 8%

Again, the benefits to sebum reduction are observed using relaxation elements in the cells. To further confirm this assumption, stress markers are measured to determine changes in stress levels throughout the study.

Participants are also asked to collect approximately 1 ml of saliva by drooling or spitting each vial to measure cortisol concentration at set points throughout the daily study. The area under the curve is measured as described in co-pending patent application "Method of measuring stress in mammals", filed December 20, 2000, filed on 60 / 256,812. The area under the curve before the study is compared with the area under the curve after the treatment. The results are shown in Table 11 as percent reduction of area under the curve (reduction of baseline cortisol levels).

% Reduction in cortisol area under the curve process 1 week 2 weeks Group 4 19 5 Group 5 38 23

Group 5 shows reduced baseline cortisol levels within 1 week, which persists throughout the second week. These results correlate with clinical data obtained as well as consumer self assessment. Separately, Group 4 (without intrinsic relaxation treatments other than the panelists' knowledge of “treatment” studies) shows a decrease in cortisol levels after one week. A reduction was still observed after 2 weeks, but the effect did not persist as in group 5 (participated in sensation therapy).

While the inventors have found that a reduction in cortisol improves skin disease in the case of acne, it is also useful in the treatment of other stress-related skin diseases such as: atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, pruritus, wound healing , Thin lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, etc.

Claims (52)

Performing sensory therapy in an amount effective to downregulate the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis of the mammal with administration of an anti-acne composition comprising an anti-acne agent in the skin of the mammal How to reduce the number and severity of acne lesions. The method of claim 1, wherein the anti-acne composition is administered orally or topically. The method of claim 2 wherein the anti-acne composition is administered topically and the anti-acne agent is salicylic acid, sulfur, lactic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, urea, resorcinol, N-acetylcysteine, retinic acid, benzoyl peroxide, octopyrrox, triclosan , Azelaic acid, phenoxyethanol, phenoxypropanol, flavinoids, derivatives thereof and mixtures thereof. The method of claim 3 wherein the anti-acne agent is selected from benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and mixtures thereof. The method of claim 2 wherein the anti-acne agent is a pharmaceutical compound selected from isotretinoin and tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, azelaic acid, minocycline, doxycycline, erythromycin and clindamycin, and mixtures thereof. The method of claim 2, wherein the anti-acne composition is administered orally and isotretinoin. The method of claim 2 wherein the anti-acne composition further comprises an antibacterial agent. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensory therapy is selected from the group consisting of auditory stimulation, visual stimulation, tactile stimulation, taste stimulation and olfactory stimulation, and combinations thereof. The method of claim 8, wherein the sensory therapy comprises olfactory stimulation provided by an effective amount of relaxation perfume present in the anti-acne composition. The method of claim 9, wherein the sensory therapy further comprises visual stimulation comprising soft illumination. The method of claim 10, wherein the sensory therapy further comprises an auditory stimulus comprising music. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensory therapy comprises auditory stimulation comprising listening to relaxation music with an olfactory stimulus comprising performing a daily therapy for at least one week daily and soaking in a scented bath with a relaxing fragrance. The method of claim 12, wherein the sensory therapy further comprises visual stimulation comprising soft illumination. The method of claim 1, wherein the reduced activity of the HPA axis results in a decrease in corticosteroid levels in the mammal. A method of improving the quality of life of an individual using the method of claim 1. Imparting sensory therapy in an amount effective to downregulate the activity of the mammal's HPA axis with administration of an anti-acne composition comprising an effective amount of an acne agent, thereby improving inflammation of the acne lesion in the skin of the mammal. How to let. The method of claim 16, wherein the anti-acne composition is administered orally or topically. The method according to claim 17, wherein the anti-acne composition is administered topically, and the anti-acne agent is salicylic acid, sulfur, lactic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, urea, resorcinol, N-acetylcysteine, retinic acid, benzoyl peroxide, octopyrox, triclosan , Azelaic acid, phenoxyethanol, phenoxypropanol, flavinoids, derivatives thereof and mixtures thereof. The method of claim 18, wherein the anti-acne agent is selected from benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and mixtures thereof. The method of claim 16 wherein the antiacne agent is a pharmaceutical compound selected from isotretinoin and tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, azelaic acid, minocycline, doxycycline, erythromycin and clindamycin, and mixtures thereof. The method of claim 20, wherein the anti-acne composition is administered orally and isotretinoin. The method of claim 17, wherein the anti-acne composition further comprises an antibacterial agent. The method of claim 16, wherein the sensory therapy is selected from the group consisting of auditory stimulation, visual stimulation, tactile stimulation, taste stimulation and olfactory stimulation, and combinations thereof. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the sensory therapy comprises auditory stimulation comprising listening to relaxation music with an olfactory stimulus comprising performing a daily at least one week daily and smelling a relaxing fragrance. The method of claim 24, wherein the sensory therapy further comprises visual stimulation comprising soft illumination. 17. The method of claim 16, comprising auditory stimulation comprising performing sensory therapy daily for at least one week and listening to relaxation music for at least 10 minutes with an olfactory stimulus comprising soaking in a scented bath with a relaxing fragrance. How to. The method of claim 26, wherein the sensory therapy further comprises visual stimulation comprising soft illumination. The method of claim 16, wherein the reduced activity of the HPA axis results in a decrease in corticosteroid levels in the mammal. A method of improving the quality of life of an individual using the method according to claim 16. Performing sensory therapy in an amount effective to downregulate the activity of the mammal's HPA axis with administration of an anti-acne composition comprising an effective amount of an acne agent. The method of claim 30, wherein the anti-acne composition is administered orally or topically. 32. The method according to claim 31, wherein the anti-acne composition is administered topically, and the anti-acne agent is salicylic acid, sulfur, lactic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, urea, resorcinol, N-acetylcysteine, retinic acid, benzoyl peroxide, octopyrox, triclosan , Azelaic acid, phenoxyethanol, phenoxypropanol, flavinoids, derivatives thereof and mixtures thereof. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the anti-acne agent is selected from benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and combinations thereof. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the anti-acne agent is a pharmaceutical compound selected from isotretinoin and tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, azelaic acid, minocycline, doxycycline, erythromycin and clindamycin, and mixtures thereof. The method of claim 34, wherein the anti-acne composition is administered orally and isotretinoin. 32. The method of claim 31 wherein the anti-acne composition further comprises an antibacterial agent. The method of claim 30, wherein the sensory therapy is selected from the group consisting of auditory stimulation, visual stimulation, tactile stimulation, taste stimulation and olfactory stimulation, and combinations thereof. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the sensory therapy is administered daily for at least one week and comprises an olfactory stimulus comprising aroma of a relaxing fragrance, with an auditory stimulus comprising listening to relaxation music. The method of claim 38, wherein the sensory therapy further comprises visual stimulation comprising soft illumination. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the sensory therapy comprises auditory stimulation comprising listening to relaxation music with an olfactory stimulus comprising performing a daily therapy for at least one week daily and soaking in a scented bath of relaxation fragrance. 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the sensory therapy further comprises visual stimulation comprising soft illumination. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the reduced activity of the HPA axis results in a decrease in corticosteroid levels in the mammal. A method of improving the quality of life of an individual using the method according to claim 30. A method of treating a skin condition comprising administering a sensory therapy in an amount effective to downregulate the activity of a mammal's HPA axis with administration of an anti-acne composition, wherein the treatment comprises (a) acne in the skin of the mammal Reduce the number and severity of the lesion; (b) improve inflammation of acne lesions in the skin of a mammal; (c) improving at least two of the mammal's skin tones. Performing a sensory therapy in an amount effective to downregulate the activity of the mammal's HPA axis with the administration of the active agent, including atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, pruritus, wound healing, thin lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and A method of treating stress-related skin diseases selected from the group consisting of combinations thereof. 46. The method of claim 45, wherein the stress-related skin disease is caused by chronic stress. Implementing sensory therapy in an amount effective to downregulate the activity of the mammal's HPA axis with administration of an anti-acne composition, thereby reducing stress and improving emotional well-being in acne patients. 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the stress is chronic stress. Performing sensory therapy in an amount effective to downregulate the activity of a person's HPA axis, the method of reducing the visible appearance in the human skin. The method of claim 49 further comprising administering an anti-acne composition. A method of reducing sebaceous gland emissions, comprising administering sensory therapy in an amount effective to downregulate the activity of the HPA axis in a mammal, with administration of an anti-acne composition. Implementing sensory therapy with administration of the anti-acne composition to increase compliance of the anti-acne product.