Transdermal delivery system for cosmetic agents

1. A method for treating a skin condition in a subject comprising the steps of:

(i) pretreating skin by generating a plurality of micro-channels in an area of skin of a subject suffering from a skin condition by an apparatus which comprises:

a. an electrode cartridge comprising a plurality of electrodes to be oriented generally perpendicularly to the skin with electrode ends in the vicinity of the skin; and

b. a main unit comprising a control unit which is adapted to apply electrical energy between two or more electrodes when the electrodes are in vicinity of the skin, typically generating current flow that passes between the electrodes and through the stratum corneum, enabling ablation of stratum corneum in the area beneath the electrodes, thereby generating in the stratum corneum a plurality of micro-channels having a diameter of about 10 microns to about 100 microns and a depth of about 20 microns to about 300 microns; and

(ii) topically applying to the pre-treated skin and without the application of mechanical or physical means that increases the permeation of the composition through the skin a dermatologically effective amount of a cosmetic or dermatological composition comprising at least one water-soluble, poorly water-soluble or water-insoluble cosmetic agent and a cosmetically or dermatologically acceptable carrier to the area of the skin in which the micro-channels are present so as to improve the skin condition of said subject, the cosmetic or dermatological composition is devoid of permeation enhancers,

wherein the electrode cartridge is configured and dimensioned for removable attachment to the main unit wherein the cartridge is removably attached to the main unit for applying the electrical energy and thereafter can be detached.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the cosmetic agent is selected from the group consisting of xanthines, retinoids, α-hydroxy acids, β-hydroxy acids, α-2 adrenergic inhibitors, β-adrenergic agonists, aromatase inhibitors, anti-estrogens, hydroquinone, ascorbic acid, kojic acid, corticosteroids, mucopolysaccharides, collagen, estrogens, isoflavonoids, cinnamic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tropolone, catechol, mercaptoamine, niacinamide, tocopherol, ferulic acid, azelaic acid, botulinum, urea, a derivative or salt thereof.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the xanthine is caffeine.

4. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the β-hydroxy acid is salicylic acid.

5. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the cosmetic agent is hydroquinone.

6. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the cosmetic or dermatological composition further comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of surfactants, humectants, preservatives, antioxidants, powders, clarifying agents, coloring agents, opacifiers, thickeners, and perfumes, and the electrode cartridge is discarded after detachment from the main unit.

7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the cosmetic or dermatological composition further comprising a pharmaceutical agent.

8. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the pharmaceutical agent is an antibacterial agent.

9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the cosmetic or dermatological composition is formulated in a form selected from the group consisting of anhydrous compositions, aqueous solutions, aqueous suspensions, oil-in-water emulsions, water-in-oil emulsions, oily droplets in aqueous solutions, micelles, liposomes, ethosomes, and aqueous suspensions of nanoparticles.

10. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the cosmetic or dermatological composition is in a form selected from the group consisting of lotions, creams, ointments, gels, pastes, sprays, foams, sticks, and skin patches.

11. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the skin condition is selected from cellulite, acne vulgaris, acne cystic, skin aging, skin wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, keratosis, skin blemish, dandruff, warts, photodamaged skin, chronic dermatoses, dermatitis, dryness, ichthyosis, viral infections, fungal infections, and bacterial skin infections.