COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING ACNE
This invention provides anti-acne kits that are useful for treating acne, especially severe cases of acne. The anti-acne kits include a vasoconstrictor and an anti-acne agent, and optionally one or more of a skin lightening therapeutic, a sealing layer, a skin cleanser, an astringent, a skin penetration enhancer, a sunscreen, and nutritional supplements that promote healing of acne lesions. This invention also provides methods for treating acne using a vasoconstrictor in conjunction with an anti-acne agent.
1 . A kit for the treatment of acne, said kit comprising
a vasoconstrictor;
an anti-acne agent;
and optionally one or more components selected from the group consisting of a skin-lightening therapeutic, a skin cleanser, an astringent, a sun screen and a sealing layer.
2 . The kit according to claim 1 , wherein said vasoconstrictor is selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrozoline HCl 0.05%, naphazoline HCl 0.03%, oxymetazoline HCl 0.025%, guava extract, ellagic acid, caffeine, cypress oil, witch hazel, peppermint extract, chamomile oil, and bugleweed.
3 . The kit according to claim 1 , wherein said anti-acne agent is selected from the group consisting of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
4 . The kit according to claim 1 , wherein said skin-lightening therapeutic is selected from the group consisting of albatin, arbutin, bearberry extract, mulberry extract, licorice extract, skull cap, azelaic, ascorbyl glucosamine, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbic acid, coltsfoot extract, gallic acid, nutmeg, ramulus mori extract, and kojic acid.
5 . The kit according to claim 1 , wherein said sealing layer comprises mica.
6 . A method of treating acne, said method comprising:
applying a vasoconstrictor;
subsequently applying an anti-acne agent; and
optionally applying, after application of said anti-acne-agent, one or more components selected from the group consisting of a skin-lightening therapeutic, a skin cleanser, an astringent, a sun screen and a sealing layer.
7 . The method according to claim 6 , wherein said vasoconstrictor is selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrozoline HCl 0.05%, naphazoline HCl 0.03%, oxymetazoline HCl 0.025%, guava extract, ellagic acid, caffeine, cypress oil, witch hazel, peppermint extract, chamomile oil, and bugleweed.
8 . The method according to claim 6 , wherein said anti-acne agent is selected from the group consisting of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
9 . The method according to claim 6 , wherein said skin-lightening therapeutic is selected from the group consisting of albatin, arbutin, bearberry extract, mulberry extract, licorice extract, skull cap, azelaic, ascorbyl glucosamine, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbic acid, coltsfoot extract, gallic acid, nutmeg, ramulus mori extract and kojic acid.
10 . The method according to claim 6 , wherein said sealing layer comprises mica.
11 . An anti-acne kit for treating acne occurring on sensitive skin, said anti-acne kit comprising:
a vasoconstrictor;
an anti-acne agent;
and optionally one or more components selected from the group consisting of a skin-lightening therapeutic, a skin cleanser, an astringent, a sun screen and a sealing layer;
wherein said anti-acne agent is triclosan or an herbal extract.