Topical compositions comprising extracts of Rhizomucor miehei that are substantially devoid of acid-protease activity and their use in treating dermatologic conditions, including reducing the appearance of signs of skin aging.
1. A dermatocosmetic composition for treating or reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin comprising
a therapeutically-effective amount of a proteinaceous extract of Rhizomucor miehei substantially devoid of acid-protease activity, wherein the overall acid protease specific activity within the composition is less than about 500 HUT units/mg;
one or more surfactants; and
a dermatologically-acceptable carrier comprising an emulsion.
2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the overall acid protease specific activity is less than about 50 HUT units/mg.
3. The composition of claim 1 wherein the overall acid protease specific activity is less than about 10 HUT units/mg.
4. A method for treating or reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin comprising topically administering to a person in need thereof the composition of claim 1 .
5. A method for treating or reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin comprising topically administering to a person in need thereof the composition of claim 2 .
6. A method for treating or reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin comprising topically administering to a person in need thereof the composition of claim 3 .
7. A method for increasing levels of collagen in the skin comprising topically administering to a person in need thereof the composition of claim 1 .
8. A method for increasing levels of collagen in the skin comprising topically administering to a person in need thereof the composition of claim 2 .
9. A method for increasing levels of collagen in the skin comprising topically administering to a person in need thereof the composition of claim 4 .
10. A method for stimulating collagen synthesis comprising topically administering to a person in need thereof the composition of claim 1 .
11. A method for increasing skin firmness comprising topically administering to a person in need thereof the composition of claim 1 .
12. A method for increasing skin firmness comprising topically administering to a person in need thereof the composition of claim 2 .
13. A method for increasing skin firmness comprising topically administering to a person in need thereof the composition of claim 3 .
14. A method for increasing skin moisture content comprising topically administering to a person in need thereof the composition of claim 1 .
15. A method for increasing skin moisture content comprising topically administering to a person in need thereof the composition of claim 2 .
16. A method for increasing skin moisture content comprising topically administering to a person in need thereof the composition of claim 3 .
17. The composition of claim 1 wherein the emulsion is selected from an oil-in-water emulsion, a water-in-oil emulsion, a water-in-silicone emulsion, a silicone- in-water emulsion, a water-in-oil-in-water, an oil-in-water-in-oil emulsions, and oil-in-water-in-silicone emulsion.
18. The composition of claim 1 wherein the one or more surfactants are selected from anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants and non-ionic surfactants.
19. The composition of claim 1 further comprising one or more additives selected from antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-acne agents, antimicrobial agents, astringents, humectants, moisturizers, pH adjusters, skin bleaching/lightening agents, skin soothing/healing agents and agents that help decrease the appearance of signs of aging.