Collagen and elastin stimulating compositions and uses thereof

1. A method for reducing appearance of one or more signs of aging in human skin comprising topically applying to an area of the skin in need thereof a composition comprising from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of a botanical extract, in a topically acceptable vehicle in the form of an emulsion comprising an aqueous phase, and oil phase, and an emulsifier, wherein said botanical extract is an extract of a plant selected from the group consisting of Justicia ventricosa, Archidendron clypearia , and combinations thereof.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said reduction in one or more signs of said skin is selected from the group consisting of:

(a) treatment and/or reduction of fine lines or wrinkles,

(b) reduction of skin pore size,

(c) improvement in skin thickness, plumpness, and/or tautness;

(d) improvement in skin smoothness, suppleness and/or softness;

(e) improvement in skin tone, radiance, and/or clarity;

(f) improvement in procollagen and/or collagen production;

(g) improvement in maintenance and remodeling of elastin;

(h) improvement in skin texture and/or promotion of retexturization;

(i) improvement in skin barrier repair and/or function;

(j) improvement in appearance of skin contours;

(k) restoration of skin luster and/or brightness;

(l) replenishment of essential nutrients and/or constituents in the skin;

(m) decreased by aging and/or menopause;

(n) improvement in skin moisturization;

(o) increase in skin elasticity and/or resiliency;

(p) treatment, reduction, and/or prevention of skin sagging;

(q) improvement in skin firmness;

(r) reduction of pigment spots and/or mottled skin;

(s) improving the appearance of acne scars or marks;

(t) improving the appearance of stretch marks; and/or

(u) improvement in the appearance of cellulite.

3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein said reducing appearance of one or more signs of aging of said skin comprises reduction of fine lines and/or wrinkles.

4. The method according to claim 2 , wherein thickness, plumpness, and/or tautness of said skin is improved.

5. The method according to claim 2 , wherein skin elasticity and/or resiliency is increased.

6. The method according to claim 2 , wherein said reducing appearance of one or more signs of aging comprises reduction of skin sagging.

7. The method according to claim 2 , wherein skin firmness is improved.

8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the botanical extract is Justicia ventricosa.

9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the botanical extract is Archidendron clypearia.

10. The method according to claim 1 , wherein collagen or procollagen production in the skin is increased.

11. The method according to claim 1 , wherein elastin production in the skin is increased.

12. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said extract is in an amount effective to up-regulate collagen and elastin mRNA expression in a human fibroblast.

13. A method for reducing the appearance of fine lines and/or wrinkles on skin of the face caused by aging comprising topically applying to said fine lines and/or wrinkles a water or water/ethanol extract of Justicia ventricosa that stimulates collagen production in the skin, in a topically acceptable vehicle in the form of an emulsion comprising an aqueous phase, and oil phase, and an emulsifier, for a period of time sufficient to reduce the appearance of said fine lines and/or wrinkles.

14. A method for reducing the appearance of fine lines and/or wrinkles on skin of the face caused by aging comprising topically applying to said fine lines and/or wrinkles a water or water/ethanol extract of Archidendron clypearia that stimulates collagen production in the skin, in a topically acceptable vehicle in the form of an emulsion comprising an aqueous phase, and oil phase, and an emulsifier, for a period of time sufficient to reduce the appearance of said fine lines and/or wrinkles.