Topical glutathione formulations for menopausal skin
Topical compositions to address menopausal skin conditions include an effective amount of S-acyl glutathione derivative and a carrier. Methods for addressing menopausal skin conditions include applying a composition containing S-acyl glutathione derivative in a dermatologically acceptable carrier to skin tissue. The acyl group is a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic C 12 -C 24 group, preferably an unsaturated C 16 -C 24 group, most preferably an unsaturated C 18 group. In particularly preferred embodiments, the acyl group is a linoleoyl group.
1. A method of improving the appearance of peri-menopausal, menopausal, or post-menopausal skin, comprising: applying to peri-menopausal, menopausal, or post-menopausal skin tissue, the skin tissue having redness or blotchiness, dryness, or lines and wrinkles, a composition containing S-acyl glutathione derivative of formula (I):
wherein R 1 consists of an unsaturated aliphatic C 18 acyl group directly attached to the S via the C(O) portion of the acyl group to form the S-acyl portion of the S-acyl glutathione derivative, and R 2 is a hydrogen; and a dermatologically acceptable carrier.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein R 1 is a linoleoyl or oleoyl group.
3. The method of claim 1 comprising between 0.01% to 20% by weight of S-acyl glutathione derivative of formula (I).
4. The method of claim 3 comprising between 0.1% to 5% by weight of S-acyl glutathione derivative of formula (I).
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the carrier comprises lecithin.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein R 1 is an unsaturated C 16 -C 24 group.
7. A method of improving the appearance of peri-menopausal, menopausal, or post-menopausal skin, comprising: applying to peri-menopausal, menopausal, or post-menopausal skin tissue, the skin tissue having redness or blotchiness, dryness, or lines and wrinkles, a composition containing S-acyl glutathione derivative of formula (I)
wherein R 1 is an unsaturated C 18 acyl group directly attached to the S via the C(O) portion of the acyl group to form the S-acyl portion of the S-acyl glutathione derivative, and R 2 is (1) a hydrogen, (2) aliphatic acyl group directly attached to the N via the C(O) portion of the acyl group or (3) an aromatic acyl group directly attached to the N via the C(O) portion of the acyl group.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein R 1 is a linoleoyl or oleoyl group.
9. The method of claim 7 comprising between 0.01% to 20% by weight of S-acyl glutathione derivative of formula (I).
10. The method of claim 9 comprising between 0.1% to 5% by weight of S-acyl glutathione derivative of formula (I).
11. The method of claim 7 , wherein R 2 is a hydrogen.
12. The method of claim 7 , wherein the carrier comprises lecithin.