Abstract: A novel combination of one or more ligands with VDR receptor selective activity and one or more retinoids selective for RAR&ggr; receptors as opposed to RAR&agr; receptors is described, as well as the use thereof in cosmetic and skin-care applications for treating disorders related to a hyperproliferation of cells, in particular skin cells, such as psoriasis.

Abstract: The use of at least one &ggr;-RAR receptor-specific agonist ligand to prepare a pharmaceutical composition for increasing the rate of apoptosis in at least one cell population in which apoptosis may be induced by activating &ggr;-RAR receptors is disclosed. The composition is particularly useful for treating a disease or disorder related to an insufficient rate of apoptosis in at least one cell population in which apoptosis may be induced by activating &ggr;-RAR receptors. The use of at least one &ggr;-RAR receptor-specific agonist ligand as the apoptosis inducer in a cosmetic composition is also disclosed. Said composition may be used to prevent and/or control photo-ageing or chronological ageing of the skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel propynyl or dienyl biaromatic compounds which have the general formula (I) as well as to the use of these compounds in pharmaceutical compositions intended for use in human or veterinary medicine (dermatological, rheumatic, respiratory, cardiovascular and ophthalmological complaints in particular), or alternatively in cosmetic compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel aqueous composition based on a compound modulating the reactivity of nerve fibers. It relates more particularly to a pharmaceutical composition for topical use on a human or animal body and intended to anesthetize the skin or the mucous membranes or to treat pruritus.

Abstract: A method for eliminating unwanted hairs is provided. The method includes applying an effective amount of a composition including microparticles to the surface of the skin where the hairs are situated and removing the composition remaining on the surface of the skin. The microparticles contain chromophores and a second material different from the chromophores. At least 80% by weight of the microparticles have a diameter of between 3 &mgr;m and 10 &mgr;m. A composition containing a solvent which dissolves the chromophores may then be applied to the surface of the skin. Laser radiation is then applied in one or more shots. The emitted wavelength of the laser radiation is absorbed by the chromophores. The light energy and the emission duration of the laser energy are sufficient to damage and/or kill the cells responsible for the growth of the hair.

Abstract: The use of a combination of an alpha RAR receptor-specific agonist ligand and a gamma RAR receptor-specific antagonist ligand to reduce the rate of apoptosis is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of metronidazole, or preferably of a combination of metronidazole and clindamycin, as active principle for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions, more particularly dermatological compositions, intended for an anti-inflammatory treatment by the topical route.

Abstract: Novel pharmaceutically/cosmetically-active polycyclic aromatic compounds have the structural formula (I): ##STR1## wherein Ar is a radical having one of the formulae (a)-(i): ##STR2## and are useful for the treatment of a wide variety of disease states, whether human or veterinary, for example dermatological, rheumatic, respiratory, cardiovascular and ophthalmological disorders, as well as for the treatment of mammalian skin and hair conditions/disorders.

Abstract: Novel pharmaceutically/cosmetically-active polyaromatic propynyl compounds have the structural formula (1): ##STR1## in which X is one of the radicals: ##STR2## and are useful for the treatment of a wide variety of disease states, whether human or veterinary, for example dermatological, rheumatic, respiratory, cardiovascular and ophthalmological disorders, as well as for the treatment of mammalian skin and hair conditions/disorders.

Abstract: A method for the topical or percutaneous administration of a cosmetic or pharmaceutically active substance involves applying an electric current to an area of the skin, ceasing to apply the electric current to this area of the skin and then applying an active substance to at least a part of this area of the skin in the absence of an electric current being applied thereto.