Abstract: A method and article for delivery of skin care agents. Freeze-dried liposomes are used to encapsulate agents for delivery to specific cells in the skin. The applicable agents include perfumes, moisturizers, vitamins and therapeutic compounds as well as others. The agents are encapsulated in liposomes specifically selected to carry the agents to the target cells thereby increasing effectiveness and efficiency and minimizing systemic absorption. The liposomes are at least partially freeze-dried to improve shelf-life and improve delivery to the skin. After freeze-drying, the liposomes are deposited on or in a fabric-like pad. The liposomes are rehydrated either immediately prior to application to the skin or on the skin using natural moisture or a hydrating solution. An applicator is also provided to secure and hold the impregnated pad during use. The applicator may provide steam or vapor to rehydrate the liposomes during application.

Abstract: A compact hand-held skin treatment device has a porous, slowly movable surface mounted on its housing that applies steam vapor condensate to the skin, thereby providing a light cleansing buffing action. Steam vapor is generated within a narrow vertical boiling chamber by a small compact electric heating assembly within the housing and located close to the movable porous surface. It provides a sufficient amount of vapor to coat the rotating surface with a layer of condensate to be applied to the skin. The housing also contains a small liquid reservoir, a battery operated power supply and a small motor to provide a self-contained readily operated device.

Abstract: Multiple hair removal system includes a conductive layer including a conductive material. The conductive material functions to provide electromagnetic energy from a source to hairs to be treated that extend up into and/or through the conductive layer and contact the conductive material. A method of removing multiple hairs and inhibiting future hair growth includes applying a conductive layer, applying electromagnetic energy for a period of time sufficient to destroy the matrix area of the hair, and allowing the treated hair to either be removed immediately or to stay in the skin for a period of time sufficient for the chemical reaction induced at the matrix area to continue long enough to destroy the matrix area and prevent regrowth of the hair.

Abstract: A method of altering skin tissues by application of light energy. Hair coloring is altered by introduction of melanin to the hair and hair follicle. Delivery of melanin is enhance by encapsulation in a liposome. Liposomes are specifically selected for the ability to bind to the tissues of the epidermis. Light energy is applied to release the melanin and assist binding to the targeted tissues. Light energy is preferably provided by one of several laser light sources. The light energy is matched to the absorption of the melanin to reduce absorption and damage to surrounding untargeted skin tissues.

Abstract: A method and article for delivery of skin care agents. Freeze-dried liposomes are used to encapsulate agents for delivery to specific cells in the skin. The applicable agents include perfumes, moisturizers, vitamins and therapeutic compounds as well as others. The agents are encapsulated in liposomes specifically selected to carry the agents to the target cells thereby increasing effectiveness and efficiency and minimizing systemic absorption. The liposomes are at least partially freeze-dried to improve shelf-life and improve delivery to the skin. After freeze-drying, the liposomes are deposited on or in a fabric-like pad. The liposomes are rehydrated either immediately prior to application to the skin or on the skin using natural moisture or a hydrating solution. An applicator is also provided to secure and hold the impregnated pad during use. The applicator may provide steam or vapor to rehydrate the liposomes during application.

Abstract: A method of removing multiple hairs and inhibiting future hair growth includes the steps of applying a conductive solution to the hair, applying power for a period of time sufficient to destroy the matrix area of the hair, and allowing the treated hair to either be removed immediately or to stay in the skin for a period of time sufficient for the chemical reaction induced at the matrix area to continue long enough to destroy the matrix area and prevent regrowth of the hair. The power may be applied through a conductive element of a comb. The comb is configured for carrying out the method. The comb may be provided with a moveable clamp for treating hair. The movable clamp may likewise be used to grasp and to remove treated hair when the grasped/clamped treated hair is moved relative to the skin by movement of the comb.

Abstract: Method for the very rapid removal of hair through the use of electromagnetic (e.g., AC, DC, blend, and laser) energy by treatment of the hair prior to the application of such electromagnetic energy to reduce the electromagnetic energy resistance of the hair. Such hair treatment may include applying conductive solutions, pre-treating the hair to yield an alkaline environment (i.e., hair is made more alkaline), and adding graphite, metal, conductive non-metal solids, viscous materials, and liquids, for example.

Abstract: A pair of insulated, clamping electrode electrical power output tweezers for hair removal, comprising a pair of normally closed, spaced opposed, conductive arms; a conductive tip disposed adjacent a free end of one of the pair of conductive arms; a non-conductive material substantially enclosing each one of the pair of arms; the non-conductive material defining a power transmission area disposed adjacent to and spaced from the free ends; and the power transmission area being substantially free of the non-conductive material and being sufficiently large for contacting hairs.

Abstract: A method of removing multiple hairs and inhibiting future hair growth includes the steps of applying a conductive solution to the hair, applying power for a period of time sufficient to destroy the matrix area of the hair, and allowing the treated hair to either be removed immediately or to stay in the skin for a period of time sufficient for the chemical reaction induced at the matrix area to continue long enough to destroy the matrix area and prevent regrowth of the hair. The hair removal is accomplished by use of a spring having at least two coils which are movable into engagement with each other. The two coils are configured for engaging and grasping hairs. When the coils clamp an engaged hair, and then moved relative to the skin, the hair is removed thereby. A device particularly suited for carrying out the invention includes coils which can be moved away from and toward each other for engaging hairs to be removed.

Abstract: A method of removing multiple hairs and inhibiting future hair growth includes the steps of applying a conductive solution to the hair, applying power for a period of time sufficient to destroy the matrix area of the hair, and allowing the treated hair to either be removed immediately or to stay in the skin for a period of time sufficient for the chemical reaction induced at the matrix area to continue long enough to destroy the matrix area and prevent regrowth of the hair. The hair removal is accomplished by use of a spring having at least two coils which are movable into engagement with each other. The two coils are configured for engaging and grasping hairs. When the coils clamp an engaged hair, and then moved relative to the skin, the hair is removed thereby. A device particularly suited for carrying out the invention includes coils which can be moved away from and toward each other for engaging hairs to be removed.

Abstract: A method of permanent hair removal which uses a high energy light source projected at the skin to cause death of the hair follicle by photothermolysis. The process uses either incoherent or coherent light energy. Additional melanin is added to the skin by a process which delivers the melanin to the region of the hair follicle thereby enhancing that area as a light absorbing target. Collateral damage to the surrounding skin tissue is minimized. The delivery process uses liposomes selected particularly to encapsulate and carry melanin to the target region. The invention also encompasses a general method of deleterious tissue destruction by selective introduction of melanin and subsequent photothermolysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of hair depilation comprising the steps of providing an augmentation compound that readily absorbs a selected wavelength of laser light energy, encapsulating the augmentation compound within a liposimal carrier, applying an effective amount of the encapsulated augmentation compound to a region of tissue to be depilated sufficient to cause the compound to accumulate within the dermis surrounding each hair follicle and respective papilla, providing a laser light applicator capable of producing a wavelength of energy matched to the selected wavelength of absorption for the augmentation compound, positioning the laser light applicator above the region of skin treated with the augmentation compound and, applying a pulse of laser energy of the selected wavelength to the region of skin treated with the augmentation compound, the pulse of laser energy having a radiant exposure dose of sufficient energy and duration to cause damage to the hair follicle and papilla so that hair

Abstract: Multiple hair removal system includes an adhesive layer, a structural layer disposed adjacent the adhesive layer, and a conductive material. The conductive material functions to provide power from a power source to hairs to be treated that extend up through the adhesive layer and contact the conductive material. A method of removing multiple hairs and inhibiting future hair growth includes the steps of applying a conductive solution to the skin, pressing on an adhesive layer, applying power for a period of time sufficient to destroy the matrix area of the hair, and allowing the treated hair to either be removed immediately or to stay in the skin for a period of time sufficient for the chemical reaction induced at the matrix area to continue long enough to destroy the matrix area and prevent regrowth of the hair.