Abstract: Novel methods and compositions for treating aged and environmentally damaged skin are disclosed which provide improvements in the skin's visual appearance, function and clinical/biophysical properties by activating at least one proteolytic enzyme in the skin's stratum corneum. The disclosed treatment methods involve topical application of a novel cosmetic composition containing a combination of a cationic surfactant such as N,N,-dimethyldodecyl amine oxide (DMDAO), an anionic surfactant such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), or monoalkyl phosphate (MAP) and a chelating agent such as ethylene diamine tetraacetate (EDTA) to stimulate a chronic increase in the replacement rate of the skin's stratum corneum by means of corneum protease activation. This chronic, low level stimulation is effective to induce repair and replacement of the stratum corneum, epidermis, and dermis of the skin and improvements in the appearance, function, and anti-aging properties of the skin.

Abstract: Novel methods and compositions for treating aged and environmentally damaged skin are disclosed which provide improvements in the skin's visual appearance, function and clinical/biophysical properties by activating at least one proteolytic enzyme in the skin's stratum corneum. The disclosed treatment methods involve topical application of a novel cosmetic composition containing a combination of a cationic surfactant such as N,N,-dimethyldodecyl amine oxide (DMDAO), an anionic surfactant such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), or monoalkyl phosphate (MAP) and a chelating agent such as ethylene diamine tetraacetate (EDTA) to stimulate a chronic increase in the replacement rate of the skin's stratum corneum by means of corneum protease activation. This chronic, low level stimulation is effective to induce repair and replacement of the stratum corneum, epidermis, and dermis of the skin and improvements in the appearance, function, and anti-aging properties of the skin.

Abstract: New topically applied treatments for structurally deteriorated or otherwise aged skin are shown by comparative data to effect structural improvements in the deteriorated skin, as shown by skin-thickening data. The disclosed treatments disrupt the skin's water barrier and elevate trans-epidermal moisture loss (TEML) for extended periods of weeks or months and include methods of mechanical or solvent action, for example, tape stripping, or acetone washes. Preferred treatments use cosmetic creams or gels with active ingredients such as lactic acid as a primary, water-soluble barrier disruption agent, a retinoid, for example vitamin A palmitate as a lipid-soluble barrier disruption agent and a particular cerebroside to inhibit barrier repair. Such novel creams or gels can be applied daily for extended periods to provide chronic, sustained disruption of the barrier as indicated by significantly elevated TEML.

Abstract: A container such as a compact for removably holding a plurality of removable articles such as makeup pans is disclosed. The compact has a bottom portion including a platform equipped for removably holding the articles, a bottom wall having openings therein each of which is aligned with a respective article, and an article ejector disposed between the platform and the bottom wall. The ejector has a connecting member which communicates with buttons and locator members such as upstanding bosses, for aligning the respective buttons each with an underlying bottom wall opening and a removable article. When pressure is applied through an opening onto a button, the button moves and ejects the article from its holder means. The compact has a retaining receptacle which can be an inverted U-shaped channel cooperative with the locator members for retaining them and thereby retaining the ejector in its aligned operative position.

Abstract: New topically applied treatments for cellulite are shown by comparative data to effect structural improvements in cellulite-afflicted thigh area tissues including skin-thickening, thigh-firming and thigh-reduction. The disclosed treatments disrupt the skin's water barrier and elevate trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) for extended periods of weeks or months and include methods of mechanical or solvent action, for example, tape stripping, or acetone washes. Preferred treatments use creams with active ingredients such as lactic acid to elevate TEWL, a retinoid, preferably vitamin A palmitate to disrupt barrier rebuilding and prolong elevation of TEWL levels, and a cerebroside to inhibit lipid synthesis and intensify the TEWL elevation. Diuretics, for immediate esthetic improvements, anti-irritants and anti-oxidants for irritation control are optional ingredients.