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 nanoparticulate system prepared by: 1) preparing a liquid phase essentially consisting of a solution of cyclodextrin modified by acyl groups in an organic solvent or solvent mixture, an active molecule being optionally added thereto; 2) preparing a second liquid phase essentially consisting of water or an aqueous mixture optionally containing one or more surfactants, and optionally having an active molecule added thereto; and 3) gently stirring one of the liquid phases resulting from 1) or 2) into the other in order to obtain, almost instantaneously, a colloidal solution of modified cyclodextrin nanospheres. If required, all or part of the solvent and all or part of the water may be removed. The system may be used as a carrier for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals, etc.

Abstract: Fatty acid amides in combination with azoles and either retinol or retinyl ester resulted in a synergistic enhancement in keratinocyte proliferation and synergistic inhibition of keratinocyte differentiation. The effects of the retinol or retinyl esters in combination with fatty acid amides and azoles were analogous to treatment with retinoic acid.

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: The invention relates to the use of an ethylenediamine derivative as a substance P antagonist and/or as a local analgesic in, or for the preparation of, a cosmetic or dermatological composition for treating sensitive skin-types. The invention relates in particular to the use of this derivative for preventing and/or combating skin irritations and/or dartres and/or erythema and/or dysaesthesic sensations and/or sensations of inflammation and/or pruritus of the skin and/or the mucous membranes including the eyes. The invention also relates to a composition containing a product having an irritant side effect and this derivative, so as to reduce this irritant effect or even to remove it altogether.

Abstract: Novel pharmaceutically/cosmetically-active polyaromatic amides have the structural formula (I): ##STR1## wherein Z is a radical --CO--NH-- or --NH--CO--, 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: An aqueous cosmetic composition for fixing hair includes an aqueous dispersion of: a) particles of a film-forming polymer containing carboxylic acid functions neutralized to a degree of neutralization of between 10 and 80% using a non-volatile monobasic agent, the particles having an average diameter of between 10 and 300 nm, and b) at least one plasticizing agent. The composition may be utilized in an aerosol lacquer, a fixing or setting lotion or a styling mousse.

Abstract: A lotion composition for imparting a soft, lubricious, lotion-like feel when applied to tissue paper in amounts as low as from about 0.1 to about 15% by weight, and tissue paper treated with such lotion compositions are disclosed. The lotion composition comprises a liquid polyol polyester emollient and an immobilizing agent to immobilize the liquid polyol polyester emollient on the surface of the tissue paper web and optionally a hydrophilic surfactant to improve wettability when applied to toilet tissue. Because less lotion is required to impart the desired soft, lotion-like feel benefits, detrimental effects on the tensile strength and caliper of the lotioned paper are minimized or avoided.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to ketotricyclo?5.2.1.0!decane derivatives of the formula I ##STR1## wherein Phe is a phenylene group which is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 4 hydroxyl, alkyl or alkoxy groups having 1 to 10 C atoms,and their preparation and use as UV filters, in particular in cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparations.

Abstract: The invention provides a herbal cellulite treatment employing, in preferred embodiments, topical treatments, both method and cosmetic composition, wherein a refined lipophilic extract, and preferably also a refined aqueous extract of a Malvaceae plant, preferably whole Hibiscus Abelmoschus, are applied to the skin overlying cellulite-afflicted tissues. The treatments are intended to last at least four, and preferably eight or more weeks. Clinical tests show suprisingly superior results to those obtainable with aminophylline compositions. Inventive treatments can reduce thigh diameters and fatty layer thickness, as well as skin condition. In vitro tests show remarkable lipolytic properties, apparently attributable to .beta.-receptor stimulation, and valuable lipogenesis inhibition properties apparently attributable to .alpha..sub.2 -blocking. Preferred extracts show low toxicity.

Abstract: Novel pharmaceutically/cosmetically-active dibenzofuran compounds have the structural formula (I): ##STR1## wherein A is a radical having one of the formulae (IIa), (IIb) or (IIc): ##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: Water soluble, cationic products useful as hair colorants or for the treatment of skin which are esters or amides formed by reaction of melanin and a quaternary salt containing a reactive amino or hydroxyl group, as well as compositions containing them and methods of using such products to color hair or treat skin are described.

Abstract: A lotion capable of protecting the skin from the effects of exposure to irritants and allergens, particularly those produced by toxic plants such as poison ivy, has the following composition, wherein the proportions are by weight:______________________________________ organophilic clay 3.0-10.0% volatile alcoholic solvent 20.0-30.0% cosmetically acceptable inert 15.0-25.0% emollient vehicle thickener 2.0-10.0% water q.s.p. 100.

Abstract: A water-dispersible tablet comprises an active compound such as acyclovir or lamotrigine and a dispersing agent. The dispersing agent is a swellable clay such as a smectite, e.g. Veegum F or bentonite, and is generally present within the granules of the tablet to provide a tablet which is capable of dispersing in water within 3 minutes to provide a dispersion which will pass through a 710 .mu.m sieve. The tablet can be optionally film-coated in which case the dispersion time is less than 5 minutes.

Abstract: A device for controlled release of an active substance through one or more asymmetric membranes by diffusion and/or osmotic pumping.

Abstract: Cosmetic and/or dermatological compositions containing a non-photocatalytic metal oxide and tocopherol and, optionally, a metal-inactivating complexing agent are effective for inhibiting the light-induced peroxidation of lipids, and in particular lipids of sebaceous origin such as squalene.

Abstract: Melinamide in combination with either retinol or retinyl ester resulted in a synergistic enhancement in keratinocyte proliferation. The effects of the retinol or retinyl esters in combination with fatty acid amides were analogous to treatment with retinoic acid.

Abstract: An external skin treatment composition comprising (i) vitamin A and (ii) at least one skin roughening improvement aid selected from the group consisting of (a) polyoxyalkylene modified organopolysiloxanes, (b) sugars, and (c) anti-inflammatory agents.

Abstract: A cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition containing a synergistically active oxidation inhibiting system consisting of a combination of a ginkgo extract and at least one polyphenol compound. For example, the ginkgo extract may be a hexane extract of ginkgo leaves and the polyphenol compound may be a flavonoid. Said composition may be used to prevent and treat cell damage on the skin, scalp or mucosae by free radicals induced especially by atmospheric pollutants and/or ultraviolet radiation, and/or for controlling the phenomenon of accelerated skin ageing.