Abstract: Acne-affected skin has been found to be accompanied by the presence of matrix-degrading enzymes such as MMPs and neutrophil elastase, induction of neutrophils, and a reduction in procollagen biosynthesis. This invention treats scarring and inflammation accompanying acne by administering, topically or systemically, at least one of (i) an inhibitor of the matrix degrading enzymes and (ii) a cytokine inhibitor that alleviates inflammation and thus also alleviate neutrophil infiltration. Alleviating the matrix degradation and renormalizing procollagen biosynthesis allows for reduced inflammation and better natural repair of acne-affected skin. Inhibiting cytokines alleviates induction of MMPs in resident skin cells, and also alleviates inflammation with its concommitant induction of neutrophils from the blood stream bringing MMPs and elastase into the acne lesion.

Abstract: Tanning can be effected much more safely if radiation limited to the range between 330 nm and 360 nm is used for tanning human skin. Other wavelengths, which may tend to induce MMPs, promote erythema, and/or cause DNA damage.

Abstract: Rosacea is treated with a composition comprising an antimicrobial and at least one of an anti-inflammatory and a non-retinoid inhibitor of at least one of NF-k&bgr;, AP-1, MMPs, adhesion molecules, TLRs, and CD14. The composition may further comprise a retinoid.

Abstract: The invention is based on selective inhibition of the enzyme (MMP-1), which causes the dermal matrix damage in humans, while sparing the enzyme(s) (MMP-9 and perhaps MMP-2) which not only do not cause the damage (based on extrapolation from our in vitro collagen gel system to real skin) but actually “clear away” the damage produced by MMP-1 to restore normal function to the skin. Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1; fibroblast collagenase) is induced by UV radiation from the sun and is naturally elevated in old age. Human fibroblasts exposed to the degradation products of MMP-1 contract collagen, but when this debris is removed from their environment, the fibroblasts behave normally. Inhibiting MMP-1 but sparing enzymes that remove the debris improves human skin after onslaught from solar UV radiation, old age, and acne.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for ameliorating various effects of UVA and UVB radiation from the sun. The compositions include an ingredient that prevents photoaging from MED and subMED radiation, namely a direct acting MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) inhibitor. The compositions can include another, indirect MMP inhibitor, such as a retinoid, certain other compounds (such as N-acetylcysteine, 2-furildioxime, and vitamin C), tetracyclines, and if a retinoid is used then in addition optional compounds that inhibit the CYP-26 (chytochrome P-450) mediated metabolism of retinoids such as ketoconazole and other azole compounds. In the method, the composition is applied prior to exposure to the sun; for direct acting MMP inhibitors, application should be just prior to exposure, and if indirect inhibitors such as retinoids are used in addition, then application of the indirect inhibitor should be at least about seven hours prior to exposure.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for ameliorating various effects of UVA and UVB radiation from the sun. The compositions including an ingredient that prevents photoaging from MED and subMED radiation, such as a retinoid, certain other compounds (such as N-acetylcysteine, 2-furildioxime, and vitamin C) and optionally other MMP inhibitors such as tetracyclines and/or compounds that inhibit the P-450-mediated metabolism of retinoids such as ketoconazole and other azole compounds. In the method, the composition is applied prior to exposure to the sun; depending upon the ingredients used in the composition, application should be from 7 to 48 hours prior to exposure. Compounds that prevent erythema (skin reddening, sunburn) do not necessarily protect against UV-mediated elevation of MMP levels and activity, and similarly compounds that prevent UV-mediated elevation of MMP levels and activity are not necessarily effective against UV-induced erythema.

Abstract: UVB radiation of about 300-310 nm wavelength and UVA radiation of about 380-390 nm wavelength, each of which exists in solar light, induces MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases) in human skin that degrade the collagen of the dermal matrix. This degradation contributes to photoaging of human skin, which can be prevented by blocking these wavelengths of solar radiation. In contrast, diseases that result in the overproduction of collagen can be treated by exposing the affected with to radiation having wavelengths in those regions, for these wavelengths not only induce MMPs but also inhibit collagen biosynthesis. For lighter skinned people so affected, the UVA wavelengths are preferred because of the reduced amount of erythema, whereas dark skinned people can be treated with the UVB radiation because they generally do not suffer from erythema.

Abstract: Photoaging of human skin, such as evidenced by the increased presence of matrix metalloproteinases after exposure to UV radiation, is prevented by pretreating the skin with an inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) prior to exposure. Such inhibitor are preferably natural, an example of which is genistein. Compositions used for such purposes preferably include an EGF-R as well as another MMP inhibitor, such as a retinoid.

Abstract: The deleterious effects of the passage of time on human skin (i.e., chronological aging of human skin) can be prevented and treated with the topical application of a retinoid, preferably retinol. We have found that some of the same pathways (namely the stress-activated pathways, SAPs) activated in photoaging of human skin (i.e., sun-induced premature skin aging) are similarly elevated in the skin of elderly people. We have also found that other pathways (namely the mitogen-activated ERK pathway) is depressed in the same skin. Treatment of chronologically-aged skin with a retinoid both inhibits degradation of dermal collagen and promotes procollagen synthesis. Biopsied sections from skin of elderly (80+ years old) show that a single treatment can increase epidermal thickness, improve the dermal collagen density, and promote the formation of rete pegs and dermal papillae (see FIG. 13), and can decrease the amount of c-Jun and increase the amounts of Types I and III procollagen (see FIG. 18).

Abstract: Methods are provided for ameliorating various effects of UVA and UVB radiation from the sun, comprising administering compositions including an ingredient that prevents photoaging from MED and subMED radiation, such as a retinoid, certain other compounds (such as N-acetylcysteine, 2-furildioxime, and vitamin C) and optionally other MMP inhibitors such as tetracyclines and/or compounds that inhibit the P-450-mediated metabolism of retinoids such as ketoconazole and other azole compounds. In the method, the composition is applied prior to exposure to the sun; depending upon the ingredients used in the composition, application should be from 7 to 48 hours prior to exposure. Compounds that prevent erythema (skin reddening, sunburn) do not necessarily protect against UV-mediated elevation of MMP levels and activity, and similarly compounds that prevent UV-mediated elevation of MMP levels and activity are not necessarily effective against UV-induced erythema.

Abstract: Photoaging of undamaged skin due to UVB irradiation exposure is inhibited by administering an agent that inhibits (1) the activity of UVB irradiation inducible MMPs in the skin, (2) one or both of the transcription factors AP-1 and NF-.kappa.B or (3) at least one of the GTP binding proteins or kinases involved in the activation and/or production of jun or fos proteins, which comprise AP-1, to the skin prior to such exposure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement in the photo-exposure system utilized in the forming of stripe-patterned screens on the viewing panels of color cathode ray tubes. The versatile system incorporates an adjustable electronically controlled cam arrangement for achieving desired oscillation of the exposure light source. A cam associated multi-apertured control disk initiates a pre-determined number of pulses which accurately control the degree of cam movement and resultant light source oscillation.