Abstract: Embodiments of screening methods for determining test agents effective for modifying the appearance of pigmented skin are provided. The screening method may comprise the steps of contacting a cell, a cell culture, or bulk cells with the test agent, wherein the cell, the cell culture, or the bulk cells comprise ADR?1 receptors, and determining based on the binding interaction of the test agent with the ADR?1 receptors whether the test agent is an effective ADR?1 receptor antagonist suitable for modifying the appearance of pigmented skin, wherein a test agent is considered to be an effective ADR?1 receptor antagonist when it defines a half maximal inhibitory concentration of less than about 1000 ppm.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions for alleviating the signs of photoaged skin containing a substituted azole. Methods for alleviating the signs of photoaged skin that include applying a cosmetic composition comprising substituted azole to a target UV-exposed skin surface. The substituted azole compound present in the cosmetic composition may be 1-phenylimidazole, 4-phenylimidazole or a combination thereof. An effective amount of the cosmetic composition is applied to the target skin surface for a period of time sufficient to alleviate at least one sign of photoaging.

Abstract: Methods of improving the appearance of aging skin that include applying a cosmetic composition to a target skin surface having one or more signs of aging. The cosmetic composition includes a substituted azole. In some instances, the substituted azole compound is 1-phenylimidazole, 4-phenylimidazole, or combinations thereof. An effective amount of the cosmetic composition is applied for a period of time sufficient to improve the appearance of at least one sign of aging skin.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions for alleviating the signs of photoaged skin containing a substituted azole. Methods for alleviating the signs of photoaged skin that include applying a cosmetic composition comprising substituted azole to a target UV-exposed skin surface. The substituted azole compound present in the cosmetic composition may be 1-phenylimidazole, 4-phenylimidazole or a combination thereof. An effective amount of the cosmetic composition is applied to the target skin surface for a period of time sufficient to alleviate at least one sign of photoaging.

Abstract: Methods of improving the appearance of aging skin that include applying a cosmetic composition to a target skin surface having one or more signs of aging. The cosmetic composition includes a substituted azole. In some instances, the substituted azole compound is 1-phenylimidazole, 4-phenylimidazole, or combinations thereof. An effective amount of the cosmetic composition is applied for a period of time sufficient to improve the appearance of at least one sign of aging skin.

Abstract: Compositions for alleviating mechanically-induced skin inflammation, such as that caused by shaving, contain substituted azole. Methods for alleviating mechanically-induced skin inflammation include the step of applying a composition comprising substituted azole to a skin surface subject to mechanically-induced inflammation. In particular embodiments the substituted azole compound is 1-phenylimidazole, 4-phenylimidazole, or a combination thereof. An effective amount of the composition is applied for a period of time sufficient to alleviate mechanically-induced skin inflammation.

Abstract: The present invention provides cosmetic compositions comprising Ficus serum fraction derived from fresh Ficus cell juice of fresh Ficus leaves. The cosmetic composition also comprises a cosmetically acceptable carrier. The Ficus serum fraction is present in the composition at a cosmetically effective amount for achieving the desired skin lightening result.

Abstract: Embodiments of screening methods for determining test agents effective for modifying the appearance of pigmented skin are provided. The screening method may comprise the steps of contacting a cell, a cell culture, or bulk cells with the test agent, wherein the cell, the cell culture, or the bulk cells comprise ADR?1 receptors, and determining based on the binding interaction of the test agent with the ADR?1 receptors whether the test agent is an effective ADR?1 receptor antagonist suitable for modifying the appearance of pigmented skin, wherein a test agent is considered to be an effective ADR?1 receptor antagonist when it defines a half maximal inhibitory concentration of less than about 1000 ppm.