Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating aged skin or skin otherwise suffering from abnormal epidermal barrier function are disclosed, where the compositions include hesperidin.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical formulations comprising Gilsonite oil for topical or transdermal application are disclosed. Also provided are methods for transdermal administration of a bioactive agent with enhanced penetration which comprise topical administration of a composition comprising transdermally effective amount of Gilsonite oil.

Abstract: An effective barrier function for the lips is restored and maintained by the topical administration of various formulations, including mixtures of ceramides and essential and nonessential free fatty acids, and mixtures of a &bgr;-glucocerebrosidase and a phospholipase A2.

Abstract: Hyperkeratotic skin lesions are treated by the topical administration of inhibitors of hydrogen ion pumps, transporters, and antiporters, or buffers with a pH of 7.0 or greater, and inhibitors of physiological processes that generate free fatty acids from complex lipids.

Abstract: The integrity, barrier function, cohesion and antimicrobial defense of the stratum corneum pH are improved by acidification, which is achieved by the application of low pH buffers, enzymes, phospholipids or salts with monovalent cations.

Abstract: A method for disrupting epithelial barrier function in a host in need of the topical administration of a physiologically active substance which comprises applying to the epithelium of the host, barrier-disrupting amount of at least one agent selected from the group consisting of an inhibitor of ceramide synthesis, inhibitor of acylceramide synthesis, inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthesis, and inhibitor of sphingomyelin synthesis, an inhibitor of fatty acid synthesis, an inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis, a degradation enzyme of ceramides, acylceramide, glucosylceramides, sphingomyelin, an inhibitor of phospholipid, glycosphingolipid, including glucosylceramide, acylceramide or sphingomyelin degradation, and both inhibitors and stimulators of metabolic enzymes of free fatty acids, ceramide, and cholesterol, as well as a topical composition useful therefor are disclosed.

Abstract: Disorders of the skin and mucous membrane that have a disrupted or dysfunctional epidermal barrier, disturbed differentiation, or inflammation are treated or prevented by topical application of compounds that are activators of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-delta.

Abstract: An effective barrier function for the lips is restored and maintained by the topical administration of various formulations, including mixtures of ceramides and essential and nonessential free fatty acids, and mixtures of a &bgr;-glucocerebrosidase and a phospholipase A2.

Abstract: The invention herein encompasses methods effective to stimulate epithelial cell proliferation and/or enhance epithelial moisturization and lubrication in a mammalian subject utilizing a composition comprising one or more inhibitors of &bgr;-glucosidase activity or &bgr;-glucocerebrosidase activity. The composition of the method may alternatively comprise a glycosphingolipid, particularly glucocerebroside, or a combination of the above inhibitor(s) and a glycosphingolipid. The method is effective to enhance the cosmetic appearance of skin and promote healing of skin and mucous membranes damaged or deficient from aging, traumatic wounds, photo-aging and a variety of atrophic conditions.

Abstract: An effective barrier function for the lips is restored and maintained by the topical administration of various formulations, including mixtures of ceramides and essential and nonessential free fatty acids, and mixtures of a &bgr;-glucocerebrosidase and a phospholipase A2.

Abstract: A method for disrupting epithelial barrier function in a host in need of the topical administration of a physiologically active substance which comprises applying to the epithelium of the host, barrier-disrupting amount of at least one agent selected from the group consisting of an inhibitor of ceramide synthesis, inhibitor of acylceramide synthesis, inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthesis, and inhibitor of sphingomyelin synthesis, an inhibitor of fatty acid synthesis, an inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis, a degradation enzyme of ceramides, acylceramide, glucosylceramides, sphingomyelin, an inhibitor of phospholipid, glycosphingolipid, including glucosylceramide, acylceramide or sphingomyelin degradation, and both inhibitors and stimulators of metabolic enzymes of free fatty acids, ceramide, and cholesterol, as well as a topical composition useful therefore are disclosed.

Abstract: Disorders of the skin and mucous membranes that have a disrupted or dysfunctional epidermal barrier are treated or prevented by topical application of compounds that are either activators of the farnesoid X receptor, activators of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor &agr;, and oxysterol activators of the LXR&agr; receptor. The same compounds are also effective in treating disorders of epidermal differentiation and proliferation.

Abstract: Disorders of the skin and mucous membranes that have a disrupted or dysfunctional epidermal barrier are treated or prevented by topical application of compounds that are either activators of the farnesoid X receptor, activators of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor &agr;, and oxysterol activators of the LXR&agr; receptor. The same compounds are also effective in treating disorders of epidermal differentiation and proliferation.

Abstract: Acne vulgaris and acneiform skin conditions are treated by the application of compounds that is juvenile hormone III, 7-methyl-9-(3,3-dimethyloxiranyl)-3-methyl-2,6-nonadienoic acid methyl ester.

Abstract: Disorders of the skin and mucous membrane that have a disrupted or dysfunctional epidermal barrier are treated or prevented by topical application of compounds that are either activators of the farnesoid X receptor, activators of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor .alpha., and oxysterol activators of the LXR.alpha. receptor. The same compounds are also effective in treating disorders of epidermal differentiation and proliferation.

Abstract: The permeation of a therapeutic agent through the epithelium by topical administration is enhanced by the further topical administration of a stearylamine, transvaccenic acid or a combination of a stearylamine and transvaccenic acid.

Abstract: A method for enhancing penetration of a therapeutic or prophylactic agent in a host in need of the topical administration thereof which comprises applying to the epithelium of the host, an effective amount of one or more penetration enhancing epithelial sterols and the therapeutic or prophylactic agent.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a cyclosoporin, e.g. Ciclosporin, and a mono- or poly-unsaturated fatty acid or alcohol, e.g. oleic acid or oleyl alcohol. The compositions are suitable for dermal application, e.g. in the treatment of autoimmune disease of the skin or for the promotion of hair growth.

Abstract: The epidermal permeability barrier to systemically and/or topically active agents or compositions designed for topical administration is enhanced to an unexpected degree by certain combinations of known penetration enhancing excipients. One group of combinations comprise a glycol and an alcohol at a weight ratio within the range of 1:0.1 to 1:10 with one or more further additives, selected from the excipient groups of branched-chain esters of fatty acids, surfactants, and membrane fluidizers. Another group of combinations comprise an alcohol of four or more carbon atoms and one or more further additives selected from the excipient groups of glycols and surfactants.

Abstract: Disorders of the skin and mucous membrane that have a disrupted or dysfunctional epidermal barrier are treated or prevented by topical application of compounds that are either activators of the farnesoid X receptor, activators of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor &agr;, and oxysterol activators of the LXR&agr; receptor. The same compounds are also effective in treating disorders of epidermal differentiation and proliferation.