Ericacea extracts for combating skin aging

Abstract

Extracts of plants of the Ericacea family are administered to individuals to combat the signs of aging of the skin, e.g., wrinkles and fine lines, for example by inhibiting the expression of metalloproteases, by inhibiting collagen degradation, or by inhibiting UV-induced skin degradation.

1 . A regime or regimen for combating and/or treating menopause-related skin conditions/afflictions, comprising administering to an individual in need of such treatment, a thus-effective amount of at least one extract of at least one plant of the Ericacea family. 
   
   
       2 . A regime or regimen for combating and/or treating UV-induced internal degradation of the skin, comprising administering to an individual in need of such treatment, a thus-effective amount of at least one extract of at least one plant of the Ericacea family. 
   
   
       3 . A regime or regimen for combating and/or treating withered skin, flaccid skin, thinned skin or skin with a lack of elasticity and/or skin tone, comprising administering to an individual in need of such treatment, a thus-effective amount of at least one extract of at least one plant of the Ericacea family. 
   
   
       4 . A topically applicable composition for treating the signs of aging of the skin and/or mucous membranes, comprising a thus-effective amount of at least one extract of at least one plant of the Ericacea family, formulated into a topically applicable, cosmetically/dermatologically acceptable vehicle, diluent or carrier therefor. 
   
   
       5 . The topically applicable composition as defined by  claim 4 , formulated as a cream, ointment, milk, lotion, serum, paste, mousse, makeup, aerosol, deodorant, shampoo, sunscreen, toothpaste, or a solid or stick. 
   
   
       6 . An orally ingestible composition for treating the signs of aging of the skin and/or mucous membranes, comprising a thus-effective amount of at least one extract of at least one plant of the Ericacea family, formulated into an orally ingestible, cosmetically/dermatologically acceptable vehicle, diluent or carrier therefor. 
   
   
       7 . The orally ingestible composition as defined by  claim 6 , formulated as a drinkable solution, tablet, capsule, gel, wafer, food, or nutritional supplement.