Compositions for skin expoliation and use thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a skin peel composition including a plurality of substances, such as lactic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol and, additionally a post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation reducing substance such as a retinol (vitamin A) or retinol derivative. Skin is first prepared using an alcohol preparation followed by a combinations of acids and, lastly, a retinol or retinol derivatives. Other agents such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and vitamin E can be added as needed. Application of the skin peel composition may be either topically in the form of a cream or gel, and may further be injected subcutaneously into the skin to achieve deeper penetration of the composition within the skin layers of the area to be treated.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A composition for use in a skin exfoliation treatment comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a concentration of at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10% or more of a retinol solution, wherein the retinol solution is prepared from a substantially pure retinol source. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said composition is substantially free of a surfactant, a stabilizer, or both. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said retinol solution has a purity of at least about 98%. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said retinol solution is prepared from a powder with a purity of at least 98%. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said retinol solution is present at a concentration of 3% or 5%. 
     
     
         6 . A kit for exfoliating skin comprising:
 a. a skin cleanser;   b. an acidic solution;   c. a retinol solution, wherein the retinol solution is prepared from a substantially pure retinol source; and   d. instructions for applying solutions.   
     
     
         7 . The kit of  claim 6 , wherein said skin cleanser comprises an isopropyl alcohol solution. 
     
     
         8 . The kit of  claim 6 , wherein said acidic solution comprises lactic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol. 
     
     
         9 . The kit of  claim 8 , wherein said acidic solution further comprising Isoceteth-20, Panthenol, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The kit of  claim 6 , wherein said retinol solution comprises a concentration of about at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10% or more. 
     
     
         11 . The kit of  claim 6 , wherein said retinol solution does not contain a surfactant, a stabilizer, or both. 
     
     
         12 . The kit of  claim 6 , wherein said retinol solution has a purity of at least about 98%. 
     
     
         13 . A method for skin exfoliation, the method comprising:
 a. cleansing skin to be exfoliated;   b. applying an acidic solution to the skin; and   c. applying a retinol solution to the skin; wherein said retinol solution contains a concentration of about at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, or more of retinol, wherein said retinol solution is prepared from a substantially pure source, and wherein said retinol solution is applied to the skin after the acidic solution is applied to the skin.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein (a) comprises applying an alcohol solution to the skin. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said alcohol solution comprises an isopropyl alcohol solution. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said retinol solution is applied to the skin after the acidic solution is applied to the skin and wherein said solution does not contain a surfactant or a stabilizer. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said acidic solution comprises a combination of lactic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the acidic solution further comprises Isoceteth-20, Panthenol, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said method improves overall photodamage, appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, skin tone unevenness, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein said improvement is at least 1.5 fold or at least 2-fold compared to untreated skin.