Importance

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Abstract

New topically applied treatments for structurally deteriorated or otherwise aged skin are shown by comparative data to effect structural improvements in the deteriorated skin, as shown by skin-thickening data. The disclosed treatments disrupt the skin's water barrier and elevate trans-epidermal moisture loss (TEML) for extended periods of weeks or months and include methods of mechanical or solvent action, for example, tape stripping, or acetone washes. Preferred treatments use cosmetic creams or gels with active ingredients such as lactic acid as a primary, water-soluble barrier disruption agent, a retinoid, for example vitamin A palmitate as a lipid-soluble barrier disruption agent and a particular cerebroside to inhibit barrier repair. Such novel creams or gels can be applied daily for extended periods to provide chronic, sustained disruption of the barrier as indicated by significantly elevated TEML. Novel cosmetic formulations have particular application to improving the appearance and structure of sensitive facial areas of the skin.

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First Claim