Patent Picks—Wrinkle-removing Tape, Amber Anti-aging, Melanocyte Protection Factor and More

By: Rachel L. Grabenhofer

Posted: February 23, 2011

Chosen biweekly by Rachel Grabenhofer, editor of Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine, for their relevance to personal care, Patent Picks are taken from publicly available sources. This edition features patents related to anti-aging technologies.

Methods for measuring whether a treatment affects RPTP-κ activity
US Patent 7892777
Publication date: Feb. 22, 2011
Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan

This patent provides methods for ascertaining and measuring RPTP-κ activity in response to insults such as UV irradiation and with respect to administration of a treatment and/or composition. Attenuation of EGFR activity by RPTP-κ affects aspects of photoaging, including damage to the skin, suppression of the immune system, DNA damage, and connective tissue degradation. Intervention with respect to the effects of photoaging can include protection of RPTP-κ from oxidation. The methods can be used for discovery of anti-aging treatments, adjuncts, or other preventative treatments, such as sunscreens.

Methods for treating pigmentary and vascular abnormalities in a dermal region
US Patent 7891362
Publication date: Feb. 22, 2011
Assignee: Candela Corp.

The current patent describes a beam of radiation that can treat a dermatological condition in a target region of skin. The beam can have a wavelength between approximately 700 nm and 800 nm, a fluence greater than about 50 J/cm², and a pulse duration between approximately 10 msec and 300 msec. The beam is delivered to the target region of skin to affect pigmentary and vascular abnormalities disposed in a dermal region of the target region. A surface of the epidermal region of the target region of skin can be cooled to prevent substantial unwanted injury to at least a portion of the epidermal region.