REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/144,756, filed Jan. 15, 2009; and to French patent application 08 59151, filed Dec. 30, 2008, both incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a composition, especially a cosmetic and/or dermatological composition, comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, a combination of at least one monosaccharide selected from mannose, rhamnose and a mixture thereof, and of at least one additional compound selected from adenosine, an analogue thereof and a mixture thereof.

Additional advantages and other features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from the practice of the present invention. The advantages of the present invention may be realized and obtained as particularly pointed out in the appended claims. As will be realized, the present invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the present invention. The description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Human skin is made up of two main layers, namely the dermis and the epidermis that superficially covers the dermis. Natural human epidermis is composed mainly of three types of cells, namely keratinocytes, which form the vast majority, melanocytes and Langerhans cells. Each of these three types of cells contributes, via its intrinsic functions, to the essential role played in the body by the skin, especially the role of protecting the body against external attacking factors (the climate, ultraviolet rays, tobacco, etc.), which is also known as the â€œbarrier functionâ€ .

The epidermis is a keratinized, stratified pavement epithelium 90% made up of keratinocytes. The gradual differentiation of the cells of the basal membrane, which separates the dermis from the epidermis, towards the surface of the epidermis especially includes the differentiation of keratinocytes, which migrate towards the surface of the skin, where they desquamate.

Ageing of the epidermis is manifested mainly by a reduction in its thickness. Atrophy of the epidermis is the consequence of the slowing down of keratinocyte proliferation and of the accumulation of senescent keratinocytes. The horny layer becomes dull.

The dermis provides the epidermis with a solid support. It is also its nourishing element. It is made up mainly of fibroblasts and an extracellular matrix composed mainly of collagen, elastin and a substance known as ground substance. These components are synthesized by the fibroblasts. The cohesion between the epidermis and the dermis is provided by the dermo-epidermal junction. This is a complex region about 100 nm thick, which comprises the basal pole of the basal keratinocytes, the epidermal membrane and the sub-basal zone of the superficial dermis.

Collagens are the major proteins of the extracellular matrices of the skin. To date, 20 types of collagen have been identified, and are noted from I to XX. The collagens predominantly present throughout the epidermis are collagens of the type I and III that form the extracellular matrix of the entire dermis (these collagens constitute 70-80% of the dry weight of the dermis). Moreover, collagens are not all synthesized by the same cell types: collagens of type I and III are essentially produced by the dermal fibroblasts, whereas type VII collagen is produced by two categories of cell, keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Regulation of their expression differs from one collagen to another, for example collagens I and VII are not regulated in the same way by certain cytokines; specifically, TNF-Î± and leukoregulin stimulate collagen VII and negatively regulate collagen I. Finally, all collagen molecules are variants of a common precursor, which is the Î± chain of procollagen.

With age, collagen becomes thinner and wrinkles appear on the surface of the skin. Cutaneous ageing is a genetically programmed mechanism.

Moreover, certain environmental factors such as smoking and above all exposure to sunlight accelerate it. The skin thus has a much more aged appearance on the areas exposed to sunlight, such as the back of the hands or the face. Thus, these other factors also have a negative impact on the natural collagen of the skin.

Consequently, given the important role of collagen in the integrity of the skin and in its resistance to external attacking factors of mechanical type, stimulation of the synthesis of these collagens, and in particular of type I collagen, appears to be an effective means for overcoming the signs of ageing of the skin. During chronological and/or actinic ageing, the epidermis also undergoes many changes and degradations that are reflected, with age, by an impairment in the microrelief, impairment in the barrier function of the skin, the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, an impairment in the mechanical properties of the skin, especially lack of elasticity of the skin, and loss of radiance of the complexion.

Expression wrinkles are the result of mechanisms different from those that generate the wrinkles caused by ageing. Specifically, they are produced due to the effect of the strain exerted on the skin by the skin muscles that allow facial expressions. Depending on the shape of the face, the frequency of facial expressions and possible tics, they may appear even from childhood. Expression wrinkles are characterized by the presence of grooves around the orifices formed by the nose (nasal grooves), the mouth (perioral wrinkles and â€œsour-faceâ€ wrinkles) and the eyes (crow's-feet wrinkles), around which are the skin muscles, and also between the eyebrows (glabella wrinkles or lion wrinkles) and on the forehead.

Hitherto, the only means commonly used for acting on expression wrinkles are, firstly, botulinum toxin, which is especially injected into the wrinkles of the glabella which are wrinkles between the eyebrows (see J. D. Carruters et al., J. Dermatol. Sum. Oncol., 1992, 18, pp. 17-21), and, secondly, degradable implants based on collagen, hyaluronic acid or polylactic acid.

The importance of having available compositions whose effects are directed towards regenerating skin tissue via increasing keratinocyte proliferation and stimulating fibroblast proliferation and/or metabolism, and especially stimulating the synthesis of procollagens and collagens, and also for combating cutaneous contractions that are responsible for the formation of expression wrinkles, may thus be appreciated.

It is known practice from the literature to use agents such as retinol, which promote keratinocyte proliferation and can stimulate epidermal renewal and maintain and/or increase the thickness of the epidermis: this is then referred to as a direct biological effect. However, retinol has a certain number of drawbacks when it is used in a cosmetic composition. Specifically, it has low stability towards oxidation and gives rise to adverse side effects on consumers, especially such as skin irritation. There is thus a need to find other compounds with a direct biological effect, which are readily available and whose efficacy is acceptable for optimal use in cosmetics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the results obtained for the keratinocyte proliferation under certain conditions, described in detail below.

FIG. 2 shows the results obtained for the keratinocyte proliferation under certain conditions, described in detail below.

FIG. 3 shows the number of fibroblasts measured between an untreated control whole reconstructed skin, on the left, and a whole reconstructed skin treated with 5 mM of rhamnose, on the right.

FIG. 4 shows images of frozen sections of reconstructed skin 7 Î¼m thick.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The inventors have discovered, surprisingly and unexpectedly, that a combination of at least one monosaccharide selected from mannose, rhamnose and a mixture thereof, and of at least one additional compound selected from adenosine, an adenosine analogue and mixtures thereof, leads to a complementarity of action both on the microrelief of the skin, making it possible especially to combat the formation of expression wrinkles, and also on the stimulation of dermal and/or epidermal regeneration by stimulating the metabolism and the process of epidermal renewal, leading to a reduction in the appearance of the signs of chronological ageing and photoageing. Thus, the combination according to the invention causes relaxation, decontraction and a reduction in the differentiation of the dermal contractile cells involved in the generation of expression wrinkles, especially of the fibroblasts located along the tension lines created under the effect of contraction of the skin muscles. The combination according to the invention also makes it possible to synergistically stimulate the production of type I procollagen by the dermal fibroblasts.

As used herein the term â€œsynergisticâ€ and its derivatives means a greater than additive effect.

The present invention demonstrates the activation of keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation and the stimulation of procollagen I synthesis by mannose or rhamnose. The use of compositions containing them thus makes it possible to counter the signs of ageing of the skin, and in particular age-related epidermal and/or dermal atrophy.

The use of these monosaccharides for the direct biological effects outlined above was hitherto unknown. Patent application WO 2007/128 939 mentions, however, anti-ageing activity obtained via a biomechanical effect of a tensioning agent in combination with saccharide compounds, which make it possible to increase the expression of the skin cell mechanoreceptors. This increase in the expression of mechanoreceptors is described as increasing the sensitization of skin cells to respond to the effects of tensioning agents. Similarly, patent application FR 2 900 572 describes the combined use of a cosmetic composition comprising saccharide compounds and a device for applying mechanical constraints to the skin, in order to improve the homeostasis thereof. As described previously, this is the combination of a biological action and a mechanical action, the latter being intended to tighten and constrain the skin.

Patent application WO 2005/063194 describes a galenical base with very high tolerance especially comprising mannose or rhamnose. It is specified that such a galenical base can function only in combination with an active agent of which it is only the vehicle. The dermal and/or cosmetic galenical bases disclosed are based essentially on the presence of the two polyols, namely mannitol and xylitol.

Moreover, the influence of adenosine and adenosine analogues on improving the appearance of the skin is described in patent applications EP 1 424 064 and EP 1 428 522. In particular, it is specified therein that adenosine makes it possible to relax or decontract the dermal contractile cells that are assumed to be involved in the generation of expression wrinkles.

The present invention thus relates in one embodiment to a composition, especially a cosmetic and/or dermatological composition, comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, a combination of at least one monosaccharide chosen from mannose and rhamnose and of at least one additional compound chosen from adenosine and adenosine analogues.

The monosaccharides according to the invention are in the D or L form of mannose and/or rhamnose, each form itself possibly being the alpha and/or beta anomer. The forms that are preferred according to the invention are D-mannose and L-rhamnose.

D-Mannose is present in plants, in particular certain fruit, including cranberries, or in hardwood (beech and birch). Rhamnose is found in nature in L form. D-Mannose and L-rhamnose are commercially available, for example from the companies Danisco SweetenersÂ® and Symrise.

In the present invention, the monosaccharide is preferably present as a monomer.

For the purposes of the present invention, adenosine is the nucleoside derived from the condensation of adenine with ribose (in ribofuranose form) via Î²-N₉glucoside bond. Adenosine plays an important role in biochemical processes, such as energy transfer when it is, for example, in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and/or adenosine diphosphate (ADP); and also in signal transduction when it is, for example, in the form of cyclic adenosine monophosphate or cAMP. Adenosine has the following structural formula:

Among the adenosine analogues that may be used according to the invention, mention will be made especially of adenosine receptor agonists and compounds that increase the intracellular or extracellular levels of adenosine.

Examples of adenosine analogues include: 2â€²-deoxyadenosine; 2â€²,3â€²-isopropylideneadenosine; toyocamycin; 1-methyladenosine; N-6-methyladenosine; adenosine N-oxide; 6-methylmercaptopurine riboside and 6-4 chloropurine riboside.

Other adenosine analogues include adenosine receptor agonists, including phenylisopropyladenosine (PIA), 1-methylisoguanosine, N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA), N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine, 2-chloroadenosine, N6-phenyladenosine, 2-phenylaminoadenosine, MECA, N6-phenethyladenosine, 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino-5â€²-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS-21680), N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), 5â€²-(N-cyclopropyl)carboxamidoadenosine, DPMA (PD 129,944) and metrifudil.

Among the adenosine analogues that increase the intracellular adenosine concentration in the composition according to the invention, the compounds included in the group formed by erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)-adenine (EHNA) and iodotubercidine are preferred.

The adenosine analogues may also be compounds of formula (I) below:

in which:

R1 and R2, which are identical, denote a linear saturated C1-C6 or unsaturated C2-C6, or branched saturated or unsaturated C3-C6 hydrocarbon-based radical, or alternatively form, together with the oxygen atoms to which they are attached, an isopropylidene radical;

R3 denotes:

(i) a linear saturated C1-C10 or unsaturated C2-C10, or branched saturated or unsaturated C3-C10 hydrocarbon-based radical, optionally substituted with at least one group chosen from â€”ORâ€², â€”NRâ€²Râ€³, â€”COORâ€², CONRâ€²Râ€³, â€”CF3, â€”F, â€”OCF3, â€”CN and â€”NO2, or

(ii) a group â€”COR4 with R4 denoting a linear saturated C1-C9 or unsaturated C2-C9, or branched saturated or unsaturated C3-C9 hydrocarbon-based radical, optionally substituted with at least one group chosen from â€”ORâ€², â€”NRâ€²Râ€³, â€”COORâ€², â€”CONRâ€²Râ€³, â€”CF3, â€”F, â€”OCF3, â€”CN and â€”NO2; or

(iii) a biotin-based ester group;

Râ€² and Râ€³ denoting a hydrogen atom, a linear saturated C1-C6 or unsaturated C2-C6, or branched saturated or unsaturated C3-C6 hydrocarbon-based radical, optionally substituted with at least one group chosen from â€”OZ, â€”NZZâ€² and â€”COOZ, Z and Zâ€² denoting, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom or a linear saturated C1-C6 or unsaturated C2-C6, or branched saturated or unsaturated C3-C6 hydrocarbon-based radical; and

the salts, optical isomers and solvates thereof.

These compounds are described especially in patent application FR 2 899 584 filed by L'OrÃ©al.

A hydrocarbon-based radical is advantageously a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched alkyl radical. Among the alkyl groups that are suitable for use in the invention, mention may be made especially of methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, pentyl, n-hexyl, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and allyl groups.

More preferentially, use is made of compounds of formula (I) for which: R1 and R2 form, together with the oxygen atoms to which they are attached, an isopropylidene radical, R3 denotes: a group â€”COR4 with R4 denoting a linear C1-C9 hydrocarbon-based radical; or a biotin-based ester group.

2â€²,3â€²-Isopropylidene-5â€²-acetyladenosine is a known compound, which is described especially in patent application WO-A-2004/037 159 (compound 265, page 203) in a pharmaceutical composition for treating obesity. The said document does not describe the application of the composition topically to the skin, especially for treating wrinkles.

Some of the compounds of formula (I) are known in the prior art and described in the following documents:

WO-A-2004/037159;

Poppe, L et al.; â€œSynthesis and characterization of (5â€²-deoxyadenosin-5â€²-yl)cobalamin (=â€˜adenosylcobalaminâ€™) analogues mimicking the transition-state geometry of coenzyme-B12-dependent rearrangementsâ€ ; Helvetica Chimica Acta (1993), 76(6), 2367-83;

Jones, A. S. et al.; â€œSynthetic analogues of polynucleotides. VII. Syntheses of 5â€²-O-acryloylnucleosides and copolymers of these with other acryloyl compoundsâ€ ; Journal of the Chemical Society [Section] C: Organic (1971), (19), 3183-7;

Mornet, D. et al.; â€œThe reaction of myosin with a bromoalkyl analogue of adenosine 40 triphosphateâ€ ; FEBS Letters (1977), 84(2), 362-6; 4 25 30â€”Huber Gerhard; â€œesters of adenosine with organic and inorganicâ€ acids; Chem. Ber. 89, 2853-62 (1956)â€”ref CA52:2027g.

Takemoto, K. et al.; â€œNucleic acid analogues: their specific interaction and applicabilityâ€ ; 5 Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering (1988), 58, 250-3;

Purkayastha, Bhupesh C.; Bhattacharyya, S. N; â€œUse of Ca oxalate monohydrate in the investigation of rare earth and thorium activitiesâ€ ; J. Indian. Chem. Soc. 34, 427-33 (1957)â€”ref. CA52:2627h;

Peterli, Stefan et al.; â€œNitrostyrene derivatives of adenosine 5â€²-glutarates as selective inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor protein tyrosine kinaseâ€ ; Helvetica Chimica Acta (1992). 75(3), 696-706.

As compounds of formula (I), mention may be made especially of the following compounds: 2â€²,3â€²-isopropylidene-5â€²-butanoyladenosine, 2â€²,3â€²-isopropylidene-5â€²-octanoyladenosine, 2â€²,3â€²-isopropylidene-5â€²-biotinoyl-adenosine, 2â€²,3â€²-isopropylidene-5â€²-ethyladenosine, 2â€²,3â€²-isopropylidene-5â€²-octyladenosine, 2â€²,3â€²-dimethyl-5â€²-ethyladenosine, 2â€²,3â€²-dimethyl-5â€²-butanoyl-adenosine, or 2â€²,3â€²-isopropylidene-5â€²-acetyladenosine (CAS No. 15888-38-7).

Adenosine is preferred in the present invention. It is especially commercially available in powder form from the company Pharma Waldhof.

The present invention also relates to the use of a composition according to the invention as defined previously, administered orally, topically or via cutaneous injection, especially for skin and/or scalp care.

A composition in accordance with the invention as defined previously may especially be a cosmetic composition for haircare, in particular for stimulating hair growth, combating hair loss, slowing down hair loss or reinforcing the radiance of the hair.

Another object of the present invention is a treatment method, in particular a cosmetic or therapeutic method, for reducing or preventing the signs of ageing of the skin or its integuments (hair, eyelashes, nails, etc.), by administration to an individual, preferably a human being, of an effective amount of at least one monosaccharide as defined previously in combination with an effective amount of at least one additional compound as defined previously. A subject of the invention is in particular a cosmetic process for treating wrinkled skin, in particular the skin of the face and/or the forehead, comprising the topical application to the said skin of a composition comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, a combination of an effective amount of at least one monosaccharide as defined previously and of an effective amount of at least one additional compound as defined previously.

The composition according to the invention is more particularly intended to be applied to the areas of the body, the face or the forehead marked with wrinkles, and/or to people with wrinkles.

The present invention also relates to the use of the compositions or of the combination according to the invention for reducing and/or preventing the signs of ageing of the skin or its integuments, and in particular for reducing and/or preventing skin wrinkles.

Wrinkles include expression wrinkles and those caused by ageing. The expression wrinkles are preferably chosen from: crow's feet wrinkles, the nasal grooves, wrinkles between the eyebrows and wrinkles on the forehead.

The composition or combination according to the invention also makes it possible to stimulate the regeneration of epidermal and dermal cells, in the skin or the integuments, in particular keratinocytes and fibroblasts, particularly by increasing their proliferation. This therefore provides a method, especially a cosmetic method, which is especially effective for combating the signs of chronological ageing and/or photoageing.

The signs of photoageing correspond to internal degradations of the skin due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation (actinic ageing). The signs of chronological ageing correspond to internal degradations of the skin due to the intrinsic ageing of the individuals.

According to one preferred embodiment, the use according to the present invention is intended for improving the radiance of the complexion, for reducing and/or preventing the characteristics of wrinkles and/or fine lines, for improving and/or reducing the microrelief of the skin, and/or for making the skin smooth and/or for improving the mechanical properties of the skin and/or for relaxing or decontracting the dermal contractile cells involved in the generation of expression wrinkles.

According to another aspect of the invention, the use of the composition or of the combination according to the invention makes it possible to improve the density of the skin, its firmness and/or the cohesion of its various compartments, in particular the cohesion of the dermis with the epidermis.

The present invention also relates to the use of the composition or combination according to the invention for preventively or curatively treating wrinkles and/or fine lines, withered skin, lack of skin elasticity and/or tonicity, thinning of the dermis, degradation of collagen fibres, flaccid skin, thinned skin and/or any internal degradation of the skin caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

The present invention also relates to the use of the composition or combination according to the invention for decontracting the skin and/or relaxing the lines of the skin.

The compositions or the combination according to the invention also have the effect of increasing the synthesis of collagens, preferably procollagen I.

The amount of active ingredients, chosen from monosaccharides and adenosine and analogues as defined previously, to be used according to the invention depends on the desired cosmetic or therapeutic effect, and may thus vary within a wide range. A person skilled in the art can, on the basis of his general knowledge, readily determine the appropriate amounts.

Thus, and according to one preferred embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises at least one monosaccharide as defined above in an amount of between 0.001% and 30% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, and in particular between 0.1% and 10% by weight and more particularly between 0.5% and 6% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

According to another preferred embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises at least one monosaccharide as defined above in an amount of between 1% and 10% by weight, and more particularly between 1% and 6% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

According to one preferred embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises adenosine and/or at least one analogue thereof in an amount of between 0.001% and 10% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, in particular between 0.01% and 3% by weight, and more particularly between 0.01% and 1% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

According to another preferred embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises adenosine and/or at least one analogue thereof in an amount of between 0.01% and 10% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, and in particular between 0.01% and 2% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

The monosaccharides, and the adenosine, a derivative thereof or analogues thereof, present in the composition defined above are active agents of the composition.

The terms â€œactive agentâ€ and â€œactive ingredientâ€ more specifically mean according to the invention a compound which, when administered to an individual, in particular a human individual, plays a direct biological role on the body, in particular on the skin or its integuments, in particular without improving the biological or mechanical effect of another compound present in the composition according to the invention.

Preferably, the composition according to the present invention also comprises at least one magnesium salt and at least one potassium salt.

A combination of adenosine with a magnesium salt and a potassium salt has been described in patent application EP 1 428 522.

The magnesium and potassium salts that may be mentioned are the organic and inorganic salts of these metals.

Examples of organic magnesium and potassium salts include the salts formed from a counteranion chosen from: a citrate, oxalate, acetate, gluconate, lactate, tartrate, maleate, benzoate, propionate, salicylate, ascorbate, formate, succinate, folinate, aspartate, phthalate, oleate, palmitate, stearate, lauryl sulfate, lanolate, myristate, behenate, caseinate, cyclamate, pantothenate, polyaminopolycarboxylate, thioglycolate, laurate, ricinoleate, pidolate, sorbate or glycyrrhizinate anion.

Examples of inorganic magnesium and potassium salts include the salts formed from a counteranion chosen from: a nitrate, sulfate, halide, carbonate, bicarbonate, hydroxide, peroxide, nitride, sulfide, bisulfate, persulfate, glycerophosphate, hypophosphate or borate anion. The magnesium sulfate and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate are preferred for use in the present invention.

The amounts of adenosine and salts that may be introduced into the composition according to the invention may vary within a wide range as a function of the desired effect. By way of example, the magnesium salt may represent from 0.001% to 1% and preferably from 0.01% to 0.1% of the total weight of the composition. The potassium salt may represent from 0.001% to 1% and preferably from 0.01% to 0.1% of the total weight of the composition.

The present invention relates especially to one of the compositions as defined previously, suitable for topical administration to the skin or its integuments, oral administration or cutaneous injection.

The present invention also relates to a composition according to the invention, which is suitable for topical administration, advantageously in the form of a cream, a gel, a lotion, a milk, an oil, an ointment, a wax, a mousse, a paste, a serum, a pomade or a shampoo.

When the composition according to the present invention is administered orally, it may advantageously be in the form of a gel capsule, a tablet or pills. When the composition according to the present invention is administered via cutaneous injection, it may in particular be in the form of a sterile solution.

In general, the medium in which the active principles of the composition as defined previously are included is a physiologically acceptable medium, in particular a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable medium, and may be anhydrous or aqueous. It may thus comprise an aqueous phase and/or a fatty phase.

The physiologically acceptable medium in which the compounds according to the invention may be employed, and also the constituents thereof, their amount, the galenical form of the composition, its mode of preparation and its mode of administration, may be chosen by a person skilled in the art on the basis of his general knowledge, as a function of the desired type of composition.

When the composition is a composition intended for topical administration, it may advantageously be in the form of aqueous or aqueous-alcoholic solutions, oil-in-water (O/W) or water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions or multiple emulsions (triple: W/O/W or O/W/O), nanoemulsions, in particular O/W nanoemulsions, in which the size of the drops is less than 100 nm, aqueous gels, or dispersions of a fatty phase in an aqueous phase with the aid of spherules, these spherules possibly being polymer nanoparticles such as nanospheres and nanocapsules or lipid vesicles of ionic and/or nonionic type (liposomes, niosomes or oleosomes).

These compositions are prepared according to the usual methods.

In addition, the compositions that may be used according to the invention may be more or less fluid and may have the appearance of a white or coloured cream, a pomade, a milk, a lotion, a serum, a paste or a mousse. They may optionally be applied to the skin in aerosol form. They may also be in solid form, for example in stick form.

For local application to the hair or the scalp, the composition may be in the form of aqueous, alcoholic or aqueous-alcoholic solutions; in the form of creams, gels, emulsions or mousses; in the form of aerosol compositions also comprising a propellant under pressure.

When the composition is in aqueous form, especially in the form of an aqueous dispersion, emulsion or solution, it may comprise an aqueous phase, which may comprise water, a floral water and/or a mineral water.

When the composition is an emulsion, the proportion of the fatty phase may range from about 5% to 80% by weight and preferably from about 2% to 50% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. The oils, waxes, emulsifiers and co-emulsifiers used in the composition in emulsion form are chosen from those conventionally used in cosmetics. The emulsifier and the co-emulsifier are present in the composition in a proportion ranging from 0.3% to 30% by weight and preferably from 0.5% to 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. The emulsion may also contain lipid vesicles.

When the composition is an oily solution or gel, the fatty phase may represent more than 90% of the total weight of the composition.

The oily phase may also comprise any common liposoluble or lipodispersible additive, as indicated hereinbelow.

It may especially comprise fatty substances such as waxes, pasty compounds, fatty alcohols or fatty acids. The oily phase contains at least one oil, more particularly at least one cosmetic oil. The term â€œoilâ€ means a fatty substance that is liquid at room temperature (25Â° C.).

As oils that may be used in the composition of the invention, examples that may be mentioned include:

hydrocarbon-based oils of animal origin, such as perhydrosqualene;
hydrocarbon-based oils of plant origin, such as liquid triglycerides of fatty acids containing from 4 to 10 carbon atoms, for instance heptanoic or octanoic acid triglycerides, or alternatively, for example, sunflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil, marrow oil, grapeseed oil, sesameseed oil, hazelnut oil, apricot oil, macadamia oil, arara oil, coriander oil, castor oil, avocado oil, caprylic/capric acid triglycerides, for instance those sold by the company Stearineries Dubois or those sold under the names Miglyol 810, 812 and 818 by the company Dynamit Nobel, jojoba oil, shea butter oil and caprylyl glycol;
synthetic esters and ethers, especially of fatty acids, for instance the oils of formulae R¹COOR²and R¹OR²in which R¹represents a fatty acid or a fatty alcohol residue containing from 8 to 29 carbon atoms and R²represents a branched or unbranched hydrocarbon-based chain containing from 3 to 30 carbon atoms, for instance Purcellin oil, 2-octyldodecyl stearate, 2-octyldodecyl erucate, isostearyl isostearate; hydroxylated esters, for instance isostearyl lactate, octyl hydroxystearate, octyldodecyl hydroxystearate, diisostearyl malate or triisocetyl citrate; fatty alcohol heptanoates, octanoates or decanoates; polyol esters, for instance propylene glycol dioctanoate, neopentyl glycol diheptanoate and diethylene glycol diisononanoate; and pentaerythritol esters, for instance pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate, or isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, sold especially under the trade name Eldew SL 205 by the company Ajinomoto;
linear or branched hydrocarbons, of mineral or synthetic origin, such as volatile or non-volatile liquid paraffins, and derivatives thereof, petroleum jelly, polydecenes, isohexadecane, isododecane, hydrogenated polyisobutene such as Parleam oil, or the mixture of n-undecane (C11) and of n-tridecane (C13) sold under the reference Cetiol UT by the company Cognis;
fluoro oils that are partially hydrocarbon-based and/or silicone-based, for instance those described in document JP-A-2 295 912;
silicone oils, for instance volatile or non-volatile polymethylsiloxanes (PDMS) with a linear or cyclic silicone chain, which are liquid or pasty at room temperature, in particular volatile silicone oils, especially cyclopolydimethylsiloxanes (cyclomethicones) such as cyclohexadimethylsiloxane and cyclopentadimethylsiloxane; polydimethylsiloxanes comprising alkyl, alkoxy or phenyl groups, which are pendent or at the end of a silicone chain, these groups containing from 2 to 24 carbon atoms; phenyl silicones, for instance phenyl trimethicones, phenyl dimethicones, phenyltrimethylsiloxydiphenyl-siloxanes, diphenyl dimethicones, diphenylmethyldiphenyltrisiloxanes or 2-phenylethyl trimethylsiloxy silicates, and polymethylphenylsiloxanes;
mixtures thereof.

In the list of oils mentioned above, the term â€œhydrocarbon-based oilâ€ means any oil mainly comprising carbon and hydrogen atoms, and possibly ester, ether, fluoro, carboxylic acid and/or alcohol groups.

The other fatty substances that may be present in the oily phase are, for example, fatty acids containing from 8 to 30 carbon atoms, for instance stearic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid; waxes, for instance lanolin wax, beeswax, carnauba wax or candelilla wax, paraffin wax, lignite wax or microcrystalline waxes, ceresin or ozokerite, and synthetic waxes, for instance polyethylene waxes and Fischer-Tropsch waxes; silicone resins such as trifluoromethyl-C1-4-alkyl dimethicone and trifluoropropyl dimethicone; and silicone elastomers, for instance the products sold under the name KSG by the company Shin-Etsu, under the name Trefil, BY29 or EPSX by the company Dow Corning, or under the name Gransil by the company Grant Industries.

These fatty substances may be chosen in a varied manner by a person skilled in the art so as to prepare a composition having the desired properties, for example in terms of consistency or texture.

The emulsions generally contain at least one emulsifier chosen from amphoteric, anionic, cationic and nonionic emulsifiers, used alone or as a mixture, and optionally a co-emulsifier. The emulsifiers are chosen in an appropriate manner according to the emulsion to be obtained (W/O or O/W). The emulsifier and the co-emulsifier are generally present in the composition in a proportion ranging from 0.3% to 30% by weight and preferably from 0.5% to 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

For W/O emulsions, examples of emulsifiers that may be mentioned include dimethicone copolyols, such as the mixture of cyclomethicone and dimethicone copolyol sold under the trade name DC 5225 C by the company Dow Corning, and alkyl dimethicone copolyols such as the lauryl dimethicone copolyol sold under the name Dow Corning 5200 Formulation Aid by the company Dow Corning, and the cetyl dimethicone copolyol sold under the name Abil EM 90Â® by the company Goldschmidt. A crosslinked elastomeric solid organopolysiloxane comprising at least one oxyalkylene group, such as those obtained according to the procedure of Examples 3, 4 and 8 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,004 and of the examples of patent U.S. Pat. No. 5,811,487, especially the product of Example 3 (synthesis example) of patent U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,004, such as the product sold under the reference KSG 21 by the company Shin-Etsu, may also be used as surfactants for W/O emulsions.

For O/W emulsions, examples of emulsifiers that may be mentioned include nonionic emulsifiers such as oxyalkylenated (more particularly polyoxyethylenated) fatty acid esters of glycerol; oxyalkylenated fatty acid esters of sorbitan; oxyalkylenated (oxyethylenated and/or oxypropylenated) fatty acid esters; oxyalkylenated (oxyethylenated and/or oxypropylenated) fatty alcohol ethers; sugar esters such as sucrose stearate; and mixtures thereof, such as the mixture of glyceryl stearate and PEG-40 stearate.

These compositions may also be O/W emulsions stabilized with particles, for instance the polymer particles described in patent FR 2 760 641, or crosslinked or non-crosslinked amphiphilic polymers, as described in patent applications FR 2 853 543 and FR 2 819 175.

In a known manner, the cosmetic composition may also contain adjuvants that are common in cosmetics, such as hydrophilic or lipophilic gelling agents, hydrophilic or lipophilic active agents, preserving agents, antioxidants, solvents, fragrances, fillers, odour absorbers and dyestuffs. The amounts of these various adjuvants are those conventionally used in the cosmetics field, and range, for example, from about 0.01% to 10% of the total weight of the composition. Depending on their nature, these adjuvants may be introduced into the fatty phase, into the aqueous phase and/or into lipid spherules.

As solvents that may be used in the invention, mention may be made of lower alcohols, for instance ethanol, isopropanol, dipropylene glycol, butylene glycol and propylene glycol.

As hydrophilic gelling agents that may be used in the invention, non-limiting examples that may be mentioned include carboxyvinyl polymers (CarbomerÂ®), acrylic copolymers such as acrylate/alkylacrylate copolymers, polyacrylamides, polysaccharides such as hydroxypropylcellulose, natural gums and clays, and lipophilic gelling agents that may be mentioned include modified clays such as bentones, metal salts of fatty acids, for instance aluminum stearates, hydrophobic silica, ethylcellulose and polyethylene.

The compositions of the invention may contain other hydrophilic or lipophilic active agents. These active agents are chosen especially from antioxidants, dermo-relaxing or dermo-decontracting agents, anti-ageing agents, anti-glycation agents, agents for stimulating the synthesis of dermal or epidermal macromolecules and/or for preventing their degradation, agents for stimulating fibroblast or keratinocyte proliferation and/or keratinocyte differentiation, agents for promoting maturation of the horny envelope, NO-synthase inhibitors, and agents for stimulating the energy metabolism of cells. Lists of these active agents are given hereinbelow as illustrations, and should to not in any way be considered as limiting.

Anti-Ageing Agents:

Among the active agents that are known for combating the signs of ageing, especially ageing of the skin, mention may be made especially of:

vitamin B3, coenzyme Q10 (or ubiquinone), vitamin B9, vitamin E, vitamin E derivatives, such as the phosphate derivative, for instance TPNAÂ® sold by the company Showa Denko, resveratrol or derivatives thereof, for instance ResveratrateÂ® sold by the company EstÃ©e Lauder, retinol or derivatives thereof, and a mixture thereof.

Anti-Glycation Agents:

The term â€œanti-glycation agentâ€ means a compound that prevents and/or reduces the glycation of skin proteins, in particular dermal proteins such as collagen.

Anti-glycation agents that may especially be mentioned include extracts of plants of the Ericacea family, such as an extract of blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium or Vaccinium myrtillus), for example the product sold under the name Blueberry Herbasol Extract PG by the company Cosmetochem, ergothioneine and derivatives thereof, hydroxystilbenes and derivatives thereof, such as resveratrol and 3,3â€²,5,5â€²-tetrahydroxystilbene (these anti-glycation agents are described in patent applications FR 2 802 425, FR 2 810 548, FR 2 796 278 and FR 2 802 420, respectively), dihydroxystilbenes and derivatives thereof, polypeptides of arginine and of lysine such as the product sold under the name AmadorineÂ® by the company Solabia, carcinine hydrochloride (sold by Exsymol under the name AlistinÂ®), an extract of Helianthus annuus, for instance AntiglyskinÂ® from Silab, wine extracts such as the extract of powdered white wine on a maltodextrin support sold under the name Vin blanc dÃ©shydratÃ© 2F by the company Givaudan, thioctic acid (or alpha-lipoic acid), a mixture of extract of bearberry and of marine glycogen, for instance Aglycal LS 8777Â® from Laboratoires SÃ©robiologiques, and an extract to of black tea, for instance KombuchkaÂ® from Sederma, and mixtures thereof.

Preferred anti-glycation agents that will be mentioned include extracts of blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and extracts of black tea.

Agents for Stimulating the Synthesis of Dermal and/or Epidermal Macromolecules and/or for Preventing their Degradation:

Among the active agents for stimulating the dermal macromolecules or for preventing their degradation, mention may be made of those acting:

either on collagen synthesis, such as extracts of Centella asiatica, asiaticosides and derivatives thereof; synthetic peptides such as iamin, biopeptide CL or palmitoyl oligopeptide sold by the company Sederma; peptides extracted from plants, such as the soybean hydrolysate sold by the company Coletica under the trade name PhytokineÂ®; rice peptides such as NutripeptideÂ® from Silab, methylsilanol mannuronate such as Algisium CÂ® sold by Exsymol; plant hormones such as auxins and lignans; folic acid; and an extract of Medicago sativa (alfalfa) such as the product sold by Silab under the name VitanolÂ®; a peptide extract of hazelnut such as the product sold by the company Solabia under the name Nuteline CÂ®; and arginine;

or on the inhibition of collagen degradation, in particular agents acting on the inhibition of metalloproteases (MMP) more particularly such as MMP 1, 2, 3 and 9. Mention may be made of: retinoids and derivatives, extracts of Medicago sativa such as VitanolÂ® from Silab, an extract of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (Cyanophyceae) sold under the name LanablueÂ® by Atrium Biotechnologies, oligopeptides and lipopeptides, lipoamino acids, the malt extract sold by the company Coletica under the trade name CollaliftÂ®; blueberry or rosemary extracts; lycopene; isoflavones, derivatives thereof or plant extracts containing them, in particular extracts of soybean (sold, for example, by the company Ichimaru Pharcos under the trade name Flavosterone SBÂ®), of red clover, of flax or of kakkon; an extract of lychee; Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline sold by SEPPIC under the name Sepilift DPHPÂ®: Baccharis genistelloides or Baccharine sold by Silab, an extract of moringa such as Arganyl LS 9781Â® from Cognis; the sage extract described in patent application FR-A-2 812 544 from the Labiatae family (Salvia officinalis from the company Flacksmann), an extract of rhododendron, a blueberry extract, and an extract of Vaccinium myrtillus such as those described in patent application FR-A-2 814 950;

or on the synthesis of molecules belonging to the elastin family (elastin and fibrillin), such as: retinol and derivatives, in particular retinyl palmitate; the extract of Saccharomyces cerevisiae sold by the company LSN under the trade name CytovitinÂ®; and the extract of the alga Macrocystis pyrifera sold by the company Secma under the trade name KelpadelieÂ®; a peptide extract of hazelnut such as the product sold by the company Solabia under the trade name Nuteline CÂ®;

or on inhibition of elastin degradation, such as the peptide extract of seeds of Pisum sativum sold by the company LSN under the trade name ParelastylÂ®; heparinoids; and the N-acylamino amide compounds described in patent application WO 01/94381, such as {2-[acetyl(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)amino]-3-methylbutyrylamino}acetic acid, also known as N-[N-acetyl, Nâ€²-(3-trifluoromethyl)phenylvalyl]glycine, or N-acetyl-N-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]valylglycine or acetyl trifluoromethylphenylvalylglycine, or an ester thereof with a C₁-C₆alcohol; an extract of rice peptides such as ColhibinÂ® from Pentapharm, or an extract of Phyllanthus emblica such as EmblicaÂ® from Rona;

or on the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, such as the product of fermentation of milk with Lactobacillus vulgaris, sold by the company Brooks under the trade name Biomin YoghurtÂ®; the extract of the brown alga Padina pavonica sold by the company Alban MÃ¼ller under the trade name HSP3Â®; the Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract available especially from the company Silab under the trade name FirmaliftÂ® or from the company LSN under the trade name CytovitinÂ®; an extract of Laminaria ochroleuca such as LaminaineÂ® from Secma; essence of Mamaku from Lucas Meyer, and an extract of Cress (OdralineÂ® from Silab);

or on the synthesis of fibronectin, such as the extract of the zooplankton Salina sold by the company Seporga under the trade name GP4GÂ®; the yeast extract available especially from the company Alban MÃ¼ller under the trade name DrielineÂ®; and the palmitoyl pentapeptide sold by the company Sederma under the trade name MatrixylÂ®.

Among the active agents for stimulating epidermal macromolecules, such as fillagrin and keratins, mention may be made especially of the extract of lupin sold by the company Silab under the trade name StructurineÂ®; the extract of Fagus sylvatica beech buds sold by the company Gattefosse under the trade name GatulineÂ® RC; and the extract of the zooplankton Salina sold by the company Seporga under the trade name GP4GÂ®; the copper tripeptide from Procyte; a peptide extract of Voandzeia substerranea such as the product sold by the company Laboratoires SÃ©robiologiques under the trade name Filladyn LS 9397Â®.

Preferably, an active agent that stimulates the synthesis of dermal and/or epidermal macromolecules and/or that prevents their degradation, chosen from agents for stimulating the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, agents for inhibiting elastin degradation, agents for stimulating fibronectin synthesis, agents for stimulating the synthesis of epidermal macromolecules, and mixtures thereof, will be used.

Even more preferentially, an active agent that stimulates the synthesis of the glycosaminoglycans, chosen from an extract of the brown alga Padina pavonica, an extract of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, an extract of Laminaria ochroleuca, essence of Mamaku, and an extract of cress, and mixtures thereof, will be used.

As preferred active agents for stimulating the synthesis of dermal and/or epidermal macromolecules and/or for preventing their degradation, mention may be made of: synthetic peptides such as iamin, the biopeptide CL or palmitoyloligopeptide sold by the company Sederma; peptides extracted from plants, such as the soybean hydrolysate sold by the company Coletica under the trade name PhytokineÂ®; rice peptides such as NutripeptideÂ® from Silab, methylsilanol mannuronate such as Algisium CÂ® sold by Exsymol; folic acid; an extract of Medicago sativa (alfalfa), such as the product sold by Silab under the name VitanolÂ®; a peptide extract of hazelnut, such as the product sold by the company Solabia under the name Nuteline CÂ®; arginine; an extract of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (Cyanophyceae) sold under the name LanablueÂ® by Atrium Biotechnologies, the malt extract sold by the company Coletica under the trade name CollaliftÂ®, lycopene; an extract of lychee; an extract of moringa such as Arganyl LS 9781Â® from Cognis; an extract of Vaccinium myrtillus such as those described in patent application FR-A-2 814 950; retinol and derivatives thereof, in particular retinyl palmitate; the extract of Saccharomyces cerevisiae sold by the company LSN under the trade name CytovitinÂ®; a peptide extract of hazelnut such as the product sold by the company Solabia under the name Nuteline CÂ®; {2-[acetyl(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)amino]-3-methylbutyrylamino}acetic acid, also known as N-[N-acetyl, Nâ€²-(3-trifluoromethyl)phenylvalyl]glycine, or N-acetyl-N-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]valylglycine or acetyl trifluoromethylphenylvalylglycine, or an ester thereof with a C₁-C₆alcohol; an extract of rice peptides such as ColhibinÂ® from Pentapharm, or an extract of Phyllanthus emblica such as EmblicaÂ® from Rona; the extract of the brown alga Padina pavonica sold by the company Alban MÃ¼ller under the trade name HSP3Â®; the extract of Saccharomyces cerevisiae available especially from the company Silab under the trade name FirmaliftÂ® or from the company LSN under the trade name CytovitinÂ®; an extract of Laminaria ochroleuca such as LaminaineÂ® from Secma; the essence of Mamaku from Lucas Meyer, the extract of lupin sold by the company Silab under the trade name StructurineÂ®; the extract of Fagus sylvatica beech buds sold by the company Gattefosse under the trade name GatulineÂ® RC.

Agents for Stimulating Fibroblast or Keratinocyte Proliferation and/or Keratinocyte Differentiation

The agents for stimulating fibroblast proliferation that may be used in the composition according to the invention may be chosen, for example, from plant proteins or polypeptides, extracted especially from soybean (for example a soybean extract sold by the company LSN under the name Eleseryl SH-VEG 8Â® or sold by the company Silab under the trade name RaffermineÂ®); an extract of hydrolysed soybean proteins such as RidulisseÂ® from Silab; and plant hormones such as gibberellins and cytokinins; a peptide extract of hazelnut such as the product sold by the company Solabia under the name Nuteline CÂ®.

Preferably, an agent that promotes keratinocyte proliferation and/or differentiation will be used.

The agents for stimulating keratinocyte proliferation that may be used in the composition according to the invention especially comprise phloroglucinol, the extract of Hydrangea macrophylla leaves, for instance Amacha Liquid EÂ® from Ichimaru Pharcos, a yeast extract such as StimodermÂ® from CLR; the extract of Larrea divaricata such as CapislowÂ® from Sederma, mixtures of extract of papaya, of olive leaves and of lemon, such as XyleineÂ® from Vincience, retinol and esters thereof, including retinyl palmitate, the nut cake extracts sold by Gattefosse and the extracts of Solanum tuberosum such as DermolectineÂ® sold by Sederma.

Among the agents for stimulating keratinocyte differentiation are, for example, minerals such as calcium; a peptide extract of lupin, such as the product sold by the company Silab under the trade name StructurineÂ®; sodium beta-sitosteryl sulfate, such as the product sold by the company Seporga under the trade name PhytocohesineÂ®; and a water-soluble extract of corn, such as the product sold by the company Solabia under the trade name PhytovitylÂ®; a peptide extract of Voandzeia substerranea such as the product sold by the company Laboratoires SÃ©robiologiques under the trade name Filladyn LS 9397Â®; and lignans such as secoisolariciresinol, and retinol and esters thereof, including retinyl palmitate.

As agents for stimulating keratinocyte proliferation and/or differentiation, mention may also be made of oestrogens such as oestradiol and homologues; cytokines.

As preferred active agents for stimulating fibroblast or keratinocyte proliferation and/or keratinocyte differentiation, mention will be made of plant proteins or polypeptides, extracted especially from soybean (for example a soybean extract sold by the company LSN under the name Eleseryl SH-VEG 8Â® or sold by the company Silab under the trade name RaffermineÂ®); an extract of hydrolysed soybean proteins such as RidulisseÂ® from Silab; a peptide extract of hazelnut such as the product sold by the company Solabia under the name Nuteline CÂ®; adenosine, phloroglucinol, a yeast extract such as StimodermÂ® from CLR; a peptide extract of lupin such as the product sold by the company Silab under the trade name StructurineÂ®; a water-soluble corn extract, such as the product sold by the company Solabia under the trade name PhytovitylÂ®; a peptide extract of Voandzeia substerranea, such as the product sold by the company Laboratoires SÃ©robiologiques under the trade name Filladyn LS 9397Â®; retinol and esters thereof, including retinyl palmitate.

Agents for Promoting the Maturation of the Horny Envelope

Agents that participate in the maturation of the horny envelope, which becomes impaired with age and induces a decrease in transglutaminase activity, may be used in the compositions of the invention. Examples that may be mentioned include urea and derivatives thereof and in particular HydrovanceÂ® from National Starch and the other active agents mentioned in L'OrÃ©al patent application FR 2 877 220.

NO-Synthase Inhibitors

The agent with an inhibitory action on NO synthase may be chosen from OPCs (procyannidol oligomers); plant extracts of the species Vitis vinifera sold especially by the company Euromed under the name â€œLeucocyanidines de raisins extraâ€ , or by the company Indena under the name LeucoselectÂ®, or finally by the company Hansen under the name â€œExtrait de marc de raisinâ€ ; plant extracts of the species Olea europaea preferably obtained from olive tree leaves and sold especially by the company Vinyals in the form of a dry extract, or by the company Biologia & Technologia under the trade name EurolÂ® BT; and plant extracts of the species Gingko biloba, preferably a dry aqueous extract of this plant sold by the company Beaufour under the trade name â€œGinkgo biloba extrait standardâ€ , and mixtures thereof.

Agents for Stimulating the Energy Metabolism of Cells

The active agent for stimulating the energy metabolism of cells may be chosen, for example, from biotin, an extract of Saccharomyces cerevisiae such as PhosphovitalÂ® from Sederma, the mixture of sodium, manganese, zinc and magnesium salts of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid, for instance PhysiogenylÂ® from Solabia, a mixture of zinc, copper and magnesium gluconate, such as Sepitonic M3Â® from SEPPIC, and mixtures thereof; a beta-glucan derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, such as the product sold by the company Mibelle AG Biochemistry.

The invention also relates to a cosmetic process for treating the skin, for reducing or preventing the signs of ageing of the skin or its integuments (hair, eyelashes, nails, etc.), comprising at least one step that consists in applying to the skin at least one composition as defined previously.

The process according to the invention more specifically comprises at least one step that consists in applying at least one composition as defined previously to the skin of individuals whose skin shows at least one of the signs of cutaneous ageing recalled previously.

More particularly, it comprises at least one step that consists in applying at least one composition as defined previously to the skin of individuals having skin or an area of skin that is aged, wrinkled, or flabby and/or flaccid, or to areas of the body showing a loss of elasticity and/or firmness and/or tonicity.

The composition according to the invention may be applied to the part of the skin or integuments to be treated, in particular to the face, the body, the neck, the hands, the hair or the scalp, preferably daily or several times a day. The application may, for example, be repeated every day over a variable period according to the desired effects, generally from 3 to 6 weeks, but may be prolonged or pursued continuously.

According to one alternative, the composition according to the invention may be administered by injection optionally in combination with filling products. Specifically, one of the solutions adopted for combating wrinkles and/or the loss of volume of soft tissue is the use of filling products (or filler). This filling may be achieved by using non-resorbable products, such as polyacrylamide gels or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) particles. However, these compounds may lead to intolerance reactions of the type such as inflammation or hypersensitivity.

The use of resorbable components, such as proteins, fats, collagen or hyaluronic acid, is preferred. However, these compounds are degraded relatively quickly in the body, which reduces their efficacy. To overcome this, more or less expensive crosslinking of these components must be performed. At the present time, the hyaluronic acid used in pharmaceutical forms or medical devices is in the form of a sodium hyaluronate gel. The monosaccharide according to the invention or the compositions containing it may also be applied by mesotherapy. Mesotherapy is a technique of treatment via intraepidermal and/or intradermal and/or subcutaneous injection of active product(s), for instance micronutrients, vitamins and/or hyaluronic acid. The compositions are administered according to this technique via injection in the form of multiple small droplets into the epidermis, the dermo-epidermal junction and/or the dermis in order especially to perform subcutaneous layering. The mesotherapy technique is especially described in the publication â€œTraitÃ© de mÃ©sothÃ©rapieâ€ by Jacques Le Coz, published by Masson, 2004. Mesotherapy performed on the face is also referred to as a mesolift or a mesoglow.

Thus, another object of the present invention may be a device, in particular a medical device, comprising an effective amount of at least one monosaccharide as defined previously, in combination with an effective amount of adenosine or an analogue thereof. This device may be suitable for intraepidermal and/or intradermal and/or subcutaneous injection. The to combination of active agents as defined above is dissolved in a sterile medium. The said device may comprise at least one other compound, for instance at least one resorbable or non-resorbable product, such as those mentioned above, which is optionally crosslinked.

The said device may be, for example, a syringe with a needle or an injection device without a needle, such as those used in the care technique known as mesotherapy. A kit comprising a device may also be envisaged, the said kit comprising a device, in particular a syringe or an injection device, and at least the combination of active agents, monosaccharide(s) and adenosine or analogue, as defined above. The said kit may also comprise a needle. The said device may be in ready-to-use form, i.e. prefilled, or may need to be filled before use. In the latter case, a composition or another device (such as a vial) comprises the said combination of active agents, monosaccharide(s) and adenosine or analogue, optionally in combination with at least one other active compound, for instance at least one resorbable or non-resorbable product, such as the filling products mentioned above, which is optionally crosslinked.

The injection of the combination according to the invention may be performed simultaneously with, or before or after, the application to the skin or its integuments of another cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition, preferably a dermatological composition, comprising, in a physiologically acceptable support, at least one other active agent, as mentioned above.

According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a cosmetic assembly comprising: i) a container delimiting at least one compartment, the said container being closed by a closing member; and ii) a composition as defined previously, placed inside the said compartment.

The container may be in any suitable form. It may especially be in the form of a bottle, a tube, a jar, a case, a can, a sachet or a box. The closing member may be in the form of a removable stopper, a lid, a cover, a tear-off strip or a cap, especially of the type comprising a body fixed to the container and a cap articulated on the body. It may also be in the form of a member ensuring the selective closure of the container, especially a pump, a valve or a clapper.

The container may be combined with an applicator. The applicator may be in the form of a fine brush, as described, for example, in patent FR 2 722 380. The product may be contained directly in the container, or indirectly. By way of example, the product may be arranged on an impregnated support, especially in the form of a wipe or a pad, and arranged (individually or in plurality) in a box or in a sachet. Such a support incorporating the product is described, for example, in patent application WO 01/03538.

The closing member may be coupled to the container by screwing.

Alternatively, the coupling between the closing member and the container is done other than by screwing, especially via a bayonet mechanism, by click-fastening, gripping, welding, bonding or by magnetic attraction. The term â€œclick-fasteningâ€ in particular means any system involving the crossing of a bead or cord of material by elastic deformation of a portion, especially of the closing member, followed by return to the elastically unconstrained position of the said portion after the crossing of the bead or cord.

The container may be at least partially made of thermoplastic material. Examples of thermoplastic materials that may be mentioned include polypropylene or polyethylene.

Alternatively, the container is made of non-thermoplastic material, especially glass or metal (or alloy).

The container may have rigid or deformable walls, especially in the form of a tube or a tube bottle. The container may comprise means for initiating or facilitating the distribution of the composition. By way of example, the container may have deformable walls so as to allow the composition to exit in response to a positive pressure inside the container, this positive pressure being caused by elastic (or non-elastic) squeezing of the walls of the container.

The contents of the patents or patent applications mentioned previously are incorporated by reference into the present patent application.

According to one particular mode, the invention relates to a cosmetic assembly comprising:

a composition A containing at least one compound chosen from adenosine, an analogue thereof and mixtures thereof,

a composition B, conditioned separately from composition A, comprising at least one monosaccharide chosen from mannose, rhamnose and a mixture thereof.

Finally, the invention relates to a cosmetic or dermatological treatment process comprising at least one step of administration, in particular of topical application, to the skin and/or its integuments, of composition A and at least one step of administration, in particular of topical application to the skin and/or its integuments, of composition B.

The administration of composition A according to the invention may be performed simultaneously with, or before or after, the administration of composition B. As specified previously, the administration of composition A and of composition B may be performed topically, orally or via injection.

According to one alternative, composition A is administered first and composition B is administered second. According to another alternative, composition B is administered first and composition A is administered second.

Compositions A and B may be conditioned separately in two compartments, formed either by two separate containers, or inside a single device. The term â€œsingle deviceâ€ means a device via which the two compartments are solidly attached. Such a device may be obtained via a process of monobloc moulding of the two compartments, especially made of a thermoplastic material. It may also result from any form of assembly, especially by bonding, welding or other click-fastening.

According to a first embodiment, the two containers are independent of each other. Such containers may be in various forms. They may especially be tubes, bottles or drums.

One and/or the other of the containers may be fitted with a manually operated pump on which is mounted a push button for actuating the pump and dispensing the composition via at least one dispensing orifice.

Alternatively, one and/or the other of the containers is pressurized, especially by means of a propellant, in particular a propellant gas. In this case, the container(s) is (are) equipped with a valve on which is mounted a push button equipped with a nozzle or any other diffusion means for dispensing the product.

The propellant may be in a mixture with the composition to be dispensed or separated, especially via a piston that can slide inside the container, or via the flexible walls of a bag inside which the composition is placed.

The containers may be made of various materials: plastic, glass or metal.

Alternatively also, the two compartments are formed from two concentric compartments formed inside a tube, and mounted thereon is a pump with no air reuptake, and equipped with a push button with one or two dispensing orifices. Provided inside the tube is a piston that rises in the direction of the pump as and when the compositions are withdrawn from inside the containers. Such dispensing modes are especially used for dispensing toothpastes.

Key to the Figures

FIG. 1: Diagram schematically representing the results obtained for the keratinocyte proliferation, in the presence of a control, in the presence of different markers, in medium deficient in growth factors, and with addition of different concentrations of L-rhamnose reported on the x-axis. The values reported on the y-axis correspond to the percentages of labelled cells measured relative to the control.

FIG. 2: Diagram schematically representing the results obtained for the keratinocyte proliferation, in the presence of a control, in the presence of different markers, in medium deficient in growth factors, and with addition of different concentrations of D-mannose reported on the x-axis. The values reported on the y-axis correspond to the percentages of labelled cells measured relative to the control.

FIG. 3: Diagram representing the number of fibroblasts measured between an untreated control whole reconstructed skin, on the left, and a whole reconstructed skin treated with 5 mM of rhamnose, on the right. The fibroblasts are counted at different stages of the treatment. Thus, for each skin type, the left-hand column corresponds to the count obtained at 48 hours and the right-hand column corresponds to the count obtained at 120 hours of treatment.

FIG. 4: Photographs of frozen sections of reconstructed skin 7 Î¼m thick. The level of fluorescence is materialized by the white marks on the black and white photograph; it is proportional to the amount of type I procollagen. The control skin is on the left, and skin treated with 1 mM of rhamnose is on the right.

The invention is illustrated in greater detail in the examples that follow, which are given as non-limiting illustrations of the field of the invention.

EXAMPLESExample 1Proliferation of Keratinocytes

Protocol

The keratinocytes (HaCat line) are cultured under two conditions: whole defined culture medium (standard condition) and culture medium deficient in growth factors. This deficient medium gives rise to a controlled delay in cell proliferation. Under these conditions, it is then possible to measure the effects of compounds capable of compensating for the deficiency in growth factors of the culture medium and thus of relaunching the cell multiplication and/or of stimulating cell metabolism.

The keratinocyte proliferation is measured by means of three markers on the same cell population: the level of DNA, which is proportional to the number of cells (Cyquant probe), the level of constituent polar lipids of cell membranes (Nile red probe) and the mitochondrial respiration, which reflects the general cell metabolism (XTT probe).

Results

The results are given in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The two monosaccharides rhamnose and mannose demonstrate their capacity to activate keratinocyte proliferation when the keratinocytes are cultured in medium depleted in growth factors, a culturing condition that significantly delays their cell growth.

This activation of cell proliferation by the two compounds is manifested by a higher number of cells when compared with the untreated control.

This increased number of cells is materialized by a level of DNA (Cyquant), a level of polar lipids (Nile red signal) and a mitochondrial respiration (XTT signal) that are significantly increased when the monosaccharides are evaluated at 1 mM. At 500 Î¼M, the two molecules already show efficacy.

The two monosaccharides mannose and rhamnose thus exert an influence on keratinocyte proliferation. They activate the proliferation of keratinocytes cultured in medium depleted in growth factor, which is manifested by a higher number of cells when compared with an untreated control.

Rhamnose and mannose thus show anti-ageing efficacy by boosting epidermal renewal and combating age-related epidermal atrophy.

Example 2Proliferation of Fibroblasts

Protocol

Rhamnose was studied on a model of whole reconstructed skin in order to measure its anti-ageing efficacy on the dermal compartment.

Briefly, the model of reconstructed skin used is that described by Bell et al. (Bell E. et al., The reconstitution of living skin, J. Invest. Dermatol., 1983, July; 81): it includes a dermal equivalent on which is reconstructed a multistratified epidermis; the dermal equivalent is manufactured from acid-soluble collagen, culture medium containing serum and normal adult human fibroblasts. After 5 days of shrinkage, this equivalent is inoculated with keratinocytes and then cultured for 6 days in immersion and for 7 days in emersion in order to obtain a multistratified and differentiated epidermis having a horny layer.

The reconstructed skin is treated with 5 mM rhamnose for 2 days and 5 days in the culture medium; after the treatment, the reconstructed skins are included in Tissue Tek in order to produce frozen sections 7 Î¼m thick with a cryostat. The sections produced are then stained with propidium iodide to label the DNA of the nuclei of the fibroblasts in order to count them. Three frozen sections are prepared at random on each reconstructed skin; on each section, two microscopic fields (25Ã— objective lens) are analysed by fluorescence microscopy and photographed. The dermal fibroblasts are thus counted for each reconstructed skin on six images in total representing the six microscopic fields considered. The number of dermal fibroblasts is compared between the control skin and that treated with rhamnose at the two kinetic stages.

Results

The results are given in FIG. 3.

It was found that rhamnose induces stimulation of growth of the dermal fibroblasts of the reconstructed skin within 48 hours of treatment, this stimulation being confirmed at 120 hours of treatment, with between 30% and 35% additional cells (see FIG. 3). It should be noted that this stimulation is accompanied by a stimulation of procollagen 1 synthesis at 5 mM, and also at 1 mM, which may also result from the increased number of fibroblasts responsible for the secretion of this major protein of the extracellular matrix.

These two effects complement the anti-ageing activity of rhamnose already measured on the epidermal compartment, by stimulating the proliferation and metabolism of the fibroblast, which is a major cell of the dermal compartment.

Example 3Synthesis of Procollagen 1

Conventional detection via indirect immunofluorescence of type I procollagen in the dermis of the reconstructed skin was also performed on other series of frozen sections (anti-procoll 1 antibody (MAB 1912 Millipore)+FTIC-coupled conjugate (112-095-068 Jackson Immunoresearch)). In order to obtain bearings within the cutaneous architecture during the microscopic examination of the sections, the cell nuclei of the keratinocytes and fibroblasts are localized by staining them with propidium iodide, as described above. Three frozen sections are prepared at random on each reconstructed skin and on each section, and two microscopic fields (25Ã— objective lens) are analysed by fluorescence microscopy and photographed. The levels of fluorescence proportional to the amount of type I procollagen are compared between the control skin and the skin treated with rhamnose.

In image 1, FIG. 4, corresponding to a section of control reconstructed skin at 120 hours of culture, the presence of type 1 procollagen synthesized by the dermal fibroblasts is materialized by the green fluorescence located in the bottom part of the image. The basal part of the epidermis, highly cellular tissue, which may be visualized by the numerous keratinocyte nuclei, can be made out in the top part of the image. The dermis, much less cellular tissue, also reveals the random distribution of the fibroblasts within the dermal extracellular matrix. In image 2, FIG. 4, corresponding, for example, to a section of reconstructed skin treated with 1 mM rhamnose for 120 hours, a marked increase in green fluorescence is noted when compared with that observed for the control skin (image 1), and also a distribution of the fluorescent signal clearly materializing the fibrillar aspect of the newly synthesized type I procollagen. This increase in general fluorescence indicates that the rhamnose treatment has greatly stimulated the synthesis of type I procollagen by the fibroblasts.

These results clearly show the capacity of rhamnose to stimulate fibroblast metabolism, which metabolism, in the course of ageing, becomes more imbalanced towards degradation of the extracellular matrix than towards its renewal.

By stimulating both the metabolism and growth of dermal fibroblasts, rhamnose clearly demonstrates its anti-ageing efficacy on the dermis, this efficacy being complementary to that measured with respect to the epidermal compartment.

Example 4Rhamnose+Adenosine Combination: Demonstration of the Complementarity of Anti-Ageing Action of Adenosine and Rhamnose on the Cutaneous Physiology (Stimulation of Procollagen I Synthesis by the Dermal Fibroblasts)1. Cells Used

Human dermal fibroblasts are obtained from mammary or abdominal surgeries (no differences between the fibroblasts derived from the papillary or reticular dermis). They are used at the ninth passage and cultured to confluence at 37Â° C. and 5% CO₂in DMEM medium (Invitrogen 21969035) supplemented with:

- 10% foetal calf serum (FCS),
- 2 mM L-glutamine (Invitrogen 25030024)
- penicillin at 50 IU/mL
- streptomycin at 50 Î¼g/mL (Invitrogen 15070063)
- sodium pyruvate (Invitrogen 11360039)
- non-essential amino acids (Invitrogen 11140035)
  The test medium for the active principles is the same as previously.

2. Prior Cytotoxicity

The cytotoxicity of the compounds is evaluated on the same fibroblast cells over 5 days via a test with MTT and by morphological analysis of the cell monolayers.

plates:48wellspreculture:24hourscells/well (1 cm²):10⁴cells/cm²replicates:6contact time:5daysparameters:MTT and morphological

3. Treatment and Assay of Procollagen I

The fibroblasts are subcultured (D0), at the same cell density as for the prior cytotoxicity, in 10% DMEM medium, and incubated at 37Â° C. and 5% CO₂. After adhesion of the cells (D1), the culture medium is removed and replaced with medium containing or not containing (control) the test products. The DMEM medium then contains 1% FCS to avoid an excessively high base signal due to the presence of serum.

The adenosine/rhamnose combination is used, respectively, at doses of 10 Î¼M and 1 mM in the well.

The cells are incubated at 37Â° C. for 5 days in order to observe a general response of the fibroblasts as regards their production of procollagen I.

Each experimental condition is performed in triplicate.

After incubation, the culture media were removed and the amount of procollagen I present in the culture media was measured using a specific ELISA assay kit (Procollagen Type I C-Peptide EIA Kit, Bio-Whittaker MK101).

Observation of the cell morphology and a viability test with MTT were performed on the corresponding cell lawns.

Results

The rhamnose/adenosine combination the production of procollagen I by the dermal fibroblasts.

Example 5Example of Preparation of a Cosmetic Composition According to the Invention

Total anti-ageing creams: oil-in-water emulsionAmmonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide1.00%(Hostacerin AMPS from Clariant)Cyclohexasiloxaneâ€‚5.0%Apricot kernel oilâ€ƒâ€‰7%Isononyl isononanoateâ€ƒâ€‰7%Stearyl alcohol0.30%Glyceryl stearate/PEG-100 stearate0.70%Dimyristyl tartrate/cetearyl alcohol/C12-150.50%pareth-7/PPG-25 laureth-25Xanthan gum0.20%Rhamnoseâ€ƒâ€‰5%Adenosineâ€‚0.1%Preserving agentsâ€‚0.3%Waterqs 100

When applied twice daily for 6 months, an overall improvement of the apparent age of the face is observed, in particular via a reduction in the appearance of expression wrinkles and an improvement in the radiance of the complexion.

Example 6Example of Preparation of a Cosmetic Composition According to the Invention

Anti-ageing creams: oil-in-water emulsionAmmonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide1.00%(Hostacerin AMPS from Clariant)Cyclohexasiloxaneâ€‚5.0%Apricot kernel oilâ€ƒâ€‰7%Isononyl isononanoateâ€ƒâ€‰7%Stearyl alcohol0.30%Glyceryl stearate/PEG-100 stearate0.70%Dimyristyl tartrate/cetearyl alcohol/C12-150.50%pareth-7/PPG-25 laureth-25Xanthan gum0.20%Mannoseâ€ƒâ€‰5%Adenosineâ€‚0.1%Preserving agents0.50%Waterqs 100

Example 7Example of Preparation of a Cosmetic Composition According to the Invention

Anti-ageing creams: oil-in-water emulsionAmmonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide1.00%(Hostacerin AMPS from Clariant)Cyclohexasiloxaneâ€‚5.0%Apricot kernel oilâ€ƒâ€‰7%Isononyl isononanoateâ€ƒâ€‰7%Stearyl alcohol0.30%Glyceryl stearate/PEG-100 stearate0.70%Dimyristyl tartrate/cetearyl alcohol/C12-150.50%pareth-7/PPG-25 laureth-25Xanthan gum0.20%Mannoseâ€‚2.5%Rhamnoseâ€‚2.5%Adenosineâ€‚0.1%Preserving agents0.50%Waterqs 100

Example 8Example of Preparation of a Cosmetic Composition According to the InventionAnti-Ageing Facial Day Cream

Phase A1:Sucrose distearate sold by the company1.75%StÃ©arinerie DuboisSorbitan stearate oxyethylenated with 4 mol of ethylene1.15%oxide, sold by the company ICI under the name Tween 61Stearic acid0.75%Stearyl heptanoate4.00%Petroleum jelly codex1.50%Avocado oil3.20%Jojoba oil3.00%Volatile silicone oil2.70%Vitamin E acetate1.00%Vitamin F glycerides3.00%Phase A2:Silicone gum sold by Dow Corning under3.00%the name Q2-1403 FluidPropyl paraben0.2%Fragrance0.3%Phase B:Glycerol3.00%Hydroxyproline1.00%D-Panthenol1.00%Triethanolamine0.35%Rhamnose3.00%Adenosine0.2%Methyl paraben0.3%Demineralized waterqs 100%Phase C:Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide1%(Hostacerin AMPS from Clariant)

The above written description of the invention provides a manner and process of making and using it such that any person skilled in this art is enabled to make and use the same, this enablement being provided in particular for the subject matter of the appended claims, which make up a part of the original description.

As used herein, the phrases â€œselected from the group consisting of,â€ â€œchosen from,â€ and the like include mixtures of the specified materials. Terms such as â€œcontain(s)â€ and the like as used herein are open terms meaning â€˜including at leastâ€™ unless otherwise specifically noted. The term â€œmentionedâ€ notes exemplary embodiments, and is not limiting to certain species. As used herein the words â€œaâ€ and â€œanâ€ and the like carry the meaning of â€œone or more.â€

All references, patents, applications, tests, standards, documents, publications, brochures, texts, articles, etc. mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference. Where a numerical limit or range is stated, the endpoints are included. Also, all values and subranges within a numerical limit or range are specifically included as if explicitly written out.

The above description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, this invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. In this regard, certain embodiments within the invention may not show every benefit of the invention, considered broadly.