| abstract |
The present invention relates to methods for regulating the condition of mammalian keratinous tissue wherein the methods comprise the step of topically applying to the keratinous tissue of a mammal needing such treatment, a safe and effective amount of a composition comprising: n a) a safe and effective amount of one or more phytosterols selected from the group consisting of β-sitosterol, campesterol, brassicasterol, Δ5-avennasterol, lupenol, α-spinasterol, stigmasterol, their derivatives, and combinations thereof; and n b) a dermatologically acceptable carrier for the phytosterol. n In additional embodiments, the above composition is suitable for thickening skin and preventing, retarding, and/or treating atrophy of mammalian skin, preventing, retarding, and/or treating the appearance of dark, under-eye circles and/or puffy eyes, preventing, retarding, and/or treating sallowness of mammalian skin, preventing and/or retarding tanning of mammalian skin, regulating and/or reducing the size of pores in mammalian skin, desquamating, exfoliating, and/or increasing turnover of mammalian skin, regulating oily/shiny appearance, preventing/retarding post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in mammalian skin, and preventing and/or treating the appearance of cellulite in mammalian skin. |