HK1234315B - Skin care product and method of use - Google Patents

Description

Skin care products and how to use them

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to skin care products that provide enhanced penetration of skin care actives into the skin. More specifically, the present invention relates to pairing an applicator comprising a magnetic array with a skin care composition comprising a skin care active having specific diamagnetic properties.

Background Art

Topical skin care compositions containing active ingredients that provide beneficial effects to the skin are well known. It is also known that when cosmetic skin care active ingredients can penetrate deeper into the skin, the skin health and appearance benefits provided by the active ingredients can be improved. For example, peptides (e.g., dipeptides, tripeptides, tetrapeptides, and pentapeptides) and their derivatives known to regulate various skin conditions generally need to penetrate the skin to provide the desired beneficial effects. In one specific example, the peptide derivative palmitoyl-lysine-threonine-threonine-lysine-serine ("Pal-KTTKS") is used in skin care compositions to improve signs of skin aging. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that Pal-KTTKS stimulates collagen production in epidermal fibroblasts, the skin cells primarily responsible for collagen production, resulting in a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, fine lines, and wrinkles. However, to reach the epidermal fibroblasts, Pal-KTTKS must penetrate through the epidermal layer of the skin. Therefore, it is desirable to find suitable ways to improve the skin penetration of cosmetic skin care active ingredients such as Pal-KTTKS.

However, the effective delivery of skin care actives, such as Pal-KTTKS, into the skin remains a persistent challenge. It is not uncommon to introduce skin care actives into the skin through topical applications such as creams, lotions, and serums. However, the actual and perceived beneficial effects of skin care actives, such as Pal-KTTKS, depend heavily on the amount of skin care active that penetrates the surface layers of the skin and the depth of penetration. Numerous factors limit the amount of active that can penetrate the skin, and currently, there is little control over the localization and retention of the active once it has penetrated the skin.

The amount of active agent provided in a skin care composition can be increased in various ways, such as by increasing the amount of active agent in the skin care composition. However, this often results in a composition that does not have a good sensory feel, increases formulation challenges, stability issues, and increases manufacturing costs.

One approach to improving the efficacy of skin care actives is to use chemical penetration enhancers to promote changes in skin permeability, thereby allowing for enhanced penetration of the skin care active. However, the use of chemical penetration enhancers can be problematic due to unknown interactions with the actives and potential adverse side effects such as irritation of the skin and mucosal surfaces.

Mechanical methods for increasing the skin penetration of active substances have also been explored. For example, a kind of such method called iontophoresis utilizes an electrical energy gradient to accelerate one or more charged active agents to pass through the skin (or other barriers). The example of the device using iontophoresis is described in US 7,137,965. However, iontophoresis is only applicable to specific active agents with certain ionic structures, and due to exchange ion degradation, may be harmful to certain epidermal barriers. In addition, iontophoresis requires the use of close electrical contact and bonding electrodes that are not suitable for all target surfaces or barriers.

Other techniques for generating mobility and/or direction in the movement of one or more active agents include magnetokinetics and magnetophoresis. However, these techniques are difficult to implement due to poor performance, high hardware and energy requirements, and cost. An example of a device utilizing magnetophoresis is described in US 2009/0093669. Although these methods claim to increase the amount of penetration of skin care actives into the skin, they still cannot provide enhanced penetration in a controlled manner - both in terms of penetration amount and penetration depth.

In another example of device design for the efficient delivery of skin care actives, WO 2011/156869 discloses a method for delivering skin care agents across the skin barrier using one or more shifting dipole magnetic elements. However, this method still does not provide a targeted approach that takes into account the unique properties of different skin care actives and the target beneficial skin areas.

Therefore, there is a need to provide cosmetic products which can provide improved penetration of specific cosmetic active substances into the skin in a controlled manner.

Summary of the Invention

Disclosed herein are cosmetic skin care products comprising an applicator and a magnetic array. The magnetic array comprises a first layer of one or more alternating magnetic pole dipole pairs having a spacing between 1.7 mm and 2.5 mm, and the total magnetic field strength of the first layer is between 24 mT and 30 mT. The skin care composition comprises an effective amount of a skin care active (e.g., Pal-KTTKS) and a dermatologically acceptable carrier, the skin care active having a diamagnetic susceptibility between about -400 and -600. In some cases, the skin care product of the present invention may include one or more of the following features in any combination: a magnetic array having a thickness between 0.8 and 1.2 mm, or about 1.1 mm; a magnetic array having a spacing between about 1.9 and 2.3 mm, or about 2.1 mm; a magnetic array that enhances Pal-KTTKS delivery (e.g., at least 1.5 times, at least 2.5 times, at least 3.5 times, at least 4 times, or even at least 5 times) according to the tape stripping method; such as in tape strips 2 to 10, tape strips 4 to 10, tape strips 6 to 10, or even Magnetic arrays for enhancing Pal-KTTKS delivery as measured in tape strips 8 to 10; magnetic arrays comprising a plurality of dipole magnetic elements arranged in pairs to form an alternating pattern of magnetic field polarity (e.g., a pole of a first dipole pair is adjacent to a pole of a second dipole pair of the same polarity); magnetic arrays comprising ferromagnetic materials (e.g., iron, iron-containing materials, cobalt, cobalt-containing materials, strontium, strontium-containing materials, barium, barium-containing materials, nickel, nickel-containing materials, alloys and oxides of these materials, and combinations thereof); magnetic arrays comprising boron, carbon, silicon, phosphorus, aluminum, neodymium, and/or samarium; an array; an applicator comprising a cover covering the skin-facing surface of the applicator; an applicator comprising a cover having a surface with a dry coefficient of friction at least 10% less than that of the skin-facing surface of the applicator; an applicator comprising a cover having a surface with a wet coefficient of friction at least 2 times less than that of the skin-facing surface of the applicator; a magnetic applicator and a skin care composition packaged together in a single package; a magnetic applicator and a skin care composition packaged separately and the separate packages connected to each other; a magnetic array comprising approximately 12 magnetic poles per 25.4 mm; a first unidirectional magnetic array placed in parallel on a second unidirectional magnetic array to form a bidirectional magnetic array, and the second magnetic array having a pitch and magnetic field strength that are both less than or equal to the pitch and magnetic field strength of the first magnetic array (for example, the second magnetic array has a pitch between 0.8 and 1.3, and a magnetic field strength between about 1 and 20 mT); a second magnetic array having a thickness between about 0.005 mm and 0.5 mm; and/or a first magnetic array angularly offset, for example, by about 90 degrees from the second magnetic array.

Also disclosed is a method for enhancing the delivery of Pal-KTTKS to a target portion of skin in need of treatment, the method comprising: identifying a target portion of skin in need of treatment; applying a skin care composition to the target portion of skin, wherein the skin care composition comprises an effective amount of Pal-KTTKS and a dermatologically acceptable carrier; and contacting the skin care composition with an applicator comprising a magnetic array disclosed above.

The magnetic arrays herein are designed to be used in conjunction with the specific diamagnetic properties of Pal-KTTKS. The overall magnetic field strength of the magnetic array determines the amount of repulsive force induced in Pal-KTTKS and, therefore, the depth it reaches within the skin, while the spacing of the magnetic poles determines the overall profile of the magnetic field. Using such magnetic arrays with compositions containing Pal-KTTKS enhances the amount of Pal-KTTKS that: a) penetrates the user's skin and b) resides in the skin layer where it is most effective.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1A through 1D are perspective views of applicators for the skin care products described herein.

FIG2A schematically illustrates a typical bar magnet having a north pole and a south pole.

FIG2B schematically illustrates a magnet dipole pair.

2C and 2D schematically illustrate different arrangements of dipole pairs in a magnetic array.

3A to 3E schematically illustrate magnetization and corresponding magnetic fields generated in a magnetic array.

4A and 4B schematically illustrate different ways of constructing a bidirectional magnetic array.

FIG4C schematically shows a representation of the magnetic field produced by a bidirectional array.

FIG5 is a graph showing the permeation enhancement of Pal-KTTKS using a magnetic array.

FIG6 is a graph showing the permeation enhancement of Pal-KTTKS using a magnetic array.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the passive administration of active substances to Pal-KTTKS.

FIG8 shows the test setup for the coefficient of friction method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The skin care products disclosed herein utilize the unique diamagnetic properties of Pal-KTTKS to enhance the penetration of active substances into the skin. Diamagnetism is a property of an object or material that causes it to generate a magnetic field that opposes an externally applied magnetic field, thereby creating a repulsive effect. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that by pairing a specially customized magnetic array with Pal-KTTKS, the penetration of active substances into the skin can be enhanced in a controlled manner. Utilizing this discovery, cosmetic skin care products can be provided in which Pal-KTTKS and/or other skin care actives are delivered to the skin, such that they can provide superior skin care benefits compared to conventional skin care products.

definition .

When used in the context of a parameter or range, "about" refers to a value that is within 30% of the stated value (e.g., within 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, 2% or even 1%).

"Applying" or "applying" as used with respect to a composition means applying or spreading the composition onto the surface of keratinous tissue.

"Derivative" refers to a molecule that is similar to another molecule but differs from it in some functional moiety. Derivatives can be formed by known reaction pathways. Suitable functional moieties include ester, ether, amide, amine, carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, halogen, thiol and/or salt derivatives of the relevant molecule. Peptide derivatives include peptides linked to another moiety, such as a fatty acid chain.

"Disposed" means that an element is in a particular position or location relative to another element.

“Joined” refers to a configuration whereby one element is directly secured to another element by attaching the element directly to the other element, as well as a configuration whereby one element is indirectly secured to the other element by attaching the element to one or more intermediate elements which are in turn attached to the other element.

"Keratinous tissue" refers to the keratin-containing layer that is the outermost protective covering of mammals and includes, but is not limited to, skin, hair, nails, epidermis, and the like.

"Magnetic field" and "magnetic flux density" are used interchangeably in this article and refer to the vector field measured in Tesla.

"Magnetic material" refers to a material that can be made into a permanent magnet.

A "permanent magnet" refers to a magnetic material that has been magnetized so that it generates its own persistent magnetic field without the use of a power source.

A "pole" is a portion of a magnet that exhibits a higher magnetic flux density than adjacent areas of the magnet. For example, a conventional bar magnet has two poles located at opposite ends where the magnetic flux density is highest.

"Regulating skin condition" means improving skin appearance and/or feel, for example by providing a benefit such as a smoother look and/or feel. As used herein, "improving skin condition" means achieving a visually and/or tactilely perceptible positive change in skin appearance and feel. The beneficial effects may be long-term or immediate and may include one or more of the following: reducing the appearance of wrinkles and deep lines, fine lines, cracks, bumps and enlarged pores; thickening keratinous tissue (e.g., building the epidermis and/or dermis and/or subdermis of the skin, and wherein it may be applied to the stratum corneum of the nails and hair shafts to reduce atrophy of the skin, hair or nails); increasing the curling of the dermal-epidermal boundary (also known as the reticular margin); preventing loss of elasticity of the skin or hair, such as due to loss, destruction and/or inactivation of functional skin elastin, resulting in symptoms such as elastosis, sagging, loss of resilience to deformation of the skin or hair; reducing cellulite; changing the tone of the skin, hair or nails, such as dark circles, rashes (e.g., uneven red tones due to, for example, rosacea), sallowness, discoloration caused by pigmentation, etc.

"Safe and effective amount" refers to an amount of a compound or composition that is sufficient to significantly induce a positive beneficial effect, preferably a positive skin or sensory benefit, including the benefits disclosed herein, either individually or in combination, but is low enough to avoid serious side effects (i.e., provides a reasonable risk-benefit ratio within the reasonable judgment of the skilled artisan).

"Signs of skin aging" include, but are not limited to, all outward visual and tactile manifestations, as well as any macroscopic or microscopic phenomena, that result from aging of keratinous tissue. These signs may result from effects including, but not limited to, the development of discrete textures such as wrinkles and deep wrinkles, fine lines, skin lines, cracks, bumps, enlarged pores, unevenness or roughness; loss of skin elasticity; discoloration (including dark circles); rash; sallowness; areas of hyperpigmented skin such as age spots and freckles; keratinization; abnormal differentiation; hyperkeratosis; elastosis; collagen breakdown; and other histological changes in the stratum corneum, dermis, epidermis, vasculature (e.g., capillary dilation or spider vessels), and subcutaneous tissue (e.g., fat and/or muscle), particularly those tissues proximal to the skin.

"Skin" refers to the outermost protective layer of mammals, which is composed of cells such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and melanocytes. Skin includes an outer epidermis layer and an underlying dermis layer. Skin may also include hair and nails that are commonly associated with skin, as well as other cell types such as, for example, muscle cells, Merkel cells, Langerhans cells, macrophages, stem cells, sebaceous gland cells, nerve cells, and adipocytes.

"Skin care" refers to regulating and/or improving the condition of the skin. Some non-limiting examples include improving the appearance and/or feel of the skin by providing a smoother, more even look and/or feel; increasing the thickness of one or more layers of the skin; improving the elasticity or resiliency of the skin; improving the firmness of the skin and reducing the oiliness, shine, and/or dull appearance of the skin; improving the hydration or moisturization of the skin; improving the appearance of fine lines and/or wrinkles; improving skin exfoliation or peeling; plumping the skin; improving the barrier properties of the skin; improving skin tone; reducing the appearance of redness or skin spots; and/or improving the brightness, radiance, or translucency of the skin.

"Skin care active" refers to a compound or combination of compounds that, when applied to the skin, provides acute and/or chronic beneficial effects to the skin or cell types normally present therein. Skin care actives can modulate and/or improve the skin or its associated cells (e.g., improving skin elasticity; improving skin hydration; improving skin condition; and improving cell metabolism).

"Skin care composition" refers to a composition that contains skin care actives and that regulates and/or improves the condition of the skin.

As used herein, a "skin care product" refers to a product that includes a skin care composition. Some non-limiting examples of "skin care products" include skin creams, moisturizers, lotions, and body washes.

Skin care products

The skin care products described herein include a skin care composition comprising one or more skin care active substances (one of which is Pal-KTTKS), and an applicator comprising a magnetic array customized to enhance the delivery of Pal-KTTKS to the skin. The skin care composition and the applicator can be provided as a single product to be packaged and sold together, and/or they can be individually packaged to be sold separately. In some cases, the skin care composition and the applicator can be packaged in separate packages (such as separate primary packages), which are then connected to each other or placed in a single secondary package. It is desirable to include a mark on the applicator, the skin care composition, and/or one or more of their respective packages, indicating that the magnetic properties of the array are suitable for use with the skin care composition, for example, to enhance the permeability of one or more skin care active substances. There is no particular limitation on the mark suitable for such uses, and can include, for example, words, letters, numbers, shapes, colors, pictures, and diagrams, which convey to consumers that the magnetic array is intended to be used with corresponding cosmetic compositions. In some cases, the mark can provide non-verbal information to the user, i.e., the magnetic array enhances the penetration of Pal-KTTKS.

Application device

The cosmetic skin care products described herein include a suitable applicator for applying the skin care composition to a target portion of the skin, or for placing the applicator above and/or in contact with a target portion of the skin to which the skin care composition has been applied. The form of the applicator may vary depending on the intended target area on the skin. For example, if the skin care composition is a full body cream, the size and/or shape of the applicator may be set to apply the composition to a larger surface and/or body part (e.g., legs, arms, abdomen, and/or back). In some cases, the skin care composition may be intended for use on smaller areas, such as the face (e.g., cheeks, forehead, chin, nose, and periorbital area). In such cases, the applicator may be shaped and sized accordingly for use on a smaller surface area.

The magnetic array for incorporation into the applicator of the present invention can be configured to provide the skin-contacting surface of the applicator (i.e., the magnetic array is disposed on the applicator so that it contacts the target skin surface when the applicator is used as intended). Therefore, it is important that the magnetic material is safe for topical use on the skin, particularly when used with a topical skin care composition. It may be desirable to select a magnetic material that provides a pleasant sensation in contact with the skin. For example, the magnetic array can be embedded in the applicator so that the applicator and the magnetic array are an integral device that provides a smooth, comfortable surface when in contact with the skin.

In some cases, the applicator may include an optional cover placed over at least a portion of the magnetic array and/or skin contact surface, such that the cover becomes the skin contact surface of the applicator. The cover may be permanently attached to the applicator, or the cover may be removable, detachable, and/or replaceable. It may be desirable for the cover to have a coefficient of friction that is less than that of the magnetic substrate of the magnetic array, which may provide a more ideal user experience when applying the skin care composition with the applicator. In some cases, according to the friction test described in Example 3 below, the cover may have a dry coefficient of friction (i.e., a coefficient of friction measured without the composition) that is between 10% and 50% less (e.g., 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, or even 45% less) than the magnetic substrate. When used to apply a skin care composition, the cover may exhibit a coefficient of friction that is up to 10 times less than that of the magnetic array (e.g., between 2 and 10 times less, between 3 and 7 times less, or even between 4 and 6 times less).

When included, the optional cover can be formed of a material that provides a skin contact surface and has better cooling properties than the magnetic substrate. For example, the cover can be formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity, such as at least 50 W/mK, 100 W/mK, or 200 W/mK. A cover with high thermal conductivity is provided that feels cool when in contact with the skin. Because the thickness of the cover affects the distance that the magnetic array flux density extends, especially when formed of non-magnetic material, it is important to ensure that the thickness of the cover does not undesirably suppress the strength of the applied magnetic field. For non-magnetic materials, suitable cover thicknesses are between 0.1 mm and 5 mm (e.g., between 0.2 and 4 mm, between 0.5 and 3 mm, or even between 1 and 2 mm).

Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D illustrate non-limiting examples of applicators 100, 200, 300, and 400, respectively, for use with the skin care products of the present invention. The applicator 100 shown in Figure 1A has a substantially cylindrical base 102 having a skin-contacting surface 104 extending across the base. A handle 106 extends from the base in a direction substantially perpendicular to the skin-contacting surface. A magnetic array is disposed within the base (not shown), adjacent to and parallel to the skin-contacting surface, such that, in use, the magnetic array will be substantially parallel to any surface on which the applicator is to be applied.

The applicator 200 shown in FIG1B has a rounded tip 202 that can be applied around the eye. The rounded tip 202 can be integrally formed with the handle 204, or it can be formed as a ball held within a socket 206 at the end of the handle 204. A magnetic array (not shown) formed from a flexible substrate is disposed within the rounded tip 202 so that when the tip 202 is rolled over the skin surface, the magnetic array will be substantially parallel to the skin surface. Thus, the tip 202 acts as a cover for the magnetic array disposed within the tip 202.

1C has an elongated handle 302 with a skin-contacting tip 304 disposed on a skin-facing side 306 of the applicator 300. A magnetic array (not shown) can be disposed inside the applicator 300, adjacent to and parallel to the skin-contacting tip, such that the magnetic array is substantially parallel to any surface on which the applicator 300 is used.

The applicator 400 shown in FIG1D includes a removable cover 410 disposed at one end of the applicator 400 and a handle 402 disposed at the other end of the applicator 400. When used as intended, the cover 410 is coupled to the skin-facing side 404 of the applicator 400 and forms the skin-contacting surface of the applicator 400. The cover 410 can be removed and/or replaced as needed. In some cases, the cover 410 can be removed and reattached, for example, to facilitate cleaning of the cover 410 and/or the applicator 400. In some cases, the cover 410 can be disposable. For example, the cover 410 can be removed and discarded after one or more uses, but typically less than ten uses, and replaced with a different cover. The cover 410 can be connected to the applicator 400 by any suitable means known in the art.

The applicators herein can be used to apply the skin care composition directly, or after the skin care composition has been applied by some other means, such as by finger application, to enhance the penetration of the skin care actives within the skin care composition. For example, the applicator can be designed to be moved across the skin surface by manual operation or mechanical means (e.g., a vibrating device), or to be fixedly held in position over the target area of skin to which the skin care composition has been applied. The vibrating device can include any electrical or mechanical device suitable for reciprocating and/or rotating movement of the magnetic material. For example, the magnetic material can be associated with a drive device capable of reciprocating movement.

Alternatively, the application device can be made in the form of a disposable patch, in which case the application device can be formed from a woven flexible fabric. The patch can be formed with an adhesive portion so that it can be adhered to the skin surface after application of the skin care composition, or the skin care composition can be contained within the patch.

magnetic array

The application device of the present invention includes a magnetic array specifically tailored to provide improved Pal-KTTKS permeability. The magnetic array described herein uses selectively magnetized permanent magnets to generate a magnetic field. The magnet can be formed by any suitable ferromagnetic substrate, including but not limited to: iron or iron-containing materials (e.g., ferrites, such as barium ferrite, magnetite, or mild steel), cobalt materials, strontium materials, barium materials, nickel materials, alloys and oxides of these, combinations thereof, and the like. In some cases, the magnetic array substrate may include a metalloid component, such as boron, carbon, silicon, phosphorus, or aluminum. Rare earth materials such as neodymium or samarium may also be used.

In a conventional bar magnet 500 as shown in FIG2A , a magnetic field 506 extends between opposite ends 502A and 502B of the magnet 500. In contrast to conventional bar magnets, one or more magnetic arrays described herein are formed from one or more dipole pairs of magnetic elements, wherein magnetic poles of opposite polarity (N and S) are positioned adjacent to each other, and the magnetic field extends between adjacent opposing poles. For visualization purposes, a dipole pair can be thought of as a conventional bar magnet that has been split at its center, with the resulting sections joined together in a north-south (NS) side-by-side configuration.

Figures 2B, 2C, and 2D illustrate examples of magnetic arrays 510. Each magnetic array in Figures 2B, 2C, and 2D includes one or more dipole pairs 510. A magnetic field 512 corresponding to the magnetic interaction of the dipole pairs 510 is represented by a curve. Figure 2B illustrates a magnetic array with one dipole pair 510 having a single corresponding magnetic field 512, while Figures 2C and 2D illustrate multiple dipole pairs 510 arranged in series with multiple corresponding magnetic fields 512. When a magnetic array includes multiple dipole pairs 510, such as shown in Figures 2C and 2D, each dipole pair 510 can be in the same or a different orientation (e.g., [NS][NS][NS] or [NS][SN][NS]) than an adjacent dipole pair 510. In use, the magnetic field 512 generated by the dipole pairs 510 will induce a magnetic field in a diamagnetic material. The induced magnetic field of the diamagnetic material repulsively interacts with the applied magnetic field 512 of the dipole pairs 510, regardless of the direction of the applied magnetic field 512 (i.e., north or south). The magnitude of the repulsive force between the magnetic field 512 of the dipole pair 510 and the diamagnetic material is determined by the magnetic flux density of the respective dipole pair 510 and the diamagnetic susceptibility of the diamagnetic material (in this case, the skin care active). Magnetic susceptibility is a dimensionless proportionality constant that indicates the degree of magnetization of a material in response to an applied magnetic field. A negative magnetic susceptibility generally indicates diamagnetic properties and is referred to herein as diamagnetic susceptibility. The magnetic flux density is generally greatest at the midpoint 515 between the respective magnetic poles, so the strength of the magnetic field 512 will generally vary across the magnetic array depending on the array configuration.

In practice, the substrate 580 used to form the magnetic array used herein is typically not completely uniformly magnetized. As shown in FIG3A , each magnetic pole 610 extends from the outer side 520 of the substrate 580 facing the skin toward the opposite lower side 522 (i.e., through the thickness of the substrate 580). A magnetic loop 530 is provided between each adjacent magnetic pole 610 and at the second side 522 of the substrate 580. The magnetic loop 530 is an unmagnetized region that is used to integrate the magnetic field 612 generated by each magnetic pole 610 on that side of the substrate 580 and reduce or eliminate the magnetic flux on the second side 522 of the substrate 580, instead diverting it toward the skin-facing side 520. The resulting magnetic field 612 extends outward from the first side 520 of the substrate 580 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate 580 and is strongest at the midpoint 615 between adjacent opposing magnetic poles 610.

The magnetic arrays herein can be formed as unidirectional arrays or multidirectional arrays. FIG3C shows an example of a unidirectional array 700. The unidirectional array 700 has north poles (N) and south poles (S) 710 aligned parallel to each other in a single layer. Adjacent magnetic poles 710 are separated from each other by a center-to-center distance P that defines the pitch of the magnetic array 700.

FIG3D illustrates a portion of the magnetic field 712 generated by the magnetic array 700 of FIG3C in a direction W perpendicular to the orientation of the magnetic poles 710. The waveform 740 shown in FIG3D illustrates the amplitude of the magnetic field 712, which varies regularly between +B and −B in a sinusoidal pattern, corresponding to the difference in polarity (i.e., direction) of the magnetic field 712. The peaks 701 and troughs 703 of the waveform 740 correspond to midpoints 705 between adjacent magnetic poles 710, and the inflection point 702 of the waveform 740 corresponds to the center of the magnetic poles 710. In other words, the first maximum magnetic flux density, represented by the peak 701, occurs at the midpoint 705 between the first north pole 708 and the adjacent south pole 706, the minimum magnetic flux density, represented by the inflection point 702, occurs at the center of the south pole 706, and the second maximum magnetic flux density, represented by the trough 703, occurs at the midpoint 705 between the south pole 706 and the second north pole 707 adjacent to the south pole 706.

The amplitude of waveform 740 is determined by the choice of magnetic substrate, the thickness or depth of the magnetized substrate, and the distance from the center of the pole 710 to the edge of the pole 710. As the depth of the magnetized region increases for a given substrate material, the maximum amplitude of waveform 740 increases. The frequency of waveform 740 is determined by the pitch P of array 700. A higher pitch P means less "maximum" flux density per substrate area, and therefore a lower overall magnetic field strength for array 700. However, a smaller pitch P may result in the respective poles 710 being packed too close together, preventing any single pole 710 from achieving its maximum potential flux density.

3E is a graphical representation of a waveform 750 representing the repulsive force that a diamagnetic material would experience if it were exposed to the magnetic field 712 of FIG3D . As shown in waveform 750 , the induced magnetic field of the diamagnetic material is independent of the direction of the applied magnetic field 712 , and thus changes in the magnitude of the repulsive force correspond to changes in the magnitude of the applied magnetic field 712 .

In some cases, the magnetic arrays herein may form multi-directional arrays (e.g., bidirectional arrays), whereby multiple parallel magnetic pole layers configured to perform different functions may be juxtaposed at angles relative to each other to provide multiple magnetic fields that constructively or destructively interfere with each other. For example, a first magnetic pole layer may determine the maximum magnetic field strength, while a second magnetic pole set smoothes the overall profile of the magnetic field, thereby reducing instances of minimum flux density and ineffective magnetic field strength. Generally speaking, in a multi-directional array, the magnetic flux density at any point in the magnetic array will be determined by the combined flux density of the different layers of magnetic poles at that point. In some cases, this will result in constructive interference, where the resulting magnetic flux density at a point is greater than the magnetic flux density of each individual layer at that point. In other cases, the combination may result in destructive interference, where the resulting magnetic flux density at a point is less than (sometimes zero) the magnetic flux density of each individual layer at that point.

FIG4A illustrates an example of a bidirectional array 800A, in which first and second magnetic pole layers 802A and 804A are formed in two separate magnetic substrates 801A and 803A, respectively, juxtaposed at offset angles relative to one another. The magnetic circuits 807A and 808A of substrates 801A and 803A are positioned to face the same direction, such that the magnetic fields generated by the two magnetic pole layers 802A and 804A extend in the same direction away from the magnetic array 800A. The magnetic pole layers 802A and 804A can be identical to one another (e.g., having the same spacing between adjacent poles and the same maximum field strength), or the two layers 802A and 804A can vary in their specific parameters. In the case where the parameters of the two layers 802A and 804A vary, it is preferred that the layer closer to the target diamagnetic material (the second layer 804A in FIG4A ) be formed from a thinner substrate than the distal layer (the first layer 802A in FIG4A ), otherwise the induced magnetic field of the diamagnetic material will be primarily based on the magnetic field strength of the proximal layer.

FIG4B illustrates an example in which a first magnetic pole layer 802B and a second magnetic pole layer 804B are formed in the same magnetic substrate 805. A magnetic pole weave pattern can be effectively formed by magnetizing substrate 805 in one direction to form a first layer 802B with parallel north and south poles, and then magnetizing substrate 805 in a different direction to form a second layer 804B with parallel north and south poles, providing the configuration shown in FIG4B. In this embodiment, the depth d2 of the magnetic poles in second layer 604 is equal to or less than the depth d1 of the magnetic poles in first layer 802B. The depth d1 of the first magnetic pole layer 802B is generally determined by the thickness T of magnetic substrate 805.

Figure 4C shows a waveform representing the three-dimensional magnetic field of a bidirectional magnetic array. The induced magnetic field of the diamagnetic material is independent of the direction of the magnetic field, so all regions of positive and negative magnetic field strength will exhibit a repulsive force on the diamagnetic material.

After the magnetization process is complete, the combined total magnetic field strength of the magnetic array can be measured using any known gaussmeter. For a bidirectional magnetic array made from two separate substrates, the total magnetic field strength of each layer can be measured first, followed by the total magnetic field strength of the combined bidirectional magnetic array. In a bidirectional magnetic array, the total magnetic field strength will be approximately equal to the sum of the field strengths of each layer.

The dipole pairs of the magnetic substrate can be separated from adjacent dipole pairs by magnetic insulating materials (i.e. materials with lower magnetic permeability). In some cases, the magnetic element can be arranged as a single segment or part of a magnetized ferromagnetic material. In addition or alternatively, the magnetic element can be arranged in or on a solid or semi-solid substrate, wherein the desired magnetic pattern is applied to the ferromagnetic particles or elements. The magnetic element can be a rigid element in the applicator itself, or be arranged on a suitable substrate and be connected to the application device with, for example, an adhesive. In some cases, it may be desirable to embed the magnetic element in a flexible matrix such as rubber or silicone and to connect the resulting array to the skin-facing surface of the application device.

In a particularly suitable example of a skin care product, the magnetic array is paired with a skin care composition comprising Pal-KTTKS. Pal-KTTKS has a diamagnetic susceptibility of approximately -519. Magnetic arrays suitable for enhancing the permeability of Pal-KTTKS include unidirectional and/or bidirectional arrays, which exhibit enhanced permeability of cosmetic actives having diamagnetic susceptibilities between approximately -400 and -600. A suitable example of a unidirectional magnetic array for enhancing the permeation of Pal-KTTKS into the skin is a magnetic array formed of strontium ferrite powder impregnated in a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) substrate. In this example, the magnetic array can have a thickness between 0.9 and 1.3 mm (e.g., 1.0, 1.1, or 1.2 mm); a pitch between 1.7 and 2.5 mm (e.g., 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, or 2.4 mm); and a total field strength of 24.0 to 36.0 mT (e.g., approximately 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 30.5, 31, 31.5, 32, 32.5, 33, 33.5, 34, 34.5, or even approximately 35 mT). In a particularly suitable example of a unidirectional magnetic array, the magnetic array has a total magnetic field strength of approximately 27 mT, a thickness of 1.1 mm, and a pitch of approximately 2.1 mm (e.g., 12 poles per 25.4 mm).

An example of a suitable bidirectional array for enhancing penetration of Pal-KTTKS into the skin may have a first layer thickness of between about 0.3 and 0.9 mm (e.g., 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7 or even 0.8 mm), and a first layer spacing of between 1.7 and 2.5 mm or about 12 poles per 25.4 mm (e.g., a spacing of 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 or 2.4 mm), resulting in a first layer magnetic field strength of between 20 mT and 26 mT (e.g., 21, 22, 23, 24 or even 25 mT), in particular about 23.2 mT. The bidirectional array in this example may have a second layer thickness between 0.05 mm and 0.5 mm (e.g., 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3 or even 0.4 mm), and a second layer spacing of about 0.8 mm to about 1.3 mm, or 25 poles every 25.4 mm (e.g., a spacing between 0.9 and 1.2 mm or between 1.0 and 1.1 mm), to obtain a second layer field strength between 1 mT and 24 mT (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 or 23 mT). The total magnetic field strength of the bidirectional array can be between 14 mT and 30 mT (e.g., 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29 mT). The bidirectional array can have a total magnetic field strength between about 19.0 and about 25.0 mT (e.g., 20, 21, 22, 23, or even 24 mT). Typically, in a bidirectional array, the magnetic field strength of the second layer will be less than or equal to the magnetic field strength of the first layer, and/or the second layer spacing will be less than or equal to the first layer spacing. In this example, the first and second layers of the bidirectional array can be formed by unidirectional arrays that are angularly offset by between 1 and 179 degrees (e.g., between 45 and 135 degrees, between 60 and 120 degrees, or even about 90 degrees).

Skin care compositions

The skin care compositions herein can help improve the appearance of visual and/or tactile discontinuities in mammalian skin, including fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, roughness, dryness, and other skin texture discontinuities, such as reducing or eliminating the visibility of fine lines, wrinkles, and other forms of uneven or rough surface texture associated with aging or photodamaged skin. The skin care compositions in the skin care products of the present invention can be applied to mammalian keratinous tissue, particularly human skin. The skin care compositions can take various forms, such as solutions, suspensions, emulsions, creams, gels, toners, stick products, pen products, sprays, aerosols, ointments, liquid cleansers and solid sticks, shampoos and hair conditioners, ointments, foams, powders, mousses, shaving creams, wipes, test strips, concealers, electronic powder concealers, wound dressings and adhesive bandages, hydrogels, film-forming products, face and skin masks, cosmetics such as foundation, eyeliner, eye shadow, and the like.

The skin care compositions of the present invention comprise a safe and effective amount of Pal-KTTKS, such as Pal-KTTKS available under the brands of Pal-KTTKS (100 ppm Pal-KTTKS) from Sederma (France). Pal-KTTKS may be present in the skin care compositions of the present invention in an amount of from 1x10-6% to 10% (e.g., from 1x10-6% to 0.1%, or even from 1x10-5% to 0.01%) by weight of the composition. In embodiments where or is used, the resulting composition preferably comprises from 0.01% to 50% of or (e.g., from 0.05% to 20%, or from 0.1% to 10%) by weight of the resulting composition. The skin care compositions of the present invention may include additional optional ingredients known to be safe for use in skin care compositions (e.g., emollients, humectants, vitamins; peptides; as well as sugar amines, sunscreen actives (or sunscreens), UV absorbers, colorants, surfactants, film-forming compositions, and rheology modifiers). Some non-limiting examples of optional ingredients for use in the compositions of the present invention are disclosed in US Patent Publication No. US 2008/0206373, filed February 28, 2008, to Millikin et al.

How to use

The skin care products disclosed herein can be used to apply the skin care composition to one or more skin surfaces as part of the user's daily routine. In addition or alternatively, the cosmetic compositions herein can be used on an "as needed" basis. For example, the cosmetic composition can be applied to facial skin care surfaces that require treatment. Facial skin surfaces can include one or more of the cheeks, forehead, and periorbital areas of the face. In some examples, when signs of skin aging are observed on the target skin surface, one or more of these skin surfaces can be identified as requiring treatment. In these cases, the composition of the present invention can be applied to the target skin surface. For example, the cosmetic composition can also be applied to the facial skin surface at least once a day, twice a day, or three times a day for a period of 7, 14, 21, or 28 days or longer. As another example, the cosmetic composition can be applied to different skin surfaces, or to facial skin and one or more different skin surfaces.

Example 1 - In vitro skin permeation study of Pal-KTTKS

In vitro skin permeation studies were conducted to compare the ability of different magnetic arrays to enhance the penetration of Pal-KTTKS into the human skin epidermis. The dermis and epidermis of human skin samples obtained from donors aged 60-65 years were thermally separated, and the dermis was discarded. A composition comprising 20 μL of Pal-KTTKS (400 μg/mL, in 50:50 PG:PB, pH 4) was placed on the human epidermis in a Franz cell. Different magnetic arrays were placed approximately 1.0 mm above the epidermal sample and moved on the sample at a speed (e.g., approximately 20-25 cm/ seconds) at which the user might move the cosmetic application device when applying a skin care product. Samples were taken at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours and measured. Among the arrays tested, the two specific arrays listed in Table 1 below showed the best penetration enhancement of Pal-KTTKS. For bidirectional arrays herein, "layer 1" refers to the layer closest to the skin contacting surface of the applicator, and "layer 2" refers to the layer disposed on the side of layer 1 opposite the side closest to the skin contacting surface.

Table 1

Example 2 - Pal-KTTKS In Vivo Skin Permeation Study #1

In vivo skin permeation studies were conducted to achieve the effects of using the skin care products of the present invention by applying a skin care composition comprising Pal-KTTKS using an applicator comprising a magnetic array. The study compared the penetration of Pal-KTTKS in combination with various magnetic arrays (active application) with the penetration of Pal-KTTKS using the fingers (passive application). The permeability of Pal-KTTKS in this example was determined according to the tape stripping method. In this example, the amount of Pal-KTTKS present in the extract from each tape strip was determined using HPLC, and the results were normalized to the protein content measured on the tape strip. Although passive delivery was achieved using the fingers, it should be understood that passive delivery can also be achieved using an applicator or other device that does not include a magnetic array customized to enhance the penetration of Pal-KTTKS.

Tape peeling method

This method provides a suitable method for measuring the amount of skin care actives present in the skin and compares active and passive application of skin care actives. Two identical 15 ^cm2 rectangular areas are marked on the forearms of volunteers. Using a screw-actuated syringe, a measured dose (approximately 30 mg) of the Pal-KTTKS formulation is applied to the demarcated areas. Using a three-quarter profile of a custom-made applicator (e.g., one displaying one of the magnetic arrays shown in Table 2), active application is performed on one of the demarcated areas. Passive application is performed on the other demarcated area using the fingertips in the same scanning motion as the active application. Using a scanning motion with a fixed speed of approximately 23 cm/s, the formulation is evenly distributed across the entire demarcated area to simulate a typical application. The application time is 30 seconds, during which visual inspection is used to ensure uniform distribution and absorption of the formulation by the skin. The application area is then left exposed for an additional 30 minutes to ensure complete absorption. The tape strip samples can be collected and/or analyzed immediately after ensuring complete absorption or after a waiting period (e.g., after multiple applications of the formulation over several hours or days).

The adhesive area of 10 commercial pre-cuts is 3.8cm ^22.1mm tape stripping adhesive disk (for example purchased from the D-SQUAME board tape strip of Cuderm Corporation or equivalent), carries out the tape stripping procedure.10 tape strips are applied to identical sampling positions in sequence, and this makes each tape strip ideally compared with it before tape strip, can obtain sample from deeper stratum corneum.The circular area of the center mark 22.1mm diameter in the application area.The tape stripping adhesive disk is placed on the marking area, and uses for example chloroprene rubber roller to apply uniform pressure, rolls ten times on adhesive disk.Use manual tweezers that adhesive disk is removed from skin surface with single pulling motion.For guaranteeing to evenly remove skin sample, dish subsequently is removed with " north, south, east and west " orientation, this is within the technical scope of those of ordinary skill. Each adhesive disc is subjected to non-destructive analysis of protein content using a suitable instrument (e.g., a SquameScan ^™ 850 instrument commercially available from Heiland Electronics Wetzlar (Germany), or an equivalent). The adhesive disc is then immediately placed in a glass vial containing an extraction solvent for subsequent analysis. Solvent extraction is performed on each tape strip using conventional extraction methods well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the amount of Pal-KTTKS present in the extract is determined, for example, by high performance liquid chromatography ("HPLC") and/or mass spectrometry.

Repeat the process for the remaining 9 strips. Obtain an additional strip from outside the application area of the skin care formulation to serve as a blank sample. Normalize the amount of active substance to the measured protein amount.

As measured according to the tape stripping method, when the ratio of active delivery to passive delivery is greater than 1, the delivery of Pal-KTTKS is said to be enhanced. In other words, if the active application of the skin care composition produces more Pal-KTTKS compared with the corresponding passive application, the delivery is said to be enhanced. The active application value and the corresponding passive application value can be compared separately (for example, a single tape strip is compared), or compared as a group of two or more values (for example, the sum and/or average value of the active and passive applications of tape strips 8, 9 and 10 can be compared to determine whether penetration is enhanced). The magnetic array customized herein enhances the delivery of Pal-KTTKS. Enhanced delivery can be 1.5 times to 20 times (2 times, 2.5 times, 3 times, 3.5 times, 4 times, 4.5 times, 5 times, 5.5 times, 6 times, 6.5 times, 7 times, 7.5 times, 8 times, 8.5 times, 9 times, 9.5 times or even 10 times or more).

Table 2 shows the magnetic arrays used in the tests described in more detail below. The magnetic arrays shown in Table 2 provide a variety of configurations to compare the extent to which magnetic arrays enhance the in vivo penetration of Pal-KTTKS. The magnetic arrays in Table 2 vary in thickness, spacing, and/or magnetic field strength. The two layers of magnetic arrays (i.e., arrays #8 and #9) in the bidirectional array shown in Table 2 are angularly offset by 90 degrees.

Table 2

Table 3 shows the amount of Pal-KTTKS (ng/strip, normalized to relative protein content) measured on ten tape strip samples from the first test subject after active application of the Pal-KTTKS formulation using several arrays in Table 2. The array numbers shown in Table 3 correspond to the arrays with the same numbers in Table 2. Table 4 shows the average amount of Pal-KTTKS (ng/strip) measured on ten tape strip samples from the first test subject after passive application of the same Pal-KTTKS formulation using a finger. The array numbers shown in Table 4 show the arrays in Table 3 compared with passive application. Tape stripping and analysis of the resulting samples were performed according to the tape stripping method and began at the end of four days of eight applications (twice daily) of the Pal-KTTKS formulation. Array #4 was tested twice.

Table 3 – Active substance administration

Table 4 – Passive Administration

Table 5 shows the amount of Pal-KTTKS (ng/strip) measured on ten tape strip samples from the second test subject after active application of the Pal-KTTKS formulation using several arrays in Table 2. The array numbers shown in Table 5 correspond to the arrays with the same numbers in Table 2. Table 6 shows the average amount of Pal-KTTKS (ng/strip) measured on ten tape strip samples from the first test subject after passive application of the same Pal-KTTKS formulation using a finger. The array numbers shown in Table 6 show the arrays in Table 5 compared with passive application. Active and passive application of the Pal-KTTKS formulation, as well as tape stripping and analysis of the resulting samples, were performed according to the tape stripping method and began at the end of four days of eight applications of the Pal-KTTKS formulation (twice a day). Array #4 and array #7 were each tested twice.

Table 5 - Active Administration for Test Subject #2

Table 6 - Passive Administration of Test Subject #2

Table 7 shows the amount of Pal-KTTKS (ng/strip) measured on ten tape strip samples from the third test subject after active application of the Pal-KTTKS formulation using several arrays in Table 2. The array numbers shown in Table 7 correspond to the arrays with the same numbers in Table 2. Table 8 shows the average amount of Pal-KTTKS (ng/strip) measured on ten tape strip samples from the first test subject after passive application of the same Pal-KTTKS formulation using a finger. The array numbers shown in Table 8 show the arrays in Table 7 compared with passive application. Active and passive application of the Pal-KTTKS formulation, as well as tape stripping and analysis of the resulting samples, were performed according to the tape stripping method and began at the end of four days of eight applications (twice daily) of the Pal-KTTKS formulation. Array # 4 was tested twice.

Table 7 - Active Administration for Test Subject #3

Table 8 - Passive Administration of Test Subject #3

Magnetic array #9 showed better penetration enhancement than some of the other magnetic arrays tested. The average Pal-KTTKS delivered to three test subjects actively and passively is plotted in the graph shown in FIG5 . Table 9 shows the combined amount of Pal-KTTKS measured on tape strips 2, 3, and 4, 5, 6, and 7, and 8, 9, and 10 for active application (as shown in Table 2) and the corresponding passive application of bidirectional magnetic array #9. The combined amount of test subjects and strips is averaged. As shown in Table 9, active application results in significantly enhanced Pal-KTTKS delivery compared to passive application.

Table 9 – Magnetic Array #9

Table 10 provides a statistical comparison of active versus passive delivery based on the mean values shown in the last column of Table 9.

Table 10

strip p-value Enhancement (active/passive) s2-s4 0.156 4.19 S5-s7 0.0135 2.38 S8-s10 0.0437 3.78

Magnetic array #4 also showed better penetration enhancement than some of the other magnetic arrays measured. The average Pal-KTTKS delivered to three test subjects actively and passively is plotted in the graph shown in Figure 6. Table 11 shows the combined amount of Pal-KTTKS measured on tape strips 2, 3 and 4 and 5, 6 and 7, and 8, 9 and 10 for the active application (as shown in Table 2) and the corresponding passive application of unidirectional magnetic array #4. The combined amount of test subjects and strips is averaged. As shown in Table 11, active application achieves significantly enhanced Pal-KTTKS delivery compared to passive application.

Table 11 – Magnetic Array #4

Table 12 provides a statistical comparison of active versus passive delivery based on the mean values shown in the last column of Table 11.

Table 12

strip p-value Enhancement (active/passive) s2-s4 0.0760 1.54 S5-s7 0.0132 2.18 S8-s10 0.0034 2.98

Example 3 - Pal-KTTKS In Vivo Skin Permeation Study #2

This in vivo skin permeation study compared the penetration of Pal-KTTKS into the skin when a composition comprising Pal-KTTKS was applied (actively) using a magnetic applicator compared to when applied (passively) using a non-magnetic applicator. In this example, 5 test subjects were selected (A to E in Tables 13 and 14). Using the applicator shown in Figure 1C, 18 mg of a composition comprising Pal-KTTKS (purchased from Deep Wrinkle brand skin cream from Procter & Gamble Company (Cincinnati, Ohio)) was applied to two 3 cm × 3 cm test sites on the inner forearm of each test subject. The applicator for active application included array #8 from Table 2. Except for the absence of a magnetic array, the applicator for passive application was the same as the applicator for active application. Each forearm included an active application test site and a passive application site, for a total of 10 active test sites and 10 passive sites. The application time was 30 seconds, and the movement speed was about 3 cm per second, which is equivalent to a gentle friction effect. The composition was then applied for 30 minutes of absorption time. The results of passive and active application are shown in Tables 13 and 14 below. The penetration of Pal-KTTKS was determined according to the tape stripping method. The amount of Pal-KTTKS recovered from each tape strip was determined using HPLC and normalized to the total protein content measured on the tape strip.

Tables 13 and 14 show the amount of Pal-KTTKS recovered from each tape strip. Table 13 shows the results of applying the composition using a non-magnetic applicator, while Table 14 shows the results of applying the composition using a magnetic applicator configured to enhance Pal-KTTKS penetration. The average value of all test sites is shown in the second to last cell of the row. The standard error of the mean (SEM) is shown in the last column of Tables 13 and 14. The SEM is calculated by dividing the standard deviation by the square root of the number of test sites. The active and passive application results from Tables 13 and 14 are shown in Figure 7.

Table 13 - Passive Administration

Table 14 - Active substance administration

Table 15 compares the results of active and passive application based on the amount of Pal-KTTKS added recovered from tape strips 2 to 10 and 6 to 10. The enhancement values shown in Table 15 were calculated by dividing the active value from Table 14 by the passive value from Table 13. The average values shown in the last column of Table 15 were calculated by averaging the enhancement values for all test sites. In cases where the passive value from Table 13 was zero, resulting in a division by zero, the average was taken and the enhancement value was not included. P-values were calculated using a paired t-test. As shown in Table 15, active application of the composition delivered an average of 4 times more Pal-KTTKS to the skin compared to passive application according to tape strips 2 to 10, and an average of 6 times more Pal-KTTKS when applied according to tape strips 6 to 10. This suggests that the specific magnetic applicator used in this example can facilitate the Pal-KTTKS to reach deeper into the skin, where it can provide improved skin care benefits.

Table 15 - Comparison of active and passive administration

Example 4 - Coefficient of Friction

Friction coefficient method

This method provides a way to determine the coefficient of friction of the surface of the materials herein. The wet coefficient of friction refers to the coefficient of friction measured on a surface on which a skin care composition is present. The dry coefficient of friction refers to the coefficient of friction measured on a surface on which no skin care composition is present.

The coefficient of friction is the ratio of the frictional force between two objects to the force that presses them together. The instrument used to measure the coefficient of friction is a UMT-2 tribometer or equivalent. In the test, purple nitrile gloves are used as one of the two materials. The other material used in the test is a test surface (such as the skin contact surface of an applicator or a cover). The purple nitrile glove material is placed on the probe of the tribometer. The test surface to be measured is placed in contact with the instrument probe covered with the nitrile glove, and the operating instructions of the instrument are measured according to the manufacturer.

FIG8 illustrates a system 900 for measuring the coefficient of friction in this embodiment. As shown in FIG8 , a probe 902 covered with a purple nitrile glove material contacts the skin contact surface 920 of an applicator 910. In this embodiment, the cover has been removed from the applicator 910, and the magnetic array provides the skin contact surface 920. The skin contact surface of the cover (not shown) is also measured. The applicator surface 920 and the cover are tested with and without a skin care composition (Deep Wrinkle Treatment brand skin care cream purchased from Procter & Gamble Co. (Ohio)). To measure the wet coefficient of friction, 0.1 g of the skin care composition is spread on the test surface. The probe's velocity is set to 1 mm/sec using a force of 100 grams.

Each test set was repeated three times. The coefficient of friction results are shown in Table 16 below.

Table 16

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

All documents cited in the detailed description of the present invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. If any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is therefore intended that all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the present invention be encompassed in the appended claims.

Claims (14)

1. A cosmetic skin care product comprising: a. an application device comprising a first unidirectional magnetic array, wherein the first unidirectional magnetic array has a pitch between 1.7 mm and 2.5 mm, and a magnetic field strength between 24.0 and 36.0 mT; and b skin care composition, the skin care composition comprising a palmitoyl - lysine - threonine - threonine - lysine - serine peptide (Pal-KTTKS) and a dermatologically acceptable carrier; The first unidirectional magnetic array is juxtaposed on the second unidirectional magnetic array, and the second unidirectional magnetic array has a spacing and a magnetic field strength that are both smaller than or equal to the spacing and the magnetic field strength of the first unidirectional magnetic array. 2. The skin care product of claim 1, wherein the magnetic array has a thickness between 0.8 and 1.2 mm. 3. The skin care product of claim 1, wherein the magnetic array enhances the delivery of Pal-KTTKS by at least 1.5 times better than applying the skin care composition with an applicator without the magnetic array. 4. The skin care product of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic array comprises a plurality of dipole magnetic elements arranged in pairs to form an alternating pattern of magnetic polarity. 5. The skin care product of claim 1, wherein the magnetic array comprises a ferromagnetic material. 6. The skin care product of claim 5, wherein the ferromagnetic material is selected from the group consisting of iron, iron-containing materials, cobalt, cobalt-containing materials, strontium, strontium-containing materials, barium, barium-containing materials, nickel, nickel-containing materials, alloys and oxides thereof, and combinations thereof. 7. The skin care product of claim 1, wherein the magnetic array comprises boron, carbon, silicon, phosphorus, aluminum, neodymium, samarium, or a combination thereof. 8. The skin care product of claim 1, wherein the applicator further comprises a cover covering a skin-facing surface of the applicator. 9. The skin care product of claim 1, wherein the second unidirectional magnetic array has a pitch between 0.8 mm and 1.3 mm. 10. The skin care product of claim 1, wherein the second unidirectional magnetic array has a magnetic field strength between 1 and 20 mT. 11. The skin care product of claim 1 , wherein the second unidirectional magnetic array has a thickness between 0.005 mm and 0.5 mm. 12. The skin care product of claim 1, wherein the first unidirectional magnetic array is angularly offset from the second unidirectional magnetic array to form a bidirectional magnetic array. 13. A method for enhancing the delivery of Pal-KTTKS to a target portion of skin in need of treatment for non-therapeutic purposes, comprising: a. Identify the target area of skin that needs to be treated; b. applying a skin care composition to a target portion of the skin, wherein the skin care composition comprises an effective amount of Pal-KTTKS and a dermatologically acceptable carrier; and c. contacting the skin care composition with an applicator comprising the magnetic array according to claim 1. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising moving the applicator such that the Pal-KTTKS proximate the applicator will experience alternating polarity of magnetic flux in response to the movement.