| abstract |
Compositions for the topical treatment of sagging subcutaneous muscle and overlying cutaneous tissue containing catecholamines and/or acetylcholine precursors in a dermatologically acceptable carrier. Catecholamines include adrenaline, norepinepherine, dopamine and their precursors; catecholamine precursors such as tyrosine and phenylalanine are preferred. Acetylcholine precursors include dimethylaminoethanol, monoaminoethanol, choline, serine, and mixtures thereof. Preferred embodiments further contain at least one other ingredient that enhances skin penetration. In these and other embodiments, particularly those employing tyrosine and/or phenylalanine as a catecholamine precursor, other cofactors such as vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid or calcium pantothenate are included in the composition to enhance the action of the active ingredients. Other compounds that scavenge free radicals and antioxidants may also be added; a fatty acid ester of ascorbic acid is included in some formulations. |