GB2413763A

GB2413763A - Composition for application to skin

Info

Publication number: GB2413763A
Application number: GB0409898A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tracy Bond; Barry Healing
Original assignee: LIFESTYLE BEAUTY Ltd
Current assignee: LIFESTYLE BEAUTY Ltd
Priority date: 2004-05-04
Filing date: 2004-05-04
Publication date: 2005-11-09
Also published as: GB0409898D0

Abstract

A composition for external application to human skin that produces an effect in or near to the portion of skin to which it is applied. The effect is preferably enhanced by the application of heat to the skin portion, such as a tanning lamp. The composition may comprise dihydroxyacetone (DHA) or erythulose for the darkening the skin, amino acids for enhancing the darkening of the skin, botanical extracts for reducing water retention or cellulite, isomerised linoleic acid for reducing the volume of fat beneath the skin and a peptide that stimulates collagen production for reducing wrinkles in the skin.

Description

A Composition The present invention relates to a composition, particularly

but not exclusively a composition for external application to human skin.

Many cosmetic preparations and beauty treatments are known relating to the skin, and in particular to the tanning of the skin. A possible link between ultraviolet light in the sun's rays and skin cancer has caused many people to seek alternative ways of obtaining a safe tan, and these ways have included the use of "self tanning" or "instant tan" products which darken the coiour of the skin. There has also been a rise in the use of tanning lamps or lights, which allow users to tan in controlled conditions. The effects of such self tanning products and tanning lamps can be perceived by a user relatively quickly. Often, some effect is perceivable immediately, but the full effect can take several hours to develop. However, other cosmetic preparations and beauty treatments often fail to produce a perceivable effect on the skin, or only produce a perceivable effect after repeated use or use over a period of time, leading to frustration for users. .

. .. 20 ë.

In this specification, the ingredient proportions are indicated as a :.: .. percentage by weight of the composition. :

According to the present invention, there is provided a composition for external application to human skin, the composition arranged so that when applied to a portion of the user's skin, the composition produces an effect in or near to the portion of skin.

Preferably, the composition is arranged to produce a plurality of different effects.

Preferably, the composition is arranged so that the or each effect is enhanced and/or accelerated by the application of heat to the skin portion.

Preferably, the heat is applied for between 5 and 30 minutes, and optimally is applied for approximately 10 minutes.

Preferably, the composition is arranged so that the or each effect is perceivable by the user after the application of the heat. More preferably, the or each effect is perceivable by the user substantially immediately after the application of the heat.

Preferably the heat is generated by a light source, which may generate infra red and/or ultra violet light. Preferably the light source is a tanning lamp or light.

Preferably, the composition includes a first ingredient group, which produces a first effect of darkening the colour of the skin portion. Preferably, the first ingredient group includes dihydroxyacetone (DHA). Preferably, the proportion of DHA is between 0.25 to 10% of the composition, and more : . . preferably is between 1 to 2% of the composition.

Id. 20 -- Preferably, the first ingredient group includes erythrulose. Preferably, . :: the proportion of erythrulose is between 0.05 to 5% of the composition, and : more preferably is between 0.1 to 1% of the composition. :

Alternatively or additionally, the composition may include a second . ingredient group, which produces a second effect of enhancing and/or accelerating the darkening of the colour of the skin portion when the skin portion is subsequently exposed to an ultra violet light source. Preferably, the second ingredient group includes an amino acid, and may include a plurality of amino acids. The or each amino acid may be any of aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, alanine, valine, cystine, methionine, isoleucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, ornithine, Iysine, histidine, arginine, proline and glucose tyronsinate. Preferably, the composition includes some of each of these amino acids.

Preferably, the proportion of the or each amino acid is between 0.001 to 1% of the composition. Preferably the total proportion of the or all amino acids in the composition is no more than 1% of the composition.

Alternatively or additionally, the composition may include a third ingredient group, which produces a third effect of reducing water retention and/or cellulite. Preferably, the third ingredient group includes a botanical extract, and may include a plurality of botanical extracts. Preferably, the or each botanical extract may be any of Sambucus Nigra flower extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) leaf extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) extract, Equisetum Hyomale extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) extract, Anthemis Nobilis flower extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) extract, Achillea Millefolium extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) leaf extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) extract, Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) leaf extract, Hedera Helix (Ivy) extract, Arnica Montana flower extract, Aesculus - A. . 20 Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) seed extract, Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract, - - Hypericum Perforatum extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera extract, Althaea .

:.: . Officinalis root extract, Hydrastis Canadensis (Golden Seal) extract and : Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) extract. Preferably, the third ingredient group includes some of each of these botanical extracts.

Preferably, the proportion of the or each botanical extract is between 0.05 to 2.5% of the composition. Preferably the total proportion of the or all botanical extracts in the composition is between 2.5 to 20% of the composition.

Alternatively or additionally, the composition may include a fourth ingredient group, which produces a fourth effect of reducing the volume of fat in or beneath the skin portion. Preferably, the fourth ingredient group includes isomerised linoleic acid. Preferably, the proportion of isomerised linoleic acid in the composition is between 0.01 and 10%.

Alternatively or additionally, the composition may include a fifth ingredient group, which produces a fifth effect of reducing wrinkles in the skin portion. The fifth ingredient group may reduce wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. Preferably, the fifth ingredient group includes a peptide, and may l O include a plurality of peptides. Preferably, the fifth ingredient group includes palmitoyl oligopeptide and/or palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3. Preferably, the proportion of palmitoyl oligopeptide in the composition is between 0.05 to 5%.

Preferably, the proportion of palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3 in the composition is between 0.05 to 5%.

Also according to the present invention, there is provided a method of use of a composition, the composition being according to any of the preceding thirteen paragraphs, the method including the steps of applying the . composition to a portion of a user's skin and then heating the portion of the

A- skin.

.. e :.: . Preferably, the heat is applied for between 5 and 30 minutes, and optimally is applied for approximately 10 minutes. Preferably the heat is generated by a light source, which may generate infra red and/or ultra violet light. Preferably the ultra violet light source is a tanning lamp or light. .

Preferably the composition is applied by spraying, and may then be smoothed into the skin by hand.

Preferably before application of the composition, the skin is exfoliated.

Preferably following application the user consumes approximately at least 4 litres of water per day in the next 72 hours.

Preferably the method includes the further steps of waiting for a period of time and then repeating the application of the composition to the portion of the users' skin and the heating of the portion of the skin.

Preferably the further steps are repeated a plurality of times.

Preferably the period of time is between 38 and 58 hours, and more preferably is approximately 48 hours.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of

example only.

Tables 1 to 7 show a number of compositions according to the invention. In these tables, the term "other ingredients" refers to ingredients which are typically found in compositions for external application to human skin. Examples of such ingredients are propylene glycol, lecithin, glycerin, polysorbate 80, aloe barbadensis gel, fragrance, preservatives, butyl glycol, carbomer, polysorbate 20, colour, and water.

:.: . 20 Table 1 ... e .

Ingredient Proportion of ingredient in composition % e wVwt : . Dlhydroxyacetone (DHA) 0.25 - 10% Ervthrulose 0.05 - 5% Other ingredients _ To 100% _._ . . : Table 1 shows a composition according to the invention, the e.

composition including an ingredient group including dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and erythrulose. DHA and erythrulose are sugars which interact with dead cells located in an upper layer of the epidermis of the skin to produce a brown pigment known as melanin. The melanin darkens the colour of the skin to produce a tanned effect. This effect is produced without exposing the skin to ultra violet light.

In use, the skin is first exfoliated prior to application of the composition.

The composition is applied by spraying, and is then smoothed into the skin by hand for even coverage. The skin is then exposed to a tanning lamp for between approximately 5 to 30 minutes, and optimally approximately 10 minutes. The tanning lamp generates infra-red and ultra violet light, so that the skin is heated. The effect of the heat is to enhance and accelerate the darkening of the skin, so that substantially the full colour effect is developed during the exposure to the tanning lamp. Without the application of heat from the tanning lamp, the full colour effect normally takes between 1 - 8 hours to develop.

Table 2

_

Ingredient Proportion of ingredient in composition % wtlwt Aspartic Acid 0.001 -1% Threonine _ 0.001-1% Serine 0.001-1 % Glutamic Acid 0.001 - 1% GIYcine 0 001 -1% Alanine 0.001-1 % Valine 0.001-1 % Methlonine 0.001 - 1% Isoleucine _0.001-1% P h e n y l a l i n e 0 0 0 1 -1 % Lysine 0 001 - 1 To Hisbdine 0.001-1 % Arginine 0 001 - 1% _.

Proline _ 0.001-1% Glucose Tyronsinate 0 001 -1% Othemngredients to 100% 15 : Table 2 shows another composition according to the invention, the ë composition including an ingredient group including a plurality of amino acids.

The total proportion of all the amino acids in the composition is no more than 1% of the composition. Melanin is naturally produced by the skin in reaction to ultra violet light. Amino acids are believed to stimulate and increase the production of melanin, thereby accelerating the natural tanning process.

In use, the composition of Table 2 is used in the same manner as described above for the composition of Table 1. The composition of Table 2 enhances and accelerates the darkening of the colour of the skin to which the composition is applied when the skin portion is subsequently exposed to the ultra violet light generated by the tanning lamp.

Table 3

Ingredient Proportion of ingredient in composition % wtht Sambucus Ninra Flower Extract 0.05 - 2.5% Rosrnarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract 0.05 - 2 5% Humuius Lupulus (Hops) Extract 0.05 - 2.5% Equisetum Hyemale Extract_ 0.05 - 2.5% Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract 0.05 - 2.5% Anthems Notilis Flower Extract 0.05 - 2.5% Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract 0.05 - 2.5% Achillea Millefolium Extract 0.05 - 2.5% Salvia Officinals (Sage) Leaf Extract _ 0 05 - 2.5% Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract 0.05 - 2.5% Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Lea_Extract 0.05 - 2.5% Hedera Helix (Ivy) Extract 0.05 - 2.5% Arnica Montana Flower Extract 0.05 - 2.5% Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed 0.05-2.5% Extract Ginkno Biloba Leaf Extract _ 0.05 - 2.5% Hypericum Perforatum Extract 0.05 - 2.5% Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract 0. 05 - 2.5% Althaea Officinalis Root Extract 0.05 - 2.5% Hydrastis Canadensis (Golden Seal) Extract 0.05 - 2.5% __ Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) Extract 0.05 - 2 5% _.

Other ingredients _ to 100% . .

Table 3 shows another composition according to the invention, the . composition comprising an ingredient group including a plurality of botanical extracts. The total proportion of all of the botanical extracts in the composition is between 2.5 to 20% of the composition. The method of use of the composition is the same as that described above for the composition of Table . . 1, with the addition that the user is recommended to consume approximately .- . at least 4 litres of water per day in the 72 hour period following the application of the composition and the exposure to the tanning lamp.

Fat is stored in fat cells in a skin layer known as the dermis, which lies below the epidermis, and also in the hypodermic which lies below the dermis.

The body stores excess toxins in the body fat. As the body begins to burn this fat, the toxins are released, causing water retention and bloating which, it is believed, are factors in the formation of cellulite. The botanical extracts of the composition of Table 3 penetrate the epidermis to attack and break down the toxins in the fat cells. These toxins are then drawn into the body's lymphatic system to be passed from the body naturally, thus reducing water retention and bloating. The perceivable effect of this on a user's skin is to tighten and firm the skin, reducing cellulite and reducing body volume. This effect is enhanced and accelerated by the heating effect of the tanning lamp, so that the effect is perceivable after 10 minutes under the tanning lamp. The tanning lamp heats the skin, opening the pores so that the botanical extracts penetrate more quickly into the fat cells in the dermis and hypodermic. The elevated skin temperature accelerates the reaction of the botanical extracts with the toxins in the fat cells.

The consumption of water by the user acts to "flush" the user's body of the toxins, so that the toxins are not simply reabsorbed.

Table 4

Ingredient Proportion of ingredient in composition % | wt/wt __ I Isomerised Linoleic Acid 0 01 -10% I Other ingredients _ to 100% I Aloe 20 Table 4 shows another composition according to the invention, the composition including an ingredient group including isomerised linoleic acid. .

The method of use of the composition is the same as that previously described for the composition of Table 1.

The isomerised linoleic acid penetrates the epidermis and dermis to the hypodermic or subcutaneous fat layer. Adipose tissue in the hypodermic is composed of fat droplets. These droplets may be swollen, which is believed to be another factor which causes cellulite. The isomerised linoleic acid acts upon the fat droplets to reduce the swelling, thus reducing cellulite and the volume of the subcutaneous fat layer. As described previously, the heating effect of the tanning lamp opens the pores so that the isomerised linoleic acid penetrates to the hypodermic more quickly and the action of the linoleic acid on the fat droplets is accelerated.

Table 5

Ingredient Proportion of ingredient in composition % Palmitoyl oligopeptide _ wt/wt Palmitoyl tetrapeptide - 3 0.05 - 5% Other ingredients to 100% Table 5 shows another composition according to the invention, the composition including an ingredient group including palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide -3. The composition of Table 5 is again used in a similar manner to that previously described for the composition of Table 1.

The peptides of the composition of Table 5 penetrate the epidermis to reach fibroblast cells located in the dermis and the hypodermic. The peptides stimulate the fibroblast cells to synthesize molecules of connective tissue such as collagen and glycosaminoglycanes. Collagen is responsible for skin . elasticity, and its degradation leads to wrinkles that accompany ageing. Thus . 20 the effect of the peptides is to reduce wrinkles by stimulating collagen . production. As described previously, this effect is enhanced and accelerated .. . by the heating effect of the tanning lamp, which opens the pores allowing quicker penetration of the peptides to the fibroblast cells, and accelerates the : synthesis of collagen by the fibroblast cells. -.

..... 25

Table 6

Ingredient Group Ingredient Proportion of ingredient in | composition % wt/wt 1 Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) 0.25 -10% Ervthrulose 0.05 - 5% ___ 2 Isomerised Linolec Acid 1.0 -10% 3 Other ingredients to 100% _ _ _. _ Table 6 shows another composition according to the invention, the composition including a first ingredient group which includes dibydroxyacetone and a second ingredient group which includes isomerised linoleic acid. The composition also includes a third ingredient group comprising the other ingredients previously described. The composition of Table 6 is substantially a combination of the compositions of Table 1 and Table 4. The composition is used in a similar manner to that previously described for the composition of Table 1. The effect of the composition of Table 6 is similarly a combination of the effects of the compositions of Tables l O 1 and 4. Similarly, these effects are enhanced and accelerated by the effect of the heat of the tanning lamp.

Table 7

Ingredient Group Ingredient Proportion of ingredient in composition % wt/wt 1 Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) 1 - 2% Erythrulose 0.05 -1 % Aspartc Acid 0.001 - 1% l Threonine 0.001-1% Serine 0.001-1% Glutamic Acid 0.001 -1% Glycine 0. 001-1% Alanine 0.001-1 % Valine Methionine 0.001-1% Isoleucine 0.001-1% Tyrosine 0.001-1% Phenylaline 0.001 - 1% Ornithine 0.001-1% Lysine 0.001- 1 % Histidine 0.001-1 % . Arginine 0.001-1 % Proline 0.001-1 % . Glucose Tyronsinate 0.001 - 1% : . .*

Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract 0.05 - 2.5% Rosmannus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf 0.05-2.5% Extract Humulus Lupulus HCPSJ Extract 0.05 - 2.5C/o Equisetum Hyemale Extract 0.05 - 2 5% Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract 0. 05 - 2.5% Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract 0.05 - 2.5% Hamamelis V'rginiana (Witch Hazel) 0 05 - 2.5% Extract Achillea Millefolium Extract 0.05 - 2.5% Salvia Of ficinalis (Sage) Leat Extract 0.05 - 2.5% Lavandula Angushfolia (Lavender) 0.05 - 2.5% Extract Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot)Leaf 0.05 - 2 5% Extract Hedera Helix (Ivy) Extract0.05 - 2.5% Arnica Montana Flower Extract0.05 - 2.5% Aesculus Hippocastanum(Horse 0. 05 - 2.5% Chestnut) Seed Extract Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract0.05 - 2.5% Hypericum PerForatum Extract0.05 - 2.5% Macrocystis Pynfera Extract0.05 - 2.5% Althaea Ofhcinalis Root Extract0.05 - 2.5% Hydrastis Canadensis (Golden Seal) 0.05 - 2.5% Extract Taraxacum Of Ncinale (Dandelion) 0.05 - 2.5% Extract Isomerised Linoleic Acid 0.01 - 10% Palmitoyl oligopeptide 0. 05 - 5% Palmitoyl tetrapeptide- 3 0.05 - 5% Propylene Glycol 1 - 5% Lecithin 1 10% Polysorbate 80 1 - 10% Aloe Barbadensis Gel 0.1 - 5% Fragrance 0.1 5% Preservatives 0.1-5% Glycerin 0.25 - 5.0% Butylene Glycol 0.25 - 5.0% Carbomer 0.25 - 5.0% Polysorbate 20 0.25 - 5.0% Colour less than 0.1 Water _ to 100% : Table 7 shows another composition according to the invention, the composition including five ingredient groups relating to the compositions of e Tables 1 - 5 respectively. For the composition of Table 71 the total proportion of the ingredients of the second ingredient group, the amino acids, is no more than 1% of the composition. The total proportion of the ingredients of the third ingredient group, the botanical extracts, is between 2.5 to 20% of the composition. A sixth ingredient group includes the other ingredients previously mentioned. Again, this composition is used in a similar manner to that previously described for the composition of Table 1.

This composition produces the effect of a relatively rapid darkening of the colour of the skin due to the effect of the first ingredient group including dihydroxyacetone and erythrulose, an enhanced and accelerated darkening of the colour of the skin during exposure under the ultra violet light of the tanning lamp due to the effect of the second ingredient group including the plurality of amino acids, a reduction in water retention and cellulite due to the third ingredient group including the plurality of botanical extracts, a reduction in volume of the subcutaneous fat layer beneath the skin due to the fourth l O ingredient group including isomerised linoleic acid, and a reduction in wrinkles in the skin due to the fifth ingredient group including the plurality of peptides.

Each of these effects is enhanced and accelerated by the heat of the tanning lamp such that a difference in colour, tightness and firmness, and reduced cellulite, volume and wrinkling is perceivable by the user after 10 mins exposure under the tanning lamp.

Various other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The composition could include any combination of the ingredient groups described above in Tables 1 - 5. Additional ingredients could be included which could produce other, different effects The composition could be used without the application of heat. The composition could be provided in any suitable form, such as a spray, cream, gel or lotion.

. The composition could be applied to the skin without the skin being first exfoliated. A different headlight source could be used. For instance, the composition could be applied to the user's skin, and the skin could then be r A exposed to sunshine.

The application of the composition and the heat could be repeated a number of times, with a time period between each application. In one example, the composition and heat could be appiled five times at intervals of approximately 48 hours, and during this time the user consumes at least 4 litres of water per day and for three days following the last application. The time period could vary between 38 and 58 hours.

There is thus provided a number of compositions and a method of use of those compositions in conjunction with a tanning lamp, which in a relatively short time results in an effect which is perceivable by the user. This is satisfying for the user. The composition is tailored for use with a tanning lamp to maximise the perceivable effect under the controlled conditions of the tanning lamp.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon. I, 20 . , ma -a.. . se b 4.

I ca * l

Claims

1. A composition for external application to human skin, the composition arranged so that when applied to a portion of the user's skin, the composition produces an effect in or near to the portion of skin.

2. A composition according to claim 1, in which the composition is arranged to produce a plurality of different effects.

3. A composition according to claims 1 or 2, in which the composition is arranged so that the or each effect is enhanced and/or accelerated by the application of heat to the skin portion.

4. A composition according to claim 3, in which the heat is applied for between 5 and 30 minutes.

5. A composition according to claim 4, in which the heat is applied for approximately 10 minutes.

6. A composition according to any of claims 3 to 5, in which the composition is arranged so that the or each effect is perceivable by the user after the application of the heat.

7. A composition according to claim 6, in which the or each effect is perceivable by the user substantially immediately after the application of the heat.

8. A composition according to any of claims 3 to 7, in which the heat is generated by a light source which generates infra red and/or ultra violet light. 1" l

9. A composition according to claim 8, in which the light source is a tanning lamp or light.

10. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, in which the composition includes a first ingredient group, which produces a first effect of darkening the colour of the skin portion.

11. A composition according to claim 10, in which the first ingredient group l O includes dihydroxyacetone (DHA).

12. A composition according to claim 11, in which the proportion of DHA is between 0.25 to 10% of the composition.

13. A composition according to claim 12, in which the proportion of DHA is between 1 to 2% of the composition.

14. A composition according to any of claims 10 to 13, in which the first ingredient group includes erythrulose.

15. A composition according to claim 14, in which the proportion of erythrulose is between 0.05 to 5% of the composition.

16. A composition according to claim 15, in which the proportion of erythrulose is between 0.1 to 1% of the composition.

17. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, in which the composition includes a second ingredient group, which produces a second effect of enhancing and/or accelerating the darkening of the colour of the skin portion when the skin portion is subsequently exposed to an ultra violet light source.

18. A composition according to claim 17, in which the second ingredient group includes an amino acid.

19. A composition according to claim 18, in which the second ingredient group includes a plurality of amino acids.

20. A composition according to claims 18 or 19, in which the or each amino acid is any of aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, alanine, valine, cystine, methionine, isoleucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, ornithine, Iysine, histidine, arginine, praline and glucose tyronsinate.

21. A composition according to claim 20, in which the composition includes some of each of these amino acids.

22. A composition according to any of claims 18 to 21, in which the proportion of the or each amino acid is between 0.001 to 1% of the composition.

23. A composition according to any of claims 18 to 22, in which the total proportion of the or all amino acids in the composition is no more than 1% of the composition.

24. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, in which the composition includes a third ingredient group, which produces a third effect of reducing water retention and/or cellulite.

25. A composition according to claim 24, in which the third ingredient group includes a botanical extract.

26. A composition according to claim 25, in which the third ingredient group includes a plurality of botanical extracts.

27. A composition according to claims 25 or 26, in which the or each botanical extract is any of Sambucus Nigra flower extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) leaf extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) extract, Equisetum Hyemale extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) extract, Anthemis Nobilis flower extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) extract, Achillea Millefolium extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) leaf extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) extract, Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) leaf extract, Hedera Helix (Ivy) extract, Arnica Montana flower extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) seed extract, Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract, Hypericum Perforatum extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera extract, Althaea Officinalis root extract, Hydrastis Canadensis (Golden Seal) extract and Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) extract.

l 5

28. A composition according to claim 27, in which the third ingredient group includes some of each of these botanical extracts.

29. A composition according to any of claims 25 to 28, in which the proportion of the or each botanical extract is between 0.05 to 2.5% of the composition.

30. A composition according to any of claims 25 to 29, in which the total proportion of the or all botanical extracts in the composition is between 2.5 to 20% of the composition.

31. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, in which the composition includes a fourth ingredient group, which produces a fourth effect of reducing the volume of fat in or beneath the skin portion.

32. A composition according to claim 31, in which the fourth ingredient group includes isomerised linoleic acid.

33. A composition according to claim 32, in which the proportion of isomerised linoleic acid in the composition is between 0.01 and 10%.

34. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, in which the composition includes a fifth ingredient group, which produces a fifth effect of reducing wrinkles in the skin portion.

35. A composition according to claim 34, in which the fifth ingredient group l O reduces wrinkles by stimulating collagen production.

36. A composition according to claims 34 or 35, in which the fifth ingredient group includes a peptide.

l 5

37. A composition according to claim 36, in which the fifth ingredient group includes a plurality of peptides.

38. A composition according to claims 36 or 37, in which the fifth ingredient group includes palmitoyl oligopeptide and/or palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3.

39. A composition according to claim 38, in which the proportion of palmitoyl oligopeptide in the composition is between 0.05 to 5%.

40. A composition according to claims 38 or 39, in which the proportion of palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3 in the composition is between 0.05 to 5%.

41. A method of use of a composition, the composition being according to any of the preceding claims, the method including the steps of applying the composition to a portion of a user's skin and then heating the portion of the skin.

42. A method according to claim 41, in which the heat is applied for between 5 and 30 minutes.

43. A method according to claim 42, in which the heat is applied for approximately 10 minutes.

44. A method according to any of claims 41 to 43, in which the heat is generated by a light source, which generates infra red and/or ultra violet light.

45. A method according to claim 44, in which the ultra violet light source is a tanning lamp or light.

46. A method according to any of claims 41 to 45, in which the composition is applied by spraying.

47. A method according to claim 46, in which the composition is then be smoothed into the skin by hand.

48. A method according to any of claims 41 to 47, in which before application of the composition, the skin is exfoliated.

49. A method ccording to any of claims 41 to 48, in which following application the user consumes approximately at least 4 litres of water per day in the next 72 hours.

50. A method according to any of claims 41 to 49, in which the method includes the further steps of waiting for a period of time and then repeating the application of the composition to the portion of the users' skin and the heating of the portion of the skin. 1.

! 20

51. A method according to claim 50, in which the further steps are repeated a plurality of times.

52. A method according to claims 50 or 51, in which the period of time is between 38 and 58 hours.

53. A method according to claim 52, in which the period of time is approximately 48 hours.

54. A composition substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Tables 1 to 7.

55. A method substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to

Tables 1 to 7.

56. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.