Abstract: The present invention describes food supplements that contain one or more fruit extracts useful for pain relief and anti-inflammation. The food supplements may be used to inhibit inflammation mediated by cyclooxygenase and more particularly by cyclooxygenase-2.

Abstract: The present invention describes food supplements that contain one or more fruit extracts useful for pain relief and anti-inflammation. The food supplements may be used to inhibit inflammation mediated by cyclooxygenase and more particularly by cyclooxygenase-2.

Abstract: An improved skin conditioner, incorporating alpha hydroxy acids, is an emulsion stabilized by the combination of a high molecular weight polyethylene glycol and a quaternary ammonium salt phosphate cationic surfactant, specifically, an alkyl amidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride phosphate type cationic surfactant. The composition may include other active agents, non-ionic emulsifying surfactants, emollients and additives. The resulting composition has a desirable "feel" and storage stability, even at relatively high temperatures.

Abstract: A high viscosity gel-type anhydrous makeup remover composition is disclosed. The composition comprises polyethylene, polyethylene copolymer and a gelable oil base, which base can be comprised of a mixture of mineral oils and branched natural or branched synthetic esters, or a mixture of just branched natural or branched synthetic esters. In some embodiments the composition further includes branched non-ionic alkoxylated alcohol surfactants with at least a 20 carbon branched chain, a preservative mixture and a mixture of natural oils.

Abstract: A method of evaluating follicular biopsy specimens (skin samples) in order to count the number of comedones (25) present in the specimen involving the steps of applying an adhesive, in vivo, to a subject's skin; applying a microscopic slide to the adhesive covered skin; allowing the adhesive to set adhering to the slide; removing the slide with the adhesive and the skin attached thereto, thus yielding a follicular biopsy specimen; examining the specimen under a stereoscopic microscope under cross-polarized light then evaluating the specimen using image analysis hardware and software to determine the number of sebaceous plugs or comedones existing in the specimen.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition and a method for studying skin surface areas with simplified magnifying devices by making a replication of the skin surface area while minimizing irritation to the subject's skin, cracking of the replicas, surface artifacts, and air bubbles in the replicas. The method entails preparing a negative skin surface replica composition by mixing a silicone polysiloxane base and a biocompatible surface tension modifying agent. The mixture is placed in a vacuum desiccator to remove air bubbles and thereafter a curing agent is added to the mixture. An adhesive collar is placed on the subject's skin, which collar surrounds the surface area to be replicated, and thereafter the composition is applied to the skin surface area and the adhesive collar and allowed to dry. The negative skin surface casting is removed from the skin area and is then placed skin side up in a mold cup.