Method and compositions for topical application of ascorbic acid fatty acid esters for treatment and/or prevention of skin damage

摘要

A method for the therapeutic treatment of skin disorders of the type directly or indirectly caused by collagen deficiency, and/or oxygen- containing free radicals and/or by oxidative generation of biologically active metabolites, in which a fat-soluble fatty acid ester of ascorbic acid is topically applied to the affected skin areas, preferably in association with a dermatologically acceptable carrier. Tocotrienols or tocotrienol derivatives and/or &agr;-hydroxy acids may be incorporated in the compositions to enhance efficacy for certain conditions. Periodontal disease is also treated or prevented by the topical application to the mouth of fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid. Ascorbyl palmitate is employed in some embodiments.