The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions useful for application to skin and hair comprising saccharide isomerate, Alteromonas ferment extract, and a dermatologically acceptable vehicle, wherein the composition is capable of moisturizing and/or improving the appearance and/or condition of skin and/or hair.

An agent for modulating expression of a heat shock protein gene, comprising a Lactobacillus sp. derived from Artemisia indica var. maximowiczii or Angelica keiskei. Also described are compositions comprising the same, as well as methods of making and using such agents and compositions.

A method of modulating topical pH of a subject is provided. The methods include administering an effective amount of a preparation comprising ammonia oxidizing microorganisms to the subject. The methods include administering the preparation comprising ammonia oxidizing microorganisms topically to skin of the subject. Related preparations and kits are also provided.

Compositions and methods are disclosed herein for inducing (up-regulating) the expression of sulfotransferases in the hair follicles, e.g., the scalp. Increasing sulfotransferase is beneficial for metabolizing pro-drugs that require sulfonation to be activated, e.g., minoxidil sulfate is the active metabolite of minoxidil. A method for combining the compositions described herein with topical minoxidil to enhance minoxidil treatment for androgenetic alopecia is described. Additional methods and compositions include the use of retinoid X receptor agonists, retinoic acid receptor agonists, and nuclear receptor agonists in an RXR-NR heterodimer. Additional methods and compositions include the use of a topical solution containing an alkalinizing agent or an alkalinizing agent used with a penetration enhancer for up-regulating the sulfonating capacity of hair bearing skin, hair follicles, and/or keratinocyte cells. In addition, compositions and methods for increasing or decreasing the growth rate of hair follicles is disclosed by altering the intracellular pH.

The subject invention provides materials and methods that effectively support innate immunity and/or disperse pathogenic biofilms using readily available, nontoxic, natural substances, while supporting restoration of normal microbiotic homeostasis. In one embodiment, the subject invention provides anti-biofilm compositions comprising one or more probiotic organisms, anti-microbial honey, and other ingredients such as prebiotic compounds, other hive products, green tea derivatives, other plant derivatives, and vitamin D3.

Disclosed herein are methods for treating hair related disorders, including compounds that may be specific or modulate PPAR receptors.

Disclosed is a method of treating inflamed skin of a periorbital area of a person's face. The method can include topically applying to inflamed skin a composition comprising an oil extract of Opuntia ficus-indica tuna, Opuntia ficus-indica nopales, or a combination thereof, to reduce inflammation in skin cells of the periorbital area of the person's face.

The invention relates to a cosmetic active ingredient comprising at least one Metschnikowia reukaufii extract, and the use of same for the cosmetic treatment of the skin, in particular for improving the radiance of the complexion by acting on the skin microbiota. The active ingredient is effective on mature skin.

The invention also concerns compositions including such an active ingredient and a cosmetic method for treating the skin using these compositions.

Compositions and methods are disclosed herein for inducing (up-regulating) the expression of sulfotransferases in the hair follicles, e.g., the scalp. Increasing sulfotransferase is beneficial for metabolizing pro-drugs that require sulfonation to be activated, e.g., minoxidil sulfate is the active metabolite of minoxidil. A method for combining the compositions described herein with topical minoxidil to enhance minoxidil treatment for androgenetic alopecia is described. Additional methods and compositions include the use of retinoid X receptor agonists, retinoic acid receptor agonists, and nuclear receptor agonists in an RXRNR heterodimer. Additional methods and compositions include the use of a topical solution containing an alkalinizing agent or an alkalinizing agent used with a penetration enhancer for up-regulating the sulfonating capacity of hair bearing skin, hair follicles, and/or keratinocyte cells. In addition, compositions and methods for increasing or decreasing the growth rate of hair follicles is disclosed by altering the intracellular pH.

The invention relates to a composition comprising melatonin, a metabolite or derivative thereof and coenzyme Q10 and to use thereof for the production of a pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition for the treatment of the skin, said composition potentiating the movement of both molecules into the mitochondrion and facilitating percutaneous absorption, in which both the melatonin and the CoQ10 can reach all of the strata of the skin.