CN111743843A

CN111743843A - Methods and compositions for treating seasonal changes in skin

Info

Publication number: CN111743843A
Application number: CN201910247322.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 严艳; 邓刚
Original assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Current assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date: 2019-03-29
Filing date: 2019-03-29
Publication date: 2020-10-09

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and skin care product for treating changes or conditions occurring to the skin during different seasons, said method comprising topically applying to the skin of an individual in need thereof a skin care composition comprising ginseng or an active extract thereof, chinese herbal medicine or an active extract thereof for correcting a particular condition occurring to the skin during a certain season and chinese herbal medicine or an active extract thereof for preventing a particular condition occurring to the skin during the next season adjacent to the season, vitamins or vitamin derivatives and a cosmetically acceptable base and adjuvant. The composition and method of the present invention can effectively treat the change of skin in different seasons, resulting in a remarkable cosmetic effect.

Description

Methods and compositions for treating seasonal changes in skin

Technical Field

The present invention is in the field of personal skin care and relates to personal skin care products and methods, and more particularly to methods and skin care products for treating changes or conditions that occur to the skin during different seasons.

Background

Human skin is composed of two parts, the epidermis and the dermis. The skin is the boundary between the internal and external environments of the human body and has multiple functions of barrier, absorption, sensation, secretion, excretion, thermoregulation, substance metabolism and the like. Seasonal changes have an effect on the internal composition and external appearance of the skin, and the skin changes differently in different seasons, causing different problems and conditions. Thus, personal skin care products and methods suitable for treating the different problems and conditions that occur to the skin in different seasons are very important and essential for maintaining the physiological balance of the skin. However, no personal skin care products and methods have been found to date for treating or addressing the different problems and conditions that occur with the skin in each season.

The use of Chinese herbal medicines in the cosmetic and cosmetology field is known. Personal skin care products containing herbal ingredients are also known and claimed to have anti-aging, skin moisturizing and wrinkle reducing effects. However, no personal skin care products and methods have been found to date that use specific combinations of herbal medicines to address the specific problems and conditions that occur with seasonal variations of skin.

Thus, there is an unmet need for skin care products and methods that can effectively treat the specific conditions that occur to the skin in each season.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention aims to provide a skin care product capable of effectively treating a particular condition occurring in the skin in each season and a method of treating the particular condition using the skin care product.

The inventor of the invention finds out through long-term experimental research that human skin can generate some characteristic changes in four-season alternation cycles, and specific problems and conditions occur, for example, in spring, summer, autumn and winter, the skin respectively shows the following characteristic problems and conditions: (1) decreased skin radiance, increased melanin, and/or redness of the skin; (2) uneven skin tone and/or increased skin oiliness; (3) reduced skin hydration and/or skin yellowing; and (4) weakened skin barrier, increased skin pores and/or increased skin texture, and it has further been found that skin care products containing specific combinations of Chinese herbal medicines as active substances can effectively treat the above-mentioned skin problems and conditions. Based on the above findings, the present inventors have completed the present invention.

The invention may be described in its various aspects, both independently and in any form, and all such aspects and any forms of described invention may be combined to form the subject matter of the present invention.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a cosmetic method suitable for treating a particular condition occurring in the skin in a season (hereinafter "season a", spring, summer, fall or winter) comprising topically applying to the skin of an individual in need thereof a skin care composition comprising a herbal active, a vitamin or vitamin derivative, and a cosmetically acceptable base and adjuvant, wherein said herbal active comprises a herbal or active extract thereof comprising ginseng or an active extract thereof for correcting the particular condition occurring in the skin in season a and a herbal or active extract thereof for preventing the particular condition occurring in the skin in the next season adjacent to season a. The particular condition of the skin includes any characteristic changes and problems of the skin in spring, summer, fall or winter, for example, the following characteristic conditions and problems respectively exhibited by the skin in spring, summer, fall and winter: (1) decreased skin radiance, increased melanin, and/or redness of the skin; (2) uneven skin tone and/or increased skin oiliness; (3) reduced skin hydration and/or skin yellowing; and (4) a weakened skin barrier, an enlarged skin pore, and/or an increased skin texture.

One form of this aspect is a cosmetic method suitable for treating reduced skin gloss, increased melanin, and/or redness of the skin in the spring comprising topically applying to the skin of an individual in need thereof a skin care composition comprising ginseng or an active extract thereof, a vitamin or vitamin derivative, a herbal drug or an active extract thereof having an anti-inflammatory effect for correcting reduced skin gloss, increased melanin, and/or redness of the skin, an herbal drug or an active extract thereof having an antioxidant effect for preventing skin color unevenness and/or increased skin oiliness in the summer, and a base and adjuvants suitable for use in cosmetics.

In another form of this aspect is a cosmetic method suitable for treating skin color unevenness and/or increased skin oiliness in summer comprising topically applying to the skin of an individual in need thereof a skin care composition comprising ginseng or an active extract thereof, a vitamin or vitamin derivative, a herbal medicament for lightening the skin, a herbal medicament for preventing ultraviolet damage to the skin in autumn for preventing a decrease in skin moisture content and/or skin yellowing, and a base and adjuvants suitable for use in cosmetics.

Yet another form of this aspect is a cosmetic method for treating reduced skin moisture and/or skin yellowing in autumn comprising topically applying to the skin of an individual in need thereof a skin care composition comprising ginseng or an active extract thereof, a vitamin or vitamin derivative, a herbal composition for promoting skin hydration, a herbal composition for moisturizing the skin for preventing weakened skin barrier, increased skin pores, and/or increased skin texture in winter, and a base and adjuvants suitable for use in cosmetics.

Yet another form of this aspect is a cosmetic method for treating weakened skin barrier, enlarged skin pores and/or increased skin texture in winter comprising topically applying to the skin of an individual in need thereof a skin care composition comprising ginseng or an active extract thereof, a vitamin or vitamin derivative, a herbal medicine for improving weakened skin barrier, enlarged skin pores and/or increased skin texture, having anti-aging effects, a herbal medicine for preventing decreased skin gloss, increased melanin and/or increased skin redness in spring, having anti-inflammatory effects, and a base and adjuvants suitable for use in cosmetics.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a skin care composition comprising ginseng or an active extract thereof, a vitamin or vitamin derivative, a herbal medicine or an active extract thereof for correcting a particular condition occurring in the skin in season a, a herbal medicine or an active extract thereof for preventing a particular condition occurring in the skin in the next season adjacent to season a, and a base and an adjuvant suitable for use in cosmetics.

One form of this aspect is a skin care composition comprising ginseng or an active extract thereof, a vitamin or vitamin derivative, a herbal medicine or an active extract thereof having an anti-inflammatory effect, a herbal medicine or an active extract thereof having an antioxidant effect, and a cosmetically acceptable base and adjuvants.

Another form of this aspect is a skin care composition comprising ginseng or an active extract thereof, a vitamin or vitamin derivative, a herbal extract or an active extract thereof useful for lightening skin, a herbal extract or an active extract thereof useful for preventing ultraviolet damage to skin, and a cosmetically acceptable base and adjuvants.

Yet another form of this aspect is a skin care composition comprising ginseng or an active extract thereof, a vitamin or vitamin derivative, a herbal medicine or an active extract thereof useful for promoting or enhancing skin hydration, a herbal medicine or an active extract thereof useful for enhancing skin radiance, and a cosmetically acceptable base and adjuvants.

Yet another form of this aspect is a skin care composition comprising ginseng or an active extract thereof, a vitamin or vitamin derivative, a herbal medicine having anti-aging effects or an active extract thereof, a herbal medicine having anti-inflammatory effects or an active extract thereof, and a cosmetically acceptable base and adjuvants.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a kit skin care product comprising any of the skin care compositions of the present invention suitable for treating a characteristic skin condition occurring in any two adjacent seasons, and an insert for instructions regarding the use of the skin care composition.

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a herbal composition comprising ginseng or an active extract thereof, a herbal material or an active extract thereof for treating a particular condition occurring in the skin in a particular season (i.e., "season a"), and a herbal material or an active extract thereof for preventing a particular condition occurring in the skin in a season immediately following the particular season, in the manufacture of a skin care product for treating the particular condition occurring in the skin in the particular season. Season A is spring, summer, autumn or winter. The special conditions of the skin are (1) reduction of skin glossiness, increase of melanin and/or redness of the skin according to spring, summer, autumn and winter; (2) uneven skin tone and/or increased skin oiliness; (3) reduced skin hydration and/or skin yellowing; and (4) a weakened skin barrier, an enlarged skin pore, and/or an increased skin texture.

The skin care composition or product formulation of the present invention is stable, safe, and has good consumer compliance and is effective in managing seasonal changes that occur to the skin. Experiments prove that the invention in each aspect can effectively treat special conditions of skin in different seasons, such as effectively moistening skin, brightening skin, relieving skin redness, promoting skin hydration and smoothness, enhancing barrier function of skin, preventing skin pore enlargement or skin texture increase, and simultaneously effectively preventing skin from oxidative damage, preventing skin from ultraviolet damage, increasing skin moisture content and reducing skin inflammatory conditions.

Drawings

FIG. 1 shows the change of glossiness (brightness) of the basal skin of female face with season

FIG. 2 shows the variation of melanin gradation of female skin with season

FIG. 3 shows the change of redness of the basal skin of the face of a subject with the season

FIG. 4 shows the variation of melanin uniformity with season for female skin

FIG. 5 shows the variation of sebum on forehead of a subject with season

FIG. 6 shows the variation of subcutaneous water content of the subject's face with season

FIG. 7 shows the variation of the yellowness of the underlying skin of a female face with season

FIG. 8 shows the variation of percutaneous water loss with season for female face

FIG. 9 shows variation of female facial skin pore area fraction with season

FIG. 10 shows the variation of female facial texture area fraction with season

Detailed Description

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the following examples, which are intended to describe the invention in further detail.

In order to accurately understand the terms used in the present invention, the meanings of some of the terms are specifically defined below. To the extent that terms are not specifically defined herein, they have the meaning commonly understood and accepted by those skilled in the art. To the extent that a term is defined herein to have a meaning other than that commonly understood and accepted by those skilled in the art, the term shall have the meaning defined herein.

The term "season" used in the present invention means four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter, and the four seasons are 3 to 7 months, 7 to 10 months, 10 to 12 months and 12 to 2 months, respectively.

The term "treating" as used herein with respect to a skin problem or condition refers to correcting, ameliorating or alleviating said skin problem or condition that has already occurred, or preventing the occurrence or occurrence of said skin problem or condition.

The terms "skin condition" and "skin problem" as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to the seasonal characteristic changes and states that a person's skin exhibits in the four seasons of spring, summer, fall and winter, particularly the following specific conditions: (1) decreased skin radiance, increased melanin, and/or redness of the skin; (2) uneven skin tone and/or increased skin oiliness; (3) a reduction in skin moisture content and/or a yellowing of the skin; and (4) a weakened skin barrier, an enlarged skin pore, and/or an increased skin texture.

The term "cosmetically acceptable base and adjuvant" as used herein means any base and adjuvant suitable for contact with and compatible with human skin tissue and that does not produce a reaction inconsistent with the intended properties and objectives of the cosmetic.

The term "herbal medicine or active extract thereof" as used herein refers to said herbal medicine material, including its powder form, e.g. micronized form, or any form of material extracted from the herbal medicine material having the desired activity, including specific active ingredients and mixtures containing active ingredients. The form of the extract includes, but is not limited to, solid, semi-solid, solution, suspension, concentrate, paste, and powder.

The term "skin" as used herein refers to the skin of one, more or all of the following areas of a human: forehead, eye periphery, cheek, nose, mouth periphery, chin, neck, chest, hands, arms, feet, and legs.

The terms "subject" and "individual" as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to, in particular, a human, more particularly a female, typically a chinese female or a chinese female.

All numerical ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints thereof, and include any small ranges not expressly listed within such ranges.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a cosmetic method for treating a particular condition occurring in the skin during a particular season which comprises topically applying to the skin of an individual in need thereof a skin care composition comprising herbal actives, vitamins or vitamin derivatives and cosmetically acceptable bases and adjuvants, wherein said herbal actives comprise ginseng or an active extract thereof, herbal actives or an active extract thereof for correcting the particular condition occurring in the skin during the particular season and herbal actives or an active extract thereof for preventing the particular condition which may occur in the skin during the next season adjacent to the particular season, or a mixture thereof.

In one embodiment, the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extracts, herbal active extracts with anti-inflammatory effects, and herbal active extracts with antioxidant effects. In this embodiment, the herbal medicine having an anti-inflammatory effect is preferably tea (Camellia Sinensis), leaves thereof or suitable processed products thereof; and the Chinese herbal medicine with antioxidant effect is preferably Hypericum perforatum (Hyperici perforate Herba).

In another embodiment, the herbal active comprises ginseng active extract, tea or tea active extract and hypericum perforatum active extract or a mixture thereof, wherein the weight percentage of tea or tea active extract to hypericum perforatum active extract is 20:1 to 1:1, such as 15:1 to 1:1, 10:1 to 1:1, 5:1 to 1:1, 4:1 to 1:1, 3:1 to 1:1 or 2:1 to 1:1, preferably 2: 1.

In still another embodiment, the herbal active comprises ginseng active extract, tea or tea active extract and hypericum perforatum active extract or a mixture thereof, wherein the content of ginseng, tea active extract and hypericum perforatum active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.05-5%, 0.1-4% or 0.1-3%, 0.1-2%, 0.1-1% or 0.1-0.5%, preferably 0.1-1% of the total weight of the composition.

In a specific embodiment, the herbal active ingredient comprises ginseng active extract, tea or tea leaf active extract and hypericum perforatum active extract, wherein the weight percentage of the tea or tea leaf active extract to the hypericum perforatum active extract is 20:1 to 1:1, such as 15:1 to 1:1, 10:1 to 1:1, 5:1 to 1:1, 4:1 to 1:1, 3:1 to 1:1 or 2:1 to 1:1, preferably 2: 1.

In another embodiment, the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng, tea or tea leaf active extract and hypericum perforatum active extract, wherein the content of ginseng, tea leaf active extract and hypericum perforatum active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.05-5%, 0.1-4% or 0.1-3%, 0.1-2%, 0.1-1% or 0.1-0.5%, preferably 0.1-1% of the total weight of the composition.

In another aspect, a method of lightening skin, evening skin tone and preventing ultraviolet damage to skin is provided which comprises topically applying to the skin of an individual in need thereof a skin care composition comprising herbal actives, vitamins or vitamin derivatives, and cosmetically acceptable bases and adjuvants, wherein said herbal actives comprise ginseng active extract, herbal active extract for lightening skin, and herbal active extract for evening skin tone. In this embodiment, the Chinese herbal medicine for brightening skin is preferably honeysuckle (Lonicerae japonica flores); and the herbal medicine for evening the skin color is preferably crocus sativus (Croci Stigma), such as Melscreen GoldEX BG.

In one embodiment, the herbal active ingredient comprises ginseng active extract, honeysuckle active extract, saffron active extract, or a mixture thereof, wherein the weight percentages of the honeysuckle active extract and the saffron active extract are 100:1 to 20:1, 90:1 to 20:1, 80:1 to 20:1, 70:1 to 20:1, 60:1 to 20:1, 50:1 to 20:1, 40:1 to 20:1, or 30:1 to 20:1, preferably 50: 1.

In another embodiment, the herbal active ingredient comprises ginseng active extract, honeysuckle active extract and saffron active extract or a mixture thereof, wherein the content of each of the ginseng active extract and the honeysuckle active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.05-5%, 0.1-4% or 0.1-3%, 0.1-2%, 0.1-1% or 0.1-0.5%, preferably 0.1-1% of the total weight of the composition, and the content of the saffron active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.01-4%, 0.01-3%, 0.01-2%, 0.01-1% or 0.01-0.5%, preferably 0.01-1% of the total weight of the composition.

In a specific scheme, the Chinese herbal medicine active substance consists of a ginseng active extract, a honeysuckle active extract and a saffron active extract, wherein the weight percentages of the honeysuckle active extract and the saffron active extract are 100:1 to 20:1, 90:1 to 20:1, 80:1 to 20:1, 70:1 to 20:1, 60:1 to 20:1, 50:1 to 20:1, 40:1 to 20:1 or 30:1 to 20:1, and preferably 50: 1.

In another embodiment, the herbal active ingredient comprises ginseng active extract, honeysuckle active extract and saffron active extract, wherein the content of each of the ginseng active extract and the honeysuckle active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.05-5%, 0.1-4% or 0.1-3%, 0.1-2%, 0.1-1% or 0.1-0.5%, preferably 0.1-1% of the total weight of the composition, and the content of the saffron active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.01-4%, 0.01-3%, 0.01-2%, 0.01-1% or 0.01-0.5%, preferably 0.01-1% of the total weight of the composition.

In another aspect, a method of moisturizing skin and increasing the moisture content of skin is provided comprising topically applying to the skin of an individual in need thereof a skin care composition comprising herbal actives, vitamins or vitamin derivatives, and cosmetically acceptable bases and adjuvants, wherein the herbal actives comprise ginseng active extract, herbal active extract for promoting skin hydration to increase skin moisture content, and herbal active extract for moisturizing skin. In this embodiment, the Chinese herbal medicine for promoting skin hydration to increase skin water content is preferably Tremella Fuciformis (Tremella Fuciformis); and the Chinese herbal medicine for moistening skin is preferably coix seed (coisis Semen).

In one embodiment, the Chinese herbal medicine active substance comprises a ginseng active extract, a tremella active extract, a coix seed active extract or a mixture thereof, wherein the weight percentage of the tremella active extract to the coix seed active extract is 20:1 to 1:1, such as 15:1 to 1:1, 10:1 to 1:1, 5:1 to 1:1, 4:1 to 1:1, 3:1 to 1:1 or 2:1 to 1:1, preferably 2: 1.

In another embodiment, in one embodiment, the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, tremella active extract, and coix seed active extract or their mixture, wherein the content of ginseng active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.05-5%, 0.1-4%, or 0.1-3%, 0.1-2%, 0.1-1%, or 0.1-0.5%, preferably 0.1-1% of the total weight of the composition, and the content of tremella active extract and coix seed active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.01-4%, 0.01-3%, 0.01-2%, 0.01-1%, or 0.01-0.5%, preferably 0.01-1% of the total weight of the composition.

In a specific embodiment, the Chinese herbal medicine active substance comprises a ginseng active extract, a tremella active extract and a coix seed active extract, wherein the weight percentage of the tremella active extract to the coix seed active extract is 20:1 to 1:1, such as 15:1 to 1:1, 10:1 to 1:1, 5:1 to 1:1, 4:1 to 1:1, 3:1 to 1:1 or 2:1 to 1:1, preferably 2: 1.

In another embodiment, the Chinese herbal medicine active substance comprises ginseng active extract, tremella active extract and coix seed active extract, wherein the content of the ginseng active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.05-5%, 0.1-4% or 0.1-3%, 0.1-2%, 0.1-1% or 0.1-0.5%, preferably 0.1-1%, of the total weight of the composition, and the content of the tremella active extract and the coix seed active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.01-4%, 0.01-3%, 0.01-2%, 0.01-1% or 0.01-0.5%, preferably 0.01-1%, of the total weight of the composition.

In one aspect, a method for reducing skin aging and reducing skin inflammatory response is provided, comprising topically applying to the skin of an individual in need thereof a skin care composition comprising herbal actives, vitamins or vitamin derivatives, and cosmetically acceptable bases and adjuvants, wherein the herbal actives comprise ginseng active extract, herbal active extract for resisting skin aging, and herbal active extract for reducing skin inflammatory response. In the scheme, the Chinese herbal medicine for anti-skin aging may preferably be Cortex Mori radicis (Mori Cortex); and the Chinese herbal medicine for reducing the inflammatory reaction of the skin may preferably be angelica (Angelica Sinensis Radix).

In one embodiment, the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, cortex mori radicis active extract and angelica sinensis active extract or a mixture thereof, wherein the weight percentage of the cortex mori radicis active extract to the angelica sinensis active extract is 100:1 to 20:1, 90:1 to 20:1, 80:1 to 20:1, 70:1 to 20:1, 60:1 to 20:1, 50:1 to 20:1, 40:1 to 20:1 or 30:1 to 20:1, preferably 50: 1.

In another embodiment, the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, cortex mori radicis active extract and angelica sinensis active extract, wherein the content of the ginseng active extract and the cortex mori radicis active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.05-5%, 0.1-4% or 0.1-3%, 0.1-2%, 0.1-1% or 0.1-0.5%, preferably 0.1-1% of the total weight of the composition, and the content of the angelica sinensis active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.01-4%, 0.01-3%, 0.01-2%, 0.01-1% or 0.01-0.5%, preferably 0.01-1% of the total weight of the composition.

In a specific scheme, the Chinese herbal medicine active substance consists of a ginseng active extract, a cortex mori radicis active extract and an angelica sinensis active extract, wherein the weight percentage of the cortex mori active extract to the angelica sinensis active extract is 100:1 to 20:1, 90:1 to 20:1, 80:1 to 20:1, 70:1 to 20:1, 60:1 to 20:1, 50:1 to 20:1, 40:1 to 20:1 or 30:1 to 20:1, preferably 50: 1.

The method of the present invention according to any of the above embodiments is a purely cosmetic method and is not intended to treat skin disorders, although it may be used by consumers to treat certain symptoms of skin disorders.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a skin care composition comprising herbal active ingredients, vitamins or vitamin derivatives, and a base and an adjuvant suitable for cosmetics, wherein the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, component a selected from tea or tea leaf active extract, honeysuckle extract active extract, tremella active extract and mulberry bark active extract, and component B selected from hypericum perforatum active extract, saffron active extract, coix seed active extract and angelica sinensis active extract.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, tea or tea active extract and hypericum perforatum active extract.

In another aspect of the present invention, the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, tea or tea active extract and hypericum perforatum active extract or a mixture thereof, wherein the weight percentage of the tea or tea active extract and the hypericum perforatum active extract is 20:1 to 1:1, such as 15:1 to 1:1, 10:1 to 1:1, 5:1 to 1:1, 4:1 to 1:1, 3:1 to 1:1 or 2:1 to 1:1, preferably 2: 1.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, tea or tea active extract and hypericum perforatum active extract, wherein the content of each of the ginseng active extract, the tea or tea active extract and the hypericum perforatum active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.05-5%, 0.1-4% or 0.1-3%, 0.1-2%, 0.1-1% or 0.1-0.5%, preferably 0.1-1% of the total weight of the composition.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the herbal active ingredient comprises ginseng active extract, tea or tea leaf active extract and hypericum perforatum active extract, wherein the weight percentage of the tea or tea leaf active extract to the hypericum perforatum active extract is 20:1 to 1:1, such as 15:1 to 1:1, 10:1 to 1:1, 5:1 to 1:1, 4:1 to 1:1, 3:1 to 1:1 or 2:1 to 1:1, preferably 2: 1.

In another embodiment of this aspect, the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, tea or tea active extract and hypericum perforatum active extract, wherein the content of ginseng active extract, tea or tea active extract and hypericum perforatum active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.05-5%, 0.1-4% or 0.1-3%, 0.1-2%, 0.1-1% or 0.1-0.5%, preferably 0.1-1% of the total weight of the composition.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, honeysuckle active extract and saffron active extract.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, honeysuckle active extract and saffron active extract or their mixture, wherein the weight percentage of the honeysuckle active extract to the saffron active extract is 100:1 to 20:1, 90:1 to 20:1, 80:1 to 20:1, 70:1 to 20:1, 60:1 to 20:1, 50:1 to 20:1, 40:1 to 20:1 or 30:1 to 20:1, preferably 50: 1.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the herbal active ingredient comprises ginseng active extract, honeysuckle active extract and saffron active extract or a mixture thereof, wherein the content of each of the ginseng active extract and the honeysuckle active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.05-5%, 0.1-4% or 0.1-3%, 0.1-2%, 0.1-1% or 0.1-0.5%, preferably 0.1-1% of the total weight of the composition, and the content of the saffron active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.01-4%, 0.01-3%, 0.01-2%, 0.01-1% or 0.01-0.5%, preferably 0.01-1% of the total weight of the composition.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the Chinese herbal medicine active substance comprises ginseng active extract, honeysuckle active extract and saffron active extract, wherein the weight percentage of the honeysuckle active extract to the saffron active extract is 100:1 to 20:1, 90:1 to 20:1, 80:1 to 20:1, 70:1 to 20:1, 60:1 to 20:1, 50:1 to 20:1, 40:1 to 20:1 or 30:1 to 20:1, preferably 50: 1.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, honeysuckle active extract and saffron active extract, wherein the content of the ginseng active extract and the honeysuckle active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.05-5%, 0.1-4% or 0.1-3%, 0.1-2%, 0.1-1% or 0.1-0.5%, preferably 0.1-1%, based on the total weight of the composition, and the content of the saffron active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.01-4%, 0.01-3%, 0.01-2%, 0.01-1% or 0.01-0.5%, preferably 0.01-1%, based on the total weight of the composition.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the Chinese herbal medicine active substances comprise ginseng active extract, tremella active extract and coix seed active extract.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the Chinese herbal medicine active substance comprises a ginseng active extract, a tremella active extract, a coix seed active extract or a mixture thereof, wherein the weight percentage of the tremella active extract to the coix seed active extract is 20:1 to 1:1, such as 15:1 to 1:1, 10:1 to 1:1, 5:1 to 1:1, 4:1 to 1:1, 3:1 to 1:1 or 2:1 to 1:1, preferably 2: 1.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, tremella active extract, and coix seed active extract or their mixture, wherein the content of ginseng active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.05-5%, 0.1-4%, or 0.1-3%, 0.1-2%, 0.1-1%, or 0.1-0.5%, preferably 0.1-1% of the total weight of the composition, and the content of tremella active extract and coix seed active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.01-4%, 0.01-3%, 0.01-2%, 0.01-1%, or 0.01-0.5%, preferably 0.01-1% of the total weight of the composition.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the Chinese herbal medicine active substance comprises a ginseng active extract, a tremella active extract and a coix seed active extract, wherein the weight percentage of the tremella active extract to the coix seed active extract is 20:1 to 1:1, such as 15:1 to 1:1, 10:1 to 1:1, 5:1 to 1:1, 4:1 to 1:1, 3:1 to 1:1 or 2:1 to 1:1, preferably 2: 1.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the Chinese herbal medicine active substance comprises ginseng active extract, tremella active extract and coix seed active extract, wherein the content of the ginseng active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.05-5%, 0.1-4% or 0.1-3%, 0.1-2%, 0.1-1% or 0.1-0.5%, preferably 0.1-1% of the total weight of the composition, and the content of the tremella active extract and coix seed active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.01-4%, 0.01-3%, 0.01-2%, 0.01-1% or 0.01-0.5%, preferably 0.01-1% of the total weight of the composition.

In one aspect of the present invention, the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, cortex mori active extract and angelica sinensis active extract.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, cortex mori radicis active extract and angelica sinensis active extract or their mixture, wherein the weight percentage of the cortex mori radicis active extract and the angelica sinensis active extract is 100:1 to 20:1, 90:1 to 20:1, 80:1 to 20:1, 70:1 to 20:1, 60:1 to 20:1, 50:1 to 20:1, 40:1 to 20:1 or 30:1 to 20:1, preferably 50: 1.

In still another aspect of the present invention, the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, cortex mori radicis active extract and angelica sinensis active extract or a mixture thereof, wherein the content of each of the ginseng active extract and the cortex mori radicis active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.05-5%, 0.1-4% or 0.1-3%, 0.1-2%, 0.1-1% or 0.1-0.5%, preferably 0.1-1% of the total weight of the composition, and the content of the angelica sinensis active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.01-4%, 0.01-3%, 0.01-2%, 0.01-1% or 0.01-0.5%, preferably 0.01-1% of the total weight of the composition.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the Chinese herbal medicine active substance comprises ginseng active extract, cortex mori radicis active extract and angelica sinensis active extract, wherein the weight percentages of the cortex mori active extract and the angelica sinensis active extract are 100:1 to 20:1, 90:1 to 20:1, 80:1 to 20:1, 70:1 to 20:1, 60:1 to 20:1, 50:1 to 20:1, 40:1 to 20:1 or 30:1 to 20:1, preferably 50: 1.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, cortex mori radicis active extract and angelica sinensis active extract, wherein the content of the ginseng active extract and the cortex mori radicis active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.05-5%, 0.1-4% or 0.1-3%, 0.1-2%, 0.1-1% or 0.1-0.5%, preferably 0.1-1% of the total weight of the composition, and the content of the angelica sinensis active extract is 0.01-5%, 0.01-4%, 0.01-3%, 0.01-2%, 0.01-1% or 0.01-0.5%, preferably 0.01-1% of the total weight of the composition.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a kit of skin care products is provided comprising two, three or four skin care compositions selected from the skin care compositions according to the protocols described above, and an insert for instructions for use of the skin care compositions.

In one aspect, the kit can further comprise other suitable skin care products.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of a herbal active in the manufacture of a skin care product for treating specific conditions occurring in the skin in different seasons, wherein the skin care product comprises herbal active, vitamins or vitamin derivatives and a cosmetically acceptable base and adjuvants, wherein the herbal active comprises ginseng active extract, component a selected from tea or tea leaf active, honeysuckle active, tremella active and mulberry bark active, and component B selected from hypericum perforatum active, saffron active, coix seed active and angelica active, and the specific conditions occurring in the skin in different seasons are (1) skin gloss reduction, melanin enhancement and/or skin redness, respectively; (2) uneven skin tone and/or increased skin oiliness; (3) reduced skin hydration and/or skin yellowing; and (4) a weakened skin barrier, an enlarged skin pore, and/or an increased skin texture.

In any of the above embodiments, the herbal material may be any form of herbal material, such as micronized powder of herbal material, and the herbal active extract may be an active extract obtained from any medicinal part of any form of herbal material using a suitable solvent, such as aqueous active extract and alcohol (e.g. C)_1-8Any of the alcohols) or a solvent mixture containing the alcohols. For the purpose of the present invention, the active extracts described may be replaced by active extracts prepared from other Chinese herbal medicines having the same activity or effect, all of which are considered within the scope of the present inventors.

In any of the above embodiments, the vitamin or vitamin derivative is selected from the group consisting of niacinamide (vitamin B3), panthenol (provitamin B5), vitamin C, ascorbyl glucoside (provitamin C), and vitamin E acetate (vitamin E), preferably niacinamide (vitamin B3).

The skin care compositions of the present invention may also comprise additional components, such as those typically used in topical skin care products, to render the compositions more cosmetically, odorously, tactilely, or aesthetically beneficial.

The skin care compositions of the present invention may be prepared using the methods illustrated in the following examples or similar methods known in the art, and may be further prepared into the desired dosage forms using methods known in the art.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the active extracts of herbs suitable for use in this invention can be prepared by conventional methods of pulverization, extraction and separation in the art, such as maceration, percolation, liquid-liquid extraction, aqueous extraction and alcohol precipitation, alcohol extraction and water precipitation, dialysis and the like, using the corresponding herbs alone or in combination. The active extracts of herbs suitable for use in the present invention may also be purchased commercially. Thus, any form of other herbal active extract obtained by different methods and routes that has the same or similar skin activity as the herbal active extract used in the examples of this application is equivalent.

The skin care composition of the present invention may be a cosmetic or any form of cosmetic product. The skin care compositions of the present invention may be used by any means and methods commonly used in the art. The skin care compositions of the present invention may be in the form of various products commonly used in the art, including, but not limited to, solutions, suspensions, cleansers, creams, gels, sticks, pencils, sprays, aerosols, ointments, pastes, foams, powders, wipes, patches, hydrogels, skin surface films, foundations, eye liners, eye shadows, and the like.

The skin care compositions and products of the present invention may comprise suitable bases and adjuvants, for example they may be selected from additives known in the art, such as carriers, emulsifiers, fragrances, solubilizers, anticaking agents, antifoaming agents, binders, buffering agents, pH adjusting agents, propellants, chelating agents, and preservatives.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the skin care compositions or products of the present invention may be used in combination with other suitable skin cleansing and care products known in the art. One skilled in the art will appreciate that such skin cleansing and care products are selected so that they do not have adverse effects when used in combination with the skin care compositions or products of the present invention.

Examples

To further illustrate the present invention, the following examples are provided. These examples are provided only for illustrating the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention in any way.

Example 1

Clinical study of seasonal changes in skin of Chinese females

The purpose is as follows: understanding the seasonality of chinese women's exposed (facial and neck) skin and less exposed (upper inner arm) skin reveals key intrinsic and externally acting influencing factors, providing a basis for the development of skin care products and methods.

One, materials and methods:

1. subject inclusion and exclusion criteria: 40 healthy female Chinese subjects were recruited. Age 20-60 years, 5 subjects per 5 years of age. All enrolled subjects had relatively simple daily habits of skin care, such as washing their faces with water, soap, or a cleansing product alone, using a moisturizing product on a daily basis throughout all seasons, and not using sunscreen products for years.

2. Product use during the study: standard cleansing products (Olay Deep cleansing Cleaner) and moisturizing products (SC99 sessions) were distributed to subjects for daily use in the morning and evening.

The subjects were recommended 2mg/cm²(0.6 g/whole face) moisturizing product was used at a dose.

The subjects used their own body lotion, and suggested to use the sponge shower for 1-3 times in spring/autumn/winter and 3-7 times in summer.

3. Duration, frequency

Stage 1: 12 months, 3 months, 11 days to 2 months, 12 days.

Stage 2: prolonging for 2 months (3 months and 12 days to 4 months and 12 days).

The subjects come to the test site every month and the skin is measured

4. Measurements taken every month

The subject was measured as follows.

(1) Quantitative test method for facial skin

Facial skin appearance, including skin texture, fine wrinkles/folds and pores as well as hyperpigmented spots and skin tone, was measured using a facial imaging system evaluated for skin anti-aging activity/formulation. The face imaging system includes a high resolution digital camera configured to allow the subject's face to be imaged for snap shot by the high resolution digital camera under controlled illumination. The snap-shots are collected in computer hardware and analyzed with imaging analysis software to quantify the total area fraction of each skin and underlying skin of the target area. Additionally, the images collected from these baseline visits and follow-ups were visually graded.

(2) Test method for measuring sebum

Sebum was measured with a sebum measuring instrument (model: SM 810; supplier name: Courage + Khazaka) according to the instructions attached to the sebum measuring instrument.

(3) Test method for measuring transcutaneous Water loss (TEWL) to assess the intensity of skin disorders

TEWL was measured with a moisture meter (model: SWL-2; supplier name: Delfin Technologies Ltd) according to the instructions attached to the moisture meter.

(4) Test method for measuring skin hydration (water content)

Skin hydration (water content) was measured with a moisture meter (model: 820 PC; supplier name: Courage + Khazaka) according to the instructions attached to the moisture meter.

(5) Test method for measuring skin color and gloss (brightness)

The skin color was measured using a colorimeter (model: CR 300; supplier name: Minolta) according to the instructions attached to the colorimeter.

(6) Test method for measuring skin elasticity and other mechanical parameters

The texture, elasticity and other mechanical parameters of the skin were measured with a skin elasticity tester (model: MPA 580; supplier name: Courage + Khazaka) according to the instructions attached to the skin elasticity tester.

Second, result in

The research results show that in spring, the skin brightness is reduced, the melanin is increased, and the skin color is reddened; in summer, the skin tone becomes more uneven and oily; in autumn, skin moisture content is reduced and skin color is yellowish; in winter, skin disorders weaken, skin pores increase, and skin texture increases.

The corresponding results of this study are shown in figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, respectively.

Third, conclusion

As the seasons change, the human skin changes, some of which are unique to a season, as described above. The discovery that these specific changes occur to the skin during different seasons has helped develop skin care products and methods for maintaining the physiological balance of the skin.

Example 2

Preparation of inventive skin Care compositions of the invention

1. Composition of skin care composition

The composition of representative skin care compositions of the present invention is as follows.

TABLE A

2. Preparation method

The method of preparing the inventive composition shown in table a and the source of the ingredients contained in the composition will now be described below.

Table B the compositions of table a can be prepared according to the following stages:

example 3

Research on influence of novel skin care composition on seasonal changes of skin of Chinese females

The efficacy of treating seasonal changes/conditions of skin in season a using the composition of table a can be evaluated according to a sensory method comprising the steps of:

1) 38 consumers were selected to use the composition of table a. These 38 consumers were chinese women aged 20 to 30 years.

2) Each consumer used the composition of the present invention twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening) and then applied a facial moisturizer.

3) After 2 and 4 weeks, each consumer answers the following questionnaire set for each season.

Spring:

duration of the experiment: 1 day at 3 months to 29 days at 3 months

	Is excellent in	Is very good	Good taste	Can also be used for	Difference (D)
						Make the skin feel moist in spring
Help me to increase confidence in preventing skin roughness in summer

Summer:

duration of the experiment: 1/6/29/6

Smoothening I's skin feel in summer	Is excellent in	Is very good	Good taste	Can also be used for	Difference (D)
						Help I enhance the confidence of preventing skin dehydration in autumn

In autumn:

duration of the experiment: 9 month and 1 day to 9 month and 29 days

Moisturize I's skin feel in autumn	Is excellent in	Is very good	Good taste	Can also be used for	Difference (D)
						Help me to increase confidence in preventing winter skin roughness

In winter:

duration of the experiment: 12 month and 1 day to 12 month and 29 days

Make I feel smooth in winter	Is excellent in	Is very good	Good taste	Can also be used for	Difference (D)
						Help me to increase confidence in preventing spring skin dryness

According to the above method, the efficacy in spring for 2 weeks (14 days after 3 months and 1 day in 2019) using the above composition of the present invention was evaluated, and the results are as follows.

Question and answer	(excellent/very good/good)%
		[ day 14 ]]Effective soothing of the skin	92
[ day 14 ]]Effectively relieve the skin redness in spring	97
		[ day 14 ]]The problem of season-changing skin is obviously reduced	92
[ day 14 ]]Effectively brighten our skin	92
		[ day 14 ]]Make our skin more moist	91
[ day 14 ]]The product is very suitable for spring	92
		[ day 14 ]]Enhance the confidence that the people can prevent the problem of uneven skin color in summer	86

From the above results it can be seen that the use of the combination and method according to the invention significantly improves the seasonal specific skin condition.

Claims

1. A cosmetic method for treating a particular condition of skin occurring in different seasons, comprising topically applying to the skin of an individual in need thereof a skin care composition comprising a herbal active, a vitamin or vitamin derivative, and a cosmetically acceptable base and adjuvant, wherein said herbal active comprises ginseng or an active extract thereof, a herbal or an active extract thereof for correcting the particular condition of skin occurring in season a, and a herbal or an active extract thereof for preventing the particular condition of skin occurring in the next season adjacent to season a, wherein season a is one of spring, summer, fall and winter, and said particular condition of skin is (1) reduced skin glossiness, increased melanin and/or reddened skin, respectively; (2) uneven skin tone and/or increased skin oiliness; (3) reduced skin hydration and/or skin yellowing; and (4) a weakened skin barrier, an enlarged skin pore, and/or an increased skin texture.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the vitamin or vitamin derivative is selected from the group consisting of niacinamide (vitamin B3), panthenol (provitamin B5), vitamin C, ascorbyl glucoside (provitamin C) and vitamin E acetate (vitamin E), preferably niacinamide (vitamin B3).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the herbal medicine for correcting the specific condition of the skin appearance in season a is selected from herbal medicines having an anti-inflammatory action, preferably tea leaves, and the herbal medicine for preventing the specific condition of the skin appearance in the next season adjacent to season a is selected from herbal medicines having an antioxidant action, preferably hypericum perforatum, and season a is spring.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the weight percentage of said herb or active extract thereof for correcting the particular condition of skin appearance in season A to said herb or active extract thereof for preventing the particular condition of skin appearance in the next season adjacent season A is from 20:1 to 1:1, preferably 2: 1.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein said herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, tea active extract and hypericum perforatum active extract, each in an amount of 0.01-5%, preferably 0.1-1% by weight of the total composition.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the herbal medicine for correcting the appearance of the specific condition of the skin in season a is selected from herbal medicines for lightening the skin, preferably honeysuckle, and the herbal medicine for preventing the appearance of the specific condition of the skin in the next season adjacent to season a is selected from herbal medicines for preventing ultraviolet rays from damaging the skin, preferably saffron, and the season a is summer.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the weight percentage of said herb or active extract thereof for correcting the particular condition of skin appearance in season A to said herb or active extract thereof for preventing the particular condition of skin appearance in the next season adjacent season A is from 100:1 to 20:1, preferably 50: 1.

8. The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein said herbal active comprises ginseng active extract, honeysuckle active extract and saffron active extract, wherein the content of ginseng active extract and honeysuckle active extract is 0.01-5%, preferably 0.1-1% and the content of saffron active extract is 0.01-5%, preferably 0.01-1% of the total weight of said composition.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the herbal medicine for correcting the appearance of the specific condition of the skin in season a is selected from the group consisting of herbal medicines for promoting skin hydration, preferably tremella, and the herbal medicine for preventing the appearance of the specific condition of the skin in the next season adjacent to season a is selected from the group consisting of herbal medicines for moisturizing the skin, preferably coix seed, and season a is autumn.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the weight percentage of said herb or active extract thereof for correcting the particular condition of skin appearance in season a to said herb or active extract thereof for preventing the particular condition of skin appearance in the next season adjacent to season a is from 20:1 to 1:1, preferably 2: 1.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, tremella active extract and coix seed active extract, wherein the content of the ginseng active extract is 0.01-5%, preferably 0.1-1% of the total weight of the composition, and the content of the tremella active extract and the coix seed active extract is 0.01-5%, preferably 0.01-1% of the total weight of the composition.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the herbal medicine for correcting the specific condition of the skin occurring in season a is selected from the group consisting of herbal medicines having an anti-aging effect, preferably white mulberry root bark, and the herbal medicine for preventing the specific condition of the skin occurring in the next season adjacent to season a is selected from the group consisting of herbal medicines having an anti-inflammatory effect, preferably angelica, and the season a is the winter season.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the weight percentage of said herb or active extract thereof for correcting the particular condition of skin appearance in season a to said herb or active extract thereof for preventing the particular condition of skin appearance in the next season adjacent to season a is from 100:1 to 20:1, preferably 50: 1.

14. The method of claim 12 or 13, wherein the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, cortex mori active extract and angelica sinensis active extract, wherein the content of ginseng active extract and cortex mori active extract is each 0.01-5%, preferably 0.1-1% and the content of angelica sinensis active extract is 0.01-5%, preferably 0.01-1% of the total weight of the composition.

15. A skin care composition comprising herbal actives, vitamins or vitamin derivatives, and a cosmetically acceptable base and adjuvants, wherein said herbal actives comprise ginseng or an active extract thereof, a herbal or an active extract thereof for correcting a particular condition occurring in the skin in season A, and a herbal or an active extract thereof for preventing a particular condition occurring in the skin in the next season adjacent season A, wherein season A is one of spring, summer, autumn and winter, and said skin conditions are respectively (1) reduced skin gloss, increased melanin and/or reddened skin in spring, summer, autumn and winter; (2) uneven skin tone and/or increased skin oiliness; (3) reduced skin hydration and/or skin yellowing; and (4) a weakened skin barrier, an enlarged skin pore, and/or an increased skin texture.

16. A skin care composition according to claim 15, wherein the herbal medicine for correcting the specific condition of the skin occurring in season a is selected from herbal medicines having an anti-inflammatory action, preferably tea leaves, and the herbal medicine for preventing the specific condition of the skin occurring in the next season adjacent to season a is selected from herbal medicines having an anti-oxidant action, preferably hypericum perforatum.

17. The skin care composition of claim 16 wherein the weight percentage of said herbal medicine or active extract thereof for correcting the particular condition of skin appearance in season a to said herbal medicine or active extract thereof for preventing the particular condition of skin appearance in the next season adjacent season a is from 20:1 to 1:1, preferably 2: 1.

18. The skin care composition according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the herbal active comprises ginseng active extract, tea active extract and hypericum perforatum active extract, each in an amount of 0.01-5%, preferably 0.1-1% by weight of the total composition.

19. The skin care composition of claim 15, wherein the herbal medicine for correcting the specific condition of the skin occurring in season a is selected from the group consisting of herbal medicines for managing sebum, preferably honeysuckle flower, and the herbal medicine for preventing the specific condition of the skin occurring in the next season adjacent to season a is selected from the group consisting of herbal medicines for promoting skin tone uniformity, preferably saffron flower.

20. The skin care composition of claim 19 wherein the weight percentage of said herbal medicine or active extract thereof for correcting the particular condition of skin appearance in season a to said herbal medicine or active extract thereof for preventing the particular condition of skin appearance in the next season adjacent season a is from 100:1 to 20:1, preferably 50: 1.

21. The skin care composition of claim 19 or 20, wherein the herbal active comprises ginseng active extract, honeysuckle active extract and saffron active extract, wherein the content of ginseng active extract and honeysuckle active extract is 0.01-5%, preferably 0.1-1% of the total weight of the composition and the content of saffron active extract is 0.01-5%, preferably 0.01-1% of the total weight of the composition.

22. A skin care composition according to claim 15, wherein the herbal medicine for correcting the specific condition of the skin occurring in season a is selected from the group consisting of herbal medicines for promoting skin hydration, preferably tremella, and the herbal medicine for preventing the specific condition of the skin occurring in the next season adjacent to season a is selected from the group consisting of herbal medicines for improving skin radiance, preferably coix seed.

23. The skin care composition of claim 22 wherein the weight percentage of said herbal medicine or active extract thereof for correcting the particular condition of skin appearance in season a to said herbal medicine or active extract thereof for preventing the particular condition of skin appearance in the next season adjacent season a is from 20:1 to 1:1, preferably 2: 1.

24. The skin care composition according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, tremella active extract and coix seed active extract, wherein the content of the ginseng active extract is 0.01-5%, preferably 0.1-1% of the total weight of the composition, and the content of the tremella active extract and the coix seed active extract is 0.01-5%, preferably 0.01-1% of the total weight of the composition.

25. The skin care composition according to claim 15, wherein the Chinese herbal medicine for correcting the specific condition of the skin occurring in season a is selected from Chinese herbal medicines having an anti-aging effect, preferably white mulberry root-bark, and the Chinese herbal medicine for preventing the specific condition of the skin occurring in the next season adjacent to season a is selected from Chinese herbal medicines having an anti-inflammatory effect, preferably angelica sinensis, and the season a is winter.

26. The skin care composition of claim 25 wherein the weight percentage of said herbal medicine or active extract thereof for correcting the particular condition of skin appearance in season a to said herbal medicine or active extract thereof for preventing the particular condition of skin appearance in the next season adjacent season a is from 100:1 to 20:1, preferably 50: 1.

27. The skin care composition of claim 25 or 26, wherein the chinese herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, mulberry bark active extract and angelica sinensis active extract, wherein the content of ginseng active extract and mulberry bark active extract is 0.01-5%, preferably 0.1-1%, and the content of angelica sinensis active extract is 0.01-5%, preferably 0.01-1%, of the total weight of the composition.

28. A kit comprising a skin care composition as defined in claims 15 to 27 suitable for treating a particular condition occurring in the skin in any two adjacent seasons, and an insert for instructions on the use of the skin care composition.

29. Use of a herbal active in the manufacture of a skin care product for treating a skin condition in season a, wherein the herbal active comprises ginseng or an active extract thereof, a herbal or an active extract thereof for correcting a particular condition occurring in the skin in season a, and a herbal or an active extract thereof for preventing a particular condition occurring in the skin in a next season adjacent to season a, wherein season a is one of spring, summer, autumn and winter, and the skin condition is (1) reduced skin gloss, increased melanin and/or reddened skin in spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively; (2) uneven skin tone and/or increased skin oiliness; (3) reduced skin hydration and/or skin yellowing; and (4) a weakened skin barrier, an enlarged skin pore, and/or an increased skin texture.

30. Use according to claim 29, wherein the herbal medicine for correcting the specific condition of the skin in season a is selected from herbal medicines with anti-inflammatory action, preferably tea leaves, and the herbal medicine for preventing the specific condition of the skin in the next season adjacent to season a is selected from herbal medicines with anti-oxidant action, preferably hypericum perforatum, and season a is the spring season.

31. Use according to claim 30, wherein the weight percentage of said herb or active extract thereof for correcting the specific condition of the skin in season a to said herb or active extract thereof for preventing the specific condition of the skin in the next season adjacent to season a is between 20:1 and 1:1, preferably 2: 1.

32. Use according to claim 30 or 31, wherein said herbal active substances comprise ginseng active extract, tea active extract and hypericum perforatum active extract, each in an amount of 0.01-5%, preferably 0.1-1% by weight of the total composition.

33. Use according to claim 29, wherein said herbal medicine for correcting the specific condition of the skin appearance in season a is selected from the group consisting of herbal medicines for managing sebum, preferably honeysuckle, and said herbal medicine for preventing the specific condition of the skin appearance in the next season adjacent to season a is selected from the group consisting of herbal medicines for promoting skin tone uniformity, preferably saffron, and said season a is the summer season.

34. Use according to claim 33, wherein the weight percentage of said herb or active extract thereof for correcting the specific condition of the skin in season a to said herb or active extract thereof for preventing the specific condition of the skin in the next season adjacent to season a is between 100:1 and 20:1, preferably 50: 1.

35. The use of claim 33 or 34, wherein said herbal active substances comprise ginseng active extract, honeysuckle active extract and saffron active extract, wherein the content of ginseng active extract and honeysuckle active extract is 0.01-5%, preferably 0.1-1% of the total weight of said composition and the content of saffron active extract is 0.01-5%, preferably 0.01-1% of the total weight of said composition.

36. Use according to claim 29, wherein the herbal medicine for correcting the appearance of the specific condition of the skin in season a is selected from the group consisting of herbal medicines for promoting skin hydration, preferably tremella, and the herbal medicine for preventing the appearance of the specific condition of the skin in the next season adjacent to season a is selected from the group consisting of herbal medicines for improving skin radiance, preferably coix seed, and season a is autumn.

37. Use according to claim 36, wherein the weight percentage of said herb or active extract thereof for correcting the specific condition of the skin in season a to said herb or active extract thereof for preventing the specific condition of the skin in the next season adjacent to season a is between 20:1 and 1:1, preferably 2: 1.

38. The use of claim 36 or 37, wherein the herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, tremella active extract and coix seed active extract, wherein the content of the ginseng active extract is 0.01-5%, preferably 0.1-1% of the total weight of the composition, and the content of the tremella active extract and the coix seed active extract is 0.01-5%, preferably 0.01-1% of the total weight of the composition.

39. Use according to claim 29, wherein said Chinese herbal medicine for correcting the specific condition of the skin in season a is selected from Chinese herbal medicines having an anti-ageing effect, preferably white mulberry root bark, and said Chinese herbal medicine for preventing the specific condition of the skin in the next season adjacent to season a is selected from Chinese herbal medicines having an anti-inflammatory effect, preferably angelica sinensis, and said season a is winter.

40. Use according to claim 39, wherein the weight percentage of said herb or active extract thereof for correcting the specific condition of the skin in season A to said herb or active extract thereof for preventing the specific condition of the skin in the next season adjacent to season A is between 100:1 and 20:1, preferably 50: 1.

41. The use of claim 39 or 40, wherein said herbal active ingredients comprise ginseng active extract, mulberry bark active extract and angelica sinensis active extract, wherein the content of ginseng active extract and mulberry bark active extract is 0.01-5%, preferably 0.1-1%, and the content of angelica sinensis active extract is 0.01-5%, preferably 0.01-1%, of the total weight of said composition.