Artist has mentioned in the past that she has been associated with a patent to do with treating rosacea. Her involvement with SkinActives led her to investigate using Epidermal Growth Factor  (EGF) to treat rosacea. The success she experienced led SkinActives to subsequently file a patent. This patent has now reached the application status and can be viewed at the USPTO web site.

Method of skin treatment for rosacea using epidermal growth factor

United States Patent Application 20080317727, Sivak; Hannah Naomi ;   et al. December 25, 2008

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the prevention and treatment of skin and ocular rosacea using epidermal growth factor and an acceptable carrier are disclosed

Inventors: Sivak; Hannah Naomi; (Gilbert, AZ) ; Cloutier; Artist; (Portland, OR)

Claims

1. A method for the prevention and treatment of rosacea skin which consists of applying a composition containing epidermal growth factor in a dermatologically acceptable carrier to the affected skin area.
2. A method for the treatment of ocular rosacea which consists of applying a composition containing epidermal growth factor to the affected eye.
3. A method in accordance with claims 1 or 2, wherein said compositions further comprise one or more additional ingredients selected from the group consisting of tocotrienols, vitamin E, ascorbic acid, thioredoxin, superoxide dismutase, catalase, astaxanthin, lycopene, reduced glutathione.

Further interesting paragraphs include ;

[0009] Application of a gel containing distilled water, hyaluronic acid, and human epidermal growth factor (transgenic) in a 0.04% concentration abolished the usual symptoms in a woman suffering from chronic skin rosacea. After 6 weeks of application, the woman reported no reappearance of the symptoms and that her skin is still clear.

[0014] Many embodiments incorporate at least one other active ingredient with the epidermal growth factor. These include natural or synthetic antioxidant molecules such as reduced glutathione, tocotrienols, vitamin E, ascorbic acid, astaxanthin, and/or lycopene. Other desirable ingredients are proteins capable of alleviating oxidative stress such as catalase, thioredoxin and/or superoxide dismutase.

[0022] In terms of a possible explanation for the effectiveness of the active ingredients in the prevention or treatment of damage to the skin, it is noted that epidermal growth factor may be acting through its effect as vasoconstrictor. Just like in the living cell, where a number of antioxidants work in a concerted fashion, some embodiments of this invention also use the synergistic effect of antioxidants.

The SkinActives page on their Rosacea Control Serum with Epidermal Growth Factor lists the ingredients as ; Distilled water, Sea Kelp Bioferment, Pomegranate (Punica Granatum) Extract, Natural Active Peptides, Aloe polysaccharides, Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Glutathione,  Epidermal Growth Factor BT, Phenoxyethanol (and) Methylparaben (and) Isopropylparaben (and) Isobutylparaben (and) Butylparaben.

Note that Artist warns about the possible dangers of EGF.

In my opinion, when trying anything new for your rosacea, especially home formulations, it is very important to visit your dermatologist first. In addition, I would NOT apply EGF to rhinophyma or skin cancer. This is my opinion, and does not take the place of advice from your doctor.

Additionally Dan suggested that caution, research and consultation with experts was a sensible approach ;

I’m no expert, but just to remind everyone, since EGF has the potential for upregulating the growth rates of cancer cells, please be sure to discuss the use of any topical with EGF in it with your dermatologist before using. At the very least, they should be able to help you keep a lookout for any signs of potential skin cancer while you’re using it. http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=32387

Also, I have not read any studies which suggest that rosacea itself may lead to increases in skin cancer rates, but inflammation has been implicated in increased rates, and since rosacea involves a chronic inflammatory response, we should probably be extra careful:

Congratulations on the patent getting this far Artist, great to see you associated with the patent. We look forward to any possible future developments.

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