Methods and compositions for treating skin

A method for treating intact irritated or inflamed skin by topically applying a composition that comprises:

• at least one Histamine pathway inhibitor in the form of a botanical extract having a component selected from the group consisting of flavones, apigenins, flavonoids, luteolins, phloretins, chalcones and mixtures thereof,
• at least one Phospholipase A2 pathway inhibitor in the form of a botanical extract having a component selected from the group consisting of amentoflavone, licochalcone, ellagic acid, hesperitin, polyphenol, and mixtures thereof,
• at least one Cyclooxygenase-2 pathway inhibitor in the form of a botanical extract selected from the group consisting of Acacia genus, Calluna genus, Rosa genus, Polyporus genus, Chamomilla genus, nettle leaf, Butcher's broom;
• hesperidin, methyl chalcone, resveratrol, HOPS beta acids, and mixtures thereof;
• and
• at least one Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor pathway inhibitor in the form of a botanical extract selected from the group consisting of Saussurea genus, Magnolia genus, Cynara genus, Echineacea genus, Pallida genus;
• sesquiterpene lactones, hypoestoxide, and mixtures thereof;
• wherein the composition has an efficacy equal to or greater than a topically applied composition containing 1% hydrocortisone in ameliorating the adverse effects of skin irritation or inflammation when the composition is tested for such efficacy by applying same to a 1.5 inch square of the volar forearm and after 20 minutes 4 mg/cm2 Balsam of Peru is applied in a 1.5 cm diameter circle to the site where the composition was applied and the degree of redness is measured with a chromameter.