Cosmetic compositions with near infra-red (NIR) light-emitting material and methods therefor

A cosmetic or dermatological composition for topical application to skin, scalp and/or hair, comprising a near infra-red (NIR) light-emitting material in a cosmetically or dermatologically acceptable vehicle,

• wherein the NIR light-emitting material is continually activated upon exposure to ambient light, day light, UV-light or fluorescent light emitting light source;
• and
• wherein the NIR light-emitting material is selected from phosphors of MgSiO3:Eu2+, Dy3+, Mn2+;
• Ca0.2Zn0.9Mg0.9Si2O6, doped with Eu+2, Dy+3, Mn2+;
• SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+, Er3+;
• La3Ga5Ge3O14:Cr3+, with or without co-dopants such as Li+, Zn2+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Dy3+;
• Ln3Ga2Ge4O14:Cr3+ (Ln=Y, Gd, La or Lu);
• LiGa5O8:Cr3+;
• M3Ga2Ge4O14:Cr3+ (M=Sr or Ca);
• La3Ga5SiO14:Cr3+;
• La3Ga5.5Nb0.5O14:Cr3+;
• La3Ga5GeO14:Cr3+;
• Gd3Ga5O12:Cr3+;
• and ZnxGayGezO(x+(3y/2)+2z):tCr3+, with or without co-dopants such as mR, where R is a co-dopant selected from a group consisting of alkaline earth ions, lanthanide ions and Li+ ions;
• x, y and z are integers from 1 to 5;
• t is 0.01 to 5 mol %;
• and m is 0 to 5 mol %;
• and combinations thereof;
• and
• wherein the NIR light-emitting material is present in the composition in amounts sufficient to achieve at least one of stimulating the production of collagen, stimulating the production of elastin, reducing the size of pores in the skin, reducing the size and/or depth of wrinkles in the skin, reducing the appearance of cellulite, reducing inflammation in the skin, evening the skin tone, treating ache, reducing the appearance of acne scarring, stimulating the growth cycle of hair follicles, reducing dandruff-causing seborrhea inflammation, and stimulating fatty tissue reduction after activation of the NIR light-emitting material.