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Aloe vera as a potential skin moisturizer

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eMediNexus    15 December 2018

Aloe vera has been in use since hundreds of years for its medicinal and skin care properties. Aloe vera or Aloe barbadensis miller grows in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America. The herb contains 75 potentially active constituents including vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids. The enzyme bradykinase helps in reducing excessive inflammation when applied to the skin. Inclusion of lignin in topical preparations increases the penetrative effect of other ingredients into the skin.1

Mucopolysaccharides found in aloe vera have a role in binding moisture into the skin. It stimulates fibroblasts which produce collagen and elastin fibers, thus making the skin more elastic and reduces wrinkles. It exerts cohesive effects on the superficial flaking epidermal cells and sticks them together. This results in softening of the skin. The amino acid content in aloe vera also works to soften hardened skin cells and zinc present in the herb works as an astringent and tightens the pores.1

A study evaluated the effects of gloves delivering aloe vera gel to the hand in 30 adult females with bilateral occupational dry skin with or without irritant contact dermatitis (with or without erythema, fissures, and excoriations). Delivery of aloe vera gel from the gloves to the skin led to improved skin integrity, decreased appearance of fine wrinkling, and decreased erythema.2

Aloe vera is known to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, analgesic and wound healing properties.3 Aloe vera extract has been shown to increase skin hydration, likely on account of a humectant mechanism.4

Evidence thus indicates that aloe vera can be used in moisturizing cosmetic formulations and may assist in the treatment of dry skin.

References

  1. Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG. Aloe vera: A short review. Indian J Dermatol. 2008; 53(4): 163–166.
  2. West DP, Zhu YF. Evaluation of aloe vera gel gloves in the treatment of dry skin associated with occupational exposure. Am J Infect Control. 2003 Feb;31(1):40-2.
  3. Sirikudta W, Kulthanan K, Varothai S, Nuchkull P. Moisturizers for Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: An Overview. J Allergy Ther. 2013;4(4):143.
  4. DalBelo SE, Gaspar LR, Maia Campos PM. Moisturizing effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract in different concentrations assessed by skin bioengineering techniques. Skin Res Technol. 2006 Nov;12(4):241-6.

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