Introduction

The skin is the largest and outermost organ in the human body and provides protection for the body from the outside environment. Part of that protection involves protection from the oxidative stress from UV-induced radiation and microbial infections which cause tissue damage and premature skin aging. Anti-oxidant components and antimicrobial compounds contained within the skin are responsible for the skin’s anti-oxidant defence^​1​, as well as defence against microbial attack.

“Aloe vera is a “wonder plant” because of its use in multiple problems like antiseptic, anti-inflammatory agent and help in relieving like diabetes, and being used in cosmetic fields.”^​2​

Aloe vera is a widely used cosmetic ingredient worldwide. Aloe vera extract is a rich source of anti-oxidant compounds which are capable of defending the skin against the damage caused by action of UV radiation. It has found application in many areas of skincare ranging from UV protection, antimicrobial skin healing and anti-aging applications.

Skin Benefits of Aloe Vera Application

“With the broad spectral antimicrobial effect of A. vera gel, it could be further recommended in the treatment of various bacterial diseases.”^​3​

The following is a list of some of the known skincare benefits provided by topical application of Aloe vera:

Anti-aging and Moisturising Activity

“Aloe vera mucopolysaccharides in help in binding moisture into the skin. Aloe stimulates fibroblast which produces the collagen and elastin fibers making the skin more elastic and less wrinkled.”^​4​

Aloe vera can stimulate collagen and elastin production^​4,5​. In another study dry-coated AV gloves that provide for gradual delivery of AV gel to skin produced a uniformly positive outcome of improved skin integrity, decreased appearance of fine wrinkling, and decreased erythema in the management of occupational dry skin and irritant contact dermatitis^​6​.

Anti-oxidant Activities

“The crude polysaccharide isolated from aloe vera can be considered as materials with natural antioxidant and natural cosmetic applications.”^​7​

Aloe vera has proven anti-oxidant action that can protect skin against UV-induced radiation damage. The phenolic and flavonoid compounds found in all parts of the aloe vera plant display anti-oxidant activity^​8​.

Healing properties

“Aloe vera interacts with growth factor receptors on the fibroblast, thereby stimulating its activity and proliferation, which in turn significantly increases collagen synthesis after topical and oral Aloe vera”^​5​

Aloe vera gel has demonstrated skin healing properties^​4​. In one study, aloe vera gel not only increased collagen content of the wound but also changed collagen composition (more type III) and increased the degree of collagen cross linking.^​5​

“These in vivo observations suggest that green teas is photoprotective, and can be used as pharmacological agent for the prevention of solar UVB light-induced skin disorders associated with immune suppression and DNA damage”.

Antimicrobial Activity

“With the broad spectral antimicrobial effect of A. vera gel, it could be further recommended in the treatment of various bacterial diseases.

Aloe vera has strong antimicrobial activities and has an important role in antimicrobial in everyday life^​2​. It anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal effects. It has been suggested that with the broad spectral antimicrobial effect of A. vera gel, it could be further recommended in the treatment of various bacterial diseases.^​3​

“Supplementation of skin care products or sunscreens with green tea may prevent suppression of immune system and procarcinogenic DNA damage.”

Green tea also provides protection against dangerous effects of UV when merely topically applied on human skin, suggesting a promising role of green tea as a future agent in sunscreen protection.

Aloe vera in Cosmetic Formulation

Using nano-encapsulation formulation techniques such as microemulsions provide the means to fully utilise and even enhance the powerful anti-oxidant properties of aloe vera in topical application. Due to its wide range of skincare applications, most of our skincare products contain aloe vera. For example, Vitamin C Serum and our C E Ferulic Serum contain aloe vera in a microemulsion based formulation. Our nano-encapsulated Green Micelle™ formulations increase formulation stability of aloe vera anti-oxidants and enhance skin permeation for active ingredients for superior UV anti-aging protection.

“Increased attention has been paid to nanomedicine as a method of applying antioxidants topically”.^​1​

References