Aloe and skin moisturizing

It is generally agreed, that cosmetic compositions, containing aloe extracts, are effective only in case concentration of aloe is adequately high – no less than 10%. Recently the scientists have studied moisturizing activity of cosmetic compositions with low concentrations of aloe extracts (Aloe Vera and Aloe Barbadensis). For this purpose emulsion, containing o.1%, 0.25% and 0.50% of aloe extract was applied to the inner surface of forearm of healthy women. Another formula but without aloe was applied to another forearm. The skin condition was evaluated before applying emulsions, right away after applying and in one or in two weeks after everyday use of the products.
Moisture in horny skin layer raised immediately after single applying of compositions with 0.25 and 0.5% of aloe extract. After using the product for two weeks one could observe a noticeable moisturizing effect. As regards to moisturizing, aloe extract shows its activity beginning with 0.1-0.5%. It can be accounted by the fact that aloe polysaccharides are acting in horny layer like natural moisturizing factor, they get in touch with cells of horny layer assisting to retain moisture. It can be assumed that active components from aloe extract stimulate aquaporines– proteins, that play the role of water canals in skin cells.