Aloe vera gel, derived from the plant of the same name, is among the recommended solutions for naturally combating wrinkles around the eyes, also known as crow's feet. Rich in polysaccharides, trace elements, and vitamins, it possesses several beneficial properties for the skin, particularly for the eye contour. Here, we explore its tightening effect on crow's feet wrinkles.
Aloe vera gel has a natural tightening effect on crow's feet wrinkles.
Summary
Published on February 16, 2023, updated on October 2, 2024, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 6 min of reading
Themes:
Crow's Feet Wrinkles: Definition and Causes.
A charming asset for some, a source of insecurity for others, crow's feet are small furrows etched around the eye contour, extending from the outer corner towards the temples. Positioned like a fan, these expression lines are caused by the daily movements of facial muscles: talking, smiling, squinting, or furrowing the brows.
In addition to being particularly stressed, the periorbital area, or eye contour, is relatively sensitive. The skin in this area is 4 to 5 times thinner than the rest of the face. Apart from the successive and repetitive contractions and relaxations of the muscles around the eyes, other factors cause the appearance of crow's feet wrinkles.
Age, as well as environmental factors such as UV rays from the sun and exposure to pollution, contribute to skin aging. This phenomenon affects the entire face, particularly the eye contour area. It is caused by a loss of structure in the extracellular matrix, accompanied by a decrease in the natural production of actives such as collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. As the skin becomes less resilient and hydrated, it loses firmness and elasticity, thus promoting the formation of wrinkles.
Other factors, related to lifestyle, also contribute to premature skin aging and the appearance of crow's feet wrinkles. These can include lack of sleep or hydration, stress, smoking, a diet low in vitamins A and C...
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Aloe vera gel, a natural remedy to reduce crow's feet wrinkles.
Aloe vera gel is suitable for application on sensitive areas of the face, such as the eye contour. This natural substance can be used as a preventive or corrective solution for crow's feet wrinkles.
Aloe vera gel prevents the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Aloe vera gel contains several active ingredients that work simultaneously to ensure skin hydration. It contains numerous hygroscopic amino acids and polysaccharides that allow it to limit the evaporation of water on the skin's surface, thus preventing the appearance of dehydration fine lines. These small superficial streaks appear on the areas of the face where the skin is most fragile and are caused by a weakening of the skin barrier, leading to the gradual evaporation of water from the epidermis.
The application of aloe vera gel also helps combat cellular aging induced by oxidative stress. The vitamins A, C, and E present in its composition are antioxidants capable of neutralizing free radicals, which are partly responsible for this premature aging. These are also eliminated by glutathione, a molecule naturally present in the body and whose synthesis is stimulated by aloe vera gel. Finally, it increases the production of metallothioneins, proteins that also have an antioxidant role and increase the resistance of cellular tissues to oxidative stress.
Aloe vera gel reduces crow's feet wrinkles.
Aloe vera gel has a tightening effect on the skin and reduces the appearance of crow's feet and other signs of skin sagging. Its composition, rich in polysaccharides, allows it to stimulate the activity of fibroblasts, which are responsible for the production of elastin and collagen. These molecules belong to the extracellular matrix and both contribute to maintaining the structure of the skin and its firmness. Thus, aloe vera gel helps to smooth the skin, particularly around the eye contour.
These properties have been highlighted by several studies. Scientists have observed a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles after daily application of a skincare product containing 8% aloe vera for 4 weeks.
The application of aloe vera gel around the eyes can be combined with that ofhyaluronic acid to enhance its effectiveness.
Topical application of aloe vera gel: usage precautions.
Aloe vera leaves contain two main substances: the latex, also referred to as sap, and the gel. The sap is primarily composed of aloin molecules, which can potentially cause allergies when applied topically. This is why only the gel is used in skincare products.
Furthermore, it is purified to eliminate any trace of anthraquinones, allergens found in the plant. The use of purified aloe vera gel applied topically does not have any notable adverse effects, it is considered as non-harmful.
However, it's important to note that it is recommended to perform a tolerance test before incorporating it into a skincare routine. To do this, apply a small amount to the inside of your elbow and wait 24 hours. If you observe no adverse reaction, you can use it.
It is also advisable not to combine products containing aloe vera gel with creams that contain steroids, such as hydrocortisone. These compounds are likely to interact, with the aloe vera causing an increase in the effects of the steroids.
Sources
PANFOLI I. & others. The Antioxidant Function of Metallothioneins: A Comparative Review. Cellular and Molecular Biology (2000).
MAIA CAMPOS P. M. & others. Evaluating the moisturizing effect of cosmetic formulations containing varying concentrations of Aloe vera extract using skin bioengineering techniques. Skin Research and Technology (2006).
HAMMAN J. H. Composition and applications of Aloe vera leaf gel. Molecules (2008).
SAPLE D. G. & al. Aloe vera: a brief review. Indian Journal of Dermatology (2008).
LOIS C. & al. Formulation of Aloe Juice (Aloe vera(L) Burm.f.) Sheet Mask as Anti-Aging.Pharmaceutical Technology(2016).
