Written by Jessica Patella, ND. Aloe vera, a common sunburn treatment when applied topically; however, when taken internally aloe vera significantly reduced wrinkles and improved skin moisture, skin collagen levels, and elasticity in participating subjects.

aloe veraAloe vera is a commonly used treatment for sun burns, but research is now suggesting that taking Aloe sterol powder internally can improve facial wrinkles 1, skin elasticity, skin moisture and collagen levels 2.

Dry skin is a common problem that increases with age and increases risks for tears, ulcers, itching, burning, stinging and the feeling of tightness 2-4. The two types of fibers that make up the dermis are collagen (97.5%) and elastin (2.5%). Collagen fibers give skin its three dimensional structure, while both collagen and elastin are important for the tightness of skin 2.

The research included 64 healthy women (30-59 years) that were randomly assigned to either the placebo group (n=32) or the Aloe sterol group (n=32). The participants consumed one yogurt drink (45kcal) per day for 12 weeks. In the Aloe group, an additional 40 micrograms of Aloe sterol were added to the yogurt drink.

Skin hydration levels were significantly (p<0.001) greater at 4, 8, and 12 weeks (26.8 +/- 0.7, 26.7 +/- 0.8 and 26.4 +/- 1.0, respectively) than at baseline (24.3 +/- 0.6) in the Aloe group. In contrast, the hydration levels in the placebo group decreased during the test period 2.

Skin elasticity (gross elasticity R2 measures) also increased in the Aloe group at 4, 8 and 12 weeks compared to baseline (0.787 +/-0.006, 0.814 +/- 0.005, 0.820 +/- 0.005 respectively vs 0.773 +/- 0.006) 2.

After 12-weeks of Aloe supplementation the amount of skin fatigue (F3) increased 114% of the baseline value (P<0.03). Skin fatigue has been shown to decrease with aging, therefore showing that Aloe supplementation improved the marker of skin aging 2.

Ultrasound also showed that collagen levels increased in the Aloe group compared to baseline (59.1 +/- 1.5 vs 54.8 +/- 1.6; p<0.05) 2.

In conclusion, daily oral intake of 40 micrograms of Aloe sterol significantly improved skin barrier functions, skin moisture and skin elasticity. Ultrasound also confirmed an increase in skin elasticity as evident by the increased collagen content in the dermal layer of the skin 2. Further research is needed to discover the mechanism of action on Aloe on skin health 2.

Source: Tanaka M, Yamamoto Y, Misawa E, et al. Effects of Aloe sterol supplementation on skin elasticity, hydration, and collagen score: a 12-week double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. 2017;29(6):309-317; DOI: 10.1159/000454718

© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel 

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Posted February 20, 2017.

Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health.  She earned her ND from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Visit her website at  www.awarenesswellness.com.

References:

  1. Cho S, Lee S, Lee M-J, et al. Dietary Aloe Vera supplementation improves facial wrinkles and elasticity and it increases the Type I procollagen gene expression in human skin in vivo. Annals of dermatology. 2009;21(1):6-11.
  2. Tanaka M, Yamamoto Y, Misawa E, et al. Effects of Aloe sterol supplementation on skin elasticity, hydration, and collagen score: a 12-week double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. 2017;29(6):309-317.
  3. Calleja-Agius J, Brincat M, Borg M. Skin connective tissue and ageing. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2013;27(5):727-740.

4.         Farage MA, Miller KW, Berardesca E, Maibach HI. Clinical implications of aging skin. American journal of clinical dermatology. 2009;10(2):73-86.