Aloe vera gel has a natural tightening effect on crow's feet wrinkles.

A charm asset for some, a source of complex for others, the crow's feet wrinkles are small furrows carved around the eye contour, from the outer corner towards the temples. Positioned in a fan shape, these expression lines are caused by the movements of the facial muscles performed daily: talking, smiling, squinting or frowning.

In addition to being particularly stressed, the periocular 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 ageing. 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. With reduced resilience and hydration, the skin loses firmness and elasticity, thus promoting the formation of wrinkles.

Other factors, related to lifestyle, also contribute to premature skin ageing and the appearance of crow's feet wrinkles. These can notably include lack of sleep or hydration, stress, smoking, a diet low in vitamins A and C...

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 to crow's feet wrinkles.

Aloe vera gel prevents the emergence of wrinkles and fine lines.

Aloe vera gel contains several active ingredients that work simultaneously to ensure skin hydration. It encompasses various amino acids and hygroscopic polysaccharides that allow it to limit the evaporation of water on the skin's surface, thereby 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 to combat cellular ageing induced by oxidative stress. The vitamins A, C and E present in its composition are antioxidants capable of neutralising free radicals, which are partly responsible for this premature ageing. 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 eye area can be combined with that ofhyaluronic acid to enhance its effectiveness.

Aloe vera leaves contain two main substances: the latex, also known 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 treatments.

Furthermore, it is purified to remove all traces 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 is worth noting 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 do not observe any 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 amplification of the effects of the steroids.

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• MAIA CAMPOS P. M. & co. Evaluating the moisturising effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract in varying concentrations 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 overview. Indian Journal of Dermatology (2008).

• LOIS C. & co. Formulation of Aloe Juice (Aloe vera (L) Burm.f.) Sheet Mask as Anti-Ageing.Pharmaceutical Technology(2016).