Innovative composite materials based on clay and plant powder in the fight aging of skin

Abstract

Plant powders contain a variety of bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins and other beneficial components, which are highly effective in cosmetology and medicine, especially in combating the signs of skin ageing. However, these components are often unstable under the influence of external factors, such as light, temperature and moisture. Therefore, the stabilization of plant powders is an important step to maintain their effectiveness and extend their shelf life. Stabilization prevents the destruction of bioactive substances, ensuring their effective release and long-term action in cosmetic and medical preparations. Without stabilization, plant components can lose their activity, which reduces the effectiveness of the final products. In this regard, the development of stable composite materials based on plant powders and natural minerals, such as clays, is an important task for science and industry. Hallousite and bentonite are natural clays used in cosmetology due to their high adsorption and detoxification capacity. However, it is worth noting that the clays have different structures, which significantly affect their effectiveness in releasing bioactive substances. • Hallousite has a more porous structure, which allows it to effectively retain active ingredients and gradually release them into the body. This property contributes to a long-lasting moisturizing effect and improved skin elasticity, which is important for combating the signs of aging. • Bentonite, in turn, has a denser structure with smaller pores, which limits the rate of release of bioactive substances, but ensures deeper penetration of active ingredients into the skin. This makes it particularly effective for cleansing and stimulating regeneration processes. Natural plant powders rich in active compounds have powerful properties to combat oxidative stress, one of the main causes of skin aging. Plants containing antioxidants and vitamins help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which keeps the skin young and elastic. Plants rich in vitamin C: • Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) - thanks to its high vitamin C content, lavender extract improves blood circulation, which stimulates the skin's natural repair and protection against damage. Melissa officinalis (melissa) - a plant with antioxidant activity that helps reduce inflammation, fights free radicals and promotes skin rejuvenation. Plants rich in rosmarinic acid: • Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) - this extract contains rosmarinic acid, which has powerful antioxidant properties, reduces oxidation levels in skin cells, improves blood circulation and helps reduce wrinkles. • Agastache foeniculum (petit four-leaf clover) is another plant rich in rosmarinic acid, which can protect the skin from environmental aggressors by stimulating collagen production and improving skin elasticity. Antioxidant plants: • Asimina triloba (asimina) - this plant has a high concentration of antioxidants that help prevent skin aging by reducing the formation of free radicals and improving the overall condition of the skin. • Akebia quinata (five-lobed akebia) - a plant with powerful antioxidants that reduce the effects of aging, protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation and improve its structure.