Effects of Liposome on the Skin

Liposomes are used in a variety of skin care rejuvenation products because of their ability to encapsulate active anti-aging ingredients and deliver them deep into the cells. Liposome acts as an efficient delivery system. When a gel or cream with liposomes is applied to the skin it is quickly absorbed and penetrates into the deep layers of the skin merging with the cell membranes and deposit the active ingredients into the cell membranes. The effects of liposomes benefit the skin in several ways, one of which is delaying the beginning signs of aging.

Effects to the Skin

In addition to delaying the appearance of wrinkles and skin aging, liposomes provide other unique qualities and benefits to the skin. A special characteristic of liposomes is the ability to adapt to water soluble and non water soluble ingredients within a product such as a cosmetic cream or gel without the use of a surfactant (an active ingredient in soap). Or an emulsifier, a substance added to oil to help the oil mix with water. Not having to add these ingredients make the cosmetic product safer for the skin.

Other Effects

Liposomes also improve skin hydration making the texture of the skin softer and smoother. Liposomes prevent oxidation (the combination of a substance with oxygen, an example is the rusting of iron due to oxygen). It's non toxic, biodegradable and absorbs quickly into the skin which means other skin products may be applied soon after its application. Liposomes are nano-sized particles with a high affinity to the skin and they are highly absorbent.

Additional Benefits

Liposomes are usually combined with several other anti-aging ingredients into to one product. It's used as a delivery system to get the active ingredients directly through to the cell membranes where their action will be most effective in improving the condition and appearance of the skin. It also helps to provide the cells with nutrients which enhance the production of collagen.

Caution

Multilayer liposomes and nanosomes ingredients in cosmetics have the ability to treat the deeper layers of the skin. This is because the structure of liposomes is exactly like the cell membranes and the tough horny layer of the cells. When using multilayer liposomes in cosmetics make sure none of the products or the liposomes contain fragrance, colorants or chemical sunscreens or chemical presevatives, mineral oils or animal derivatives. Portions of these ingredients will be transported deep into the skin along with the multi-layered liposomes causing harm to the skin.