Aloe vera may hold the secret to smooth, supple skin without wrinkles. Aloe gel improves wrinkles and elasticity of photoprotected and photoaged human skin. Aloe gel is also protective against skin cancer when applied topically to the skin. Animal studies show an extension of the lifespan of rats and fruit flies that received supplements. The average lifespan of rats treated with aloe increased by 10%. Aloe gel significantly reduces wrinkles in photoaged human skin and increases collagen production in photoprotected skin. Aloe gel activates fibroblasts and this increases the synthesis of collagen and proteoglycans, this contributes to tissue repair. The main sugar component of aloe vera gel is mannose 6-phosphate, this sugar is partly responsible for the wound healing properties of aloe vera gel. Mannose 6-phosphate binds to growth factor receptors on the surface of fibroblasts. When mannose 6-phosphate binds to surface receptors, fibroblasts become activated. People who have been sunbathing for years and have photo-aged skin can benefit from aloe vera. Aloe gel also decreases the expression of the matrix metalloprotease-1 (MMP-1) gene, which degrades collagen. To reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity, 3600 milligrams per day are enough, or a spoonful of aloe gel. Researchers at the University of Belgrade reported that aloe vera contains components that block the proliferation of cells associated with skin cancer. A protective constituent against skin cancer is emodin. Yuji Ikeno et al. reported that permanent supplementation of aloe gel or purified whole-leaf aloe juice increased the average lifespan of rats by 10%. The study used 360 rats and divided them into 4 groups of 60 rats... half of the paper... can be extracted without impurities from the toxic constituents of the outer leaf. Look for aloe vera supplements that use only the internal aloe gel. It is also not recommended to use pasteurized aloe vera gel, as pasteurization impairs the function of the enzymes. Look for the International Aloe Science Council (IASC) seal for purity and safety. Ten cases of hepatotoxicity associated with Herbalife food supplements have been reported in Switzerland. Two of the ten patients used a Herbalife aloe supplement. Because patients took multiple Herbalife supplements, a causal relationship between the aloe vera supplement and hepatitis could not be established. Bottom line: Aloe gel is safe to use as a dietary supplement and potentially prolongs life. It is not recommended to purchase whole leaf products and unpurified whole leaf products are potentially carcinogenic and hepatotoxic.