CHAPTER – 1 INTRODUCTION

[Link]

Lotions are defined as a monophasic or biphasic solution, emulsion, or suspension design to apply on
unbroken and also broken or inflamed skin without friction.[1]

Lotion is a liquid application mainly for the skin, to produce a beautifying effect. The main
characteristic sought after by users of lotion is an emollient and soothing effect. There are, however,
other desirable properties built into the numerous products of this type like astringency, skin freshening
effect ‗bite‘ in aftershave lotion bleaching, and medicinal properties.[2] A lotion is a low-viscosity
topical preparation intended for application to the skin. By contrast, lotion and gels have a higher
viscosity, typically due to lower water content. Lotions are applied to external skin with bare hands,
a brush, a clean cloth, or cotton wool.[3,4] While a lotion may be used as a medicine delivery system,
many lotions, especially hand lotions and body lotions and lotion for allergies are meant instead to
simply smooth, moisturize, soften and, sometimes, perfume the skin.[5,6] A lotion may below-to
medium- viscosity medicated or no medicated topical preparation, meant for application to unbroken
skin. Lotions are sometimes applied to external skin with clean hands, a clean fabric, cotton, or gauze.
Solid particles incorporated in lotions ought to be in an exceedingly finely divided state to avoid
grittiness.[6] Lotions maintain the skin's hydration levels by locking in the moisture, keeping the skin
healthy, soft, and supple. Unlike a cream, the lotions are less greasy and have more spots.[6] Lotion
increases the skin's hydration (water content) by reducing evaporation. Naturally occurring skin lipids
and sterols, as well as artificial or natural oils, humectants, emollients, lubricants, etc., may be part of
the composition of commercial skin moisturizers. Lotion is liquids for a cutaneous application that are
intended to be applied to the unbroken skin without friction they are aqueous, alcohol, or polyols-
based solutions or suspension containing topically active therapeutic agents.[7]

1.2 Anatomy Skin

The skin is the largest organ of the body, accounting 15% of the overall weight. It performs several
very important functions, with protection against external physical, chemical, and biological
assailants, similarly as prevention of excess water loss from the body and a role in thermoregulation.
The skin is continuous, with the mucous membranes lining the body‘s surface.[8] The system is made
by the skin and its by-product structures. The skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis, the
dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The outermost level, the epidermis, consists of a selected
constellation of cells called keratinocytes that perform to synthesize albuminoid, a long, threadlike
supermolecule with a protecting role. The middle layer, the dermis, is fundamentally made up of the
fibrillar structural protein known as collagen. The dermis lies on the connective tissue, or panniculus,

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CHAPTER – 1 INTRODUCTION

that contains tiny lobes of fat cells called lipocytes. The thickness of those layers varies significantly,
betting on the geographic location on the anatomy of the body. The eyelid, for instance, has the thinnest
layer of the epidermis, measuring but 0.1 mm, whereas the palms and soles of the feet have the thickest
stratum layer, measuring approximately 1.5 mm. The dermis is thickest on the overlying epidermis,
wherever it's 30–40 times as thick because of the superjacent epidermis.[9,10]

Fig. 1: Skin.

1.3 Types of skin

a) Epidermis
b) Dermis
c) Subcutaneous

a) Epidermis
The epidermis is a stratified, squamous epithelium layer that's composed primarily of two varieties of
cells: keratinocytes anfibeve fiber cells. The keratinocytes are different from the clear nerve fiber
cells by possessing intracellular bridges and ample amounts of inclination cytoplasm.[11] The epidermis
harbors a variety of alternative cell populations, like melanocytes, Langerhans cells, and Merkel cells,
however, the keratinocyte cell type contains the majority of the cells by far. The cuticle normally is
split into four layers according to keratinocyte morphology and position as they differentiate into
attractive cells, including the basal cell layer (stratum germinativum), the epithelial cell layer (stratum
spinosum), the granular cell layer (stratum granulosum), and also the cornified or attractive cell layer
(stratum corneum). The lower three layers that represent the living, cell organ cells of the epidermis
are typically observed because of the stratum Malpighi and structure histologist.[11,12] The epidermis
may be a frequently renewing layer and provides rise to by- product structures, like pilosebaceous
apparatuses, nails, and sweat glands. The basal cells of the epidermis undergo proliferation cycles that
give for the renewal of the outer epidermis The epidermis may be a dynamic tissue within which cells
are constantly in unsynchronised motion, as differing individual cell populations pass not only one

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CHAPTER – 1 INTRODUCTION

another also conjointly melanocytes and Langerhans cells as they move toward the surface of the
skin.[11,12,13]

a) Dermis

The demis is an integrated system of fibrous, thin, and amorphous connective tissue that
accommodates stimulus-induced entry by nerve and vascular networks, epidermal derived
appendages, fibroblasts, macrophages, and mast cells. Different blood-borne cells, as well as
lymphocytes, plasma cells, and different leukocytes, enter the corium in response to various stimuli
also. The dermis includes the majority of the skin and provides pliability, elasticity, and strength.[14] It
protects the body from mechanical injury, binds water, aids in thermal regulation, and includes
receptors of sensory stimuli. The dermis interacts with the epidermis in maintaining the properties of
each tissue. The two regions collaborate throughout development within the development of the
dermal-epidermal junction and epidermal appendages and interact in repairing and transforming the
skin as wounds are recovered. The dermis doesn't undergo a clear sequence of differentiation that
parallels epidermal differentiation, however, the structure and organization of the connective tissue
elements are predictable in a depth-dependent manner. The matrix elements, as well as collagen and
elastic connective tissue, also vary in a depth-dependent manner and undergo turnover and
transforming in traditional skin, in pathologic processes, and response to external stimuli.[13,15] The
constituents of the dermis are mesodermal in origin aside from nerves, which, like melanocytes, derive
from the neural crest. Until the sixth week of fetal life, the dermis is simply a pool of dendritic-shaped
cells filled with acid-mucopolysaccharides, which are the precursors of fibroblasts. By the 12th week,
fibroblasts are actively synthesizing reticulum fibers, elastic fibers, and scleroprotein. A vascular
network develops and fat cells have appeared to a lower place the dermis by the 24th week. Infant
dermis consists of tiny collagen bundles, whereas the adult dermis contains thicker bundles of collagen.
Several fibroblasts are present within the infant dermis, however, few continue adulthood.[9,16] The
principal element of the dermis is collagen, a fibrous family of proteins with a minimum of fifteen
genetically distinct varieties in human skin. A major structural protein for the whole body, collagen is
found in tendons, ligaments, the liner of bones, and also the dermis. Collagen is a major stress-resistant
material of the skin. Elastic fibers, on the other hand, play a task in maintaining physical property
however do very little to resist deformation and tearing of the skin. Collagen fibers exist in a constant
state of flux, being degraded by chemical change enzymes known as spare collagenases and replaced
by new fibers. Collagen represents 70th of the skin‘s dry weight. Fibroblasts integrate the procollagen
molecule, a selected volute polypeptide chain. Then, the cell secretes the fibroblasts, and they assemble
into collagen fibrils. The amino acids glycine, amino acid, and hydroxylysine extremely enrich

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CHAPTER – 1 INTRODUCTION

collagen. The fibrillar collagens found in the skin comprise the main group and are the most abundant
proteins within the body. The main constituent of the demis is type I collagen. Loosely positioned
collagen fibers are found in the process and tissue layer dermis, whereas hefty collagen bundles are
noted within the reticulated dermis. Type IV collagen is found within the basement membrane zone,
and therefore the major structural component of anchoring fibrils is collagen type VII, which is created
primarily by keratinocytes.[17] The elastic fiber differs structurally and chemically from collagen and
consists of two components: supermolecule filaments and scleroprotein, an amorphous protein. The
fibroblast fuses elastic fiber to the extracellular matrix of the dermis that consists of
glycosaminoglycans. The fibers are fine within the processed dermis and coarse in the reticulated
dermis. Hyaluronic acid is a minor element of the traditional corium however that is the major
mucopolysaccharide that accumulates in pathologic states.[16] The location of the nucleus in the center
of the muscle fibre and therefore the absence of striation distinguishes smooth muscle from striated
muscle.[12,17] The muscle fibers of the arrectores pilorum are set within the connective tissue of the
upper dermis and are connected to the hair follicle below the fatty glands. They are located at such an
angle to the hair follicle that when contracted, the hair follicle is pulled into a vertical position,
deforming the skin and causing gooseflesh. Completely different configurations compose small
bundles of the smooth muscle of the muscularis of veins and arteries. Glomus bodies are specialized
aggregates of smooth muscle found between the arterioles and venules, which exist on the digits and
lateral aspects of the palms and soles. They regulate body temperature and shunt blood Striated or
voluntary muscles are found within the skin of the neck as plasma and in the skin of the face as the
muscle of expression. The superficial muscular aponeurotic system is an intricate network of
muscle, fascia, and aponeuroses connecting muscles with the elements that they move[9][18].

b) Subcutaneous
The subcutaneous tissue (from Latin subcutaneous 'beneath the skin'), also referred to as the
hypodermis is, hypoderm (from Greek 'beneath the skin'), subcutis, superficial fascia, is the lowermost
layer of the system in vertebrates. The types of cells found in the layer are fibroblasts, adipose cells,
and macrophages. The subcutaneous tissue is derived from the mesoderm, however, in contrast to the
dermis, it is not derived from the mesoderm's dermatome region. It consists primarily of loose
connective tissue, and contains larger blood vessels and nerves than those found in the demis. It‘s a
serious site of fat storage within the body. In arthropods, a hypodermis will can an epidermal layer of
cells that secretes the chitinous cuticle. The term also refers to a layer of cells lying instantly below
the epidermis of plants.[19] Embryologically, toward the end of the fifth-month fat cells begin to
develop within the subcutaneous tissue. These lobules of fat cells or lipocytes are separated by fibrous
septa created of large blood vessels and collagen. The panniculus varies in thickness depending on the

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CHAPTER – 1 INTRODUCTION

skin site. Considered an endocrine organ, the subcutaneous tissue provides the body with buoyancy
and functions as a storage of energy. Hormone conversion takes place in the panniculus, converting
androstenedione into estrone by aromatase. Lipocytes produce leptin, a secretion that regulates body
weight by method of the hypothalamus .cell proliferation in the epidermis and in epithelial tissue in
general and the fact that this tissue is most frequently exposed to physical and chemical injury lead to
the exeedingly high rate of skin cancers found in humans as compared with different forms of
cancer.[19,20]
1.4 Function of skin[21]
Skin performs the following functions
 Protection
An anatomical barrier from pathogens and damage between the internal and external
environment in bodily defence, Langerhans cells in the skin are part of the adaptive immune
system.
 Sensation
Contains a variety of nerve endings that react to heat and cold, touch, pressure, vibration, and
tissue injury, see somatosensory system and haptics.
 Heat regulation
The skin contains a blood supply far greater than its requirements which allows precise control
of energy loss by radiation, convection and conduction. Dilated blood vessels increase
perfusion and heat loss, while constricted vessels greatly reduce cutaneous blood flow and
conserve heat.
 Control of evaporation
The skin provides a relatively dry and semi-impermeable barrier to fluid loss. Loss of this
function contributes to the massive fluid loss in burns.
 Aesthetics and communication
Others see our skin and can assess our mood, physical state and attractiveness.

 Storage and synthesis

Acts as a storage centre for lipids and water, as well as a means of synthesis of
vitamin D by action of UV on certain parts of the skin.
 Water resistance
The skin acts as a water-resistant barrier so essential nutrients aren't washed out of the body.

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CHAPTER – 1 INTRODUCTION

1.5 Ideal properties of lotion[22,23]

 It should physically and chemically stable.
 It should have optimum pH.
 It should be non-sticky.
 It should give a cooling effect.
 It must be non-irritant.
 It must be non-inflammatory.
 It should be attractive.
 Penetration through the epidermis of the skin should be desirable.
 Consistency should be optimum.
 Rubbed easily on the skin without role on effect.

1.6 Advantages of Lotion[23]

 Also can apply to broken skin
 No first-pass metabolism
 Local therapeutic effect
 Easy to use and portable
 More stable than liquid
 No need of rubbing or massage
 Easy to apply
 Simple and easy to formulate.

1.7 Disadvantages of Lotion[24]

 Less stable than solid dosage form
 Need to shake the container before use in case of emulsion / suspension type of lotion.
 Babies can swallow if applied to hand.
1.8 Types of lotions[25]
Lotions are classified in following classes as.
a) Simple Lotion
b) Therapeutic Lotion
c) Suspension Type Lotion
d) Emulsion Type Lotion

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CHAPTER – 1 INTRODUCTION

a) Simple Lotion
This kind of lotion is used. They are used kind cooling and soothing effect for smooth skin. Moisture
in the body also provide humectant effect.

b) Therapeutic Lotion
Therapeutic lotions contain different kind of therapeutic agent depending on desired effect required.
E.g. calamine lotion as protectant and astringent and salicylic acid lotion as keratolytic bacteriostatic
and fungi static.

c) Suspension Type of Lotion

Some lotions contain insoluble solids called suspension type of lotion. Here, bentonite, sodium
carboxy methyl cellulose uses as suspending agent. E.g. calamine, Sulphur, zinc oxide.

d) Emulsion Type of Lotion

These are diluted lotions with o/w emulsion stabilize by emulsifying agents like emulsifying wax.
E.g. Benzoyl benzoate lotion.

1.9 Ingredients use in lotion

1.9.1 Oil
Oil is another key ingredient use in lotion. Some ingredient will required for liquid oils while others
will require for solid oils or butters, and there are many varieties to decide on from avocado, coconut,
shea, and olive oils are used in preparation of lotion.

1.9.2 Humectant
Humectant are substance that attract water from the air or from deeper in the skin. A humectant is a
common moisturizing agent found in lotions, shampoos, and alternative beauty product used for skin.
They‘re known for their ability to retain [Link] the skin and hair.[26] E.g. glycol, propylene glycol.

1.9.3 Emollients
Emollient are substances that soften and moisturize the skin decrease itching and flaming dry skin is
caused by loss of water in upper layer of skin. Emollient work by forming an oily layer on top of skin
that traps water in skin.

1.9.4 Emulsifier
An emulsifier (also called an ―emulgent‖) is a substance that stabilizes an emulsion by increasing its
kinetic stability. One clas of emulsifiers is known as ―surface active agents‖, or surfactants.

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