Aloe vera is a popular natural remedy for dealing with various skin problems you might have on the surface of your skin. This is because the gooey stuff inside the plant has soothing properties that are known to help with different small skin issues. You’ve probably used aloe vera before to ease the discomfort of sunburn, small cuts, or scrapes. People have been using aloe vera for skincare benefits for a very long time, and it’s good for treating different skin problems like eczema and acne. Plus, it’s safe to use on your face, whether you get the gel straight from an aloe vera plant or buy it ready-made.
What is Aloe Vera and how to Extract it Naturally?
Aloe vera, the simple plant that many people have at home, is actually quite amazing, even though we often don’t realize it. This plant has been used for a very long time as medicine, and it’s packed with nutrients that can make you feel better inside by helping with digestion and strengthening your immune system. But it’s also great for your skin and hair when you use the gel on them.
Before we talk about why Aloe Vera is good for you, let’s first learn how to get the gel from the plant itself. If you have an Aloe Vera plant at home, pick the fatter leaves or stems and cut them near the bottom. Or you can carefully pull the leaves from the lower part, but be careful because the plant might have thorns.
Next, use a sharp knife to get rid of the thorns on the sides of each leaf. Then, cut the stem in half with the gel side facing up. You can also cut the leaf open if you like. Use a spoon to gently scoop out the gel into a container. After you’ve taken out all the gel, put it in the fridge. If this process seems too tricky, you can also buy Aloe Vera gel from the store.
Primary Component vs. Plant Source
The aloe vera we put on our skin in gels we can buy at the store comes from plants with the same name. There are actually many types of aloe, about 420 kinds. The one we mostly use for skin problems is called aloe barbadensis Miller. In regular medicine, we use aloe vera as a gel that’s made from the gooey stuff inside the plant’s leaves. You can also just use the leaves directly by breaking them open and getting the gel out. But it’s often easier to use pre-made gel, especially if you need to treat burns and wounds right away. Over-the-counter aloe gel might also have other things in it that help soothe your skin, like echinacea and calendula.
Steps for Applying Aloe Vera to Your Face and Skin
- Initiate the process by cleansing your face with cold water.
- Then, using your fingertips, gently spread a layer of aloe vera over your entire face in circular motions.
- Allow the aloe vera to remain on your face for approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse your face with cold water and gently pat it dry.
Here are some straightforward DIY aloe vera recipes to enhance your skin care regimen:
- Aloe Vera Gel (or Fresh Aloe Vera Pulp):
- Take 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel or fresh aloe vera pulp.
- Apply it directly to your face and neck.
- Aloe Vera Gel with Vitamin E:
- Break open a Vitamin E capsule and pour its contents into 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel.
- Thoroughly mix the two ingredients.
- Apply the mixtures to the areas around the eyes and leave it overnight.
- Aloe Vera with Raw Honey and Sea Salt:
- Combine 2 tablespoons of aloe vera with a small amount of sea salt, mixing them well.
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey and blend it into a uniform mixture.
- Utilize this gentle concoction as a scrub for mild exfoliation on both your body and face.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Aloe Vera, Honey, and Rosewater:
- Blend 1 tablespoon of aloe vera, 1 tablespoon of raw honey, and 2 tablespoons of rosewater into a smooth paste.
- Apply this mixture as a mask on your face.
- Leave it on for 10-20 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
- This mask can be used multiple times a week, especially for those dealing with acne concerns.
Optimal Gel Selection for Your Skin
To get the most out of aloe vera for your skin, it’s a good idea to choose pure aloe vera gel instead of a product that’s been made with a little bit of aloe. “Sadly, product labels don’t tell you how much aloe is in there,” says Taglia. But if you see aloe vera listed among the first three ingredients, it means there’s a decent amount of it in the product.
Because aloe vera can go bad without some preservation, it’s not possible to have completely pure 100% aloe vera gel. Instead, look for a product with the highest amount of aloe vera, preferably as the main ingredient, and as few extra things in it as possible. (Note: If the label says “100% gel,” it means it’s pure gel, not pure aloe vera.)
Also, make sure the aloe vera gel doesn’t have any extra stuff in it like alcohol, scent, or color. Aloe vera gel should be clear, not green. These extra things can possibly make your skin irritated and work against the good things you want from the aloe vera.
Below are the ways aloe vera can prove beneficial for your skin:
Aloe vera has been used for a really long time to help with things like sunburn and making your immune system stronger. People have known about these health benefits since ancient Egyptians, who lived around the 16th Century BC, wrote about aloe on scrolls made of papyrus. But for now, let’s forget about all that history and talk about why aloe vera and aloe vera gel are so good for your skin. Are you excited to learn about all the amazing things aloe vera can do for your face and skin? Keep reading to find out all the great benefits of aloe vera gel for your face and skin.
1) Skin moisturizer
Aloe vera is rich in water content and significantly beneficial for dry skin. It prevents dryness by trapping the moisture inside the skin. Aloe vera also makes your skin smooth by keeping the skin cells at the top together.
Include aloe vera in your skincare routine if you have dry skin. It will help eliminate skin dryness without leaving a greasy film on your face.
2) Anti-aging effects
Aloe vera is packed with antioxidants that help fight the signs of aging you can see on your skin. Things like sunlight and pollution can make your skin age faster, showing up as wrinkles, fine lines, and a dull complexion. Aloe vera’s antioxidant team, which includes vitamins A, C, and E, does an important job of stopping these harmful particles called free radicals, so your skin doesn’t age too soon.
As we get older, our skin can lose its bounce and beauty. But aloe vera can help with that. It can make your skin firmer and more radiant by fixing damaged cells, so you look younger. If you use aloe vera regularly, it can slowly reduce the wrinkles on your face.
So, if you want to keep looking your best, think about adding aloe vera to your skincare routine.
3) Get rid of acne
Acne is a common skin problem that affects people of all ages. Aloe vera’s natural properties that fight inflammation and bacteria make it a good solution for treating and preventing acne. It can reduce the redness and swelling that often come with pimples and stop the growth of the bacteria that cause acne.
Acne can really affect the look and confidence of your skin. Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial powers help prevent and treat acne issues. It also helps heal scars and blemishes, making your skin look fresh.
Aloe vera acts like a shield, protecting your skin from acne-causing bacteria and making it look healthy. It also gently removes dead skin cells and clears out clogged pores, which is important for avoiding breakouts. Plus, it keeps your skin moisturized without clogging your pores, so it’s good for people with oily or acne-prone skin.
4) Ideal for sensitive skin
Aloe vera can be highly advantageous for individuals with sensitive skin, a demographic often susceptible to facial skin irritation and redness. Aloe vera has a calming effect on their skin, effectively alleviating rashes. Sensitive skin is prone to irritation and redness due to various factors, including harsh weather conditions, allergies, or the use of specific skincare products. Aloe vera’s gentle and soothing qualities make it an ideal option for soothing irritated skin.
When applied topically, aloe vera has the ability to diminish redness and inflammation, offering relief from conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Its innate cooling properties further enhance its efficacy in soothing the skin, rendering it a favored choice for individuals with sensitive or reactive skin.
5) Natural Skin cleanser
Aloe vera is a valuable inclusion in your skincare regimen due to its cleansing attributes. Its inherent enzymes work effectively to eliminate dead skin cells, surplus oil, and impurities residing on the skin’s surface. This delicate exfoliation not only imparts a sensation of freshness and cleanliness to your skin but also plays a preventive role in averting blocked pores and the onset of acne breakouts.
Aloe vera boasts a multitude of skincare advantages, with one of its most prominent benefits being the removal of environmental pollutants and facial grime. It acts as a protective barrier for your skin, shielding it from the detrimental elements present in the atmosphere. These environmental factors can adversely impact the condition of your skin and, if left unaddressed, may lead to infections and various other skin-related issues. Given the escalating levels of environmental pollution, incorporating aloe vera into your skincare routine is becoming increasingly essential.
Whether utilized as a stand-alone cleanser or integrated into your daily skincare regimen as a face cleanser or makeup remover, aloe vera gel remains suitable for all skin types, even catering to the most sensitive complexions, owing to its gentle and non-abrasive nature.
6) Collagen
Aloe vera stimulates the synthesis of collagen, a vital component in enhancing the overall quality of your skin. Collagen significantly influences skin elasticity and hydration. As you age, your body’s ability to produce collagen diminishes, resulting in the development of wrinkles and the loss of skin moisture.
Furthermore, aloe vera actively enhances the production of collagen, a pivotal protein responsible for maintaining skin’s firmness and youthful appearance. The natural decline of collagen levels with age leads to sagging skin and the emergence of wrinkles. Through its role in bolstering collagen production, aloe vera contributes to a complexion that is both more youthful and resilient.
Therefore, incorporating aloe vera into your skincare routine is strongly recommended if you aspire to maintain a complexion that exudes youthfulness and remains evergreen.
7) Wound healing
Aloe vera is your go-to product if you have a small cut on your skin and want to heal it quickly. Its molecular structure significantly aids you in the healing process. Regular use of aloe vera also removes the scars on your skin by boosting collagen production. Aloe vera stimulates cell reproduction that helps you eliminate blemishes on your face.
Conclusion
Aloe vera is loved by people who care about their skin and those who prefer natural skincare. It’s not just for one thing; it can help calm irritated skin, fight aging signs, or just keep your skin healthy. Aloe vera is gentle and works for all skin types, and it’s been used for a really long time and studied by scientists. So, when you’re shopping for skincare stuff, look for aloe vera and see how it can make your skin routine better.
FAQs
FAQ 1: Can aloe vera be used on all skin types?
Aloe vera is generally considered safe for use on all skin types. It is known for its soothing and hydrating properties, making it suitable for dry, sensitive, and even oily or acne-prone skin. Aloe vera can help calm irritation, reduce redness, and provide a light moisturizing effect. However, it’s essential to perform a patch test before using aloe vera extensively, especially if you have sensitive skin, to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction.
FAQ 2: Can aloe vera really help with acne?
Yes, aloe vera can be beneficial for acne-prone skin. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce inflammation, soothe irritated skin, and inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Aloe vera gel can be applied topically to acne-prone areas to help with redness and inflammation. However, it may not be a standalone solution for severe acne and should be used as part of a comprehensive skincare routine.
FAQ 3: How should I use aloe vera for sunburn relief?
Aloe vera is excellent for soothing sunburned skin. Here’s how to use it effectively:
- Ensure the affected area is clean and dry.
- Apply a generous layer of pure aloe vera gel directly to the sunburned skin. You can use freshly extracted gel from an aloe vera leaf or a high-quality aloe vera gel product.
- Gently massage the gel into your skin.
- Repeat the application 2-3 times a day or as needed for relief.
Aloe vera can provide cooling relief, reduce redness, and promote healing for sunburned skin. It’s best to refrigerate the gel for an extra cooling sensation.
FAQ 4: Can aloe vera replace my regular skincare products?
While aloe vera offers numerous skincare benefits, it may not completely replace all your regular skincare products. Aloe vera is primarily used for its soothing, hydrating, and healing properties. It can serve as a moisturizer, especially for those with sensitive or dry skin, and as a spot treatment for minor skin issues.
However, other products, such as cleansers, serums, and sunscreen, are essential for a comprehensive skincare routine. Aloe vera can complement your skincare regimen, but it’s not a substitute for all products. Tailor your routine to your specific skin needs, and consider incorporating aloe vera where it can provide the most benefit.
