Aloe vera is a thick, short-stemmed plant with leaves that can grow up to 12 to 19 inches long. The leaves can also store water. Aloe vera serves you in uncountable ways to cure and enhance your skin.
There is absolutely no doubt that you can use aloe vera to treat different sores or even stretch marks on your skin. Plus, it also contains distinctive properties that make your skin look even younger. Modern research on the advantages of aloe vera is quite conflicting, with some evidence stating that it can cause skin cancer in lab animals. Aloe vera isn’t found in the foods we consume; therefore, it must be consumed as a supplement or gel. Aloe juice, which includes latex, has also been shown to be an effective laxative when consumed by mouth. Keep in mind that there are also ways to keep your tongue moisturized as well.
Benefits of Aloe Vera for Skin
Aloe vera is widely used in several beauty products. As discussed above, using aloe vera aids your skin in many ways because it contains antibacterial characteristics through which any wound on your skin can be treated much quickly. In addition, aloe vera is known for aiding in managing constipation, diabetes, and various other health issues.
Aloe vera plant consists of a transparent gel that can be applied topically to ease pain and soothe skin. Overall it would not be wrong to say that this plant is a blessing in disguise for all of us.
Following are some of the best benefits of aloe vera gel:
1. Softens Your Skin
The best thing about aloe vera gel is that it doesn’t leave a sticky film on the face or skin when used as a moisturizing gel. If your skin starts to burn after shaving, you can apply some aloe vera on your face to soothe it. Moreover, it also helps treat dry skin.
2. Contains Anti-Aging Properties
Aloe vera has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects; hence it helps remove skin imperfections and take care of wrinkles.
3. Reduces Stretch Marks
Aloe vera is a natural therapy for stretch marks and acne marks since it has the ability to increase skin cell generation, reduce redness, and fight inflammation. To cure freckles and lighten age spots, make a mixture of aloe vera gel and some lemon juice and apply it directly to your skin. It’s one of the best home remedies for glowing skin.
4. Treats Sunburn
Aloe vera gel is anti-inflammatory; hence it helps cool the skin. As a result, it’s one of the best natural sunburn and burnt skin treatments. You can apply this gel to your skin every day to provide it with a protective barrier that aids in moisture retention. Moreover, it’s high in antioxidants and minerals, both of which help the body repair faster.
5. Help Mouth Ulcers Heal Faster
According to research, aloe vera treatment has also been found to help mouth ulcers heal faster. Mouth ulcers appear beneath the upper lip, inside the mouth, and remain for about a week.
6. Treat Acne
Like other natural cures, aloe vera is not just a cosmetic treatment used to make your skin look good, but it also works as a powerful medicinal remedy for your skin. It is an anti-inflammatory that calms down the redness, swelling, and inflammation caused by acne. When applied regularly, aloe vera gel helps reduce the appearance of scars and marks that are often left behind after you have recovered from an attack of acne.
7. Relieves Skin Irritation Caused By Insect Bites
If you have been bitten by insects such as mosquitos or bees, applying aloe vera gel on the affected areas can help reduce skin irritation and pain.
How to Incorporate Aloe Vera into Your Skincare Routine?
1. Aloe Vera Juice
This is one of the common ways people apply aloe vera regularly. Aloe vera juice contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes that help increase immunity and improve the health of your skin. Aloe vera juice can be consumed by drinking or mixing it with a smoothie.
2. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera gel is another common way to use aloe vera for skincare purposes. Mixing aloe Vera gel with yogurt and honey will help you get rid of different kinds of skin problems such as acne, wrinkles, blemishes, etc. You can also apply aloe Vera gel directly on your face and body before going to bed at night.
3. Aloe Vera Face Mask
This is another easy way to treat your skin problems with aloe vera gel. The aloe vera face mask is one of the best natural skincare methods because it helps tighten and revitalize the skin, improves your complexion, and helps treat acne.
The Correct Way to Use Aloe Vera on Your Skin
Let’s now talk about how you should actually use aloe vera on your skin:
- Cut a leaf from the plant as close to the root as possible using a sharp knife, then rinse and lightly pat it dry.
- Place the cut side of the aloe vera in a basin and set it aside for 15 minutes to allow the golden aloe vera latex to form.
- To snip the narrow pointed end of the leaf off at the top, drain the latex if necessary, then squeeze the leaf to soften it.
- Cut the spines from both sides of the plant as close to the edge as possible, then lay the leaf flat and slice it down the center from tip to tip.
- Using a spoon or knife blade, gently scoop out the gel. Large aloe leaves may contain solid blocks of gel; wash the gel thoroughly to remove any residue.
- Now you need to place the gel in a sealable container and refrigerate before using; store the gel in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze the aloe vera gel in ice cube trays.
Side Effects of Using Aloe in Skin Care Products
Although aloe vera gel is a natural product, there are some side effects to using this product. Individuals who have sensitive skin may experience mild irritation from prolonged use. Individuals with allergies to latex or other components in the gel should not use the product at all because it may cause serious reactions, including severe rashes, itching, and swelling.
Some people may experience irritation after applying aloe vera topically on the skin because of its properties of being an astringent, coagulant, and hemostatic agent. These properties help in treating wounds through constricting blood vessels and suppressing bleeding. This helps reduce inflammation and promote the healing of wounds but can also cause irritation to sensitive skin types.
If you have sensitive skin, you might want to read these amazing Recipes That Can Help Sensitive Skin.
Conclusion
Aloe vera is considered one of the Easiest Medicinal Plants to Grow Indoors with countless benefits for your skin. The most amazing thing about this plant is that it is super friendly with anything you want to apply to your skin. You may make a variety of aloe vera-based face packs, depending on your skin type – from honey and lemons to rose water and yogurt.