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When it comes to skincare or haircare, an increasing number of people are abandoning synthetic or chemical-based products and going for the natural variants. Chemical-based products that have significant amounts of Parabens, sulfates and phthalates damage your skin and hair in the long run. Nature, on the other hand, has provided us with non-compromising solutions for almost all skin and hair objectives we have. One such natural product with numerous benefits related to the skin and hair is Aloe Vera.
What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe Vera is a plant that has now earned a permanent place in households both in India as well as other countries. It's a plant known by many names in India (including Dhritkumari, Gvarpatha, kaṟṟāḻai, etc.) Aloe Vera belongs to the family of plants that do not require to be watered on a regular basis. Instead, these plants store water in their leaves, making them extremely thick and fleshy. Also known as the 'plant of immortality' by the Egyptians, Aloe Vera leaves produce two main substances. One of these is a sticky and clear gel which is a combination of water and nutrients that the plant creates. The other substance is known as the sap of aloe latex.
Healthy Nutrients In Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is said to contain roughly about 75 different compounds. Most of these compounds are found in either the clear gel present in the leaves or they are present in the aloe latex. The Aloe latex is said to possess laxative effects and may cause serious digestive issues and other health-related issues if ingested. Thus, one must stay away from the latex part of Aloe Vera. However, the clear gel that is present in the leaves is said to contain a variety of vitamins, nutrients, enzymes, minerals and fiber which is beneficial to human health. Some of the major compounds that are present include:
- Vitamins: A, B, C, D and E.
- Vitamin B12 is a rare vitamin source in plants.
- Zinc
- Copper
- Potassium
- Magnesium
Also Read : Ingredients In Depth - Aloe Vera
Why Use Aloe Vera For The Skin?
The benefits of Aloe Vera on the face are numerous. Here is a list of the different benefits of Aloe Vera and how to appropriately use this boon of nature to get the best benefits:
1. Fights The First Signs Of Ageing
It is a common occurrence to notice the first signs of ageing on your skin in the form of wrinkles and fine lines. As your skin ages, it tends to get dry and loses all the elasticity which in turn forms wrinkles. Aloe Vera helps in improving the elasticity of the skin by regulating the levels of collagen. Additionally, it also hydrates the skin which helps remove dead skin cells, making your skin appear smooth and airbrushed, thus hiding the visibility of fine lines.
You Will Need
2:1 ratio of Aloe Vera and Olive Oil, and a generous amount of Oatmeal.
Method To Prepare
Add all the above ingredients into a bowl and whisk it well till you get a uniform paste. Apply this paste on your entire face, gently massaging it into the skin. Let it sit for about 30 minutes till it completely dries, and then rinse with cold water.
2. Moisturizes And Hydrates The Skin
Irrespective of whether you belong to the dry or oily skin family, Aloe Vera gel can be used to hydrate the skin and moisturize it from within. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, Aloe Vera will moisturize the skin without making it look greasy, whereas if you have dry skin, it will help remove the patchy and flaky bits of your skin.
You Will Need
Fresh Aloe Vera gel from an Aloe leaf
Method To Prepare
Peel off the outer layer of the leaf and scoop the gel present inside with a spoon. You can store this gel in an airtight container and massage it onto your face as and when required.
3. Fights Acne And Acne Scarring
Using Aloe Vera on a regular basis on your skin can get rid of stubborn acne as well as scars left behind by frequent breakouts. Aloe Vera contains gibberellins and auxins which are compounds that are responsible for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Thus, the formation of acne is reduced. It is also rich in polysaccharides which help in the simulation of new skin cells which in turn, helps acne scars fade.
You Will Need
Aloe Vera gel and a few drops of lemon juice.
Method To Prepare
Mix the Aloe Vera gel with the lemon juice and massage it gently on your face. Leave the Aloe Vera on your face overnight, and you will notice the difference with consistent use
4. Soothes Sunburns
Since Aloe Vera is anti-inflammatory, it helps fight the redness and inflammation caused by long-term exposure to the UV rays of the sun and removes sun tan to some extent. It adds a protective layer of the epithelial skin layer which adds a healthy dose of moisture to the skin. The moisture is retained by the presence of the antioxidants and nutrients that are present in Aloe Vera, which in turn helps heal the sunburn at a faster rate.
You Will Need
Aloe Vera Gel
Method To Prepare
Apply fresh Aloe Vera gel to the affected area and let it sit until it gets completely absorbed into the skin.
5. Heals Wounds
Much like with a sunburn, the anti-inflammatory property heals wounds, irritated and itchy skin. Thus, it can also be used against insect bites.
You Will Need
Aloe Vera Gel
Method To Prepare
Apply the fresh Aloe Vera Gel on the affected area to soothe and calm the area down.
6. Treats Hyperpigmentation
There is an umpteen number of reasons why hyperpigmentation can occur on the skin. This can be due to hormonal imbalance, repeatedly occurring acne, allergies, UV damage and stress, to name a few. Thus, since Aloe Vera gel can replenish damaged skin, it eliminates hyperpigmentation.
You Will Need
Aloe Vera gel and a spoonful of honey
Method To Prepare
Mix the Aloe gel with honey and apply it all over your face generously as an Aloe Vera face mask. Let it sit for about 30 minutes. You can then rinse it off with lukewarm or cold water.
7. Reduces The Visibility Of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are something that everyone faces with the passing of the age. This is because the skin periodically stretches, expands and contracts. This happens commonly due to rapid weight gain, loss, or during pregnancy. Thus, Aloe Vera helps stimulate the skin cells which lighten the visibility of the stretch marks.
Also Read : 18 Effective Home Remedies for Stretch Marks
You Will Need
Aloe Vera gel
Method To Prepare
Apply the gel all over the area twice a day and let it get completely absorbed into the skin.
8. Moderates Sebum Production
If you are someone who struggles with oily skin and no remedy has worked on you, you might want to give Aloe Vera a fair shot. Oily skin can look greasy extremely quickly throughout the day. Hence, Aloe Vera is a blessing in disguise. The Zinc present in Aloe Vera gel shrinks the pores and thus reduces excess sebum production. Cucumber juice, on the other hand, prevents inflammation of skin and breakouts which is a characteristic of oily skin.
You Will Need
2:1 Aloe Vera gel and Cucumber juice
Method To Prepare
Mix the Aloe gel with cucumber juice and apply it all over the skin using a cotton ball. Wait for it to get absorbed into the skin and then rinse it off with cold water.
9. Gives The Skin A Healthy glow
Everyone likes their glowing blemish-free skin. Continued usage of Aloe Vera will give you just that. You can also use milk and sandalwood powder in the mixture. Milk acts as a natural cleanser while sandalwood powder gives you that much-coveted glow.
You Will Need
A generous amount of Aloe Vera gel, 2 spoons of milk and one spoon of sandalwood powder.
Method To Prepare
Mix all the ingredients into a fine, smooth paste and apply it all over your skin as a face mask. The Aloe Vera will cause skin whitening while the other ingredients will make your skin glow from within.
10. Exfoliates The Skin, Removing Dead Skin
If you are suffering from cracked heels, then you can use Aloe Vera to exfoliate your skin and get rid of the layer of dead skin cells.
You Will Need
Aloe Vera gel, sugar
Method
Mix the Aloe Vera gel with a generous amount of sugar that acts as a natural exfoliant. Scrub the cracked heels with this mixture for a good five to ten minutes before you wash it off. After you wash it off, you will be left with clean and softer heels.
Tips For Using Aloe Vera For Clear Skin
- To create an inexpensive toner, mix Aloe Vera gel with some water. Let the ratios be roughly 1/3 cup gel and 2/3 cup of distilled water. Pour this into an airtight bottle and refrigerate. You can drizzle a little bit of this mixture onto a cotton pad and use it as a toner.
- Scrubbing your face with Aloe Vera gel applied to an exfoliating facial pad will help eliminate dead skin cells in the jiffy, exposing clean and clear skin underneath.
- If your skin is extremely sensitive, make a paste using Aloe Vera gel, rose oil, yogurt and cucumber juice. Apply it all over your skin for about 15-20 minutes and then wash it off. This will not only ensure that your skin becomes less sensitive but will also help clear your skin out.
- Mix rose water and Aloe Gel together. Store this in a spray bottle and spritz it onto your skin at regular intervals as a face mist to give your skin that boost of hydration.
- To reverse the effects of a bad suntan, mix Aloe Vera gel with lemon juice and rub it over the affected area. Let it sit for 15 minutes before you can wash it off.
Also Read : Skin Care Benefits Of Aloe Vera
How To Make Aloe Vera At Home?
- One major advantage of making Aloe Vera gel at home is that it is 100% natural. There are absolutely no preservatives added to increase the shelf life of the product. That said, since there are no preservatives that will increase the longevity of the gel, it is best to make the gel in smaller batches and store them in the refrigerator. Also, keep in mind, that the gel must be stored in an airtight container so that oxidation does not occur. The gel also gets spoiled on exposure to air and sunlight, so you have to be quick while doing this.
- Cut two mature leaves from a sizeably grown Aloe plant and clean it thoroughly to remove any dust accumulated on it.
- Split the leave into two halves with a knife and scoop the clear, sticky and translucent gel from the leaf using a spoon.
- Make sure that the yellow residue that oozes out of the split-leaf is removed as it may cause unwanted skin allergies.
- These recipes are not only easy to make at home but also hence free of harmful chemicals and preservatives that factory-made products are notorious to have. Enjoy your healthy skin! Stay beautiful!
Disclaimer: All the content on anveya.com/blogs is solely for information. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health care provider. The information, suggestion or remedies mentioned on this site are provided without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied.
