Are there any benefits of aloe vera for skin? This question might have popped into your head once or twice, especially when you have aloe vera growing in your compound or as a house plant. I know I have asked this question in the past, which consequently resulted in me having two buckets containing aloe vera plants at home.
The answer to the question is a big yes! Aloe vera is arguably the most popular herbal remedy for topical skin problems. Additionally, it is a major component in most skincare products. Why is this so? You may ask, this is because the gel contains up to 75 active compounds such as Vitamins A and C, antioxidants, enzymes, and possess highly anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. So you agree with me, that it’s a power plant right? Well, the beauty industry thinks so too.
So, in this post, we will look at the benefits of aloe vera for skin, the ways it can be used, and if aloe vera is safe for the skin. Read on.
Benefits of Aloe Vera for Skin
It helps one age gracefully
With ageing, the skin starts to lose its elasticity, and fine lines, wrinkles, and saggy neck begin to surface gradually. Aloe vera comes to the rescue for this. Not only does it help to prevent premature ageing, but it also reduces the wrinkles and fine lines on the face. Furthermore, aloe vera does this by helping your skin to retain moisture and improving its elasticity. Thus, giving you radiant, supple, and fresh skin.
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It moisturizes the skin
Aloe vera gel contains 99% water; this makes it an excellent natural moisturizer. It possesses hydrating properties, and it is easily absorbed into the skin. Moreover, it is excellent for all skin types. I have combination skin, and whatever way my skin seems to behave any day, aloe vera is great at moisturizing it.
It helps to fight acne and fades blemishes
The primary cause of pimples and acne is the bacteria build-up. Aloe vera helps to prevent this due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial nature. Not only does aloe vera keep acne at bay, but it also speeds up the healing process. Helping you get rid of them and fade the scars they leave behind. To see results, you have to be consistent in its use.
Aloe vera does help me keep pimples at bay on my face, and it fades the recent scars too. I still have the scars from teen years, when I just couldn’t keep my hands from popping the pimples on my face. I wish I knew better then (winks). Although I am using lemon oil to fade those scars now, that’s a story for another post.
It fades dark circles and reduces eye puffiness
Yea, I hated the dark circles I got during exam periods back in school. The annoying thing was I had aloe vera with me, and I didn’t know that fading dark circles was one of the benefits of aloe vera for skin. However, we learn every day. So moving on, aloe vera is a powerhouse of vitamin E and antioxidants, which means it can help lighten the discolouration around your eyes.
Additionally, its cooling effects on the skin helps to reduce the puffiness of the eyes. To enjoy this benefit, apply aloe vera gel around the eyes overnight.
How to obtain the benefits of aloe vera for skin
Apply aloe vera gel directly on your face
I apply aloe vera gel directly on my face, and I feel this is an easy way to obtain the benefits of aloe vera for skin. To use aloe vera for face:
- Cut a sizeable leaf from the plant.
- Wash it, and let it stand for a while, to drain the yellow latex out of it, to avoid irritations.
- Or, you could cut off the base of the leaf, which is where the latex is.
- Depending on the specie of aloe vera you have, the thorns at the side might be sharp, so you need to cut them off.
- Then, here is the easy step; you just press the gel out and apply it to your washed face, using your fingers.
- Additionally, you can leave it on overnight and wash it off the next morning. Also, when using the leaf directly on your face, you take what you need from the leaf and keep the leaf in a cool place. It stays fresh for a week.
- Alternatively, you could slice the leaf open and scoop out the gel with a spoon, then you blend it smooth, and apply it on your face, You could store any excess in a container and keep it in the fridge for the next use.
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Face masks for different skin conditions using aloe vera gel
In addition to using the aloe vera gel for face, you could add other natural ingredients like tea tree oil, honey, lemon,coconut oil, or olive to the gel, to make a face mask.
However you will leave this on your face for 15-30 minutes before washing it off.
The added ingredients help provide additional benefits for the skin.
Picture credit: Ig @Princessworld53
What if I don’t have access to aloe vera leaves?
Picture credit: Ig @mildmint_shops
That’s no problem. You could always use the store-bought aloe vera gel; just make sure that aloe vera gel is listed as its main ingredient. i.e., it should be among the first listed ingredients.
The store-bought ones are mostly mixed with other things.
So, ensure you buy from a trusted brand.
Risks associated with using aloe vera
According to the United States National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) aloe vera is safe for topical use.
Although it is generally rare, people might develop allergic reactions to aloe. If you discover you show signs of allergy, such as developing a rash, redness, or swelling, please stop its use immediately.
Also, just because aloe vera contains anti-microbial properties doesn’t mean you should use it on infected skin. The protective layer of the gel can disrupt the healing process and make the infection worse.
Take away
Please note that aloe vera does not reverse the ageing process. It only helps to slow down the process. To explain further, I mean aloe vera can help slow or reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But if you already have wrinkles, aloe vera cannot reverse it and remove them all. This is why it is advisable to start taking care of your skin early.
Have you tried aloe vera for your skin before? How was the outcome? Please share your experiences in the comment section.
Till next time,
Stay be’you’tiful, stay blessed.
