Aloe Vera: Why It's Good for Your Skin
Aloe vera is that houseplant that every home has and that your grandma uses for almost everything due to its healing properties.
The Aloe vera plant originated in the Arabian desert, but its first known uses date back to almost 6,000 years ago in Egypt. Egyptians considered the plant a "sacred element" and was called the "plant of eternity."
If there’s something the whole world can agree on, it is that Aloe vera is definitely considered a “miracle” wonder plant. This natural product is often used in the field of cosmetology, and it’s historically been used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal, and skincare properties.
Aloe vera is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It helps protect your skin and has a gentle and calming effect. It can come in powder, liquid, or gel form and can be found in products like creams, moisturizers, gels, and masks.
Since we love to share our beauty secrets with you, here are the five main properties of Aloe vera for your skin, face, and hair.
CALMING AND SOOTHING FOR SUNBURNS
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and cooling properties hence it being one of the most natural remedies for sunburns. When you apply it to a sunburn, the gel works as a protective layer on the skin, and it helps your skin retain moisture.
According to Marnie Nussbaum, MD (a board-certified dermatologist in NYC who specializes in non-invasive aesthetic rejuvenation), Aloe vera is rich in vitamins, amino acids, polysaccharides, and phytosterols, all of which contribute to its calming and soothing properties. It also contains vitamins A, C, D, and E, along with minerals like magnesium, zinc, and potassium, which gives it its extensive list of benefits.
All these nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants help boost your skin’s healing process when it has been damaged by sun exposure.
A GREAT SOURCE OF HYDRATION
When you apply Aloe vera to your skin, it will not leave your skin feeling greasy or oily like some products. In fact, it does the opposite and helps dry skin by unclogging your pores and softening the skin.
The “miracle plant” holds 98% water which helps moisturize, soothe, and hydrate your skin. Aloe vera is full of hydrating minerals like calcium and magnesium that help you get more youthful-looking and vibrant skin.
Aloe vera contains antioxidants like vitamins C and E that help fight against free radicals (imbalanced molecules that cause damage to the skin). These vitamins can create a protective barrier for the skin while cooling and hydrating it.
Products with Aloe vera are the perfect fit for people with dry, sensitive, or oily skin.
EXTENSIVE HEALING PROPERTIES
It is a known fact that Aloe vera is highly beneficial for burns, cuts, and other wounds/injuries, and the reason for this is because it reduces the time of healing and is, therefore, an excellent skin burn treatment.
Aloe vera has polysaccharides and monosaccharides, which are anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic components that can reduce pain, swelling, and soreness that is caused by wounds or other injuries. Using it can speed up skin cell reproduction (skin regeneration) as much as eight times.
Some skin conditions treated with Aloe vera are acne, sunburns, minor burns and cuts, eczema, rosacea, sun (or chemically) damaged skin, and bug bites.
A great way to enjoy all the benefits of Aloe vera is using it in your skincare regime. You can use it to wash your face, as a toner, to moisturize your skin and relieve it from irritation.
ANTIAGING BENEFITS
Aloe vera has an abundance of vitamins A, B12, C, E, folic acid, choline, and other antioxidants. These vitamins are a great way to facilitate the production of collagen and improved skin elasticity. This is why it has been considered a great all-natural anti-aging alternative for centuries.
These naturally rejuvenating qualities help battle the effects of aging by eliminating fine lines and wrinkles and tightening loose skin. It also helps diminish skin blemishes and promotes a glowing complexion.
TREATS ACNE AND INFECTIONS
Aloe vera leaves produce a gel rich in vitamins A, C, E, and B12. This natural astringent will improve your skin if you have redness or inflammation.
Did you know it also provides about twenty required and seven essential amino acids, all anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial? This plant's antimicrobial properties will protect your skin from any bacteria trying to enter your skin.
Those who suffer from acne and other skin conditions will benefit from using Aloe vera gel. It helps gently cleanse your skin and treats pimples without causing any scarring to your skin.
ALOE VERA BENEFITS FOR YOUR HAIR
- Strengthens hair
It helps your hair grow faster and stronger
Aloe vera gel helps in activating new hair growth as it increases circulation to the scalp. It also provides essential minerals and nutrients to help repair dead skin cells on the scalp.
- Fights dandruff
It keeps dandruff at bay
Causes of dandruff include dry or excessively oily skin (especially on the scalp). Aloe vera is one of the most natural and effective ways to treat dandruff, thanks to its antibacterial properties.
- Natural conditioner
It can function as a conditioner for your scalp and hair
Just like how Aloe vera moisturizes your skin, it can also help condition and soften your hair too.
Aloe vera can be your best ally if you’re a fan of natural skincare! If organic and natural skincare is your thing, check out our different options for your skin. Our recommendation is to use our Aloe vera soap, followed by a natural oil that will give your skin a beautiful, soft, and healthy complexion.