Aloe Vera
What is Aloe Vera?
Health fans know that an Aloe Vera smoothie is a great immune booster and gives your body loads of nourishment. But, do you know that Aloe Vera has amazing benefits when it comes to skincare?
Aloe Vera is a cactus-type plant that grows naturally in hot and dry climates. It has fleshy, succulent leaves that contain a clear gel that is packed full of beneficial compounds like minerals, vitamins, enzymes, sugars, amino acids, and salicylic acids. Your Grandma probably used it to heal sunburn. Today it is used for much more than that! Aloe Vera is incorporated into professional skincare products that offer an astounding array of benefits for all types of skin.
If you don’t have an Aloe Vera product in your skincare regime, read on to learn more about this amazing natural product.
The science behind Aloe Vera
For those of you who enjoy learning more about how products are made, here is some info.
Aloe Vera is extracted from the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant. The extraction process typically involves cutting the leaves and removing the outer layer to reveal the clear gel inside. This gel is then filtered to remove any impurities and packaged for use in skincare products.
Aloe Vera is used in skincare products in the form of Gel, juice, Extract, and Oil.
Aloe Vera Gel – If you ever cut open an Aloe Vera leaf, you will immediately see the clear gel that oozes out. This is the most common form of Aloe Vera used in skincare products. The gel is a clear, viscous substance that can be applied directly to the skin or used as a base ingredient in other skincare products.
Aloe Vera Juice – This is a thinner liquid that is often combined with other ingredients to create toners and mists.
Aloe Vera Extract – The extract is a concentrated form of Aloe Vera known for its potent anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. It is usually used in combination with other ingredients to create serums and creams.
Aloe Vera Oil - Aloe Vera oil is made by combining Aloe Vera gel with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil. This oil offers great moisturizing and skin-soothing properties.
What does Aloe Vera do for skin?
We love Aloe Vera because it is natural. Here are some of the many benefits it offers for skin:
Soothes sunburn
This is probably the oldest known use of Aloe Vera. It has natural cooling properties that help soothe and heal sunburned skin. The Aloin compound in Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and pain, and the moisturizing properties in the gel help to prevent peeling and further skin damage.
Hydrates the skin
Aloe Vera is a natural moisturizer that helps to hydrate the skin. It contains a high amount of water, which helps to soothe dry and irritated skin. Additionally, the plant’s enzymes and polysaccharides help to improve skin hydration and retain moisture.
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
The first sign of aging that no one wants. Fine lines and wrinkles are caused by a natural decline in the amount of collagen in our skin. The plant’s enzymes help to stimulate cell growth, improving skin texture and elasticity. Your skin plumps up, and fine lines and wrinkles fade and even disappear.
Great for acne and other skin irritations
Aloe Vera’s antibacterial properties help to heal and prevent acne, while its anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and swelling associated with common skin irritations. The key component is salicylic acids, which can also help with breakouts such as blackheads and whiteheads.
Improves overall skin complexion
Aloe Vera is known to improve skin complexion and even out skin tone. The plant’s antioxidants and enzymes help to remove dead skin cells. This promotes the growth of new healthy skin cells, leading to a brighter, clearer complexion.
Has anti-aging benefits
Mature skin needs all the hydration it can get and Aloe Vera provides loads of it by helping to replenish and retain moisture in the skin. It also stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid, elastin fibers, and collagen. These are all vital to keep your skin firm, hydrated, and supple. You will notice that your skin soon looks smoother, plumper, and years younger.
Helps fade dark spots
Dark spots are caused by the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. Aging, exposure to sun, acne, and other skin problems can cause melanin to build up and create hyperpigmented areas, which we know as stubborn dark spots that are difficult to remove. Aloe Vera contains a compound called aloesin that helps to lighten these unsightly dark spots.
Does Aloe Vera have other health benefits?
Yes, it does. Here are some of them.
- When applied topically, it can speed up wound healing
- Lowers blood sugar levels
- Aloe Vera shampoo can help reduce dandruff and scalp irritations
- It can lessen the appearance of stretch marks caused by pregnancy
Can Aloe Vera be used by everyone?
Aloe Vera is safe for skins of all ages. It offers natural soothing and hydrating properties that will benefit young, mature, and damaged skin. The skin around the eyes is ultra-sensitive due to its thinness and the ease at which it loses moisture. Our Aloe Vera Superfoods Eye Serum is designed to hydrate, cool, and soothe the delicate eye area. It also contains Glycerine, a natural humectant, that traps moisture in the skin. Apply this gentle serum before bed, and while you sleep, it works its magic to moisturize and plump up your skin. It is ideal for all skin types and those in need of hydration.
References
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera
https://www.healthline.com/health/7-amazing-uses-aloe-vera#fresh-produce
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-to-know-about-aloe-vera-sunburns
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23336746/
