Aloe Vera Plant || Benefits and How to Use It
You must have heard about the amazing skin healing and moisturizing properties of aloe vera from people around you! But have you tried this magical herb for your skin yet?
I jumped on the train because my skin is looking seriously bad; too dry, dull, grainy, spotty and marks all over. Hopefully it will work as I am planning on keep choosing natural options to FIX my skin.
Aloe vera can work wonders for your skin if used the right way. Wondering how?
Scroll down to find out how aloe vera works for your skin type, its benefits, and what is the right way to use it.
‘’Aloe vera derivative aloesin which works to lighten the dark patches, age spots, freckles, and acne marks naturally by inhibiting the excessive production of melanin in your skin’’
-Dr. Zeel Gandhi (Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine & Surgery), Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix
What Does Aloe Vera Do On The Skin?
Aloe vera has a rich content of vitamins A, B12, C, and E. Also, it constitutes several enzymes, minerals, lignin, salicylic acids, saponins, and other important amino acids which help in boosting your skin health tremendously.
Studies revealed that the biochemistry of aloe vera has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, hydrating, nourishing, cooling, and cell regenerative properties that can work wonders on your skin.
According to Ayurveda, aloe vera is classified as a ‘tridosha hara’ herb, which helps to balance all the three energiesVata, Pitta, and Kap-ha in an elevated state. This, in turn, resolves the skin conditions linked to each of the elevated doshas in your skin.
Now, let’s explore some of the critical effects of aloe vera on the skin health, which you should start reaping on.
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Benefits Of Aloe Vera Gel For Skin
1. Moisturizes Dry Skin
Aloe vera constitutes a large percentage of water, which makes it an excellent hydrating agent for your dry and dull-looking skin. Also, it contains mucopolysaccharides. which help in sealing in the moisture in your skin and it does not make your skin feel greasy after application. It keeps your skin cells intact, which in turn makes your skin smooth and firm.
Clinical trials show that aloe vera is effective in increasing the water content of the stratum corneum after applying it for two weeks.
Studies reveal that raw pulp of aloe vera contains 98.5% water and 0.5-1% of solid content, which includes the most active water soluble and fat soluble nutrients.
2. Fights Acne
The salicylic acids present in aloe vera work to unclog your skin pores which is necessary to manage acne. The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera control the infection, reduce inflammation and redness caused by acne.
“Aloe vera helps to close the open pores in your skin while flushing out the dirt, excessive sebum, and dead skin cells,” says Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix.
In a randomized, double-blind, prospective trial conducted by researchers from Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Iran, it is revealed that the tretinoin treatment for acne vulgaris is most effective when it is combined with the usage of aloe vera.
3. Reduces Dark Circles, Pigmentation Spots & Acne Scars
Factors such as stress, sun exposure, skin infections, aging, or acne can leave different forms of dark spots on your skin. It takes time for your skin to repair and replace the skin cells in such damaged and pigmented spots. Aloe vera acts as a booster shot for cell reproduction in your skin.
Dr. Zeel says, “Aloe vera derivative aloesin works to lighten the dark patches, age spots, freckles, and acne marks naturally by inhibiting the excessive production of melanin in your skin.”
4. Slows Down Aging Signs
Aloe vera has been one of the most used ingredients in anti-wrinkle face creams as it increases the elasticity of your skin by increasing collagen production over time.
The rich content of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and E in aloe vera helps in reducing fine lines, age spots, and wrinkles by boosting the antioxidant activity and repairing activity in your skin cells. Thus, it prevents the premature aging of your skin too.
Studies revealed that using aloe vera gel decreased the appearance of fine wrinkling in the skin.
5. Resolves Irritated Skin Conditions
Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can leave your skin with a burning sensation and an itchy rash, which can make your days miserable. Aloe vera can soothe the inflammation in your skin quickly.
Studies revealed that the aloin present in aloe vera is effective in suppressing inflammatory responses.
Aloe vera acts as an antiseptic agent against bacterial and fungal infections and helps treat redness, irritation, and scaling caused by such conditions.
6. Soothes Sunburns
The polysaccharides present in aloe vera boost cell repair and regeneration activity in the burnt skin areas. Besides, it contains carboxypeptidase which acts as an instant pain reliever and soothes your sunburnt skin.
Studies found that aloe vera is effective in treating first to second-degree burns, including mild to moderate-level sunburns.
“Aloe vera contains an antioxidant protein called metallothionein which shields your skin from UV damage,” says Dr. Zeel.
It can also be helpful in preventing the peeling of burnt skin and managing other symptoms of sun-damaged skin.
7. Treats Cold Sores
Aloe vera contains sulfurs and phenols that stimulate antiviral activity in your skin against the herpes virus, in turn, helping to treat cold sores. It also accelerates the healing process in your skin by boosting your natural immunity that fights the infection.
Studies revealed that aloe vera is a promising source for the antiviral drug development against herpes virus.
8. Heals Wounds And Cuts Faster
Aloe vera provides an immediate soothing effect on your wounded skin by penetrating the epidermis faster and deeper than water. The molecular structure of aloe vera promotes quicker wound healing in your skin.
Also, treating the wounds and cuts with aloe vera leaves your skin with minimum scars as it boosts collagen production effectively.
Clinical trials revealed that aloe vera can be used as a complementary treatment for wound healing.
9. Exfoliates Skin Greatly
Aloe vera contains natural saponins and salicylic acid which naturally exfoliates dead skin cells and infection-causing bacteria from your skin pores. Also, aloe vera is gentle and safe and does not rub your skin raw.
10. Treats White Patches Or White Spots
Your facial skin may develop white patches or white spots (sun spots) due to fungal infections, sun exposure, or certain immune disorders such as vitiligo. Aloe vera can help in restoring the natural and even tone in your face in such conditions.
The vast range of nutrients present in aloe vera strengthens the immunity of your skin tissue and promotes the cell regeneration properties which eventually aid in the disappearance of white patches or white spots on your skin.
How To Use Aloe Vera On The Face?
1. Aloe Vera Face Mask For Dry Skin
Add 1 spoon of lemon juice, 1 spoon of honey, 1 spoon of blended cucumber, and 1 spoon of coconut oil to 1 small cup of freshly extracted aloe vera gel. Mix the ingredients well and apply it as a pack on your face. Leave the pack for 15-20 minutes and rinse it off using cold water.
This face pack can be applied twice a week in the morning or during bedtime. Just within a few uses, it helps to transform your dry and dull facial skin to plump and supple skin.
2. Aloe Vera Face Mask For Oily Skin
Add 10-12 drops of tea tree oil to a small cup of aloe vera gel. Whisk the ingredients well and apply the mixture to your face. Leave it overnight and rinse your face with lukewarm water the next morning.
You can apply this face pack twice a week to balance the oil production in your skin and prevent acne.
3. Aloe Vera Face Mask For Sensitive Or Normal Skin
Mash 1 banana into a smooth pulp. Add two spoons of aloe vera gel and half a spoon of rose water to the pulp. Mix the ingredients well and apply the pulp as a face pack. After the pack gets dried, rinse it off using normal water and moisturize your face.
You can apply this pack once a week to impart a natural glow along with smooth and soft texture to your facial skin.
4. Aloe Vera Gel As Spot Treatment For Acne
When you have acne breakouts on your face, apply fresh aloe vera gel on the affected area and leave it overnight. In the morning, wash your face with normal water. This helps to control acne inflammation and pain in the surrounding skin instantly.
5. Aloe Vera For Skin Health
Blend aloe vera extract into smooth juice and 1 ripe tomato into fine puree. Mix both the ingredients in equal quantities and apply it to your face using a cotton ball. Leave it for half an hour before rinsing your face with cool water.
Do this to recharge your skin instantly whenever your skin feels stressful and dull by the end of a hectic day.
What Are The Side Effects Of Aloe Vera?
Generally, aloe vera is safe when used topically and also acts great for sensitive skin. However, some people can be allergic to the plant itself and can experience the below side effects:
Itching
Slight burning sensation
Rash or small hives
Dr. Zeel recommends not using aloe vera in the areas of severe burns, deep wounds, or surgery-related cuts on your skin.
There are not enough studies that help us to understand whether it is safe to consume aloe vera gel orally. Also, clinical studies reveal the possible disadvantages of using aloe vera products in the long term.
Can You Apply Aloe Vera To The Skin Directly?
Yes, you can apply freshly extracted aloe vera gel directly to your skin. It acts as a protective layer for your skin and locks in moisture. Also, it acts as a natural sunscreen when you step out during the daytime.
Vedix Tip: To extract the gel from the plant, cut open the aloe vera leaf gently and separate the gel by scraping it off from the inner leaf surface using a clean knife. Now, store the extracted gel in an air-tight glass container which you can refrigerate and use for up to a week.
How Long Should You Leave Aloe Vera On Your Skin?
Avoid leaving aloe gel on your face for hours as it can clog your skin pores. Start leaving aloe vera gel on the skin for only 5 or 10 minutes initially and then for an hour or two.
Credit: https://vedix.com/blogs/articles/aloe-vera-benefits-for-skin