The Benefits Of Aloe Vera For Skin: Why Is Aloe Vera Good For Our Skin?
Aloe vera has been famous for its health benefits for a long time now. More specifically, the ancient Egyptians used to call aloe vera as the ‘plant of immortality’. Aloe is the cactus plant that belongs in the Liliaceae family. Aloe vera contains a clear gel that when taken from the plant can be applied topically to heal wounds or even soothe burns.
According to research, aloe vera has a variety of properties that make the plant effective in treating different skin conditions, like flaky or dry skin, hair and scalp issues, and more. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, the plant is also useful in treating cysts, diabetes, and persistent conditions such as eczema, dandruff, genital herpes, and others.
When it comes to using the plant medicinally, there are two parts of the aloe vera plant one can use: The clear gel in the leaves, that’s usually used on the skin to treat different skin conditions or burns. And the aloe latex, meaning the second substance produced by the plant. This one is the yellow pulp that’s found under the outer part of the plant leaf.
The benefits of aloe vera for skin
When it comes to skin health, using the gel topically has proven to be quite beneficial. The fact that it contains about 99.5% water content, means that it’s very hydrating, cooling, as well as soothing. Below you will find the different ways aloe vera can benefit your skin health.
1. It helps in treating sunburns
Aloe vera has powerful healing properties. Through its healing activity at the epithelial level of the skin, it manages to help with sunburn. It helps to replace the moisture and functions as a protective layer on the skin. The skin heals due to the antioxidant properties and the nutritional qualities the plant contains.
2. Functions as moisturizer
People also use aloe vera as a moisturizer. The gel can be taken directly from the plant and applied to the skin. However, there are also many aloe gels available to be purchased ready to use. However, if you want to purchase the ready-to-use ones then make sure the gel contains 90 to 100% of the product.
If you want to take it directly from the leaves, then peel off the outer layer of the leaf and you’ll get to the gel. Take the gel and put it in a container. Afterward, massage the gel gently on your face.
3. It helps in treating acne
The plant has two hormones: auxin and gibberellins. These two hormones lower skin inflammation by providing wound healing through their anti-inflammatory properties. Gibberellins in aloe vera functions as a growth hormone, meaning it stimulates the growth of new cells. This way, allowing the skin to heal faster.
4. It fights aging
Due to the plethora of antioxidants that aloe vera contains, like beta-carotene, vitamin C and E, it helps develop the firmness of the skin and keeps the skin hydrated at the same time. Research suggests that, as an astringent, aloe vera can reduce pore size and this way it keeps out excess sebum or dirt.
5. Lightens blemishes
According to Natural Living Ideas, aloe vera can help with blemishes. Meaning, due to the fact that it can speed up cell reproduction, and considering the anti-inflammatory properties it contains, it can be quite effective in the matter.
6. Reduces stretch marks
Since the skin expands and contracts to accommodate our growth, according to research, regular use of an aloe vera soap can reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Related: What No One Tells You About Stretch Marks.
7. Helps in healing wounds and insect bites
Research suggests that due to aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties, it can be used as a topical treatment to help with cuts, bruises, as well as insect bites. It can also serve as an aftershave lotion to help with irritated skin.
8. Can be used as an eye makeup remover
You can even use aloe vera as an eye makeup remover. More specifically, simply use extra virgin olive oil and aloe vera juice and that mascara and eyeliner will be removed. And you won’t be using any harsh chemicals.
Apart from all the benefits the succulent aloe vera plant provides for our skin health, it’s important to mention that the gel contained in aloe vera can have quite a lot of benefits when it comes to our hair health as well. Some of them include:
– Gives hair strength and sheen.
– Stimulates hair growth.
– Gives the hair the needed hydration.
– Reduces dandruff.
– Relieves scalp itchiness and irritation
– Reduces redness caused by waxing and shaving
– It helps in restoring the pH balance of the hair.
For more on the benefits aloe vera plant has on our hair, head over to our article on The Different Benefits Of Aloe Vera For Hair Health.
You might also be interested in: Here’s What You Need To Know About Causes, Treatment And Prevention Of Skin Rash.