Moisturizing your skin is an important step for healthy skin and preventing dryness, which can lead to premature aging.
There are many moisturizers within the natural skincare market beloved by customers because of their effectiveness in treating various types of dry skin conditions.
One of these is aloe vera. Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing qualities when applied to minor burns and sunburns, but it can do much more than that when used as a face moisturizer.
This article will teach you everything you need to know about aloe vera as a face moisturizer. This includes how it works, its benefits, side effects, and how you can incorporate it into your skincare routine.
What Is Aloe Vera?
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant with healing properties that are most commonly found in Africa and the Middle East. People have used it for hundreds of years to treat burns, wounds, sunburns, and other skin conditions.
The gel derived from its leaves is widely used in skin care products and is known to help skin heal faster. It is a thick, clear fluid with a sticky, jelly-like consistency that contains several substances, including aloin, acemannan, and anthraquinones.
“These substances are very effective in treating various types of skin conditions. This gel is also known for its soothing qualities which make it an excellent option for people with sensitive skin,” says Dr.Tsippora Shainhouse, a board-certified dermatologist.
Aloe Vera as a Face Moisturizer?
“Aloe vera is a good natural alternative to moisturizers because it is made up of approximately 99.5% water which absorbs easily into your face to hydrate it,” explains Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC.
Additionally, aloe vera is rich in choline, folic acid, and vitamins, which help to increase the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin. Collagen and hyaluronic acid work together to retain moisture in the skin by increasing its elasticity.
“Aloe vera not only moisturizes skin, but it also contains antioxidants and an SPF value of 14-16 that help protect the skin from free radicals and the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays,” Dr. Camp explains further.
Best Aloe Vera for Face
When it comes to moisturizing your face with aloe vera, you have two options: you either buy an aloe vera plant so you can extract the gel by yourself before applying it to your face or you purchase moisturizers that contain aloe vera.
Although both types are suitable for the skin, raw aloe vera gel is the best for moisturizing your face. Studies have shown that raw aloe vera gel contains about 80 essential nutrients needed by your skin to maintain a hydrated and healthy complexion.
It is also the safest for moisturizing your face because unlike most store-bought moisturizers; it doesn’t contain any fragrances or harsh ingredients that can irritate your skin or even cause damage.
However, if you’re looking for the full benefits of aloe vera without having to go through the stress of getting the plant, you should make sure that you purchase a high-quality product that is made with 100% percent pure aloe vera.
Benefits of Aloe Vera on Face
Moisturizes the skin
Aloe vera is one of the best natural products for moisturizing skin. It possesses cooling and hydrating properties that absorb deep into the skin and work like magic.
Aloe vera is also an excellent moisturizer for oily and sensitive skin because of its lightweight and non-oily texture.
Relieves eczema and psoriasis
Aloe vera gel contains soothing and hydrating properties that work to nourish the skin. These properties work to moisturize the skin, and reduce flakiness and dryness, which are common symptoms of eczema.
In addition, aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce the inflammation and itching that comes with skin conditions like psoriasis.
Soothes sensitive skin
The cooling properties of aloe vera can help soothe irritated skin by combating sunburns, skin infections, redness, and flakiness.
It also possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties, which help to reduce inflammation caused by heat boils or cysts. This makes it an excellent and must-have ingredient for sensitive skin in summer.
Reduces dark circles and puffiness
Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants, and vitamins A, B12, and E which help to get rid of annoying dark circles by lightening discoloration around the eyes.
Aloe vera gel also has a cooling effect, which helps reduce puffiness around the eyes. Applying it every night before bed will help to get rid of puffiness and dark circles in no time.
Slows down signs of aging
As you get older, your skin ages and loses its turgor and elasticity. Aging signs like fine lines, age spots, brown spots, and wrinkles become more noticeable on your face.
Aloe vera gel prevents this from happening by helping your skin retain its moisture, therefore, improving texture. In addition to retaining moisture, aloe vera gel prevents premature aging by boosting collagen production to increase skin elasticity.
Heals sunburns
An excellent way to treat sunburns on your face is to apply a fresh aloe vera gel to the affected area. The many different vitamins and minerals, combined with the cooling properties of aloe vera gel, help to soothe sunburns in no time.
Aloe vera also has an SPF of 14-16 (depending on the species of aloe vera) which helps to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. However, it doesn’t replace your regular sunscreen, it is best to use a sunscreen with SPF 30 to fully protect your skin.
Side Effects of Aloe Vera on Face
“Generally, there are no side effects of using aloe vera on your face, but ensure to do patch-test before applying it to your face, just to make sure you don’t have any reaction,” says Dr. Shainhouse.
According to a scholarly review, “Aloe vera is an incredible moisturizer, but it may cause itchiness, redness, or burning sensation in some sensitive individuals. This is mostly due to the presence of aloin and barbaloin in aloe vera.”
Although not common, aloe vera may cause allergic reactions such as redness, a rash, or swelling in some individuals. In cases like this, it is best to stop using aloe vera and consult with a doctor immediately.
You should also refrain from drinking aloe vera juice or gel. While using it topically is safe, studies show that people who consume aloe vera have a higher risk of having liver complications later in life.
How to Use Aloe Vera as Face Moisturizer
Apply aloe vera directly to your face
Applying aloe vera gel directly to your face is a great way to moisturize your skin, soothe sunburns and keep your complexion soft, smooth, and clear. Here are a few simple steps to help get the most out of this natural facial treatment.
- Cut an aloe vera leaf and peel out the green part.
- Extract the gel into a small bowl and mash it up with a spoon or fork.
- Wash your face with a mild cleanser and warm water.
- Apply the gel to your face, carefully avoiding your eyes.
- Let it dry for 30 minutes or use it overnight for full absorption.
- Rinse your face with clean water and pat it dry to remove excess water.
Aloe vera and honey for a hydrating facial
Aloe vera and honey are two of the most powerful ingredients for dry skin. In combination, they offer a soothing, hydrating, and healing power that will help you get rid of dry patches and make your skin look better than ever before.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsps of aloe vera gel
- 2 tbsps of pure honey
How to use it:
- Take a small bowl or container and add aloe vera gel to it.
- Add some honey to it and mix both ingredients to form a smooth paste.
- Apply a thin layer of the mixture to your face (avoiding the eyes).
- Wait for at least 20 minutes before washing off with warm water.
- Repeat every 3-4 days for best results.
Aloe vera and turmeric to reduce acne and oily skin
Turmeric contains many nutrients that nourish your skin, such as Vitamins C, B1, B2, and B6. Aloe vera, when combined with turmeric, helps reduce the production of skin oils and keep pores clear of dirt and oil that cause acne breaks.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsps of fresh aloe vera gel
- 1 tbsp of turmeric powder
How to use it:
- Pour the aloe vera gel and turmeric into a bowl.
- Mix the ingredients with a teaspoon until you get a paste-like consistency.
- Apply a thin layer of the mixture on your face.
- Allow it to dry for about 10 minutes before applying another layer.
- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes or when you feel like it’s time to remove it.
- Wash off the treatment with warm water and dry your face with a clean towel.
- Repeat this at least twice a week for the best results.
FAQs
Can you leave aloe vera on your face overnight?
Yes, you can. Leaving aloe vera gel on your face overnight is a great way to moisturize your face and keep your complexion smooth, supple, and bright.
Allowing the gel to stay on your face overnight gives your skin enough time to fully absorb all the nutrients and enzymes present in the gel. However, you should only use small amounts, as too much of it can cause irritation.
Is aloe vera a good face moisturizer?
Yes, it is. Aloe vera is an excellent natural skincare ingredient that helps to hydrate the skin and retain moisture. It contains many nutrients that your face needs, including vitamins A, and B complex, iron, potassium, sodium, and other minerals.
Furthermore, aloe vera contains amino acids and enzymes that improve the condition of your skin cells by helping them to develop properly. It is also very soothing to the skin, which makes it an excellent remedy for skin conditions like eczema and acne.
What can you mix with aloe vera for glowing skin?
Use honey. Honey is an excellent humectant, which means it attracts water from the atmosphere to the skin. It is also a natural emollient, which means that it seeps into your pores to soften and smooth them.
A combination of aloe vera and honey helps moisturize your skin and remove dead skin cells on your face and body, thus making way for new ones. This leads to a lasting glow that can only be achieved with aloe vera and honey.
Takeaway
Aloe vera is a natural plant extract that has a lot of different uses. One of those uses is as a face moisturizer. Aloe vera is an excellent face moisturizer that has been shown to support healthy skin.
It can treat a variety of skin conditions, remove dead skin cells, and reduce acne. It also helps reverse the unwanted process of aging by reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
You can find aloe vera in many over-the-counter moisturizers. But for best results, apply aloe vera gel directly to your face to moisturize and provide soothing relief to irritated or sunburnt skin.
Raw aloe vera gel contains enzymes and compounds, including vitamins, minerals, and polysaccharides in a more concentrated form and doesn’t leave an oily residue like many conventional moisturizers.
Thanks for reading.
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