One of the most widely known qualities of aloe vera is its ability to moisturize the skin. Aloe vera moisturizers are popular skincare products because they offer all-day hydration without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue.
But is aloe vera really a moisturizer? The short answer is yes. Aloe vera gel contains a high amount of water that helps to hydrate your skin. It also contains polysaccharides, which are natural humectants that help retain moisture in the skin.
This article discusses everything you need to know about aloe vera, how it works, its benefits, and some great tips for applying it to your skin.
What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant with medicinal properties that grows in a variety of climates all over the world. It is most commonly found in tropical regions and has been used for centuries for medicine, skincare, and other applications.
Aloe vera contains a clear, colorless gel with a texture similar to that of water. It’s extracted from the aloe vera leaf and has been used for centuries as both a beauty product and medicine for different health conditions.
“This gel contains over 300 active ingredients that have been found to be beneficial for the skin,” Dr. Jody Levine, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist, explains.
You can take aloe vera gel orally for its health benefits or apply it topically as a moisturizer to relieve sunburns, and heal cuts or sores.
How Does Aloe Vera Work?
Aloe vera gel contains approximately 99.5% water, which absorbs easily into your skin to moisturize it. It also works by forming a protective barrier that locks in moisture. This can prevent itchiness and dryness, which are common symptoms of irritated skin.
In addition to moisturizing your skin, aloe vera gel contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, and antifungal properties, which can help to reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation of the skin caused by acne or rosacea.
Furthermore, aloe vera gel acts as an antioxidant and may help to inhibit the production of sebum, which can cause acne. This property also makes it useful in fighting against free radicals and other toxins that may damage your skin.
Best Aloe Vera for Skin
There are two types of aloe vera: Raw (unprocessed) aloe vera, and processed aloe vera. While both types provide several benefits for your skin, it is best to use raw aloe vera gel directly from the leaf of the plant instead of using an aloe vera moisturizer.
Studies show that raw aloe vera gel contains over 75 powerful nutrients. These include key proteins, amino acids, enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and many more elements that are needed by the skin to repair damaged cells and collagen.
It is also a cheap way to get your skin’s daily dose of nutrients because you don’t have to spend money on expensive lotions or creams. All you have to do is buy an aloe vera plant, scoop out the gel from its leaf, and apply it to your face.
As an alternative, you can buy 100% pure aloe vera gel from a trusted store. This type of gel is extracted from aloe vera leaves by cold pressing. This process keeps enzymes and nutrients preserved that would be destroyed if the plant was heated during extraction.
Benefits of Aloe Vera on Skin
It moisturizes skin
“The gel found in the aloe vera leaf contains 99.5% water that helps to hydrate skin. It’s also a rich source of mucopolysaccharides, a type of sugar that helps to retain moisture in the skin,” Dr. Levine explains.
When applied topically, this gift from mother nature helps to hydrate the skin, nourish it and seal in moisture to keep your skin healthy.
Combat acne and blemishes
Aloe vera gel is an excellent ingredient for fighting acne. Its antibacterial properties help to prevent bacteria build-up, thus keeping acne at bay. Its soothing properties also help to speed up the skin’s healing process.
Applying aloe vera gel on your face daily will help you get rid of zits and blemishes in no time. Additionally, it helps fade acne scars by removing dead skin cells to reveal newer, brighter skin underneath.
It fades dark spots
Dark spots on the skin, widely known as hyperpigmentation, are caused by several reasons. It can be a result of sun exposure, acne, or other skin conditions. Whichever it is, dark spots are hard to get rid of.
However, aloe vera contains a compound called “aloin” which can help reduce hyperpigmentation. Studies show that the aloin in aloe vera, when applied topically, can help reduce the production of melanin in dark spots.
Reduces signs of aging
In addition to moisturizing the skin, aloe vera also increases the production of elastin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen in the skin. All three help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on your skin by keeping it hydrated, firm, and supple.
Soothes psoriasis and eczema
The Mayo Clinic says, “aloe vera contains cooling properties which help soothe psoriasis by reducing the flakiness, redness, and itching caused by the condition.”
Additionally, aloe vera contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which “help to fight against eczema and psoriasis by reducing inflammation,” Mark says.
Exfoliates dead skin cells
Adding aloe vera gel to your DIY body scrub is a great way to get a fresh glow by removing dead cells from your skin. It also helps to prevent the loss of your natural skin oils by replenishing moisture lost during the process of exfoliation.
Sunburn relief
Aloe vera has moisturizing and healing properties that may help heal sunburns and other types of burns on the skin. It also contains antioxidants that help fight off free radicals and protect the skin from ultraviolet rays.
Additionally, studies show that aloe vera contains a compound called “acemannan” This compound contains soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in the skin healing process, thereby making burns heal faster.
Aloe Vera Side Effects
Most people do not experience side effects after applying aloe vera to the skin, but it is best to do a patch test by applying a little to the back of your hand, just to make sure you’re not allergic to it.
“Although rare, some people may experience itching, swelling, redness, flushing, or redness on the skin. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to stop using it and immediately see a doctor,” Dr. Levine says.
Combining aloe vera with other ingredients can also lead to an allergic reaction if you’re sensitive to the other ingredients. In cases like this, you should stop using such ingredients and stick to applying aloe gel by itself to your skin.
Furthermore, make sure to purchase 100% pure aloe vera products. Some products contain fragrances and harmful ingredients that can irritate your skin and cause more damage than good.
How to Use Aloe Vera as Moisturizer
Apply aloe vera directly to your skin
Applying aloe vera gel directly to the skin is an excellent way to moisturize your skin and soothe common skin conditions, such as acne, dry skin, or sunburn. Here are some easy steps to apply aloe vera gel to your skin.
- Cut a fresh aloe vera leaf from an aloe plant.
- Peel out the outer part and extract the gel into a small bowl or container.
- Mash the gel nicely with a tablespoon or fork.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and clean lukewarm water.
- Apply the gel on the affected part with a cotton ball or pad.
- Leave it to dry for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse your face with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
- For the best result, leave aloe vera gel on your skin overnight.
Aloe vera and banana face mask
The combination of aloe vera and banana is one of the best natural moisturizers for the skin. Bananas are rich in potassium, which is good for your skin. When combined, both ingredients are loaded with nutrients that will restore moisture to your skin.
What you need:
- 1 banana
- 2 tbsps of freshly extracted aloe vera gel
- Few drops of tea tree oil
How to do it:
- Peel the banana and slice it using a knife.
- Mash the banana and transfer it to a small bowl.
- Add aloe vera gel and tea tree oil to the bowl.
- Mix well until it forms a smooth paste.
- Add more drops of tea tree oil if needed.
- Apply the mixture to a pre-washed face, making sure to avoid your eyes.
- Relax for 15-20 minutes, then wash your face with clean water when done with this treatment.
- Repeat twice a week to get your desired results.
FAQs
Is aloe vera gel a good moisturizer?
Yes, it is. Aloe vera gel is a plant extract with hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties that help to moisturize the skin while providing lasting relief to skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, and sunburn.
Furthermore, aloe vera gel is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, which help to strengthen the skin and protect against free radicals. It also has soothing properties that can help reduce inflammation and irritation on sensitive skin.
Can you use coconut oil with aloe vera on your skin?
Yes, you can. A mixture of aloe vera gel and coconut oil is a great and effective way to keep your skin healthy. The combination of these two ingredients will give you an even, balanced skin tone.
Coconut oil is also a great source of antioxidants that can help fight off free radicals in your skin. It also has healing and soothing properties that can help treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dryness, and acne.
Is pure aloe vera good for your face?
Yes, it is. Pure aloe vera gel is a powerful skincare ingredient that you can use on your face as a moisturizer to treat many different skin conditions.
The gel is made from the pulp of the Aloe vera plant, which contains compounds that are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. You can apply raw aloe vera gel directly on your face or use it as an ingredient in your skincare products.
Bottomline
Aloe vera is one of the most effective moisturizers you can use to keep your skin healthy. It contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and proteins that can nourish and hydrate your skin.
Moreover, it is affordable, natural, and readily accepted by the skin. You can find aloe vera in many skincare products, such as creams and lotions, to provide your skin with nutrients to help keep your skin feeling soft and smooth.
But to fully reap its benefits, apply raw aloe vera gel to your skin as a remedy for sunburn, dry skin, acne, and different other skin conditions. It also has SPF qualities, but it’s important to note that aloe vera is not a replacement for sunscreen.
Thanks for reading.
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