Benefits of Aloe Vera for Your Skin
Wow! Did you know that aloe vera is rich in vitamins and minerals? Aloe vera gel contains at least 75 identifiable nutrients and plant compounds with various applications for health and healing. This powerful constellation of healing agents makes aloe vera incredibly versatile for health, wellness, beauty, and cosmetic purposes.
Moisturizes Naturally
Aloe vera contains plant compounds known for their natural moisturizing powers. Unique to aloe vera, the polysaccharide (plant sugar) acemannan has a hydrating effect on dry skin, as well as numerous additional therapeutic properties. Aloe vera’s excellent moisturizing properties make it the perfect solution for preventing razor burn! Aloe vera gel also has a high water content and is not greasy, making it an excellent moisturizer when applied directly to the skin. You can also apply aloe vera gel after shaving to retain moisture and prevent razor burn.
Supports Anti-Aging & Reduces Wrinkles
Did you know that aloe vera can stimulate collagen production? Aloe vera can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, according to science. In one study, women over 45 years of age took aloe supplements orally for 90 days, after which the researchers measured the appearance of their eye “crow’s nests” using skin microrelief maps. Dietary aloe stimulated collagen production and led to smoother skin. Aloe vera also contains antioxidants that may help with aging, since these compounds counteract the age-related damage of free radicals in the body. Some people find that aloe juice complements topical gel as part of an overall anti-aging diet and regimen. See “Aloe Vera for Healthy Skin” below for recipes.
Soothes Burns
Great news! Science shows that aloe vera helps with healing first- and second-degree burns. Got a burn? Slather on some aloe vera gel. A scientific review of multiple studies revealed that aloe vera applied to the skin speeds healing for first- and second-degree burns. We know that the bioactive plant sugar it contains, acemannan, combined with antioxidants and other plant compounds, may help the body to heal. See “How to Use Aloe Vera for Burns” for recipes, including wraps and poultices.
Relieves Sunburns
Whoa! Did you know that aloe vera stimulates the growth of new cells? Cool to the touch and naturally soothing, aloe vera gel is an intuitive remedy for sunburn relief. The plant’s emollient properties and high water content may help to reduce the sting as well as the dry, flaky skin that comes with sunburns. Aloe vera also contains the plant hormone gibberellin, which stimulates the growth of new cells and may aid in healing the skin.
May Help With Acne
Aloe vera’s antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective acne remedy when applied topically. In one study, a combination of tretinoin cream (a common acne medication) and aloe vera gel was more effective than tretinoin cream on its own to help mild to moderate acne. It appears that aloe boosted the effectiveness of the medication. Aloe vera may boost the effectiveness of acne medications. While more research into how aloe vera fights acne is always welcome, we do know that acemannan encourages wounds to heal at a healthy pace and also promotes smooth skin. Aloe vera’s polyphenols (antioxidant compounds) may ward off harmful organisms and toxins within the pores that cause acne and worsen the redness. See “Aloe Vera Masks and Scrubs for Acne” for recipes.
Promotes Skin Healing
There is much science to support aloe vera’s ability to heal wounds — perhaps due to acemannan’s ability to assist the skin’s natural healing properties. Hence, aloe vera may have good use as a remedy for minor scrapes, cuts, and rashes. Aloe vera’s polyphenols also have antibacterial properties that may ward off infection.
May Help With Stretch Marks
Aloe vera may help to diminish the appearance of stretch marks, tiny tears just under the skin’s surface that appear as reddish or purplish marks. These occur when the skin stretches beyond its normal limits, common after pregnancy or anytime someone experiences quick weight gain or loss. Scientific evidence does not directly indicate that aloe vera helps get rid of stretch marks, but acemannan’s ability to promote skin healing may help fade these marks over time, especially when used in combination with other substances, like vitamin E. See “Best Aloe Vera Recipes for Stretch Marks” for recipes.
Relieves Flaky, Itchy Skin Symptoms
Check this out! Pure aloe vera gel may provide some relief to the itchiness of psoriasis. If you suffer from flaky, itchy skin, pure aloe vera gel may provide some relief. The cool gel soothes the skin, reduces redness and swelling, and promotes hydration. One study demonstrated the effectiveness of topical aloe vera for psoriasis. However, more studies can help shed light on aloe for psoriasis in humans.
Promotes a Healthy Scalp
With its emollient properties, aloe vera may relieve an itchy scalp and help with dandruff. Its combination of proteolytic enzymes, antibacterial properties, and moisturizing emollients can help soothe the scalp and repel the microbes that cause dandruff’s dead skin flakes.
Aloe Vera Recipes for Healthy Skin
In all of the recipes below, make sure to use either 100 percent pure organic aloe vera gel (if store-bought), or aloe gel taken directly from an aloe plant.
Light Summer Moisturizer
Ingredients
1 teaspoon pure aloe vera gel
Directions
Apply aloe vera gel directly to face, including the neck. Use in the morning and evening. Avoid your eye area.
Anti-Aging Eye Cream Recipe
Ingredients
Vitamin E capsule
1 tablespoon pure aloe vera gel
Directions
Puncture a vitamin E capsule with a pin and squeeze the oil into a small bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of aloe vera to the oil. Use a spoon to mix well. With the pad of your finger, lightly dab a bit of the mixture on the skin surrounding your eyes. Apply nightly before bed.
Aloe Vera, Honey, & Sea Salt Scrub
Ingredients
2 tablespoons pure aloe vera gel
1 tablespoon organic raw honey
1/4 cup organic sea salt
Directions
Combine aloe vera gel with sea salt. Mix aloe and salt with a spoon to create a paste. Add raw honey and blend well. Use as a face or body scrub, massaging into the skin and rinsing off with warm water.
Aloe Vera Recipes for Acne
The following aloe vera recipes offer ways to take advantage of the plant’s ability to deter harmful organisms, including those that contribute to acne.
Aloe Vera, Honey, & Rosewater Mask
Use organic, locally grown raw honey, which soothes the skin and naturally wards off bacteria, among numerous other health benefits. Rosewater also lends a lovely fragrance to this soothing face mask. Alternatively, you can use lemon juice in place of rosewater, which brightens and clarifies the skin. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to avoid using lemon juice.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon pure aloe vera gel
1 tablespoon organic raw honey
1-2 teaspoons rosewater (alternate, 1-2 teaspoons organic lemon juice)
Directions
In a small bowl, combine aloe vera gel, raw honey, and rosewater (or lemon juice) to make a smooth paste. Apply as a mask and keep on your face for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Use three times a week to help with acne.
Aloe Vera & Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil has antioxidant and emollient properties, making it ideal for moisturizing and skin blemishes.
Ingredients
1/4 cup pure aloe vera gel
10 vitamin E soft-gel capsules
Directions
Break open vitamin E soft-gel capsules, collecting the oil in a small bowl. Add aloe vera gel and mix well. Massage into affected skin, and let sit at least 1 hour. Rinse off with warm water. Repeat twice daily.
Aloe Vera Recipes for Stretch Marks
Although studies have not yet tested aloe’s effects on stretch marks, its ability to smooth fine lines and moisturize skin make it promising. You can try the following aloe vera recipes.
Aloe Vera & Ground Coffee
Coffee grounds exfoliate the skin and may increase blood flow for effective healing. Be warned that working with ground coffee is messy — so use it in the shower and rinse well afterward.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons pure aloe vera gel
2 tablespoons organic ground coffee
