Aloe Beauty 101
For us longtime lovers of natural skincare, we know the powerful benefits Aloe can bring. While we declare it the holy grail of skincare ingredients, others might seem eluded to the hype. Even with its pungent, bitter taste, the ultimate advantages this beauty plant lends our skin cannot be ignored.
Touted a miracle herb and king multitasker, aloe has the power to do so much more than soothe a sunburn or bless the corner of your salon. The perennial succulent also known as Aloe barbadensis, is recognized by its green prickly appearance and has been used medicinally for centuries around the world.
As a long time sufferer of many skin woes in the past, aloe vera has personally been unmatched as Mother Nature’s most prized healers and doesn’t get nearly enough credit than it deserves. When I experienced aloe’s immense benefits, that arduous journey to healthy glowing skin suddenly seemed achievable.
The cactus looking plant’s translucent, odorless, antiviral and antibacterial gel, makes it a fierce competitor among other ingredients. From boosting immunity to healing the effects of radiotherapy, reducing arthritis, muscle and joint pain and soothing acid reflux, aloe can be used topically or consumed in juices and diet supplements. Among many other unbelievable healing characteristics, it’s light, soft and soothing texture blends famously with oily or problematic skin types. That said, we’re spilling the goods on how to use aloe topically to make your skin sparkle or heal when times get tough with this 1 fabulous ingredient.
Heals Wounds
Aloe contains a property called glycoprotein, known to be an effective treatment for wound healing. This assists in expediting cell turnover and enhancing epidermal tissue, while it’s antibacterial component helps to reduce the risk of infection.
Treats Burns
The anti-inflammatory component turns aloe into a gladiator against minor burns, sunburns and razor burns. Some sources have even reported that it acts as a natural sunblock, preventing sunburn from even occurring.
Clarifies Acne and Psoriasis
With vitamins A, C, E, B12, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties, zinc and selenium, aloe is commonly found in creams and lotions that assist in healing and calming acne prone skin and other atopic conditions like psoriasis or eczema. Aloe’s lightweight gel compliments oily skin, especially in the heat. And if you’re a tropical sun worshipper like us, applying Kiehl’s Calendula and Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque after a full day in the sun will surely help to revitalize distressed skin.
Hydrate Dry Irritated Skin
Rashes, irritation, dry, itchy or flaky skin can not only be a pain but can be rather unappealing. It could also feel tight, uncomfortable and will have you aging quick. Hydrated, moist skin enhances appearance and aloe helps soothes on contact. Try lathering your skin at night after a calm bath or in the morning with Kiehl’s Aloe and Oatmeal lotion to calm irritated skin. If you want to stay basic, combine aloe vera with shea butter or coconut oil for a rejuvenated glow.
For that sought-after dewy complexion, spritz Mario Badescu’s cult classic Rose Water Spray.
Dry skin is not just the case in the skin we see, but the skin we don’t. Depending on weather, diet, or medications, these elements can cause our scalp to become itchy or flaky, cause dandruff and weaken hair. Sometimes, all it takes is changing your routine. To keep your hair strong, try something new like a shampoo bar. This will help to eliminate dirt and restore the integrity of your scalp while hydrating and keeping your hair fresh. A delightfully natural alternative to your typical chemical filled shampoo that in some cases can contribute to the problem.
Prevents Wrinkles
Soft supple, youthful skin. We all strive for that right? When wrinkles begin showing up in certain areas like under the eyes, it can make you look aged, tired or haggard. Not necessarily in that order. To banish or prevent wrinkles from creeping up and keep the skin firm, use an aloe-based cream or lotion to boost collagen synthesis and fight free radicals that induce aging skin.
What’s an easy fix you ask? Buying an aloe plant and taking the gel directly from the plant or using pure organic aloe gel and mixing it with sweet almond oil, or vitamin e oil and applying at night. This could be done for the eyes or the entire face.
Cleanse
Aloe is gentle, odorless and the best addition to any face cleanser. With its antiseptic properties, anyone with problematic skin will benefit from a cleanser like Apoterra’s Complexion Soap to achieve clear radiant skin.
For an excellent makeup remover, combine a small portion of aloe vera gel with coconut oil.
And, if you’re a fan of masks like us, try mixing L-Ascorbic Acid Powder (vitamin C) with pure aloe vera and apply AM or PM. The wonders this will do for your skin.
Weight Loss
Lastly, we couldn’t resist to include this one non-topical but insanely wonderful benefit. If consumed regularly, as a daily supplement, or in your smoothies, (the way we like it), aloe works beautifully from the inside out. Aloe’s an incredible source of protein, vitamins and amino acids that assist in weight loss and improving overall health.
Have you ever used aloe for your skin other than for a sunburn? If so, we ‘d love to know how you used it and if it helped you?
Photo credit: bāsed body care
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