What are the uses of aloe vera?
The aloe vera plant contains a gel-like liquid that is more than 96% water.
Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, B, C and E, and essential amino acids that keep skin healthy and glowing. Aloe vera helps promote collagen production, helping the skin heal faster from minor wounds.
It has been used to treat acne and sunburn and to keep skin moisturized. Some people also use it to reduce the symptoms of skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.
11 Benefits of Aloe Vera for Skin
- Anti-aging: Aloe vera contains humectants that lock moisture into the skin, stimulate collagen production, enhance skin elasticity and reduce fine lines.
- Soothes Sunburn: Aloe vera gel can help soothe sunburn and reduce burning and irritation.
- Helps heal small scrapes or cuts: Aloe vera's molecular structure helps heal wounds quickly and minimize scarring by increasing collagen and fighting bacteria.
- Treats dryness: Aloe vera gel is easily absorbed by the skin and helps fight dryness.
- Eczema relief: Aloe vera’s moisturizing properties can help relieve dry, itchy skin associated with eczema.
- Reduces inflammatory acne: Aloe vera gel may help treat inflammatory acne, such as pustules and nodules.
- Lightens Dark Spots and Acne Scars: Aloe vera gel helps stimulate collagen production in the skin, thereby reducing the appearance of scars.
- Reduces puffiness and dark circles: Aloe vera reduces overall inflammation in the face and aids in the production of new skin cells.
- Acts as a natural exfoliant: Salicylic acid found in plants helps remove dead skin cells and harmful bacteria from your face.
- Cold sores: Aloe vera can help soothe the pain of cold sores, promote rapid regeneration of skin cells, and shorten the period of infection.
- Oral lichen planus: Research reports that using aloe vera gel twice daily for two months can reduce symptoms of oral lichen planus, an inflammation of the mouth.
How to use aloe vera for best results
The easiest way to get fresh aloe vera gel is to grow an aloe vera plant in your backyard. The steps to extract raw aloe vera gel are as follows:
- Cut a leaf from the plant near the base with a sharp knife
- Rinse the leaves and pat dry
- Place cut side down in a bowl and leave for about 15 minutes to allow the yellow latex to drain.
- Press the leaves to help soften them
- Use a spoon or razor blade to gently scoop out the gel
- Wash the gel carefully to remove any residue
- Place gel in a sealable container and refrigerate before use
- Gel can be stored and used in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
If you buy aloe vera gel from a store, make sure it does not contain added ingredients such as alcohol or other chemicals that may irritate your skin.
You can use aloe vera in the following ways:
- Toner: Mix 2 parts water to 1 part aloe vera gel and apply to face with a clean cotton ball or pad.
- To wash your face: Apply a small amount of gel to your face with your fingertips, cleanse gently in a circular motion, rinse with cold water, and pat dry.
- Insect bites: Wash the affected area with soap and water, pat dry with paper towels, then cover the area with aloe vera and let it sit on the skin for at least 15-20 minutes.
- Small cuts or cuts: Wash the area with soap and water and allow to dry. Apply a small amount of aloe vera to the cut or wound, cover the area with a bandage, and leave it on overnight.
- Eczema: Apply a small amount of gel to face and leave on for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse with cold water and pat dry.
- Rosacea: Mix 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel with 2-3 drops of fresh lemon juice and apply a small amount to acne spots and scars 1-2 times daily.
- Sunburn: Apply aloe vera gel to sunburned areas 2-3 times daily.
Does aloe vera cause side effects?
Aloe vera gel and aloe vera cream are generally considered safe for skin. However, overdosing or overusing aloe vera as a moisturizer can lead to excessive oiliness or dryness.
People who are sensitive to the gel should stop using it immediately if they experience itching or a slight burning sensation (allergic reaction).
Taking aloe vera by mouth may cause stomach cramps and diarrhea. Consuming aloe vera may interact with certain medications. Talk to your doctor before taking aloe vera supplements.
