Did you know the power embedded in that popular cactus plant, Aloe-vera? The plant is packed with loads of polyphenols antioxidants, salicylic acid, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. That explains why it has been used over the centuries for various therapeutic purposes inclusind skin care beenfits.
It is not just hype, aloe vera is truly a wonder plant with various benefits for the skin and other uses.
Aloe vera has hundreds of species, but the common one that most people are familiar with is the aloe barbadens is miller.
Whether used in its raw form or as processed supplements, this plant is potent for the treatment of skin diseases, nourishing the skin, and healing, among other uses.
You may have use aloe vera for the treatment of simple kitchen burns or sunburn, but the benefits and uses of aloe vera are wide and varied. It has antiviral, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties.
Benefits of Aloe Vera for Skin
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Got Sunburn? Get Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera soothes sunburned skin, thanks to the aloin found in the plant which helps with healing.
Also, the antioxidants contained in aloe vera, especially metallothionein, protect the skin from UV rays. And of course, the properties of the aloe help with hydrating and healing the sunburned skin.
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Hydrate your Skin with Aloe vera
Aloe vera contains about 98% water! Naturally, its high water content makes it perfect for moisturizing the skin and keeping the moisture locked in. It is suitable for both dry and oily skin.
For dry skin, the high water content of the plant increases the water content of the skin’s outermost layer. If you have oily skin, it is easy for your skin to absorb the aloe gel. Consistent use of aloe vera on your skin will make your skin look supple, flexible, and radiant.
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Boosts Collagen Production and Release
You must have seen collagen on the labels of most beauty care products. That’s because it is vital to the health of your skin. Aloe helps in the production and release of collagen in the body.
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Slows Aging and Wrinkling
The presence of antioxidants in aloe vera supports anti-aging and helps with the removal of wrinkles, likewise the vitamins C and E, and beta carotene.
Furthermore, the high water content in aloe vera, helps keeps the skin hydrated, thereby keeping the wrinkles and other aging signs at bay.
Aloe vera also helps stimulate the production of elastin fibers, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, which helps to keep the skin elastic, supple, and thus, looking young.
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Fade the Dark Spots
Acne, exposure to the sun, and even aging, can leave those stubborn dark spots on the skin. Of course, everyone wants their skin to be without blemishes, and aloe vera can help you achieve that.
Aloe vera contains an aloesin compound that helps clear the dark spots and inhibit the production of more of the dark spots.
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Acne Treatment Option
Aloe vera has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which can help in the treatment of blackheads and whiteheads. For better results, use aloe vera alongside your usual acne medications.
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Stretch Marks Removal
Yea, aloe vera can rescue your skin from the ravages of those stretch marks. It can greatly reduce the marks as well as prevent further spread.
Other Uses of Aloe Vera
- As an antiseptic – Aloe vera protects against bacteria and helps reduces infection in wounds because of its polyphenols antioxidants properties.
- Treatment of skin infections – Aloe vera is used in the treatment of fungal and bacterial infections. It is an age-old treatment option for various skin infections such as ringworm, rosacea, eczema, and insect bites.
- Enhances healing – Whether it is burns, cuts, frostbite, cold sores, or other injuries, aloe vera comes in handy.
- It helps in the treatment of first and second-degree burns.
- Aloe vera also is effective in boosting the reproduction of skin cells and reducing healing time and scarring.
- Its healing abilities are based on its molecular structure which helps boost collagen and fight bacteria.
- Helps your hair – Aloe vera enhances the circulation of blood to the scalp which boosts hair growth. It also helps solve many scalp problems, including dandruff. Aloe vera offers vital minerals and vitamins to the hair for growth, nourishment, and healing. In fact, aloe vera performs similar functions it does for the skin and the hair too.
- Aloe vera aid oral health – Ever wondered why some folks insist on aloe vera toothpaste and mouthwash? Aloe vera helps prevent tooth decay and other dental diseases because it can reduce dental plaque.
How to Use Aloe Vera For Skin Care
The gel contained within the leaves of the aloe vera plant is where you find the most efficient part of the plant. The gel is the powerhouse of the plant, which is what you need to extract.
How do I Extract the Aloe Vera Gel?
Step 1: Cut a leaf from the aloe plant with a knife. Make sure you cut close to the root, then rinse out the cut leaf.
Step 2: Notice the yellow-colored liquid coming from the cut surface? You don’t want that. It is known as aloe vera latex and may have laxative effects on some people. So, lay down the part you cut inside a bowl to drain out the latex.
Step 3: Once it has drained out, cut off the spines on both sides of the leaf, then cut the leaf into two, from top to bottom.
Step 4: After that, use a spoon to gently scrape out the gel and scoop it into a clean airtight container.
Step 5: Scoop out the quantity you will use when you need it. Wash your hands, then smear the gel on the affected part of your body.
You can store the remaing aloe vera extracts in the refregitrator.
Conclusion
Aloe vera is an incredible plant for the treatment of skin, hair, and health issues. You can use the plant to get rid of blackheads, sunburn, bad breath, and even improve your hair growth. Before you use your aloe vera gel, test it on a patch of your skin to ensure that you are not allergic to it. If you don’t have access to the aloe vera plant, you can use over-the-counter aloe vera products.
