The face is the index of the mind. Clear skin reflects your body and mind; you give off a desirable aura. It shows that you give yourself time to look presentable. Appearance is an essential factor; it may not be the only factor, but it is a winner.
With pollution on the rise, caring for our skin is becoming more challenging. Healthy skin is difficult to achieve, but it's a cakewalk when you have the key to unlock it. So how do you achieve it? The answer to all your skin issues is aloe vera; it's miraculous. It is an excellent plant for attaining beautiful skin.
What is aloe vera?
Before we delve into the uses of aloe vera, let's quickly understand what it is. The botanical name for this particular plant is "Aloe barbadensis miller." Aloe vera is a simple plant used for medicinal purposes since immemorial but has gained momentum in cosmetology over the past few decades. Aloe vera is derived from two languages: aloe is taken from the Arabic word "Alloeh," which means a lustrous bitter substance, and vera is derived from Latin, which means "truth."
What is the anatomy of aloe vera?
The plant features yellow tubular flowers, fruits that carry many seeds, and triangular, fleshy leaves with serrated edges. Every leaf has three layers: A transparent gel inside is made up of 99% water, while the other components include vitamins, lipids, sterols, amino acids, and glucomannans. The gel that is present inside the aloe vera leaf contains 75 compounds, including vitamins, sugars, minerals, enzymes, hormones, etc.
Aloe vera is not a new inventory but an age-old therapy. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is used for some serious illnesses, like cancer, skin burns, diabetes, wounds, etc.
OK, if this information is boring, then let me give you a tour of some interesting details.
Here are the uses of aloe vera for skin:
The humble plant is not much of an attention seeker and requires minimal maintenance; it offers you a private cosmetology in your garden. Because of its calming and therapeutic qualities, aloe vera is a multipurpose plant extensively used for various skin-related problems. Aloe vera is frequently used for the skin in the following ways:
What's better than freshly cut aloe vera leaf gel? Aloe vera is useful for moisturising the skin and hair. But first, let's discuss the uses of aloe vera for our skin:
Healing Wounds: Aloe vera is not just for cosmetic purposes but has medicinal values too. Minor cuts and wounds can be healed. Its cooling impact can be relieving, and its antibacterial qualities may help prevent illness.
Reduction of Scars: Frequent use of aloe vera gel has been shown to help heal wounds, including surgical and injury scars, and lessen their appearance. It can be used post-pregnancy to reduce stretch marks, too.
Aloe vera is not just used as a topical ingredient; it can be consumed too. Aloe vera juice is consumed for its overall health benefits. Antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in regulating blood sugar levels, improving digestion, improving oral health, reducing heartburn, and treating constipation are present in aloe vera.
FYI: Some sources suggest side effects with aloe vera juice, so take appropriate precautions before consuming it, or it is best to avoid it in totality.
Aloe vera gel works like a charm for dry skin. It moisturises the skin without leaving behind grease by softening the skin and unclogging the pores.
It can also be used as an after-shave lotion, as it has healing properties. It can be applied to cuts sustained while shaving, or if you use an electric shaver, it can treat minor heat burns.
If you are out for too long under the sun, it can lead to extreme skin damage; apply aloe vera gel to reduce the damage as it has cooling and anti-inflammatory properties.
Treats acne: Aloe vera is good for skin prone to acne because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. It can aid in healing while lowering acne-related redness and irritation.
Anti-ageing properties: The antioxidants included in aloe vera, vitamins C and E, can help lessen the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by fending off free radicals.
Relieving Psoriasis and Eczema: Skin disorders, including psoriasis and eczema, may be relieved by aloe vera's anti-inflammatory qualities. It can lessen the redness and irritation brought on by these ailments.
Makeup remover: Aloe vera can remove the makeup naturally, as the gel removes the makeup and dirt without causing any side effects and provides gentle moisturization.
Treatment for hair and scalp: Aloe vera also helps the hair and scalp by hydrating the area, minimising dandruff, and fostering a healthy environment on the scalp. When you have clean, dandruff-free hair and scalp, it automatically helps you achieve clear skin.
The majority of people suffer from a dark nape. Aloe vera reduces this when applied regularly to the affected areas.
Cracked feet are the most annoying and challenging part of the body to maintain, as feet are mainly on the ground collecting dust, but with aloe vera, your troubles are greatly taken care of. It softens and repairs cracked feet when used regularly. Scrub the affected area thoroughly, clean it with clear water, and pat it dry before applying the aloe vera gel.
As mentioned earlier, aloe vera functions like a first aid kit. You can apply aloe vera to minor burns caused in the kitchen, as it has soothing and restorative properties to heal the burns.
How do I use aloe vera for skin?
The first and foremost rule of thumb is to maintain hygiene and cleanliness.
Next, do a quick patch test. Dab the aloe vera gel onto the area that is not easily visible and leave it on for a few minutes. If you find no irritation or side effects, apply it to the desired or affected area.
Gently, without hurting the plant, pluck a healthy-looking aloe vera leaf, cut it into two halves, remove the gel, and store it in a clean container.
Apply the gel to the infected area and massage according to the need. You can wash it after 15 minutes and feel the softness on your skin, reduction in redness, etc.
If you are left with more gel than you used, store the remaining gel in a clean container and place it in a cool place.
If you are using a store-bought gel, ensure the brand is trustworthy, check the expiration date, and read the instructions on the label before buying the product.
It is advisable to use the aloe vera gel twice a day, once in the morning after washing the face and before going to sleep, where you can see the effect in depth.
If you use the aloe vera gel on your hair, reach the hair strands and the scalp for better-quality hair growth by massaging well on the scalp.
Conclusion
For optimal effects, use fresh aloe vera gel straight from the plant or select products containing premium, pure aloe vera when using aloe vera for skin care. Before applying aloe vera to a broader area, people with sensitive skin or allergies should do a patch test.
Remember that every person's skin reaction is different, so monitoring your skin's response and modifying usage as necessary is essential. See a dermatologist or other healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about particular skin disorders.
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