Aloe vera has been in use since the ancient Egyptian times. In fact, the Egyptians called this plant as the “plant of immortality.” Since then, aloe vera has been in the use for skin and hair treatments, beautification, and many other such benefits.
What Is Aloe Vera?
It is a cactus plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family. Although, nowadays everybody seems to be growing aloe vera in the comfort of their homes, aloe vera is naturallyfound in dry climates which are found in certain parts of India and Africa. It has been widely used for its medicinal benefits immensely. We can repeats its benefits by using it internally or externally. Among several other uses, aloe vera can be used to cure multiple skin ailments and can also be used to aid digestion.
How Does One Extract Aloe Vera Gel?
As we mentioned earlier, aloe vera is a cactus plant. The only beneficial part of this plant is its gel in between the leaves. Therefore, it’s essential to understand how to procure the gel from the plant without hurting oneself. This is how it’s done.
- Firstly, select a nice plump leaf of the aloe vera plant.
- Cut it at the end with the help of a knife or carefullypluck the leaf from the plant.
- Now that you’ve picked the aloe leaf, with the help of a knife, trim the edges of the leaf (get rid of the thorns).
- Now, slice the aloe leaf lengthwise into two halves.
- With the help of a spoon scoop out the aloe gel.
- If any extra gel is left out after usage, you can store it in your refrigerator.
Benefits Of Applying Aloe Vera Gel To Your Face
We end up spending a considerable chunk of money on face creams, oils, serums, sunscreen and what not. We tend to overlook the best solution for our skin problems that lies within the nature itself. And aloe vera is one plant which has been consistent in its healing and beautifying properties. In fact, if you read the ingredients section of most of the skincare products, you’re bound to come across “includes aloe extract” everywhere. So, why buy aloe products when you can use aloe vera in its natural form? Here’s a list of benefits that aloe offers:
1. Aloe Treats Sunburns
The healing property of aloe vera helps to treat sunburns at the epithelial level. It’s the outermost level of the skin layer that covers our body. The aloe gel acts like a protective layer on our skin and locks in the moisture which helps the burnt skin heal. The gel also provides a cooling effect to the burnt skin thereby providing relief to the body.
2. Aloe Moisturizes Skin
If you have an oily complexion and are scared to use any over-the-counter moisturizing products, then aloe vera gel is the solution for you. The aloe gel moisturizes your skin without giving any kind of greasy effect. Women can use it before applying makeup and men can use it as an aftershave treatment to soothe any cuts that might have been caused.
3. Aloe Treats Acne
The miraculous gel of aloe contains two unique hormones called Gibberellins and Auxin. These hormones have the ability to provide anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties which help reduce the skin inflammation that acne causes. Gibberellin hormone stimulates the production of new cells. It helps the skin heal quickly and helps to naturally lighten the acne scars.
Aloe is capable of treating skin issues like blisters, inflammations, itchiness, and even certain chronic skin problems like eczema and psoriasis.
4. Aloe Fights Aging
Aging scares most of us. Because as we age, our skin begins to lose its elasticity and fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear on the surface of our skin. Aloe contains a host of antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, and beta carotene which keep the skin hydrated and boost the skin’s firmness.
Therefore, apply aloe gel regularly to your face and watch it glow even as you age.
5. Aloe Reduces Visibility Of Stretch Marks
Our skin can be considered as a layer of elastic on our body that stretches and contracts to accommodate the growth of our body. Oftentimes, when there is a problem of sudden weight loss or weight gain, the skin’s elasticity takes a hit. And this leaves stretch marks on our skin. The stretch marks are nothing but a tear on the skin. Applying aloe vera gel regularly on them will help to heal these marks and make it less visible.
Apart from the above benefits, aloe helps our body internally by aiding digestion and providing the essential nutrients to our body. Drinking just one spoon of aloe juice mixed in a glass of water can boost your health immensely. Do you know of any other aloe vera benefits? Let us know in the comments below.
