The use of aloe Vera in skin care dates back to ancient times. It was used by Cleopatra as part of her beauty regime and was much praised by Aristotle as a way to heal the wounds of the soldiers. Now it is starring in many skincare products and for good reason.

What is Aloe Vera?

The aloe Vera plant thrives in tropical climates but is also cultivated in Asia, Europe, Africa, and America. This succulent plant also grows to its full potential in Pakistan with some of the best varieties. Aloe Vera has thick and fleshy leaves comprising gooey, gel-like liquid which is much hyped in the beauty world. 

The Composition of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera gel comprises 98.5% water content while the rest is packed with nutrients like vitamins B, C, and E and also contains copper, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and selenium. Skin-enhancing ingredients such as aloin, with its antiviral, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties are present in aloe Vera. Similarly, gibberellins and auxins are hormones for wound healing. lignin and saponins increase their penetrative effect on the skin as well as possess a cleansing impact. 

Where can you find it?

The benefits of aloe Vera on face are plenty, which is why it is widely available in pharmacies and beauty counters. But it is best to use it in its purest form from the plant. All you need to do is cut a leaf and peel its skin. then cut the jelly-like pieces, store them in a plastic bag, and refrigerate. You can also extract the gel straight away and apply it to your skin. make sure it is clear and does not contain any yellow residue. 

What are the Benefits of aloe Vera for your skin?

1. Soothes skin

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe Vera is great for soothing sunburn skin. Moreover, the rich composition of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, sugars, and salicylic acids contributes to your overall skin health. Similarly, inflammatory conditions like eczema and psoriasis may be treated with aloe Vera.

Some women also use it after a rigorous workout session. Post exercise your body requires fluids to avert excess lactic acid buildup. Aloe Vera is super dense in water content so it provides immediate hydration to your skin and enhances muscle recovery. 

How to use it?

Before you apply Aloe Vera gel to soothe inflamed skin, make sure to conduct a patch test. If it does not suit your skin it may flare up, exacerbating it even more.

Cleanse the affected area with water and mild soap and towel dry. Take a small amount of freshly extracted aloe Vera gel and apply it on your skin, massaging in circular motions. Leave it on for 20 minutes before you rinse it. Try repeating this at least twice a day for better results. 

2. Treats acne

For those of you who have acne, you must know how notoriously difficult it is to treat. Owing to the active ingredient of salicylic acid in aloe Vera gel, it is suitable for treating acne. It does this by revving up the cellular turnover and decreasing the probability of clogged pores. 

Aloe Vera gel is hydrating and thus its application as a spot treatment on zits pacifies them and regular use also reduces their frequency of appearance. 

How to use it? 

How to apply aloe vera on face to treat acne? You can apply a thin layer of aloe Vera gel by mixing it with honey. Being a natural humectant honey has an osmotic effect on your skin so all the excess liquid is drawn out making the pimples look less inflamed. 

3. Wound healing

Your skin structure is held together by a mesh of proteins like elastin and collagen. This matrix keeps your skin strong and elastic. Aloe Vera slows down the breakdown of these proteins, therefore enhancing your skin texture. This also explains why it comes in so handy for wound healing upon topical application. 

How to use it?

The curcumin in turmeric with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties renders it suitable for treating wounds. Combining equal parts of turmeric and aloe Vera facilitates the healing process. All you have to do is apply the mixture to the affected parts and wrap it with a bandage. Keep it covered by changing the bandage and applying a fresh mixture every day till the wound is completely healed. 

4. Protects skin

Being rich in antioxidants, aloe Vera can protect the skin cells against all the harmful stressors in the environment. Thus, helping your skin retain its youthfulness. So, for those who question whether is it okay to use aloe vera gel as moisturizer, it is certainly very beneficial. 

How to use it?

Wondering how to apply aloe vera on face for maximum impact? Well, lavender oil has an anti-microbial impact on your skin and thus promotes a healthy skin barrier. When you combine it with aloe Vera the impact is multifold. All you have to do is mix a few drops of lavender oil in a teaspoon of aloe Vera gel and apply it on your face. Wash after some time when the mask begins to dry. Do this every day for maximum results.  

5. Reduces dark circles

Aloe Vera has a cooling impact on your skin. Therefore, its application on your under eyes can reduce puffiness and dark circles that may appear due to weariness. Being a natural moisturizer, it nourishes the delicate skin of your under eyes. 

How to use it?

Mix aloe Vera gel and cucumber juice. Cucumber is a natural skin toner that possesses soothing properties. Apply this mixture to your dark circles and let it rest. Once you stop feeling the cooling sensation, rinse with water. 

The final verdict

Aloe Vera is a natural skincare ingredient that has gained a lot of popularity with many skincare brands including it in their formulations. The benefits of aloe vera on face are numerous. It not only soothes skin but treats acne, heals wounds, and reduces dark circles. You can use Aloe Vera by mixing it with different ingredients as a mask for various concerns.