Aloe vera is a popular medicinal and cosmetic plant. Not only does this gooey superhero give relief from sunburn, but it also helps in treating many skin conditions like frostbite, psoriasis, cold sores, and so on.
You might have this thorny triangular green plant sitting in your backyard without knowing the many ways in which you can use its gel for your face and skin. Don’t worry; we will be covering that for you in this video.
First of all, let’s take a look at some of the most enjoyable benefits of aloe vera gel for the face:
1. It Soothes Sunburn
Aloe vera is also referred to as a “burn plant” as it’s so effective in soothing sunburn. It contains compounds called polysaccharides, which help to encourage skin repair production of new cells. It also contains a pain-relieving compound called carboxypeptidase, which gives it a soothing sensation upon application.
2. It Helps Relieve Skin Irritation
Aloe vera is a super ingredient for sensitive skin. The cooling properties of the plant help to soothe redness, infection, rashes, and itchiness. Some of the compounds in aloe vera have anti-fungal properties, which help in treating inflammatory skin issues like cysts and heat boils in summer.
3. It Moisturizes the Skin
Because aloe vera consists mostly of water, it hydrates the skin with no greasy feeling after application. Along with locking the moisture into the skin, it also acts as a glue, which makes the top layer of the skin cells stick together, ultimately resulting in smoother and softer skin. Even for sensitive and oily skin types, aloe vera has proved to be an excellent moisturizer.
4. It Fights Acne and Fades Blemishes
Thanks to the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of aloe, it can be used to can keep acne at bay. It prevents the build-up of acne-causing bacteria, while the salicylic acid in the plant helps to unclog the pores, which is incredibly useful for people who deal with pimples and blackheads. Aloe vera also helps to remove pesky scars and fade blemishes.
5. It Slows Down Signs Of Ageing
As your skin ages, it starts to look more wrinkled and saggy and loses some of its elasticity. Aloe vera gel is one of the most natural and effective ways to deal with this problem.
6. It Cleanses and Exfoliates The Skin
Aloe vera has the ability to repair and recover your skin and is great at treating sunburns, acne scars, dark spots, and build-up from yesterday's pollution damage. The salicylic acid in aloe vera gel can also act as an exfoliator by gently sloughing off the dead skin cells. Lignin, another ingredient in aloe vera, enhances the penetrative effect of other ingredients into the skin.
Now you know exactly what aloe vera gel can do for your face, let’s look into how to use it! here are 5 aloe face packs to try out for different uses:
Face pack for dry skin
This DIY face pack helps to transform your dry and dull skin into something suppler and plumper. All you have to do is mix a tablespoon of aloe vera gel, one tablespoon of honey, and one blended, sliced cucumber.
Mix to form a paste, then apply the mixture all over your face and neck and leave it on for 20 minutes. Later, rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Face pack for oily skin
This face pack helps to draw out excess oil from the skin and prevent acne. You’ll need a tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel, and 10 to 12 drops of tea tree oil.
Add the tea tree oil to the aloe gel and whisk into a smooth paste. Apply the mixture all over the face and leave it overnight. Rinse it off in the morning with lukewarm water.
Face pack for normal to sensitive skin
This face mask helps to moisturise and brighten your skin. It works for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and helps to relieve the skin from rashes and itchiness and improve skin elasticity.
You’ll need a banana, two tablespoons of aloe gel, and a few drops of rose water. Mash the banana into a bowl and add the gel and rose water.
Stir to combine, and apply the paste onto your damp face. Rinse it off when it dries and make sure to follow up with your favourite moisturiser.
Add to your skincare products
One simple way to incorporate aloe vera to your daily skincare regimen is to use skincare products that include aloe vera in them (or add them to your own products!). Aloe vera can be found in a lot of cleansers, moisturizers, and night creams, but making your own is often cheaper.
Aloe vera as a cleanser
Since cleansing is the first step to any typical skincare routine, it is always best to use cleansing products that contain aloe vera. You can add aloe vera to your current cleanser if it doesn’t already contain it.
This simple ingredient helps to remove excess oils and impurities without stripping away skin’s essential moisture.
Conclusion
Aloe vera gel really is as effective as you’ve heard. If you want to save money on skincare products, buy yourself an aloe plant today and extract the gel straight from the leaf. We promise you won’t be disappointed!