Here’s How Aloe Vera Gel Can Really Benefit Your Skin

By Shammi Mondal

Got a sunburn? Turn to aloe. Dealing with skin irritation? Slather on some aloe vera gel. Dry skin struggles? Duh, aloe for the win. When it comes to plant-based skincare ingredients, the benefits of aloe vera outweigh the rest. From hydrating your skin to healing inflamed acne, it is a crowd favourite that does it all. If you still need reason to keep a tube of aloe vera around, we’ve got a few for you

What is aloe vera?

Aloe vera is a popular naturally-derived ingredient. The succulent plant belongs to the plant family of asphodelaceae, and is best known for the soothing gel-like substance found in its leaves. This gel has several uses in medicine, cosmetics, and also in your morning smoothie.

What makes aloe vera special?

The gel from the leaves of the aloe plant is commonly used topically to heal and moisturise the skin. It is found in skincare products in various forms such as powder, liquid, and gel, and is commonly used in products like creams, moisturisers, gels, and masks.

The leaves of the aloe vera plant consist of three layers: The inner gel or mucilage (which is primarily made up of water, accounting for 99.5% of its content), the middle latex layer, and the outer rind. The reputation of aloe vera as a versatile ingredient can be attributed to the diverse array of compounds found in its composition.

Aloe vera gel is an anti-inflammatory herb that helps alleviate skin irritations, burns, and minor wounds. It also contains vitamins, amino acids, polysaccharides, and phytosterols, which contribute to its remarkable properties. It is particularly rich in vitamins A, C, D, and E, along with essential minerals such as zinc, potassium, and magnesium.

This wealth of nutrients makes aloe vera extract highly valuable for various applications and contributes to its wide range of potential benefits. Its soothing nature, combined with its nutrient content, makes it an easy choice for skincare novices as well as lovers of a natural routine.

Natural aloe gel vs cosmetic aloe gel

Whether you think of scooping out gel from the aloe leaf (remember not all aloe plants are the same) or applying a cosmetic aloe gel, both, in the long run, will provide similar benefits. You can choose between them based on your preferences:

Formulation: Cosmetic aloe gel undergoes a preservation process to enhance its shelf life and ensure consistency in texture and performance. Natural aloe gel usually turns bad within four days and begins to lose its potency. If you’re looking for something that you can use for a long-time, cosmetic aloe gel will not disappoint.
Potency: Cosmetic aloe gels contain a specific concentration of extract, which is standardized making sure it suits every skin type. However, the concentration of active compounds in natural aloe can vary depending on the age and species of the plant. Natural aloe gel may have a higher concentration of natural ingredients and might irritate your skin if applied without any dilution or modification.
Quality control: Cosmetic aloe gel undergoes quality control measures to ensure product safety, stability, and effectiveness. Manufacturers conduct lab tests, like microbiological and stability tests to verify the quality and purity of the product.
Convenience and availability: Cosmetic aloe gel is widely available in the market, and its packaging and formulations are designed for convenience and easy application. Natural aloe gel, on the other hand, requires obtaining fresh aloe vera leaves and manually scraping the gel.

It's important to note that both cosmetic aloe gel and natural aloe can provide similar benefits for the skin, such as soothe and hydrate. Take your pick is based on your lifestyle choices.

Aloe vera offers several benefits for your skin:

1. Soothing properties: Aloe vera is known for its ability to soothe itchiness and irritation. Credits to acemannan, the star component in aloe that gives it anti-inflammatory properties, and calms redness, swelling, and discomfort.

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2. Prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL): Transepidermal water loss in simpler terms is the loss of moisture from the skin's surface which leads to dehydration, dryness, and a compromised skin barrier. Aloe vera contains phytosterols that help soothe itchiness, and irritation, and prevent TEWL. This makes it particularly useful for conditions like sunburn or windburn.

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3. Soothing and hydration: Aloe vera has a cooling effect on skin while providing hydration. Its high-water content contributes to its hydrating properties. Additionally, the presence of polysaccharides in aloe vera offers both hydrating and anti-inflammatory benefits.

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4. Moisturisation: Aloe gel is also incredibly moisturising. It helps to hydrate skin and keep it from becoming dry or flaky. This moisturising effect can be especially beneficial for dry and sensitive skin, as it helps to restore moisture balance and promote overall skin health. Even in conditions like eczema or psoriasis, aloe has been known to promote healing by nourishing the epidermis (the topmost layer of your skin).

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5. Heals breakouts: If you’re dealing with breakouts, aloe will become your skin’s best friend. Aloe vera contains salicylic acid, which aids in treating acne breakouts while keeping your skin nourished. The gel texture of aloe does not sit very heavily on your skin and lightly hydrates without clogging pores. You can also look out for a face wash with the benefits of aloe vera—perfect for acne-prone skin.

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How to incorporate aloe in your beauty routine?

If you’re impressed by the benefits of aloe for your skin and want to incorporate it into your self-care routine, here are some easy ways just for you.

Moisturiser max: Aloe gel can be an excellent addition to your daily skincare routine as a moisturiser. After cleansing your face, take a small amount of aloe gel and gently massage it into your skin. The lightweight and hydrating properties of aloe will help nourish and moisturise your skin, leaving it soft and supple.
Mask it overnight: For an extra boost of hydration, you can apply aloe gel as the last step of your skincare routine. Apply a slightly thicker layer of aloe gel to your face before going to bed and let it work like an overnight face mask, allowing the healing ingredient to deeply moisturise and soothe your skin. So, you wake up with a refreshed and revitalized complexion.
Treat it right: Aloe gel can also be used as a targeted treatment for specific skin concerns. If you have blemishes, redness, or inflammation, dab a small amount of aloe gel onto the affected areas, and then go in with a light moisturiser. The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe can help to calm and soothe these issues, promoting a more balanced complexion.

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Aloe gel 101

Q. Will applying aloe benefit my skin?

Yes, applying aloe gel can benefit your skin. It moisturises, soothes irritation, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing. Its natural properties make it suitable for various skin types and concerns, providing a refreshing and nourishing effect.

Q. Can aloe reduce dark circles?

While aloe gel has hydrating and soothing properties that can improve the overall appearance of skin, it is not specifically designed to reduce dark circles. Dark circles can be caused by various factors, so it's best to address the underlying cause and use targeted treatments for dark circles.

Q. Can applying aloe benefit my skin barrier?

Yes, aloe vera gel contains various compounds, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids. When you apply aloe gel to your skin, it forms a protective barrier that helps to lock in moisture and prevent further irritation.