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:
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.
Read more: Make aloe your summer skin saviour
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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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.