Aloe Vera has been used for a host of purposes since the ancient Egyptians called it the “plant of immortality.” Since then, its uses have become more targeted and medicinal, and it's one of the leading therapies for sunburns.
Aloe Vera is a cactus plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family. It grows in dry climates such as those found in parts of Africa and India and has been used medicinally for centuries. Aloe leaves secrete a clear gel that when broken off from the rest of the plant, can be applied topically to heal wounds and soothe skin.
Various studies have been conducted to examine the benefits of the Aloe Vera plant and it was found out that Aloe Vera is effective in treating a variety of skin conditions, from flaky or dry skin, cosmetic ailments, hair and scalp problems to many more.
It treats sunburns, acts as a moisturiser, treats acne, fights aging, reduces the visibility of stretch marks, beneficial for health if taken topically, soothes periodontal diseases and aids digestion. You can read more about it on MindBodyGreen.
If you are keen to extract the gel by hand, you can purchase the plants from the local supermarkets. Slice the leaves open lengthwise and use a spoon to scrape the gel away from each leaf and into your container. The gel is packed with nutrients, active enzymes, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
Aloe Vera gel contains two hormones: Auxin and Gibberellins. These two hormones provide wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce skin inflammation.
Other than applying it directly to skin, you can also incorporate the gel into masks for mini spa sessions. Here are some favourites.
Almond Oil and Aloe Vera Face Mask
1) Mash a banana with a fork and add 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
2) Stir until ingredients are combined and add in 3 teaspoons of almond oil
3) Mix thoroughly and apply to skin and let it dry for 15 minutes
4) Rinse off with lukewarm water and rinse again with cool water to tighten pores
Benefits : Moisturizing, Hydrating
Shop :
Now Foods Sweet Almond Oil
InstaNatural Aloe Vera Gel
Rose Water and Aloe Vera Face Mask
1) Blend 1/2 cucumber in a blender/food processor. Alternatively, you can peel 1/2 cucumber and mash it with a fork
2) Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and add in 1 teaspoon of rose water and 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel
3) Mix well and apply to skin and let it dry for 15 minutes
4) Rinse off with lukewarm water and rinse again with cool water to tighten pores
Benefits : Discolouration, restore skin's natural colour
Shop :
Leven Rose Pure Organic Rose Water
InstaNatural Aloe Vera Gel
Tomato Juice and Aloe Vera Mask
1) Blend a tomato in a blender/food processor. Alternatively, cut tomato in half and press it into a bowl with a fork to squeeze the juice. You can also choose to use store bought tomato juice.
2) Add 1 tablespoon aloe vera hel and mix well.
3) Apply to skin and let it dry for 15 minutes
4) Rinse off with lukewarm water and rinse again with cool water to tighten pores
Benefits : reduce acne scars, fight breakouts
Shop :
InstaNatural Aloe Vera Gel
Egg and Aloe Vera Face Mask
1) Crack an egg into a bowl, beat with a fork and add in 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel
2) Whip mixture till you create a fluffy texture
3) Apply to skin and let it dry for 15 minutes
4) Rinse off with lukewarm water and rinse again with cool water to tighten pores
Benefits : Nourishing, moisturizing, increase elasticity, improve skin firmness, preventing lines and wrinkles
Shop :
InstaNatural Aloe Vera Gel
Shea Butter and Aloe Vera Face Mask
1) Add 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and stir well
2) Add in 2 tablespoons of shea butter and mix well.
3) Apply to skin and let it dry for 15 minutes
4) Rinse off with lukewarm water and rinse again with cool water to tighten pores
Benefits : Exfoliate dead skin cells, prevent breakouts, moisturizing dry skin, rejuvenating oily skin
Shop :
InstaNatural Aloe Vera Gel
Now Foods Shea Butter
Innisfree Shea Butter Mask Sheet
Brown Sugar and Aloe Vera Face Mask
1) Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
2) Mix till the sugar is dissolved
3) Massage on skin in small circular motions for 5 minutes, let it dry for 10 minutes
4) Rinse off with lukewarm water and rinse again with cool water to tighten pores
Benefits : Shrink whiteheads and blackheads, restore skin's glow, dissolve excess oils, remove dead skin, dust and dirt
Shop :
InstaNatural Aloe Vera Gel
Bob's Red Mill Brown Sugar
Recommended Reading :
Tame Inflammation With Aloe Vera Mask
DIY Masking With Yoghurt
DIY Masking With Honey + Salt
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