Ditch a Moisturizer, Get Aloe Gel! Why Aloe Vera Replaced My Skin & Hair Products?

You’re a fan of multi-purpose skin care products? Me too! And I’m sure you will love Aloe vera gel for its variety of uses, just like I did 🙂 Do you know what properties Aloe has and how to make use of them in beauty routine? I do and want to share it with you. I hope it is going to steal your heart as well!

Supposedly, aloe healing properties were already mentioned in the ancient times. It’s no wonder as aloe is a quite popular plant, easy to cultivate and use.

What does aloe vera conceal?

It is a source of numerous vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, C and E, as well as folic acid (it’s also a vitamin actually) and minerals: zinc, phosphorus, copper, potassium, calcium and iron. They make up the majority of the aloe composition but there are even more ingredients. EFAs, that is essential fatty acids, natural salicylic acid, glucose and beta-carotene. You must admit it sounds impressive. I’m shocked by how many good substances may be hidden in such simple plant.

The most popular qualities of aloe

Without doubts, aloe is the most common as a healing product for irritated skin needing relief. However, other benefits of aloe have been discovered and appreciated:

• it effectively moisturizes skin (it is humectant);
• it soothes inflammation, irritations and sunburnt skin;
• it makes minor wounds heal quickly;
• it reduces redness and itchiness;
• it delivers valuable nutrients to skin;
• it makes skin less rough, leaving it softer and smoother;
• it brightens minor scars and pigmentation spots;
• it relieves acne symptoms and accelerates skin healing;
• it reduces swellings e.g. under eyes;
• it fights bacteria;
• it controls level of sebum;
• it enhances proper exfoliation of epidermis;
• it stimulates repair and strengthens.

10 ways to use aloe gel

Only by looking at aloe properties, you probably guess there are endless ways to make use of it. Also, it is natural and fully safe even for dry, irritated, acne, mature, fatigued and sensitive skin. Similarly, it works on all hair types.

How to use aloe gel in beauty care?

1. As a moisturizer. Pat aloe on skin to provide moisture boost, nutrients, radiance and smoothness.
2. As topical acne treatment. Aloe gel prevents skin dehydration (which may intensify acne breakouts), soothes inflammation and has antibacterial effect.
3. As addition to masks. Face mask shouldn’t just nourish, rejuvenate and repair but also moisturize which is ensured by aloe gel.
4. As make-up primer. Aloe gel is a brilliant moisturizer and smoothing agent which is absorbed immediately so it makes a perfect substitute for base priming skin for make-up.
5. As insect bite treatment. Application of aloe on bites soothes irritated skin, reduces redness and brings relief.
6. As eye cream. Aloe tops all other natural ingredients that can be applied to sensitive skin under the eyes. It moisturizes, nourishes, rejuvenates, reduces dark circles and puffiness.
7. As a body lotion. Natural aloe gel is suitable for whole body skin as it moisturizes, soothes irritations, softens and smoothes skin (ideally, mix it with natural vegetable oil).
8. As scalp treatment. Aloe (alone or together with natural oil) works like a moisturizing and soothing scalp conditioner which nourishes roots and strengthens hair.
9. As serum for hair ends. Pure aloe can be rubbed in hair tips to add moisture and softness, as well as prevent splitting.
10. As after-shave gel. Skin tends to be harshly irritated after shaving – a bit of aloe gel will do to give it some relief, reduce redness and irritation.

Obviously, there are even more uses of aloe (they seem to be endless…). If you’ve got some tried & tested aloe treatments and recipes, why don’t you share them below? 🙂

Which aloe gel to choose for beauty treatments?

The cosmetic market abounds in aloe gels. Run through the list of ingredients carefully because some products contain mostly water, thickening agents (e.g. guar gum), other plants’ extracts, fragrances and even preservatives (including controversial PEGs). Sadly, aloe often comes in trace amounts which is a pity. After all, it gives the best effect.

If we want to be sure we use the right ingredient, fine quality, all-natural, let’s read INCI and choose wisely or… plant our own aloe at home!