Aloe Vera is a common plant found mostly in every household. It is known for its healing properties. Aloe Vera not only is used for skin ailments but is also a good moisturizer for the face.
Regular application of Aloe Vera to the face treats various skin conditions like eczema, acne, and sunburn.
One can use the gel directly from the plant, which is natural. If you do not have access to a plant, you can get the bottled gel from drug stores.
Benefits of Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is succulent and is found in every household. The leaves contain a gel that is rich in Vitamins A, C, E, and B12.
When Aloe Vera is used on the face regularly, it provides the following
- The gel constitutes 98% of water and hence moisturizes, soothes, and hydrates the skin
- It backs the production and release of collagen
- The anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling, pain, and soreness of wounds or injuries.
- It limits scarring and speeds up wound healing time
- Reduces healing time of the first degree and second-degree burns
- Effectively treats bacterial and fungal infections
- Provides cooling sensation on rashes and sunburn
- Anti-oxidant activity helps repair sun damage and slows down the aging process of the skin.
- It enhances the flexibility of the skin
Aloe Vera treats conditions like
- Acne
- Sunburn and swelling
- Rosacea
- Eczema
- Minor burns
- Cuts or skin wounds
- Bug bite
Usage
It is better to grow an Aloe Vera plant and procure the gel. Aloe Vera plants are available at the local garden stores. But if you are not able to grow plants, and the option is to go for getting aloe vera product, select one that has no added ingredients like alcohol or other chemicals, which might harm the skin.
How to extract the gel from the plant
- Cut out the leaf from the plant as near the root.
- Cut off the pointed tip.
- Wash it thoroughly and pat dry.
- Place the cut side down to drain off the yellow sap. This has laxative properties and does not suit all.
- Press the leaf to soften it.
- Cut off the spines from both sides of the plant.
- Slice the leaf through the center, and for bigger leaves cut the outer green layer.
- Scoop out the gel using a knife blade or spoon.
- Wash the gel and clean off any residue.
- You can store the gel for 2 weeks in the refrigerator or freeze them to form ice cubes.
You can use aloe vera as the following
- Face wash - Using clean fingers apply the gel in a circular motion on the face. Rinse with cold water and pat dry.
- Skin toner - Combine 2 parts of water with 1 part of aloe gel. Pour it into a clean bottle and refrigerate. Use this as a toner to the face.
- For minor wounds and cuts - Apply a small amount of the gel on the cut or wound. You can keep this overnight and repeat it as needed.
- Treating insect bites - Covering the area of insect bites helps alleviate the itchiness.
- Antifungal treatment - Apply a small amount of the gel to the affected area.
- Relief for eczema - Apply the gel onto the itchy surface and allow it to dry. Wash off with cold water. Repeat if needed.
- Treating sunburns - Apply refrigerated aloe vera gel onto the sunburned area of the skin. Use it until the skin returns to normal.
- Treat acne spots and rosacea - Mix a tablespoon of aloe vera gel with 2-3 drops of fresh lemon juice and apply to the acne spots and scars. You can also combine aloe vera gel with tea tree oil.
