Aloe Vera: the monarch of skin care

Aloe vera - a plant with surprisingly many healing properties

Many would say that the aloe vera plant has a very bitter taste and a rather strong smell, which is unpleasant, especially in public. However, the truth is that when it grows in other regions, it can be very different from ours. And yet, as far as magical properties for everyday beauty rituals are concerned, there are, as you know, plenty of them.

It's worth mentioning that aloe vera is a surprisingly good companion for the face, which, thanks to its exceptional moisturizing properties, stays on the skin for a really long time, making it super-smooth and soft the next day, especially if you have blemishes or acne. In other words, Aloe vera is one of the most widely used herbal remedies for topical skin conditions. This is because the specific components inside the plant (the gel) can protect not only the face but also other parts of the body from various minor ailments^[1].

Of course, some people may have used aloe vera long before to heal burns or minor scratches on the skin. And yet, despite its exceptional healing powers, you may wonder whether it is safe to apply to your face. And I have to say that the answer is yes: when used properly, it will correct imperfections that may affect your skin^[2].

Among other things, there is more than one species of this plant - some 420 different ones. It is also no secret that, in traditional medicine, aloe is used as a cream made from a gel-like substance contained in the leaves of the plant, which can be extracted by breaking and squeezing or by scraping them.

The plant is also unique in that its molecular structure helps to heal wounds and reduce scarring, as it's collagen and other elements fight bacteria effectively: you will be able to get rid of sores and herpes, while eczema and psoriasis sufferers will be surprised by the action of aloe vera instead of chemical preparations that are not effective. On the other hand, although the plant has been a remedy for these skin disorders since ancient times, it is better to consult your dermatologist before trying it.

Proven beauty benefits of aloe vera make you gasp

Yes, not everyone's home is full of aloe vera. But for best results, buying at least one is a good idea. It should also be mentioned that various creams containing extracts of this plant do not work as well as a natural gel. This is because the latter contains an extremely high content of moisturizing elements that protect and heal the skin^[3].

The succulent plant has long been used for medicinal purposes. The aloe vera plant is native to North Africa, Southern Europe, and the Canary Islands. Meanwhile, today, it is cultivated in tropical climates worldwide and is used not only for beauty but also to relieve heartburn and to stop the spread of breast cancer - and researchers are only now beginning to discover the benefits of this versatile plant and its many by-products. In the meantime, the main uses of aloe vera include:

• Aloe vera and tea tree oil face washes are really effective: mix a little water and aloe vera with 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil to make a cleansing solution. Some people may be sensitive to this oil, so it is necessary to rinse the solution with water after a couple of minutes.
• Aloe vera spray: Mix about 2 parts water and 1 part aloe vera gel. The resulting solution should then be poured into a spray bottle and sprayed onto the affected area, avoiding the eye area.
• To make a facial scrub, mix equal parts coconut oil and sugar and add half as much aloe vera to make a natural product - a combination that will suit those who want to avoid chemical products. Meanwhile, the sugar grains will effectively remove dead skin layers.
• Mix coconut oil with aloe vera and apply it to your face to soften your skin and protect it from aging and wrinkles.
• Washing your head using this plant can stimulate hair growth. Some people like to apply aloe vera gel directly to the scalp, using a spoon to scoop out the mass from the leaf. However, it can also be mixed with coconut or olive oil by rubbing the mixture directly onto the scalp and leaving it on for an hour.
• Hair masks are also a popular way to use aloe vera: mix 2 tablespoons of its pulp with 4 tablespoons of honey and one egg yolk. Then massage the mixture into the scalp and hair and leave it for at least 15 minutes.
• Aloe vera gel can be applied directly to painted or natural lips, making them softer and softer.
• Mixing a small amount of the plant with a few drops of castor oil can strengthen your eyebrows and lashes.
• For men, a few tablespoons of coconut oil and aloe vera will replace shaving foam, and leaving it in for longer can help speed up the growth of the beard. (If you heat the coconut oil in a pan and mix it in equal parts with the aloe vera and the contents of one vitamin E capsule, you will get a hair-strengthening treatment.) By the way, some men use pure gel from plants instead of hair styling products. 

Aloe vera is a preventative measure against stomach ulcers and diabetes

Aloe vera juice is a popular choice in many health food cafés and natural food stores. Interestingly, tomatoes and apples coated with aloe vera gel repel harmful bacteria and prevent their growth. And that means it can help fruit and vegetables stay fresh and eliminate the need for dangerous chemicals that extend the shelf life of produce.

Among other things, aloe vera juice is a safe and effective alternative to chemical mouthwashes. Thanks to the vitamin C in the plant, you can easily get rid of plaque and reduce inflammation and swelling of the gums. (Although this vitamin is found in oranges, green peppers, broccoli, grapefruit, and tomato juices, aloe vera juice is another excellent source.)

It should also be mentioned that the plant's juice lowers blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, the latter should be careful when taking glucose-lowering medication, as the juice, in combination with antidiabetic drugs, can lower glucose levels to dangerous levels.

Aloe vera is also considered a natural laxative. Meanwhile, its antioxidants help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and strengthen the immune system.