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Ready to introduce a new staple into your daily routine? With over 75 active ingredients, the health benefits of aloe vera are endless.
Read on to discover 5 magnificent ways aloe vera gel can support your daily health and beauty routine.
Aloe vera gel can be incorporated into any hair care routine, due to exhibiting multiple beneficial properties.
As the plant is highly abundant in vitamins and minerals, applying aloe vera directly to the scalp can help promote hair growth and nourish the follicles. The gel-like consistency is also similar to keratin (a protein found in hair). The texture allows aloe vera to penetrate the hair follicle and shaft easily. As aloe vera is alkaline, it can balance out the pH of your scalp to optimize the scalp environment for hair growth.
Suffer from an itchy scalp? Aloe vera can help combat dandruff, psoriasis, and dryness due to displaying antipruritic properties. The enzymes found in aloe vera can break down dead skin cells on the scalp that may cause the itching.
You can use the gel in a multitude of ways, depending on your needs. Whether you have naturally curly and frizzy hair or sleek and flat hair, you will benefit from using aloe vera in your hair routine. Deep condition your hair with an aloe vera mask, or use a tiny drop to define frizzy curls.
Nothing is more irritating than a painfully itchy insect bite. Aloe vera can be used as an alternative treatment to alleviate and heal the bite, without any harsh chemicals exasperating the skin.
A specific compound found in the gel, acemannan, may help enhance the body’s immune system to combat toxins initiated by the bite. Aloe vera is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and accelerate the healing of the area.
The glycoproteins in aloe vera may help minimize discomfort caused by the bite, by gently soothing the skin to provide immediate pain relief. As the gel is naturally cool, this can also help reduce itching and calm down the skin.
You can create your own aloe vera liquid spray to carry on camping trips and holidays, by mixing equal parts of water and aloe vera gel and pouring the contents into a spray bottle.
Utilizing organic aloe vera for wound and scar healing is not a new treatment solution. In fact, it has been commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat chronic skin conditions. In current research, topical aloe vera application has been shown to help treat psoriasis, HPV, seborrheic dermatitis, and promote wound healing.
What properties in aloe vera are effective in wound healing?
For starters, the polysaccharide fibers present in the plant seal wounds and can reduce the appearance of scars. As the gel is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, this can further assist the wound healing process by reducing the risk of infection to the injury site. Vitamin E present in the aloe vera gel may minimize scarring and promote rapid healing of the skin cells.
Aloe vera can be applied to the wound directly, or added to the wound dressing for relief. It is recommended to avoid aloe vera application on deep tissue wounds. If you are unsure, consult your physician before applying aloe vera gel to your wound.
As much as we long for sunny days at the beach, prolonged exposure to UV rays can
damage the skin and induce premature aging. Not only can UV rays increase scars, wrinkles, and dark spots, they can also lead to painful sunburns and irritation.
To treat sunburns and cool the skin after a long day of sun exposure, apply aloe vera gel to replenish, nourish, and minimize the harmful effects of UV rays on your delicate skin.
The glycoproteins and polysaccharides in the gel can help repair skin cells damaged by harsh UV rays, and reduce redness and swelling.
As sun exposure may leave the skin dehydrated, apply aloe vera to lock in moisture and form a protective layer over peeling, sunburnt skin. You can also use a drop of aloe vera on cracking, sun-damaged lips for a boost of moisture and nourishment.
To boost the effects of aloe vera on burns, combine the gel with other natural ingredients and essential oils to create your own after-sun remedy.
Aloe vera gel is widely used as an ingredient in skincare products in today’s market, due to its nutritious composition and plethora of researched dermatologic benefits. Whether you are suffering from troublesome acne or dry, aged skin, aloe vera may significantly improve complexion and resolve skin issues.
Trying to keep your skin looking young and fresh? Aloe vera is abundant in vitamin C and E, that both work to keep the skin looking firm, supple and radiant.
Coupled with the naturally-occurring enzymes, phenolic compounds, and amino acids, aloe vera gel exceptionally nourishes and rejuvenates the skin, whilst adding moisture.
If you have acne-prone skin, aloe vera can help absorb excess oils and unclog pores to prevent pimples.
You can create your own beauty remedies using the gel, by adding different natural ingredients and oils. For extra effectiveness against acne-prone skin, add a couple of drops of tea tree oil to your aloe vera, to help remove impurities from the skin and treat acne. Longing for a refreshed and radiant complexion? Add grated cucumber and honey to a tablespoon of aloe vera gel, and leave on as a face mask. The possibilities are endless!
Aloe vera is an extremely versatile plant. These are only 5 of a dizzying variety of the health benefits of aloe vera gel. You’ll be amazed at how many ways you can use this aloe vera to support your health and beauty regimen.
5 Amazing Health and Beauty Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel
~ Written by Salma Dawood, Nutritionist BSc
References:
1) Amar Surjishe et. Al., Aloe Vera: A Short Review, 2008: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
2) Feily A. et. Al., Aloe Vera in Dermatology: A Brief Review, 2009: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19218914
3) Seyyed Abbas Hashemi et. Al. The Review on Properties of Aloe Vera in Healing of Cutaneous Wounds, 2015: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2015/714216/
