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There are many things that aloe vera can be used for. You’ve probably heard of aloe vera as a treatment for burns or a soothing skincare ingredient, but did you know it has a whole host of other potential benefits?
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant native to Africa and the Middle East. It is known for its moisturizing and healing properties and has been used for centuries to treat various skin conditions, such as burns, sunburns, cuts, and skin infections.
I love to use aloe vera gel in many homemade beauty recipes, but it has many medicinal properties. It can be taken internally as a beverage or supplement.
Aloe vera is easy to grow and makes a beautiful addition to a home herb garden or ornamental houseplant.
Although some possible benefits still need to be further studied, there is plenty of evidence of the MANY benefits of this pointy little plant.
Benefits of Aloe Vera for Skin and Hair
Aloe Vera is a plant that has been used for centuries for its many benefits for skin and hair. It is high in antioxidants, which help protect the skin from damage and promote healthy skin cells. It is also high in vitamins A, C, and E and is a natural source of hyaluronic acid.
Let’s take a closer look at the many benefits of aloe vera:
Treats skin problems and sunburn – the antioxidants found in aloe vera can be used to soothe and treat several skin conditions and sunburn.
Speeds up the healing of wounds – the antibacterial, antiseptic, and antiviral properties found in aloe vera could help speed up the healing process of wounds.
Hydrates skin – aloe vera gel is highly nourishing and can be used to keep your skin hydrated and clear.
Reduces inflammation and redness – aloe vera is commonly used to reduce skin inflammation and redness and is an excellent ingredient for sensitive or irritated skin.
May reduce wrinkles – a study done in 2009 found that ingesting aloe vera orally increased collagen production levels, which improved skin elasticity. Similarly, reviews have suggested that drinking and applying aloe vera to the skin can help the skin retain more moisture and improve its integrity.
Reduces acne – Because of its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe can help alleviate acne while keeping skin moist and not drying it out like other acne treatments may. Try applying a thin layer of fresh aloe vera on skin morning and night after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Improve skin texture – Aloe Vera can help improve the texture and tone of the skin.
Moisturizes and repairs hair – aloe vera can help heal and restore damaged hair. It can also help promote hair growth, reduce hair loss, and improve the overall condition of hair.
High in antioxidants – Aloe Vera is a natural source of antioxidants that can help protect the skin from damage caused by the sun and other environmental factors.
Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
While aloe is probably best known for its beneficial properties for skin and hair, it has many benefits for the entire body, including oral care, digestion, and overall wellness.
Helps treat mouth ulcers – a 2012 study found that aloe vera effectively treated mouth ulcers via applying aloe vera patches. Similarly, another study done in 2012 showed that aloe vera didn’t only heal the mouth ulcers, but also alleviate the pain associated with them.
Decreases dental plaque – two studies done in 2014 found that aloe vera was an effective killer of Streptococcus mutans, bacteria that causes plaque. Additionally, it was found that this plant was an effective ingredient against Candida albicans, a type of yeast.
Mouthwash alternative – aloe vera mouthwash can be used as a chemical-free mouthwash that has proven to help reduce swelling and bleeding of the gums, according to a 2014 study.
Supports healthy digestion – aloe vera has been associated with aiding digestion and can be used as a natural laxative.
Heartburn relief – people who experience GERD (Gastrointestinal reflux disease) may find a replacement by ingesting aloe vera gel around mealtime, according to a 2015 study. Because of aloe vera’s low toxicity, it is an excellent natural remedy for decreasing severe heartburn without any problems related to digestion.
How to Use Aloe Vera
When we talk about the uses of aloe vera, we are talking about the aloe vera gel inside the plant’s plump leaves. The leaves are filled with a gel-like substance brimming with beneficial properties.
It’s super simple to harvest the aloe vera gel from your plants! But make sure you’re using only the gel, not the plants’ outer leaves.
Aloe vera gel can be made into aloe juice, blended until smooth and consumed, or used directly from the plant in many ways topically.
4 ways to use Aloe Vera on Face
Most of us know aloe vera can be used to soothe burned or irritated skin. Give some of these other uses a try, and you’ll quickly see why aloe is such a superstar ingredient for your face!
- As a face mask – aloe vera makes a great face mask and can easily be combined with several other beneficial ingredients to suit your particular skin type. Combine aloe with honey for an acne-fighting mask that’s still nourishing. Blend aloe with yogurt for a probiotic enriched facial treatment that enhances your microbiome. Or apply a thick layer of aloe vera gel straight to your face and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
- First layer moisturizer – before applying your favorite moisturizer or face oil, apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to your skin and let it thoroughly soak in. The water-based hydration from the aloe plant will plump skin and prime it for the more intense oil-based moisturizer.
- As a makeup remover – Try this homemade eye makeup remover with aloe vera, which is gentle enough to use on sensitive eye skin and can be used effectively on your entire face as well.
- Aloe Vera-based toner – a fabulous way to reap the benefits of aloe for your skin is in a homemade toner recipe! This toner uses aloe and witch hazel to cleanse gently, tone, and moisturize skin.
5 Ways to Use Aloe Vera on Hair
Aloe vera is touted by many as a hair growth treatment, and it can also leave hair soft, shiny, and moisturized (but not greasy!). Use fresh or bottled natural aloe vera gel for these beneficial hair treatments.
Apply Aloe straight to hair – aloe vera is such a powerhouse ingredient, you don’t need to mix it with anything to see the benefits for your hair. Apply fresh aloe gel directly to dry hair and sit for up to an hour before rinsing out and shampooing like normal.
Aloe and ACV Conditioning treatment – I’ve used apple cider vinegar on my hair for years with great results, but I just recently discovered mixing it with aloe vera gel. Talk about an uplevel for my hair!
Try an aloe vera hair mask – this recipe uses argan oil, honey, and essential oils for a naturally nourishing aloe-infused hair treatment.
Mix with coconut oil – combine equal parts aloe vera gel and coconut oil for a rich and nourishing hair mask treatment. For best results, give this a quick blend so the aloe and coconut oil will blend and use immediately. Apply to dry hair and sit for at least 15 minutes before rinsing clean.
Make an aloe vera hair gel – this recipe uses xantham gum and a natural preservative to thicken the hair gel, but it doesn’t take much more than that to make your hair gel out of aloe vera!
Best natural aloe vera gel
If you’re not into growing your aloe, no worries, there are plenty of good options to purchase natural aloe vera gel. But be warned: not all bottled aloe vera gel is created equal!
Here’s how to make sure your aloe vera gel is high quality:
- Avoid aloe gels that are any color but clear (I’m looking at you, big green bottle of aloe from my childhood).
- Make sure to read the ingredients! Bottled aloe vera gel WILL require a preservative since it’s a plant-based material with high water content. The most natural brands will include just aloe vera gel and a preservative. No fragrance, colors, or thickeners.
Beauty by Earth Aloe Vera Gel – This is 98% organic aloe vera, with vitamin, vitamin E and natural preservatives added. This is an excellent choice for post-sun application or use in an aloe-based skin care recipe. Save 10% with code BEAUTYBYEARTH
Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera – Another solid organic aloe vera gel, this one comes in a BIG bottle so that you can use it for everything!
