Hi,
Do you know aloe vera? I’m sure you do! Perhaps some of you even grow it in their homes. Inconspicuous, green, very nice. And did you know that this plant has really amazing cosmetic properties? Recently I read a lot about it. The conclusion is simple. It’s time to go to the garden for your aloe. It is impossible not to have plants with such effects at hand! Do you want to know more about the properties of aloe vera? Here you are!
Aloe vera is succulent! It is actually a good information because succulents have recently become really trendy. It’s easy to create effective compositions thanks to them and they do not require special care. There are many varieties of aloe and the question often arises: which aloe vera is the healing one. In cosmetics and dermatology, two of them are used in particular:
- Aloe vera or Aloe barbadensis
- Aloe arborescens
Aloe is a strong germicide, anti-inflammatory and analgesic substance which was really surprising to me. The numerous beneficial properties of aloe have been scientifically confirmed. And this includes not only those used in cosmetics, but I will focus on them because I’m guessing that might be the most interesting for you.
Properties of aloe. What does aloe vera contain?
- It has a high content of vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B6 and B9 (folic acid).
- This is one of the few plants containing rare vitamin B12.
- It contains a lot of minerals: calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, potassium, iron, etc.
- It is rich in amino acids and fatty acids (the building material of our body).
- It is an adaptogen, i.e. strengthens the natural resistance to stress.
- It alkalizes the body – restores the acid-alkaline balance.
- It contains 12 substances that minimize inflammation.
Even though it seems that thanks to all those properties, aloe vera is an amazing beauty product (which is totally true), it is also often used as a healing product. For example, the Indians were convinced that the juice of aloe has rejuvenating properties, the Greeks and Romans used it for hair loss and the Egyptians … embalmed corpse with it!
The effects of using aloe vera. How does aloe work in cosmetics?
ALOE FOR THE SKIN
In skin care, aloe is used as a substance that soothes irritations. Aloe juice or the very popular aloe gel (my favourite Holika Holika) bring instant relief to irritated skin. It provides relief to burns, including sunburns, and also reduces redness and accelerates regeneration. My patent for aloe? I use it directly as a replacement for face cream. Sometimes I wash my face with it but be careful not to get it in your eyes. However, I usually make homemade aloe masks. Regardless of the method I use, the aloe perfectly relaxes the taut skin and improves its hydration, nutrition and elasticity. It is also said that it can even heal scars and lighten discolourations, but I did not notice that.
ALOE FOR HAIR
Aloe extract is a very nutritious ingredient that also works great in hair care. It is especially appreciated by people with delicate hair and irritated scalp. I usually use it as an ingredient that delivers strong moisturizing properties to my homemade masks. For haircare aloe also acts as a shine enhancer and a comb-facilitating agent. I apply its pure form to my hair less frequently but if I do it, I rub it into the scalp to moisturize and relieve irritation. It minimizes dandruff, psoriasis and itching.
ALOE FOR ACNE
You cannot forget about the antibacterial properties of natural aloe. If we also mention its effective control of free radicals and alleviation of irritation, it turns out that aloe is a wonderful ingredient for acne. When applied directly to the skin, it acts as a soothing balm. It prevents the development of inflammation and soothes inflammation as well as cools and refreshes the complexion. Aloe is simply irreplaceable in the fight against acne. It dries pimples while moisturizing the skin. If we use it regularly, we may stop worrying about unsightly acne scars.
Homemade aloe cosmetics. DIY!
1. Aloe honey – can be used externally and it can be added to meals and drink. Thanks to regular use, it soothes inflammations effectively.
How to do it? Chop the fresh leaves very finely with a sharp knife, crush them with a fork or blend them smoothly in a blender; mix them with honeydew honey in a ratio of 1: 2 with a predominance of honey; bring to boil in a pot and leave overnight in a dark place; Repeat the next day, then strain the aloe honey through a sieve and let it cool down.
2. Aloe hair conditioner – applied to the hair and skin for 30 minutes brings nourishment, reduces dryness and fragility and adds shine and facilitates combing.
How to do it? Take two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, half a cup of aloe juice and one large egg; mix all ingredients thoroughly, eg with a kitchen whisk; apply on hair and scalp freshly after making; rinse only with lukewarm water.
These are my two beloved recipes for DIY aloe cosmetics. Of course, apart from the Holika Holik aloe gel, which I use passionately for almost every part of my body.
Do you know any recipes for aloe cosmetics? 🙂
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