Aloe Vera is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe. An evergreen perennial, it originates from the Arabian Peninsula, but grows wild in tropical, semi-tropical, and arid climates around the world. It is cultivated for agricultural and medicinal uses. The species is also used for decorative purposes and grows successfully indoors as a potted plant. It is found in many consumer products including beverages, skin lotion, cosmetics, and ointments or in the form of gel for minor burns and sunburns. There is little clinical evidence for the effectiveness or safety of Aloe vera extract as a cosmetic or medicine.
Amazing Benefits of Aloe Vera for Skin and Hair
When you forget to reapply SPF after a dip in the pool and end up with a wicked sunburn, chances are you reach for a bottle of aloe for some sweet relief for a good reason: it’s a home remedy for sunburned skin that really works.
According to the researches,”The gel within the leaf of the aloe vera plant holds a lot of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and antioxidants, Research also suggests aloe vera has noticeable anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and antiviral effects.
Besides relieving sunburn pain, what are other uses for aloe vera?The plant has a wide range of uses for the body—especially your skin and hair.
To reap the most benefits, use the gel straight from the actual plant. To do this, snap the leaf off and use a serrated knife to take off the top layer of skin. Then, with the knife, scrape out the gel. But since this isn’t always possible—or practical—a pre-packaged cold-pressed aloe vera gel is perfectly suitable. Even the most superior formulas with upwards of 99 percent pure aloe vera are affordable and easy to find.
Of course, there are also a wide range of products—lotions, sprays, hair masks, shampoos, and more—that simply contain aloe vera as an ingredient. While still helpful, the results won’t be quite as profound.
The benefits of aloe vera include moisturizing dry skin.
Aloe vera is easily absorbed by the skin, which helps to lock in moisture, says Shah. It’s also generally non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t add oil or clog the pores of those with already oily skin, he explains. You can apply gel straight from the plant or use a moisturizer that contains aloe vera.
Helping to heal small wounds and cuts.
As per reasherchs,The active ingredients in the aloe plant—vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and peptides—work to heal skin from a variety of minor ailmentsIt’s even been shown to expedite wound healing.
To use, apply a thin layer of gel to the laceration, then bandage as normal. Alternatively, you can soak a bit of gauze in aloe vera gel, then apply that to the wound.
Minimize skin redness and irritation
These vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants also reduce inflammation and skin agitation. This makes it an effective treatment for many dermatological issues, including eczema and psoriasis. Simply rub the gel into the affected areas.
Decrease hyperpigmentation
When applied topically, aloe vera gel may also be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation. “It blocks an enzyme called tyrosinase, which is primarily responsible for skin hyperpigmentation.”
Reduce acne
One of the active ingredients in aloe vera gel is salicylic acid, which is an exfoliant and antibacterial agent commonly used to treat acne, says Batra. Plus, the soothing properties can help calm inflammation associated with painful pimples. To keep breakouts at bay, apply a thin layer of gel to acne-prone areas every evening.
Aloe vera can prevent fine lines and wrinkles
Applying a thin layer of aloe vera gel can also help minimize wrinkles, since it has collagen-boosting capabilities that help the body turnover damaged skin cells and produce new skin, says Shah. While this is a great anti-aging benefit, it’s not a miracle-worker. “Aloe can help prevent future fine lines and wrinkles, however, it cannot reduce the appearance of wrinkles that are already ther.
Try it for eliminating dandruff
For many of the reasons that aloe vera is good for your face, it can also help your scalp. If you suffer from excessive dandruff and have noticed the color of your flakes turn from off-white to a more yellowish color or scabbing, you are probably experiencing seborrhoeic dermatitis.