Aloe Vera is a type of a cactus that belongs to Liliaceae family. It is usually found growing in places with dry climatic conditions. The thick and fleshy leaves of Aloe Vera are packed with clear transparent gel. This gel can be applied directly on to the skin. It is a bit difficult to extract the gel out of the spiky leaves. The gel is slightly solid, slimy and sticky, but full of natural goodness. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. You can extract the gel by filleting the leaf, scraping it off into a clean bowl and mashing it up with your fingers.
Aloe Vera extract can be used directly on to the skin. I personally use Aloe Vera twice a week for my oily skin. I apply it on my face, let it dry, wash off with water and pat dry. Avoid using Aloe Vera on area near the eyes. I suggest you do a patch test before applying Aloe Vera onto your skin. Some people may experience skin irritation resulting from Aloe Vera application. Tropical varieties of Aloe Vera are also known to cause skin irritation. Let us take a look at the host of benefits that Aloe Vera has to offer.
Helps treat sun tan and sun burn
Direct application of aloe Vera gel helps treat sun tan and sun burn. Given to its antioxidant properties, it helps accelerate the healing process at the epithelial layer of skin.
Works excellent as a moisturizer and as anti-aging agent
Dry skin needs to be replenished with moisture and not oil. Instead of applying moisturizing lotions, one can apply Aloe Vera gel. The gel permeates deep into the skin and hydrates it. It works great as an anti-aging agent. The beta carotene and Vitamins C and E keep the skin moist and naturally firm. Thus, it makes the skin glow and look younger.
Even men can explore the benefits of Aloe Vera. They can use the Aloe Vera gel instead of after-shave lotion. Aloe Vera has a cooling effect on the skin.
Treats acne effectively
Aloe Vera is an excellent remedy to treat skin disorders like acne, dark spots and blemishes. It lightens the dark spot over regular application. Aloe Vera get its anti-inflammatory properties from Gibberellin and Auxin. These two hormones accelerate growth rate of new cells, thus, speeding up the healing process.
Heals wound, burns and blisters
Aloe Vera has a soothing effect on skin that has sustained minor burns and wounds. It is good for treating blisters, itching and rashes resulting from eczema and psoriasis.
Aloe Vera is indeed nature's gift to the mankind. It is often used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat problems related to hair and skin. It is also used to detoxify the body through internal application of its extract. Aloe Vera must be used for internal application under the supervision of qualified medicine practitioner only.
An illustrative video for using Aloe Vera for naturally glowing skin
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