Aloe Vera – A Boon In Skin Care

Aloe vera is a succulent plant that grows widely and expansively in many parts of the world. Each leaf of the aloe vera plant is divided into three parts – the inner clear gel that consists of water and other nutrients, the yellow bitter sap that contains glycosides, and the outer protective rind that contains starch and protein.

Aloe vera has been well known for its medicinal and wound healing properties since the ancient Egyptian Era. The Egyptian queen Cleopatra used it in her beauty regimes regularly. Alexander the Great used it to treat soldiers wounded in battle. Pharaohs even called it ‘the plant of immortality.

But it was in the mid-1930s when aloe vera was introduced by modern medicine to be used for various skin problems in dermatology.

BENEFITS OF USING ALOE VERA FOR SKIN CARE

• It is moisturising
  The flesh of the aloe vera leaf is made up of 99% water. It hydrates deeply, and the gelatinous compounds act as natural humectants for our skin.
• It reduces pimples
  The anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and antiseptic properties provided by compounds such as lupeol, cinnamonic acid, phenols and sulphur found in aloe vera leaves reduce pimples. Aloe vera also contains natural salicylic acid which is clinically proven to reduce skin lesions like papules, blackheads, whiteheads and other such comedones. It is also known to prevent the formation of scar tissue after the removal of acne.
• It is rich in antioxidants
  Antioxidants such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, folic acid, zinc and metallothionein increase antioxidant activity in the skin by scavenging free radicals and protecting our skin from environmental pollutants and oxidative stress.
• It is anti-inflammatory
  Research indicates that fatty acids, enzymes, sugars and hormones such as cholesterol, campesterol, beta-sisosterol, lupeol, bradykinase, c-glucosyl chromone, auxins and gibberellins found in aloe vera provide anti-inflammatory benefits to the skin when applied topically, and also promote wound healing.
• It reduces sun damage
  According to a study, on careful application of aloe vera, our skin generates an antioxidant protein called metallothionein which reduces the effects of sun exposure, UV damage, and gamma radiation on our skin.
• It is a natural coolant
  Aloe vera provides an instant cooling sensation, rejuvenation and freshness to our skin. It is a known household remedy for soothing small cuts and burns. According to a study, topical application of aloe vera gel also accelerates the healing of burn wounds.
• It reduces itchiness
  According to a study, formulations containing aloe vera are effective in reducing dermatitis, an itchy skin condition that leads to rashes. The high polysaccharide content of aloe vera gel hydrates skin and restores its protective barrier. It is also used to treat skin problems like eczema and psoriasis.
• It improves complexion
  Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E found in aloe vera plants repair photodamage, reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, promote even skin tone and provide a glowing complexion.
• It has anti-ageing benefits
  Research indicates that topical application and oral consumption of aloe vera stimulates fibroblast in our skin which synthesises collagen and produces elastin fibres to make our skin more elastic and less wrinkled. The same research also concludes that aloe vera gel boosts the production of hyaluronic acid in the body which keeps skin hydrated and plump.
• It supports pore health
  3% of aloe vera gel contains natural saponins. These are soapy substances that keep skin clean while preventing clogging of pores and congestion. The amino acids in aloe vera leaves also act as natural astringents which contract skin cells and improve the appearance of pores.

OTHER BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA

• It reduces scalp irritation
  The anti-inflammatory and cooling properties of aloe vera gel soothe scalp irritation and accelerate the healing of wounds caused by excess itching.
  The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal benefits along with the moisturising properties of aloe vera also reduce dandruff and scalp dryness, respectively.
• It improves digestive health
  Aloe vera is a known laxative. Aloe vera juice helps to tackle constipation and also regulates gut health, leading to clearer and radiant skin. It is also known to regulate blood sugar in the body, and reduce hair fall.
  
  Note – Please consult with your general practitioner before making any sudden dietary changes in your lifestyle.

HOW TO USE ALOE VERA FOR SKIN CARE?

• Aloe vera for skin nourishment
  Freshly squeezed aloe vera gel can be applied on skin and scalp for promoting hydration and nourishment, and preventing dehydration and flakiness.
• Aloe vera for clear skin
  A paste made with fresh aloe vera gel or aloe vera water, multani mitti, also known as fuller earth clay, and a pinch of organic turmeric powder, can be applied as a weekly face mask to reduce pimples and promote skin clarity.
• Aloe vera for cooling skin
  Aloe vera toner can be sprayed on the skin to reduce damage caused by sun exposure. Fresh aloe vera gel can be applied to the skin in cases of minor kitchen burns for a cooling effect.
• Aloe vera for skin toning
  A toner made with steam-distilled aloe vera hydrosol can be applied on the face and neck with a cotton round to provide astringent benefits to the skin.
• Aloe vera for soothing bug bites
  Aloe vera gel can be applied to soothe bug bites due to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and wound healing properties.
  
  Note – Patch test new ingredients or products on your inner arm to test for sensitivity and redness, before applying them to your skin or scalp. Discontinue using the product in case of irritation.

JUICY CHEMISTRY PRODUCTS MADE WITH ALOE VERA

• Aloe Vera and Baobab Face Mask
  It is a soothing and nourishing blend of organic Aloe Vera which hydrates dry skin and provides anti-inflammatory properties to sensitive skin, and organic Baobab fruit powder which is rich in Vitamin C to support skin repair and promote an even toned complexion.
• Aloe Vera Water Toner
  Juicy Chemistry toners are 100% natural and cosmos certified organic. They are prepared by the method of steam distillation, and are packed in dark blue glass bottles to ensure that the heat sensitive compounds of the plant matter remain viable and effective.
  Our Aloe Vera Toner cools and repairs sun-damaged skin, replenishes moisture, and provides anti-inflammatory support to sensitive skin.
• Australian Tea Tree and Basil Water Toner
  It is a blend of basil, tea tree, neem, rosemary, lavender and aloe vera hydrosols for providing anti-bacterial properties to acne prone-skin, soothe skin-inflammation, reduce itchiness and stimulate blood circulation.
• Organic Cleansing Baby Soap
  Our natural, handmade and organic soaps are made with nourishing plant butters and fresh plant extracts by using the cold-process method of saponification. They cleanse gently and leave your skin soft and moisturised.
  Juicy Chemistry organic cleansing baby soap is formulated especially for babies, but it can be used by anyone with sensitive skin. Aloe Hydrosol and Calendula extract soothe dry and sensitive areas of your skin, and saponified Olive Oil and Shea Butter provide a gentle cleanse.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Who can use aloe vera for skin care?
  Anyone who does not have sensitivity to aloe vera can use it on their skin. However, we do recommend patch testing new products on your inner arm before applying them directly on your face.
  
  
• How long does aloe vera take to show results?
  Our skin experiences months of wear and tear before it starts showing signs for concern. Hence, time taken by any natural remedy to show visible results depends on how deep the concern goes into your skin. When it comes to using natural ingredients for skin care, consistency and patience are key.

REFERENCES –

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740760/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3346674/