Aloe Vera – A Boon In Skin Care

Aloe vera is a succulent plant that thrives abundantly across various regions of the globe. Each leaf of the aloe vera plant is segmented into three distinct sections: the inner translucent gel, which is composed primarily of water and essential nutrients; the yellow bitter sap, which contains glycosides; and the outer protective skin, which is rich in starch and protein.

Aloe vera has been recognized for its healing and medicinal properties since the time of the ancient Egyptians. Queen Cleopatra famously incorporated it into her beauty routines. Alexander the Great utilized it to care for soldiers injured in combat. Pharaohs even referred to it as "the plant of immortality."

However, it wasn't until the mid-1930s that modern medicine began to embrace aloe vera for treating various dermatological issues.

ADVANTAGES OF USING ALOE VERA FOR SKIN CARE

• It provides hydration
  The gel inside the aloe vera leaf is composed of 99% water, allowing it to deeply hydrate the skin. The gelatinous substances within act as natural humectants, ensuring our skin remains moisturized.
• It helps diminish acne
  The antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiseptic properties found in compounds like lupeol, cinnamonic acid, phenols, and sulfur in aloe vera leaves help to reduce acne. Additionally, aloe vera contains natural salicylic acid, which is clinically proven to alleviate skin lesions such as papules, blackheads, whiteheads, and other comedones. It is also effective in preventing scar tissue formation after acne is treated.
• It is abundant in antioxidants
  Antioxidants like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, folic acid, zinc, and metallothionein enhance the skin's antioxidant activity by neutralizing free radicals and shielding our skin from environmental toxins and oxidative stress.
• It possesses anti-inflammatory properties
  Research shows that the fatty acids, enzymes, sugars, and hormones such as cholesterol, campesterol, beta-sitosterol, lupeol, bradykinase, c-glucosyl chromone, auxins, and gibberellins present in aloe vera offer anti-inflammatory benefits when applied topically, promoting wound healing as well.
• It mitigates sun damage
  A study indicates that with careful application of aloe vera, our skin produces an antioxidant protein called metallothionein, which helps reduce the adverse effects of sun exposure, UV damage, and gamma radiation.
• It acts as a natural coolant
  Aloe vera delivers an immediate cooling effect, revitalizing and refreshing our skin. It is a well-known home remedy for alleviating minor cuts and burns. According to a study, applying aloe vera gel topically can also speed up the healing process of burn wounds.
• It alleviates itchiness
  A study found that products containing aloe vera are effective in relieving dermatitis, an itchy skin condition that results in rashes. The high polysaccharide content in aloe vera gel hydrates the skin and restores its protective barrier. It is also utilized to address skin issues like eczema and psoriasis.
• It enhances skin tone
  The Vitamins A, C, and E found in aloe vera help repair photodamage, diminish the visibility of hyperpigmentation, promote an even skin tone, and contribute to a radiant complexion.
• It offers anti-aging benefits
  Research suggests that both topical application and oral intake of aloe vera stimulate fibroblasts in the skin, which synthesize collagen and produce elastin fibers, making the skin more elastic and reducing wrinkles. This research also concludes that aloe vera gel enhances the production of hyaluronic acid in the body, keeping the skin hydrated and plump.
• It promotes pore health
  Aloe vera gel contains 3% natural saponins, which are soapy substances that help keep the skin clean while preventing pore clogging and congestion. The amino acids in aloe vera leaves also function as natural astringents, tightening skin cells and improving the appearance of pores.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA

• It alleviates scalp irritation
  The anti-inflammatory and cooling properties of aloe vera gel help soothe scalp irritation and expedite the healing of wounds caused by excessive itching. The antibacterial and antifungal properties, combined with the moisturizing effects of aloe vera, also help reduce dandruff and dryness of the scalp.

• It enhances digestive health
  Aloe vera is recognized as a natural laxative. Aloe vera juice can assist in relieving constipation and regulating gut health, leading to clearer and more radiant skin. It is also known to help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce hair loss.

  Note – It is advisable to consult your healthcare provider before making any significant dietary changes.

HOW TO UTILIZE ALOE VERA FOR SKIN CARE?

• Aloe vera for skin nourishment
  Freshly extracted aloe vera gel can be applied to the skin and scalp to promote hydration and nourishment while preventing dryness and flakiness.

• Aloe vera for clear skin
  A paste made from 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 used as a weekly face mask to reduce acne and enhance skin clarity.

• Aloe vera for cooling the skin
  Aloe vera toner can be misted onto the skin to mitigate damage from sun exposure. Fresh aloe vera gel can be applied to the skin for a cooling effect in cases of minor kitchen burns.

• Aloe vera for skin toning
  A toner made with steam-distilled aloe vera hydrosol can be applied to the face and neck using a cotton pad to provide astringent benefits to the skin.

• Aloe vera for soothing insect bites
  Aloe vera gel can be applied to relieve insect bites due to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and wound healing properties.

  Note – Always perform a patch test with new ingredients or products on your inner arm to check for sensitivity and redness before applying them to your skin or scalp. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.

JUICY CHEMISTRY PRODUCTS CONTAINING ALOE VERA

• Aloe Vera and Baobab Face Mask This soothing and nourishing blend features organic Aloe Vera, which hydrates dry skin and provides anti-inflammatory benefits to sensitive skin, along with organic Baobab fruit powder, rich in Vitamin C to support skin repair and promote an even complexion.
• Aloe Vera Water Toner Juicy Chemistry toners are 100% natural and cosmos certified organic. They are created through steam distillation and packaged in dark blue glass bottles to preserve the heat-sensitive compounds of the plant.
  Our Aloe Vera Toner cools and repairs sun-damaged skin, replenishes moisture, and offers anti-inflammatory support to sensitive skin.
• Australian Tea Tree and Basil Water Toner This toner combines basil, tea tree, neem, rosemary, lavender, and aloe vera hydrosols to provide antibacterial properties for acne-prone skin, soothe skin inflammation, reduce itchiness, and stimulate blood circulation.
• Organic Cleansing Baby Soap Our natural, handmade, and organic soaps are crafted with nourishing plant butters and fresh plant extracts using the cold-process method of saponification. They cleanse gently while leaving your skin soft and moisturized.
  Juicy Chemistry's organic cleansing baby soap is specifically formulated for babies but is suitable for anyone with sensitive skin. Aloe Hydrosol and Calendula extract soothe dry and sensitive areas, while saponified Olive Oil and Shea Butter provide a gentle cleanse.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Who can use aloe vera for skin care?
  Anyone without sensitivity to aloe vera can apply it to their skin. However, we recommend conducting a patch test with new products on your inner arm before applying them directly to your face.

• How long does it take for aloe vera to show results?
  Our skin endures months of wear and tear before it begins to show signs of concern. Therefore, the time it takes for any natural remedy to yield visible results depends on the depth of the issue within your skin. When using natural ingredients for skin care, consistency and patience are essential.

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/