What Are the Effects of Aloe Vera on the Skin?
Aloe vera is plant native to dry climates that comes with a host of health benefits. Left untouched, the plant stems from a center in strong, dagger-shaped, thorn lined leaves. When the leaves are split up, the wonder plant’s magic gel emerges.
Amongst the gel substance’s many uses, topical application for skin care is one of the most well-known (and yet still wildly underrated) ways to take advantage of the succulent’s power.
From healing wounds to fighting aging and acne, aloe’s offerings are ones to be treasured.
Note: when applying aloe vera, a little bit goes a long way, so start with a small layer and build from there.
Effects of Aloe Vera on the Skin
Sunburn
The classic summer aid, aloe vera provides relief from sunburn by adding a protective layer between the skin and the sun. While protecting the body from further UV exposure, aloe re-moisturizes the body, and its high antioxidant content helps heal the skin.
Stretch marks
Stretch marks are technically tears in the skin caused by the skin expanding or contracting when excessive weight is put on or lost more quickly than to which the body can respond. Aloe vera can minimize the appearance of stretch marks through its wound healing properties.
Acne
Two hormones are present and active in aloe vera that help fight acne. Auxin and Gibberellins are wound healing and anti-inflammatory, which are the causes of scarring and breaking out, respectively. Gibberellin is especially useful because it acts as a growth hormone so the skin can repair from break outs without scarring or at least with minimal scarring.
Aloe is a soothing substance, so while it fights problems like inflammation, itching, scabbing or blistering, it also provides a calm environment for the skin to heal.
Anti-aging
Anti-aging does not need to manifest as a refusal to get old with grey hair and wrinkles – these are signs of our beauty, our growth, our life and our natural abundance. Anti-aging can, however, be considered a preservation of beauty. When we have fresh flowers, we water them to keep them looking and smelling delightful, so the same can be thought of for us. Some of aloe vera’s antioxidants (beta-carotene, vitamin C, and E) are known to improve the skin’s elasticity by keeping it hydrated and firm, which reduces the appearance of lines as we grow.
Moisturizer
The gel substance extracted from aloe veras’ leaves is deeply moisturizing and non-oil based. No oil makes aloe a wise moisturizer for oily skin, although it is good for any skin type. Keeping the face moisturized maintains a healthy glow and prevents the skin from drying and cracking, the source of wrinkle lines. Men additionally benefit from using aloe vera as aftershave, as it moisturizes the skin and quickly heals cuts from the blades.
Nutrient absorption
Aloe vera is made up of over 75 nutrients that when applied topically, the skin (the body’s largest organ) can absorb and use internally. The nutrients include amino acids, enzymes, minerals, vitamins, phenolic compounds, lignin, sterols, and saponins.
Wound healing
Alongside sunburns, using aloe to treat wounds is one of the more widespread uses of the gel. Still, it is commonly overlooked as a powerful, natural healing aid. Aloe gel treats cuts and burns through its intense hydrating capacity. In fact, aloe vera penetrates the skin four times more quickly than water.
These aloe vera benefits for acne are only a glimpse into the wonder plant’s vast potential and power. Learn more about aloe vera’s natural healing by tuning into our blog regularly and trying out our aloe-based products for your needs. For any questions or assistance shopping, reach out to AMP Floracel.