Aloe Vera Benefits for Skin

What Is Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera is well-known as a remedy for many ailments, but what is it and why is it so helpful? It’s a species of flowering succulent plant, similar to a cactus, that has been cultivated and used for centuries for a wide array of medicinal and therapeutic remedies - most commonly in the form of the famous gel that is created from its dense leaves.

But how can the so-called ‘wonder plant’ help your skin? Here is a rundown of the top 8 benefits of aloe vera for your skin.

1.   It Moisturises Your Skin

Aloe vera is a great moisturiser for the skin as it is easy to apply and doesn’t leave a greasy layer. It naturally softens the skin and helps keep it supple by locking in moisture.

This eye gel for men contains a unique combination of active substances including aloe vera which has a high antioxidant activity. It exerts a powerful soothing, regenerating, firming and toning effect, while moisturising, softening and nourishing the skin, enriching it with essential vitamins and minerals.

2.   Aloe Has Anti-Ageing Properties

Aloe contains vitamins A (beta-carotene), C and E, which are antioxidants. It also contains vitamin B12, folic acid, and choline. Antioxidants help to neutralise free radicals which can age the skin.

In addition, aloe vera is known to encourage collagen production which helps restore the skin, increasing its plumpness and elasticity.

Products such as cleansing milk containing aloe can help cleanse and remove make-up, maintaining the skin’s pH. Thanks to its high content in amino acids, minerals and vitamins, this cleansing milk is a great weapon to fight against ageing.

3.   It Helps Wounds Heal More Quickly

Aloe vera has been used for hundreds of years to help heal wounds such as burns, nicks and cuts because it increases the speed at which skin cells are produced and renewed, meaning healing times are reduced and the risk of infection is also lowered.

For these reasons, common minor skin injuries such as shaving cuts and nicks can therefore benefit from the application of aloe vera gels and products. After shave balsam containing aloe is a calming and restorative product which helps with general dryness, irritation and inflammations, as well as remedying any minor nicks or abrasions - improving microcirculation and blood flow in the cells, restoring to the skin a healthy look with incredible smoothness.

4.   It Can Combat Infection And Blemishes

Thanks to the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of aloe vera, the gel can be useful in helping to treat angry or inflammatory forms of acne. It’s a natural antiseptic which can help combat bacteria as well as helping to keep pores clear. Apply the gel with a cotton swab directly to the blemishes three times daily.

5.   Aloe Is Known To Reduce Dandruff

Aloe Vera helps to reduce skin irritation and has a moisturising effect. It reduces flakiness, combats itchiness and helps give relief from dandruff. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties also help deal with any underlying causes which lead to dandruff. Apply the aloe vera gel directly to your scalp and leave for about half an hour before rinsing and using your normal shampoo.

6.   Aloe Vera Soothes Sunburn

Aloe has natural anti-inflammatory properties as well as having a cooling effect on the skin. These two facts make it superb for soothing skin that has been overexposed to the effects of the sun.

Applying aloe vera gel on the skin also has the added benefit of creating a protective barrier that locks in moisture, further soothing sun-damaged skin. Its antioxidant properties help reduce any further damage while helping to facilitate and speed up the skin’s healing process.

7.   It Helps Cold Sores Heal More Quickly

Aloe vera can be used as a cold sore treatment thanks to its wound-healing properties. Dabbing a bit of aloe vera on your cold sore a few times a day can ease discomfort and help speed healing. Keeping it in the fridge can help give a cooling sensation when applied as well.

8.   Aloe Vera Can Alleviate Eczema

This evaluation of the biological properties and clinical effectiveness of aloe vera showed that aloe’s antioxidant, antimicrobial and wound-healing properties all contribute to it being an effective remedy for eczema sufferers because it can keep the skin hydrated, reduce inflammation, and prevent skin infections.

As a natural moisturiser, aloe vera gel can hydrate and soothe eczema-damaged skin.

Eczema causes the skin to crack and bleed, making skin infections more likely. The antimicrobial effects of aloe vera may help prevent these infections.

Thirdly, aloe vera’s wound-healing properties can help broken skin heal more quickly.

This grape seed cleansing milk has antioxidant properties including aloe vera, grape seed oil and sunflower oil to help soothe broken or damaged skin.

Are There Any Side Effects From Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera is considered safe for topical (external) use. While some people feel a localised itchiness or slight burning sensation, this is merely the aloe starting to work and is nothing to be alarmed by.

While aloe vera can help wounds heal more quickly, reducing the chance of infection, it’s not recommended to apply aloe vera to areas of skin that are already infected as in those instances it can actually disrupt the healing process.

In conclusion, aloe vera gel, and products containing aloe can be hugely beneficial in regular skincare routines and for helping with various skin conditions and ailments.