Introduction

In the world of natural skincare, few ingredients boast as many benefits as the humble aloe vera plant. Indigenous to Africa, Madagascar and Arabian Peninsula, this succulent plant is profusely revered for its soothing properties and versatility, since centuries. Dating back to its multifaceted attributes, aloe vera plant held a remarkable presence in the realm of beauty and skincare even in the times of rock and stone. In ancient Egypt, the epitome of beauty and grace, Cleopatra used this plant as a part of her beauty regimen to experience its exemplary benefits.

Let’s revisit its roots: In ancient Greece, Aristotle had advised Alexander The Great, to conquer the Socorro Island (now known as Yemen) for its colossal production of aloe vera plant and use this medicinal plant to heal the wounds of all his soldiers.

What does aloe vera plant contain?

Aloe vera raw pulp plant contains 98.5% of water and remaining solid material is composed of a range of compounds including water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, enzymes, polysaccharides, organic acids and phenolic compounds.

How to use aloe vera gel?

As safe as it sounds, well every element of life comes with a disclaimer. With a myriad of facets in its kitty, aloe vera can have some side-effects. Aloe vera gel has anthraquinone properties in its outer part of the leaf that can have some allergic side effects. Perhaps, follow this technique of removing its jelly-like material from the plant, for safe repercussions. The first step is to slice the leaf into two halves. Using a knife, ensure that the outer skin is peeled off and the jelly-like inside is cut into smaller pieces. This can then be put in a blender and cooled. You can also use this fresh or store it in the refrigerator for a couple of days.

If cultivating a separate aloe vera plant seems burdensome, simply buy aloe vera gel from an organic brand at a medical store. Keep it in the refrigerator for a soothing effect.

Aloe Vera Benefits For the Skin, Hair and Face

• A Natural Humectant: Known for its water-soluble properties, aloe vera possess the ability to deeply hydrate the body and transform it from looking Sahara to supple, within a few minutes upon its application. It instantly gets absorbed by the skin without making the skin feel greasy or sticky.

• Sunburn, Blemishes, Dullness? Aloe Vera Has Your Back (and Face!): One of the main benefits of aloe vera is its anti-inflammatory properties. This can help to reduce the appearance of blemishes, pimples, and wrinkles. It also helps calm sunburnt, inflamed or irritated skin.
• Accelerates the process of healing wounds: Aloe vera is infamously known for healing wounds, 1st degree or 2nd degree burns, cuts and abrasions. It speeds up the cell regeneration process by 8 times and penetrates deep into the skin for treating wounds and providing hydration.
• Alleviates the signs of ageing: Can aloe vera help with wrinkles? Loaded with antioxidants like Vitamin C and E, aloe vera is a great source of anti-ageing properties that helps reduce the signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps in stimulating the production of collagen.
• Acne Antidote: Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties makes it a suitable antidote for diminishing the appearance of acne marks, avoiding the breeding of acne bacteria away from spreading under the skin and soothing inflamed skin.

• DIY Aloe Vera Mask for Acne: Mix 2 tablespoons of pure honey and mix in 1 tablespoon of pure aloe vera. Then, put in 1/4 tablespoon of ground cinnamon before applying the mask to your face, and relax while the mask does its magic for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly after application.
• Aloe vera products for dry skin: Compared to the rest of the skin, our facial skin is the most sensitive which increases its susceptibility to various environmental stressors, bacteria and the harsh winds. This makes the skin appear drier than usual. This medicinal gel’s impeccable water composition makes it a suitable humectant to bridge the gap between the skin’s required nourishment, and moisture levels. It gives the skin deep hydration and nourishment to make it look plumped, moisturised and radiant.
• Hair Moisturization and Conditioning: Looking to tame frizz and add shine to your locks? Aloe vera's hydrating abilities make it an excellent natural conditioner, leaving hair smooth and manageable without the heaviness of chemically-laden products.

• Encourages Hair Growth: Consistent use of aloe vera on the scalp can stimulate dormant hair follicles, potentially stimulating hair growth to promote thicker and more luscious locks.
• A gentle exfoliator: With a myriad of facets to its name, aloe vera can be applied to the face for gentle exfoliation as well. It sheds off all the dry skin, sloughs away the dead skin cells and strengthens the skin barrier to reveal a strong, blemish-free and illuminating appearance.
• Depuffs under-eye bags: If your eyes are feeling very droopy, puffy and dark, then it's time to introduce aloe vera into your skincare routine. Loaded with a plethora of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, aloe vera helps stimulate the collagen and improves the elasticity around the eyes to depuff and remove pigmentation.

DIY Aloe Vera Face Masks for Every Skin Concerns

Aloe vera is a versatile, effective and non-irritant ingredient that can be used in various formulations for glowing, healthy, blemish-free and hydrating skin. An unparalleled skincare ingredient used for multiple DIY masks for hair and skin that cannot be missed. Below are a few recipes that will help you achieve flawless skin and luscious hair. Come, see:

• Onion & Aloe Vera mask for long, luscious growth: Mix onion juice with aloe vera gel in a bowl, and apply the concoction on the tips of your hair. Post an hour, wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner to wash. This mask promotes hair growth and soft texture.

• Yoghurt and Aloe Vera for shiny hair: Mix two tablespoons of aloe vera gel with two tablespoons of yoghurt in a bowl. Apply the mixture on the scalp and your locks and massage it for better absorption. After 30 minutes of resting, wash with gentle shampoo. Voila, experience the richness of soft, shiny and luscious hair within minutes.

• DIY Aloe Vera mask for acne and brightening skin: Mix one tsp lemon peel powder, ¼ cup aloe vera gel, three tbsp coconut oil, ¼ cup brown sugar and a few drops of lemon essential oil. Loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, lemon juice helps in brightening your skin, fading away scars and acne marks and strengthening the skin. This is a great scrub to brighten, calm the complexion and reduce acne.

Conclusion

In a surprising twist of nature's secrets, the unassuming succulent found in your backyard emerges as an unexpected hero for your skin. Its transformative powers, seamlessly woven into every DIY mask, offer a treasure trove of versatility, gentleness, and profound hydration. This succulent, a member of the resilient succulent family, not only boasts a perennial green hue but also proves itself as a multi-purpose gem. Whether you're battling a scorching sunburn or sudden acne flare-ups, the solution lies within reach—grab that aloe vera and witness its remarkable effects when applied to troubled skin areas. Nature's gift, now unmasked, delivers wonders beyond imagination.