Aloe Vera has been valued worldwide for its use in medicines, cosmetics, and food industry. It is a succulent with fleshy green leaves and sharp edges cultivated primarily for its gel and latex. Aloe vera has been a fundamental component of Indian and Chinese medicine for treating bowel dysfunction, fungal diseases, inflammation, diabetes, skin allergies, and asthma.
Popular as a ‘miracle herb’ or ‘plant of immortality’, it is loaded with antioxidant vitamins, enzymes, minerals and essential amino acids that are vital for the proper functioning of your body’s systems. Incorporating it into your daily lives can reap you many health benefits. Topically it can help you cure minor cuts and wounds, dry skin and sun damage.
Today we are sharing some of the ways of using aloe vera for your skin and hair.
For Skin
- Sunburn
Aloe vera is quite popular for its soothing and cooling effects and can help in treating nasty sunburns. The nutrients and antioxidants help reduce the redness and regenerate your skin. It also forms a protective layer on your skin to prevent further damage.
How to use:
- Cut an aloe vera leave lengthwise.
- Scrape out the gel in a container.
- Apply the gel on the affected area with your fingers.
- Let it stay on your skin till it dries out.
- Rinse it off with water.
- Repeat it 2-3 times a day.
- Acne
Aloe vera contains hormones called gibberellins and auxin that have anti-inflammatory properties. Gibberellin promotes the growth of new cells and therefore helps in healing your skin. Applying aloe vera gel on your face can prevent acne breakouts, reduce resulting redness of skin and also lighten acne marks.
How to use:
- Take 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel and add a few drops of lemon juice (Lemon is known for its bleaching properties).
- Apply the mixture on the affected area and leave it for 15-20 minutes or leave it overnight.
- Rinse your face with warm water followed by cold water.
- Pat the skin dry and apply an oil-free moisturiser.
- Repeat it three times a week.
- Dry skin
If you want to keep your skin hydrated without using oily moisturizers then aloe vera is your go-to option. It can make your skin supple through its humectant (moisture retaining) mechanism without clogging the pores. It can also be used in place of aftershave lotions to hydrate the skin as well as heal razor burns. Its anti-inflammatory nature is also effective in curing psoriasis lesions and eczema.
How to use:
- Scrape out 2 tablespoon of aloe vera gel from its leaf.
- Add a pinch of turmeric, 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon milk.
- Mix all the ingredients and add few drops of rose water to it.
- Apply the paste on your face and neck and leave it for 20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with cool water.
- Use it every day for best results.
- Anti-aging
Aloe vera contains a number of antioxidants like Vitamin A, C, E and B12 that help in fighting against the free radicals and prevent premature aging of your skin. Aloe vera also helps in increasing the production of collagen in your skin making it look younger. According to a study published in 2009 in the Annals of Dermatology, intake of aloe vera gel for 90 days reduced facial wrinkles and improved skin elasticity.
How to use:
You can apply the aloe gel directly on your skin or you can prepare the following aloe vera and cucumber mask.
- Take half cup each of aloe vera pulp and cucumber.
- Blend them together into a thick paste.
- You can add some water to get a smooth consistency.
- Apply the paste over your face and neck.
- Let it stay for 20 minutes or preferably overnight.
- Rinse it off with warm water.
- Apply your regular moisturizer.
- Repeat 2-3 times every week.
For Hair
- Dandruff
Dandruff is a fungal infection that results in flaking of dead cells of the scalp. Aloe vera has an antifungal property that not only cures dandruff but also prevents it from coming back. The glycoproteins present in aloe vera are anti-inflammatory and help in soothing the itchiness accompanied with dandruff. Also, the hormone Gibberellin stimulates new skin growth around your hair follicles.
How to use:
Aloe vera and tea tree oil
- Mix 3-4 drops of tea tree oil in 2 tablespoon of aloe vera.
- Apply the mixture on your scalp and let it stay overnight.
- Rinse it off with water in the morning.
- Use it three times a week for best results.
Aloe vera with curd and olive oil
- Mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel in 1 cup of curd.
- Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to the paste (you can alternatively use coconut oil).
- Apply the paste on your scalp and hair and let it stay for 30-40 minutes. You can put on a shower cap as it can get a little messy.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
- Repeat regularly.
- Hair growth
Vitamin rich aloe vera helps in providing the essential nutrients to your hair and makes them healthy. It also increases the blood circulation in your scalp which stimulates hair growth. The proteolytic enzymes in aloe vera help to remove dead skin from the scalp thereby unclogging the hair follicles. Aloe vera also maintains the ph levels to provide the perfect environment for hair growth.
How to use:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Apply it on your scalp and massage for 10 minutes.
- Let it stay for an hour and wash it off with a mild shampoo.
- Repeat it 2-3 times a week.
- Conditioner
Aloe vera has a chemical composition that is very similar to keratin, a protein found in hair cells. It also gets absorbed quickly into your scalp and does not leave behind harmful residue, unlike chemical conditioners. The vitamins and minerals further increase the strength and elasticity of your strands making them soft and shiny.
How to use:
- Take half a cup of aloe vera gel. You can also add few drops of essential oil like chamomile or lavender.
- After washing your hair with a mild shampoo, apply the gel to your hair from root to tip.
- Wrap your hair in a warm wet towel for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
- Repeat every time you wash your hair.
Things to remember when using aloe vera:
- When using on skin, always wash your face first to remove impurities or makeup.
- It is advisable to do a patch test to check if you are allergic to aloe vera.
- Always consult your doctor before oral consumption. Avoid using it if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or suffering from any medical condition.
Bonus Tip:
Apart from the above-mentioned remedies, you can also use aloe vera to remove sun tan. Here is a quick video showing the recipe for the same:
