If you think of aloe vera simply as a plant you might keep in your home to soothe sunburn, you’re missing out on some of the amazing things this natural ingredient can do for your skin. Aloe vera is so much more than a sunburn soother. You can use it straight from the plant, purchase an aloe gel or find a product line with aloe in them. (ZENMED has lots of options.)
Check out some of the ways aloe vera might solve your skin issues.
Acne – Aloe vera is perfect for those who suffer with acne, even severe acne, because of its ability to naturally soothe irritated skin and reduce redness and inflammation. It also has anti-bacterial properties which will help prevent acne from returning. Use it on your entire face or as a spot treatment to reduce redness and swelling before a big night out.
Anti-Aging – Aloe is packed with anti-aging superstar vitamins and antioxidants. It can also help diminish age spots. Aloe can go deep into the skin’s layers, reaching skin before it’s even hit the surface. Need a little help with those fine lines around your eyes? Try aloe as an eye cream.
Dry Skin – Believe it or not, Aloe is one of nature’s great skin hydrators. As stated above, aloe can go deep into the skin’s layers quenching dry skin from deep within. Studies even show that those with psoriasis have great results when treating their skin with aloe.
Skin Irritations – Be it sunburn, bug bites, scratches or burns, applying aloe vera is a simple way to reduce pain and irritation and encourage healing at a faster rate than when left alone. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents to aloe vera also help with wound care.
Feeling tempted? Pure aloe from the plant is best. Aloe vera plants are super easy to grow and can last a long time without water. You can get them at most gardening centers. To get to the gel, simply just cut a piece off of the plant and squeeze the liquid out of the plant.
If you don’t want to worry about a plant, the next best thing to purchase is a 100% aloe gel or one with very few ingredients. Ingredients are listed in order of most to least, so be sure that aloe is one of the first ingredients listed. Try keeping it in the refrigerator for even more skin soothing benefits.