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Aloe vera, a “wonder plant,” is known for its numerous healing and health-promoting properties. But do you know that there are also numerous beauty benefits for both skin and hair? In this article, we will look at 18 major uses of aloe vera for skin and hair you must try.
What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is an evergreen perennial and succulent plant species from the genus Aloe, hence the name. This plant originates from the Arabian Peninsula but is now in many countries worldwide, especially tropical regions. The extraordinary uses of aloe vera promote the large-scale cultivation of the plant for agricultural and medicinal purposes.
Aloe Vera Benefits for Skin
Aloe vera directly from a plant or from the gel found in stores has a fantastic composition blended with several skin-friendly nutrients, including glycerin, sodium derivatives, and sorbitol, which impact the quality and texture of the skin. Regular application provides visible outcomes like nourishment and glowing skin quickly.
1. Delays Aging Signs
Wrinkles and fine lines are an inevitable part of life. While you can’t completely stop the onset of these signs of aging, they can be successfully delayed with the benefits of aloe vera gel and its regular application.
What to Do?
- Mix one tablespoon of aloe vera gel, half a tablespoon of olive oil, and a full tablespoon of oats.
- Apply the thick paste on the face as a mask and leave it on for 20-30 minutes till it’s dry.
- Wash your face with cold water and pat dry.
How Does It Work?
The signs of aging are primarily due to the lack of hydration and moisture in the skin (R). You are more likely to experience dry skin and a lack of elasticity as you age. Aloe vera helps moisturize the skin and remove dead skin cells. Not just that, research and studies have implied that the application of aloe vera helps restore elasticity in the skin (R).
2. Cures Acne and Lightens Scars
One of the most sought-after benefits of aloe vera lies in removing acne and the scars and blemishes it leaves behind.
What to Do?
- You can freeze the aloe vera gel and massage it onto the pimples and darkened spots.
- Mix equal quantities of aloe vera gel and lemon juice.
- Apply the mixture all over your face and neck.
- It is best left overnight and washed off in the morning.
- Ensure you don’t leave the house during the day with the mask on, as lemon can cause skin tanning.
How Does It Work?
The cooling effect of the aloe vera gel cubes helps minimize breakouts and ensures that they don’t leave any severe marks. The lemon juice with the aloe vera gel effectively helps lighten dark spots on the face.
Aloe vera is rich in gibberellins and auxins, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help cure acne (R). Not just that, aloe vera also contains polysaccharides, which effectively stimulate the growth of new cells around the area.
3. Treats Boils
Aloe vera is one of the most effective home remedies for boils. It relieves the burn and quickens the healing process.
What to Do?
- Apply raw aloe vera gel onto the boils and leave it on.
- For best results, add a pinch of turmeric to the gel and then apply it.
How Does It Help?
Both aloe vera and turmeric have antiseptic properties (R) that help heal quickly the affected area of the boils. They also have a soothing and cooling effect that adds to the overall healing process.
4. Removes Sunburns and Tan
The soothing and cooling properties of aloe vera relieve the pain and irritation that comes with sunburns and tanning of the skin.
What to Do?
- For best results, apply the aloe vera gel directly on the sunburnt area.
How Does It Help?
Aloe vera is brimming with anti-inflammatory properties (R), which help in healing the redness caused by excess exposure to the sun and UV rays. The application of aloe vera gel on the skin provides a protective layer that traps moisture within rather than letting it escape, which caters to the healing process of burns.
5. Heals Blackheads
Aloe vera gel helps heal blackheads.
What to Do?
- Start by exfoliating your blackhead-prone area with a scrub.
- Wash your face after deep exfoliation.
- Apply a light layer of aloe vera gel on the area and massage it in.
How Does It Help?
Aloe vera has effective medicinal properties that help minimize pore size and restrict the process of blackhead formation. It doesn’t happen overnight, but including this in your daily beauty routine can show impactful results.
6. Relieves Chicken Pox Itchiness
Owing to aloe vera’s excellent anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, it is a great remedy for treating chickenpox scars.
What to Do?
- Apply a generous amount of aloe vera gel on the scars and leave it on.
How Does It Help?
Aloe vera has a cooling effect on the skin, which is beneficial for chickenpox scars. It also helps moisturize the skin, which, in turn, relieves the itchiness that chickenpox scars leave.
7. Heals Cracked Heels
One of the major benefits of aloe vera lies in its moisturizing properties. Cracked heels result from the foot area’s lack of moisture. The application of aloe vera effectively helps heal cracked heels.
What to Do?
- Apply a thick layer of aloe vera gel and massage it into the foot, especially the hard and rough parts.
- Wear socks to reduce staining, and leave the gel on overnight.
How Does It Help?
Aloe vera seeps into the cracks of the cracked foot, heals the skin from within, and restores the lost moisture in the area. It is necessary to follow this routine regularly for visible results.
8. Moisturizes Dry Skin
Aloe vera has beneficial effects on the skin, and many people often replace their go-to moisturizer with it. It restores lost moisture and helps heal dry skin proactively.
What to Do?
- Scoop out the gel from an aloe vera leaf.
- Apply the gel on the skin (face, hands, and legs) as much as required and massage it into the skin.
How Does It Help?
Aloe vera infuses moisture into the skin and replenishes the water content in the body. This rejuvenates the skin from within and leaves it moist and hydrated without making it feel or appear greasy.
9. Lightens Under Eye Dark Circles
Aloe vera has a profound impact on not just the restoration of moisture in the skin but also on the process of lightening skin discoloration or pigmentation, much like what happens with dark circles. The skin-soothing properties of this natural ingredient make it ideal for application in sensitive under-eye areas.
What to Do?
- Clean the area under the eyes with a cotton pad.
- Apply aloe vera pulp onto the area and massage it gently.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes or so.
- Wipe off the pulp with a moistened cotton ball or pad.
- It can also be paired with potato juice or cucumber pulp for better results.
- Repeat this process every other day without fail.
How Does It Help?
Due to the benefits of aloe vera for the face, the bluish tint and discoloration gradually fade with consistent application of the pulp.
Owing to the benefits of aloe vera for the face, the bluish hue and discoloration under the eye gradually fade away after the consistent application of the pulp. This is primarily because of the restoration of moisture in the area, which ensures better blood circulation underneath.
10. Treats Eczema
Aloe vera heals and moisturizes the skin and helps it feel smooth and supple. It is an effective component used in healing the signs of eczema. It helps restore dry skin and soothes the irritation that comes with it.
What to Do?
- Cut a leaf of an aloe vera plant and scoop the gel out.
- Apply a thick layer of the gel on the affected area on the skin.
- Leave it on and wash once it has soaked in.
How Does It Help?
The application of aloe vera on the affected areas of eczema helps restore moisture to the area. It also soothes and imparts a cooling effect on the affected areas of eczema.
11. Skin Whitening
The vitamins and minerals in aloe vera not only nourish the skin but also have skin-whitening properties.
What to Do?
- Cut an aloe vera leaf and extract the pulp.
- Apply the pulp onto the face and massage it gently.
- Leave it on or wash it off with cold water and pat dry the face.
How Does It Help?
The abundance of essential vitamins and minerals in aloe vera helps hydrate the skin and treat the discolored areas of the skin. It also aids in fading the pigmentation of the skin and decreasing melanin secretion, which, in turn, helps in skin whitening.
12. Soothes Burns
Aloe vera has a soothing and cooling effect. Applying it over any kind of burn helps not just heal the burn but also has a cooling effect on the painful blisters that appear after a burn.
What to Do?
- Clean the wound with clean cotton.
- Apply raw aloe vera pulp or a medicated aloe vera gel directly on the burn.
- Repeat the process a few times a day.
How Does It Help?
The gel-like consistency and the soothing effect of aloe vera help provide a very cooling sensation to the burnt area. It also keeps the affected area hydrated so that blood circulation in the area is not hampered.
13. Reduces Stretch Marks
The healing properties of aloe vera help restore the lost elasticity of the skin, which often results in stretch marks. It is also rich in anti-inflammatory properties.
What to Do?
- Use an aloe vera soap for regular bathing.
- You can also massage the aloe vera gel directly over the stretch marks.
How Does It Help?
Skin elasticity is gradually lost as you lose weight or post-pregnancy. It is often restored with the daily application of aloe vera. It restores moisture to the skin and combats the scarring left behind by stretch marks.
14. Moisturizes Chapped Lips
Aloe vera is known for its moisture retention properties. It helps hydrate the lips and makes them plump and soft, alleviating chapped and rough lips.
What to Do?
- If you want a convenient way, stick to aloe vera chapsticks and apply them at regular intervals.
- You can also directly apply aloe vera pulp and leave it on your lips.
How Does It Help?
In regard to healing dry lips, aloe vera gel retains moisture in and around the mouth, which, in turn, ensures that the lips stay moist and hydrated.
Aloe Vera Benefits for Hair
Much like how aloe vera has profound effects on the skin, its benefits are even more pronounced for hair. The enriching vitamins and minerals help grow thick, luscious, and healthy hair.
15. Promotes Hair Growth
Including aloe vera in your haircare routine helps ensure rapid hair growth. The enriching components of aloe vera, along with its vitamins and minerals, improve blood circulation around the scalp and nourish it, promoting the growth of healthy and luscious hair.
What to Do?
- Apply a hair mask rich in aloe vera, leave it on, and follow it up with a mild shampoo.
- Alternatively, scoop out the aloe vera pulp and apply it directly onto the scalp. Leave it on for 10-20 minutes and wash it off with a mild shampoo.
How Does It Help?
The aloe vera promotes the healthy growth of hair. Regular use of an aloe vera mask or even just the pulp in raw form helps promote hair growth.
16. Removes Dandruff and Treats Dry Scalp
Dandruff is a common condition caused by a dry scalp. Aloe vera offers several benefits that can help relieve dandruff, making it an effective natural remedy for this persistent hair problem.
What to Do?
- Mix 2-3 tablespoons of aloe vera juice, a cup of yogurt, and one teaspoon of lemon juice.
- Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Wash with a mild shampoo and water.
How Does It Help?
The acidic properties of lemon and yogurt help combat bacterial growth on the scalp. This helps keep microbial action away, which is often the primary cause of dandruff. The aloe vera in the hair mask helps moisturize the dry scalp and keeps it hydrated, which helps keep the hair healthy and strong.
17. Maintains the pH Balance of Hair and Scalp
Our bodies are made to sustain a balance of pH levels, which, when disrupted, can cause adverse effects. Such is the case with hair as well. But don’t worry; much like every other benefit of aloe vera, there are some for the hair as well.
What to Do?
- Cut an aloe vera leaf and scoop the pulp out.
- Blend the pulp to make a smooth paste.
- Apply the paste onto the scalp and massage it well.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
How Does It Help?
Our scalp has an optimal pH of 5.5, which makes the surroundings acidic. Many of the shampoos we buy from the market tend to alter the scalp’s pH due to the presence of surfactants in them. Aloe vera helps counteract these alterations and keeps the pH normal for the scalp area to avoid damage to the hair.
18. Helps Avoid Hair Fall
Hair fall is the primary outcome of a lack of moisture and hydration in the hair. You are more likely to lose your hair if it’s dry, rough, and full of split ends. Aloe vera effectively manages hair fall and makes it smoother and shinier.
What to Do?
- Mix two tablespoons of aloe vera gel, one teaspoon of castor oil, and one tablespoon of coconut oil.
- Apply the mixture on your scalp and hair and massage it gently.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
How Does It Help?
The aloe vera gel helps provide a soothing effect to the scalp, keeping it hydrated and moist. The coconut and castor oils keep the roots strong and promote hair growth. This hair mask also promotes the regeneration of dead cells on the scalp and helps keep the scalp lively and clean.
Conclusion
Aloe vera is a natural remedy with a wide range of benefits for both skin and hair. From promoting hair growth and combating dandruff to treating stretch marks or healing wounds, aloe vera truly impresses us.
Its rich nutrient profile and soothing properties make it valuable for any wellness routine. Incorporate aloe vera into your daily practices for healthier skin and hair, as it can be your go-to ingredient if you are looking for natural remedies to common health and beauty concerns.
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May 2018Written by Somapika D
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Nov 2024Edited by Lakshmi Gayatri
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