Aloe vera oil: benefits, uses and how to make it at home

Aloe vera, also known as aloe vera, is a green plant with a prickly appearance, resembling a cactus. It is known throughout the world and widely used since ancient times due to its medicinal properties.

It is the leaves of aloe vera that have a gel, where most of the plant’s properties are concentrated. It is also from it that aloe vera oil is extracted, well known for being an ally of the health and beauty of the skin and hair.

Not coincidentally, aloe vera is widely used in personal care products such as shampoos and conditioners, toothpastes, mouthwashes and various skin lotions.

But, you can also easily find aloe vera oil (or aloe vera), which can be used directly on the skin and/or hair, offering incredible benefits. This is because most of the beneficial compounds in aloe vera are retained during the production of the oil.

Benefits and uses of aloe vera oil

Do you want to enjoy the advantages that aloe vera oil can offer for your health and beauty? Learn how to use it!

1. Detoxifies the body and improves blood flow

Andrezza Ferrari, vibrational therapist at Espaço Humano – Complementary Therapies, from São José do Rio Preto/SP, highlights that aloe vera oil is an antioxidant, increases circulation and acts on the immune system.

How to use: Andrezza recommends massage with aloe vera oil, which will detoxify the body, improve blood flow, in addition to providing a velvety appearance to the skin.

2. Treat feelings of rejection and guilt

Andrezza comments that aloe vera oil can also offer emotional benefits. “In the emotional system, it releases stored emotions of rejection and guilt.”

How to use: the tip is to massage with aloe vera oil. “By treating emotions of rejection and guilt, after a massage with this oil, it is possible for the person to feel more prepared for life, to feel awakened to self-love, with more joy and confidence in themselves”, highlights the vibrational therapist. .

3. Helps relieve pain

Massage with aloe vera oil also helps to reduce inflammation, relieving pain, in addition to naturally promoting relaxation.

How to use: you can massage only with the oil after showering or, if you prefer, mix it with a moisturizing cream, massaging especially the areas that are sore (such as legs, feet, neck).

4. Helps in healing the skin and fighting acne

Due to its antioxidant properties, aloe vera oil can be used to treat minor cuts and wounds. With its ability to reduce inflammation, it can also help fight acne.

The oil is also used to treat some skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and rashes.

How to use: The oil can be applied directly to the affected area. Those with oily skin, however, should consult a dermatologist before applying this or other oils to the face (if the idea is to fight acne).

5. Contributes to skin rejuvenation through aromatherapy

Aloe vera oil is widely used in aromatherapy, helping to rejuvenate the skin and relax the mind.

How to use: it can be inhaled through drops of aloe vera oil diluted in hot water. A few drops of the oil can also be placed directly in the bathtub, for an aromatherapy bath (this way, the oil penetrates the skin and its steam is also aspirated). Another suggestion is to use a diffuser with water and oil drops in the house.

6. Can be used as an after-sun

In addition to helping with burns and irritations, aloe vera oil can be used as an after-sun, as it hydrates the skin, reducing itching and preventing the appearance of sun spots.

How to use: spread the oil on the region that has been affected by the sun.

7. It is an ally of hair health and beauty

Aloe vera oil is well known for helping to speed up hair growth.

Andrezza explains that, with the use of aloe vera oil, there is an increase in blood flow, thus, the hair cells are stimulated. “It’s as if they ‘wake up’, preventing falls and strengthening the strands”, he says.

How to use: during the bath, massage this oil directly into the scalp. Then wash your hair normally. Andrezza adds that, due to its therapeutic properties, when the oil is used to massage the hair through washing, it also “wakes up” more vitality, relaxing sensations and well-being. You can also moisturize with this oil (nutrition made exclusively with oils, just apply the oil to all dry hair, let it act for about an hour and then wash normally).

It is worth noting that, in order to take full advantage of the benefits of aloe vera oil, it is best to consult a professional you trust before starting to use it.

How to make your homemade aloe vera oil

It is possible to make homemade aloe vera oil using, in addition to the plant, good quality extra virgin olive oil or another 100% vegetable oil.

Ingredients

• 1 aloe vera leaf
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 glass jar (preferably dark)

Preparation mode

Remove the gel/pulp from the aloe vera leaf, removing all its husk. Chop the gel into pieces and place them in a glass container (with the help of a funnel if necessary). Then, top up with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring that the amount covers all the pulp of the plant that is in the container. Store the pot for at least a week, in a dark place, without touching it. After that, the oil is ready to use.

It is worth mentioning that, although the recipe is practical, it can be purchased ready, including on the internet.

Side effects and contraindications

Generally speaking, the use (externally) of the oil is safe. Never ingest aloe vera oil (unless there is a professional indication in this regard). When applying the oil to the skin and hair, make sure you are using a reliable product.

Children, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use aloe vera oil without medical advice/authorization.

To prevent you from having an allergic reaction to this oil, test it before using it: apply a drop of the oil to a small area of ​​your skin and see if any reaction occurs within half an hour.

Despite the many benefits it can offer, as in the case of other oils, it is best to consult an aromatherapy professional or doctor before starting to use aloe vera (aloe) oil.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.