Aloe Vera: properties for the skin and how to use it

He use of aloe for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes dates back to more than four thousand years ago. it’s a plant essential in sacred botany of numerous cultures, such as the Hebrew, the Mayan and the Oriental.

Properties of aloe vera for the skin

Originally from Africa, it is very present in the Mediterranean arc and in the Canary Islands, where the good climate and the particularity of its volcanic soil give it special characteristics. In Andalusia there are also plantations, whose origins date back to the time of Arab domination.

This fleshy plant has the appearance of a cactus, although it is actually it is a lily, from the onion family. The juice of its pulp, mucilaginous, transparent and tasteless, is composed of amino acids, minerals, vitamins B, C and E, folic acid, anthraquinones, lignin and saponins.

Due to its unique composition, the plant has the ability to heal their own wounds almost instantly to prevent the water inside from being lost. On the skin it exerts this same tissue reconstructive effect.

Aloe uses as a natural cosmetic

The excellent properties of aloe for skin care make countless cosmetic products that integrate it into their formulas:

It is a magnificent ally that soothes and refreshes the skin after sun exposure. It also relieves insect bites and helps to reduce scars and acne.Improves eczema and psoriasisand if used continuously hides stretch marks. Aloe accelerates the production of new cellswhich is why it is considered a magnificent skin regenerator.Stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin, so that used regularly slows down the appearance of wrinkles. On the other hand, its mucilages have a great capacity to retain water. For this reason, aloe is effective in the treatment of dehydrated and devitalized skin.In addition, it balances the dermis after waxing and shavingnourishes the hair, helps eliminate dandruff and is used as a fixer and conditioner, as it provides softness, strength and flexibility to hair.

Aloe can be applied on all skin typesalthough due to its astringent effect it is especially appropriate for oily skin, since it is not greasy. Penetrates quickly and deeplybut, nevertheless, it dries the skin, so after its absorption it is necessary to apply a treatment cream.

Only the aloe is used gelatinous part of the inside of the leaf, which can be applied directly to the skin: the thorny edges are removed and the leaf is cut lengthwise to open it and extract its gel. The fresh leaves can be keep in the fridgeinside an airtight container, preferably glass.

How to apply aloe?

An excellent purifying mask can be obtained easily and quickly by mixing two teaspoons of aloe, one of fluid honey and another of kaolin (White clay). After twenty minutes it is removed with water.

after a solar exposition a moisturizing and nourishing preparation can be applied by mixing three teaspoons of peach oil, two of aloe and six drops of lavender essential oil. The properties of aloe regenerate and soothe irritation caused by the sun, and the active ingredients of lavender refresh.

Regarding the products they carry aloe as an ingredient, it is very important to look at your label. When it is in the last places of the list of ingredients it means that the percentage used is very low. When it appears among the first, it is usually found in majority quantities. For the formulation to be effective, it must contain a minimum of 20% aloe.

Aloe is an essential ingredient in natural cosmetics, but it is also becoming more common in commercial cosmetics.

What types of aloe gel are there and how are they different?

It should also be known that aloe can receive various trade names:

Natural aloe gel. The one obtained from the leaves without diluting or processing.Stabilized aloe gel. Contains processed natural aloe, that is, aloe to which water and preservatives are added.Aloe extract. It is aloe dissolved in water or other solvents and usually contains less than 10% gel.Pulverized and reconstituted aloe gel. It contains dehydrated pulp to which a percentage of water has subsequently been added.Aloe juice. Contains a minimum of 50% gel.

Can you grow aloe at home?

the aloe (Aloe barbadensis) it is easy to grow requires a lot of sun and little watering. Its worst enemies are excess water and cold. Is very resistant to pests.

For its cultivation in a pot, the ideal thing is a clay container and a 50/50 mix of peat and garden soil on a drainage of two fingers of gravel.

It reproduces by small plants that sprout around it. At the age of three he already has all his therapeutic qualities.