The 4 aloes: great friends of your skin

The beneficial properties of aloe or saliva are well known. Many people have an aloe at home and it is also common to see it in gardens, slopes and flower beds. This plant, native to southern Africa, is cultivated in many places with a subtropical climate, such as Mexico, the Caribbean and the Atlantic islands, since it tolerates frost poorly.

The most popular species is the aloe vera, with which various cosmetic, health, hygiene or food products are made. However, it is not the only existing variety. exist other types of aloe that also offer beneficial skin care properties.

What is aloe used for?

For medicinal purposes two components are used. On one side, the acibara juice that is obtained by incision of the bark of the leaves, which is subjected to condensation and drying, and which contains aloin and substances that vary from one species to another.

And, on the other hand, the parenchyma, a viscous gel inside the leaf, transparent or yellowish, made up of 99% water and rich in mucilage and polysaccharides with great regenerative power. The acibar is usually used internally and the parenchyma, topically.

It is a good idea grow aloe. It requires little care and can be harvested and applied immediately. As a precaution, the acibar should not be taken during pregnancylactation or in case of heart, kidney or hemorrhoids failure, and also not given to children under 12 years of age. Aloin can irritate sensitive skin. or allergic and gastric mucosa.