What Does Aloe Vera Gel Do for Your Skin?
That spiky succulent plant isn’t just a pretty face in your garden. Aloe vera is a skincare powerhouse that has been used for centuries to soothe, heal, and beautify. But how does this plant do it? Is it truly effective in addressing different skin issues? Today, let’s answer the question: What does aloe vera gel do for the skin?
Benefits of Aloe Vera for Your Skin
Aloe vera is packed with vitamins A, C, E, and B12. It also contains minerals and amino acids that can impact your skin positively. Here’s what it can do:
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Hydrate and moisturise: With 98% water content, aloe vera is a thirst-quenching drink for your skin. It can help lock in moisture and improve skin elasticity, making you look younger than your actual age.
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Soothe inflammation: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that calm angry, red skin. So, whether you have sunburns or minor irritations on your face or body, you can use aloe vera gel to soothe your skin.
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Boost collagen production: Aloe stimulates fibroblasts, which produce collagen and elastin fibres, potentially reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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Fight acne: This succulent plan fights acne in two primary ways. First, its antibacterial properties help combat acne-causing bacteria. Then, it has anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce your skin’s redness and swelling.
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Protect against UV damage: While not a substitute for sunscreen, aloe vera can help your skin recover from sun exposure and may have a strong protective effect against radiation damage.
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Accelerate wound healing: Aloe vera can increase collagen synthesis and change collagen composition, speeding up wound contraction and increasing the breaking strength of resulting scar tissue.
Is Aloe Vera Gel Good for Your Face?
Absolutely! Aloe vera gel is gentle and suitable for most skin types. Its lightweight hydration is a godsend for those with oily or combination skin, providing moisture without clogging pores. Also, aloe vera’s soothing properties can help calm and balance the skin if you have redness or minor irritation on your face.
But the benefits for your face do not stop there. Aloe vera can also act as a natural makeup primer, creating a smooth base for your cosmetics. And gentlemen, take note! Aloe vera is excellent for soothing razor burns and minor cuts, making it a valuable addition to your post-shave routine.
Is Aloe Vera Gel Good for Dark Circles?
While not a miracle cure, aloe vera can help address under-eye shadows. Its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce puffiness, while its high vitamin E content can improve skin elasticity. The gel’s moisturising effects plump up the delicate skin around your eyes, potentially making dark circles less noticeable. Plus, aloe vera’s cooling sensation can help constrict blood vessels, further reducing the appearance of dark circles.
Is Aloe Vera Gel Good for Sunburn?
Yes! Its cooling touch provides immediate comfort to burned skin, while its anti-inflammatory properties go to work in reducing redness and pain. But aloe vera’s sunburn-fighting abilities go beyond mere symptom relief. It provides much-needed hydration to damaged skin, and its antioxidants can help repair sun damage at a cellular level. Aloe vera may also quicken healing by boosting collagen production & changing collagen composition, helping your skin bounce back faster from sun exposure.
Can Aloe Vera Gel Remove Pimples?
While it won’t magically zap away your zits overnight, aloe vera can be a helpful tool in your acne-fighting arsenal:
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Its antibacterial properties combat acne-causing bacteria.
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Anti-inflammatory effects reduce redness and swelling.
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It can help balance oil production, preventing future breakouts.
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Salicylic acid in aloe vera acts as a natural exfoliant, unclogging pores.
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Its moisturising properties can help prevent the overproduction of oil that often occurs with harsh, drying acne treatments.
Can Aloe Vera Gel Whiten Skin?
Aloe vera isn’t a skin-whitening agent, but it can help address dark spots and even your skin tone. It contains aloin, a compound shown to have some skin-lightening effects. It also has exfoliating properties that can aid in removing dead skin cells and revealing brighter skin underneath. Since it promotes healthy cell turnover, aloe vera can help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation over time.
Can Aloe Vera Gel Help with Sensitive Skin Issues Like Eczema?
Yes! Aloe vera can be beneficial for sensitive skin conditions like eczema. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce redness and itching associated with eczema flare-ups. The moisturising effects can help combat the dryness that often accompanies eczema. Moreover, aloe vera’s cooling properties can provide relief from the burning sensation often experienced with eczema & other skin conditions.
Broken skin is another issue when you have eczema. You can rely on aloe vera gel’s antibacterial properties to prevent secondary infections that can occur with broken skin. The gel can also form a protective barrier on the skin, shielding it against irritants.
Best Ways to Incorporate Aloe Vera into Your Skincare Routine
Aloe vera can come in different forms, including gel, soap or lotion. If you want to seamlessly incorporate the use of aloe vera into your skincare routine, here’s how to use aloe vera for your skin:
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Morning cleanser: Start your day with an aloe-based face wash to soothe and hydrate.
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Toner: Use aloe vera gel as a natural, alcohol-free toner.
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Serum booster: Mix a drop of aloe vera gel into your favourite serum for added hydration.
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Moisturiser: Layer aloe vera gel under your regular moisturiser for an extra hydration boost.
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Spot treatment: Dab a small amount directly on blemishes or areas of irritation as needed.
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Eye gel: Gently pat around the eye area to reduce puffiness and dark circles.
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Natural exfoliant: Mix with a small amount of brown sugar for a gentle scrub. Or try the Juman Honey & Aloe Vera Foam Scrub with Dead Sea Minerals.
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Overnight mask: Apply a thick layer before bed for intense hydration. You can also mix aloe vera gel with a bit of honey for a soothing, hydrating mask. If you don’t want the DIY route, use Mon Platin DSM Face Mud Mask with Aloe Vera.
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After-sun care: Keep aloe vera gel in the fridge for a cooling post-sun treatment. Or gently apply cooled aloe vera gel to the affected area.
Final Thoughts
What does aloe vera gel do for your skin? A lot, actually. But while many find relief with aloe vera, everyone’s skin is different. Do a quick patch test before applying aloe vera to your face or body, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies. If you’re dealing with severe eczema or other sensitive skin conditions, consult a dermatologist before incorporating aloe vera into your skincare routine.
Want to know where to buy aloe vera gel or source the best aloe vera gel, lotion & other skincare products enriched with aloe vera in Australia? Check out our shop here at Jericho Skincare ANZ. We offer an array of top-quality skincare products made from natural ingredients like aloe vera, Dead Sea salt & minerals and more.