We’ve all been there: you’ve spent a little bit too long in the sun, your skin is red and hot to touch and you’ve found yourself turning to the cool, soothing relief of Aloe Vera gel.
What if we told you that Aloe Vera is so much more than just a sunburn soother? Let’s take a look at why Aloe Vera is amazing for all skin types and why you should start incorporating it into your skincare routine today.
Is Aloe Vera Good for the Skin?
Aloe Vera has multiple benefits for your skin; in fact, it is one of the most widely used herbal remedies for topical skin conditions and is known for its healing and medicinal properties. Not only is it highly anti-inflammatory, but Aloe Vera is also packed full of antioxidants, vitamins, enzymes and more, making it ideal for treating burns, acne and dry skin.
Aloe Vera is a cactus-like plant; the stems store water, producing a clear, gel-like substance in the leaves. It’s in this gel that all the nutrients and vitamins are stored - and it’s this very gel that should be making its way into your skincare routine.
Benefits of Aloe Vera for the Skin
There are plenty of ways Aloe Vera can benefit your skin:
Moisturises dry skin
Aloe Vera has a high water content (99.5%), making it extremely hydrating and soothing for the skin. Not only does this make it ideal for after sun treatments, but it also makes a great moisturiser too. Aloe Vera gel helps to seal moisture into the skin and is absorbed easily.
Helps to combat acne
Aloe Vera can help to treat superficial surface acne. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of Aloe Vera can help to treat irritated skin, helping to reduce redness and kill acne-causing bacteria. That's why we include Aloe Vera in all three of the products in our Purifying collection. Just remember to speak to your doctor beforehand if you already use prescription products.
Reduces puffiness and dark circles
The anti-inflammatory effects of Aloe Vera gel can also help to reduce overall inflammation in the face, aiding the production of new skin. Aloe Vera gel helps stimulate the production of collagen in the skin, reducing the appearance of scars and dark circles. If you want glowy, radiant skin, Aloe Vera gel is your go-to.
Naturally exfoliates
Aloe Vera gel makes the perfect light exfoliator. If you have sensitive skin and struggle with using chemicals, Aloe Vera gel is the perfect solution. The salicylic acid in the plants helps to eliminate dead skin cells and removes bad bacteria from your skin, leaving it feeling soft, smooth and hydrated.
How Can I Incorporate Aloe Vera Gel into my Skincare Routine?
You can get Aloe Vera gel straight from the plant if you have one; simply cut open the plant’s leaf, scoop out the gel-like substance inside and apply to the affected area. However, if you don’t have a plant, products containing Aloe Vera gel work just as well - in fact, they make it even easier to incorporate Aloe into your skincare routine!
At Herbal Essentials, we have a range of clean and high performance skincare products with many containing Aloe Vera, such as our Hydra 5 Gel and Firming Eye Gel! We believe that powerful natural actives and botanicals are best for our skin, which is why we stay away from chemicals that cause irritation and dryness.