7 Benefits of Aloe Vera for the Skin
The aloe vera plant and has been used for centuries for its medicinal and skin care properties. It is part of the Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family, and its fleshy leaves are composed of several active components, including vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids. Aloe vera has certain anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitumor, antiseptic and anti-aging, properties, as well as immunomodulatory, healing and moisturizing effects. These qualities make aloe vera plant extract versatile and a great skincare solution. Let’s look at seven benefits of using aloe vera on the skin.
- Moisturize the Skin
Aloe vera extract is an effective substance from enhancing skin hydration and reducing dryness. It is non-greasy and is ideal for individuals with oily, combination or sensitive skin. Aloe vera has a high content of mucopolysaccharides, a natural sugar, which aid in binding moisture into the skin. Additionally, research has indicated that the polysaccharide-rich composition of aloe vera extracts may have moisturizing properties that could improve skin hydration, by increasing the water content of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis.
- Treat Sunburn
Aloe vera contains many beneficial properties, like glycoproteins, that has healing effects and can provide relief of pain and inflammation. It helps with sunburn by working at the epithelial level to heal the sunburnt skin. Vitamins, minerals and enzymes present in aloe vera causes the skin to heal quicker. Research has shown that the anti-inflammatory effect of aloe vera is superior to those of 1% hydrocortisone, an over-the-counter topical cream, which is generally used to treat the redness, pain and swelling associated with sunburn.
- Fight the Signs of Aging
With aging comes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as the loss of skin elasticity. Antioxidants present aloe vera, like beta carotene, vitamin C and E, can aid in improving skin firmness and keep the skin hydrated. Vitamin C decreases cell damage and plays a vital role in the body’s natural collagen synthesis to fend off the signs of aging, like wrinkles. Vitamin A minimizes the damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays and keeps the skin conditioned, which keeps dark spots and wrinkles at bay, and prevents dryness.
- Speed Up Wound Healing
Cuts, burns and other wounds can be tackled with aloe vera by accelerating skin cell reproduction and the overall healing process. Aloe vera contains auxins and gibberellins (plant hormones) that help with wound healing and providing anti-inflammatory benefits. According to a journal review, these hormones stimulate the activity and proliferation of fibroblast (biological cell that produces collagen fibers), by interacting with growth factor receptors, increasing collagen synthesis which leads to the growth of new cells. Increased collagen content causes the wound to contract quickly, with minimal scarring.
- Treat Acne
Aloe vera can reduce skin inflammation, blistering and spots related to acne, a skin condition in which the pores clog with dead skin cells, oil and/or bacteria. The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of aloe vera make it effective in treating acne, by reducing the redness, fighting against acne-producing bacteria and accelerating the healing of blemishes and scars caused by acne.
- Diminish the Appearance of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks commonly occur during pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss and teenage growth spurts, when the skin has had to cope with being stretched quickly, beyond its elastic capacity. This result in tears in the layers of the skin. Aloe vera can help to regenerate skin tissue and repair the epidermis because of its vitamin E content. The damaged collagen fibers in the dermis are restored, leading to the reduced appearance of stretch marks on your skin.
- Cleanse and Brighten the Skin
Both the antiviral and antiseptic effects of aloe vera make it a skin cleansing solution, capable of ridding the skin of harmful germs and bacteria. It can remove dirt, help unclog pores, remove oils and dead skin cells. Saponins (plant glycosides) content in aloe vera have foaming characteristics and react with the grease that clogs the pores, transforming them into cleansing solubles. Additionally, certain antioxidant properties in aloe vera cause it to act as a natural exfoliant, lowering pigmentation and dark spots, revealing a brighter complexion.
Aloe vera has a wide variety of properties that make it beneficial for the skin in a number of ways which is why we use it in all of our herbal rub-on ointments. It cleanses, moisturizes, heals and protects the skin with its rich, natural components. Aloe vera is a great skincare solution.
