The aloe vera plant is filled with powerful nutrients and antioxidants. The leaves, gel and juice of the plant are used for a variety of medicinal purposes. But the same ingredients that make aloe powerful medicine also promote beautiful skin.
A number of commercial face creams incorporate aloe vera juice, made from the gel contained in the stems of this succulent plant. That is not a new development; aloe vera was considered the plant of immortality by the Egyptians. It has been used since ancient times.
Aloe vera is suitable for all skin types, including very sensitive skin. The antioxidants in aloe vera are excellent anti-aging agents. They keep the skin supple and bright, and lighten blemishes. Aloe infuses the skin with moisture and removes dead cells, wrinkles and fine lines. It can even reduce stretch marks.
For men and women, aloe vera makes a soothing aftershave. Skin irritation and inflammation is reduced, and aloe also heals shaving cuts.
If you’ve had a problem with acne, you may find aloe vera is the best natural remedy ever for curing acne and pimples and their scars. Aloe is antimicrobial and kills bacteria in the skin, and lightens scarring.
Of course, one of the best known uses of aloe vera is for treatment of sun burn. It cools and comforts the skin and prevents blistering. Apply fresh aloe vera gel every day to reduce pain and redness and prevent ongoing damage. Aloe also heals cuts and small wounds, dermatitis, and it treats insect bites.
The gel of the aloe vera plant is a great moisturizer, hydrating the skin and preventing dry, patchy skin.
5 Excellent Aloe Vera Face Packs You Can Make at Home
1. Aloe Clay Pack:
Make a Multanmite (Fuller’s Earth) paste, and add one-half teaspoon of aloe gel.
Add honey and a few drops of rose water and make a smooth paste.
Apply to the face and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water then pat dry.
2. Aloe Fruit Pack:
Blend pieces of your favorite fruit, such as papaya, banana, apple, orange or others.
Into the fruit, add a teaspoon of the aloe gel and mix well.
If you have dry skin, you can also add a teaspoon of almond oil or wheat germ oil.
Leave the mixture on for 20 minutes then rinse with cool water.
3. Moisturizing Pack for Sensitive Skin:
In 2 teaspoons of aloe gel, mix one teaspoon of rose water and one of almond oil.
Add fresh cucumber paste and mix well to form a smooth consistency.
Apply and keep for 15 minutes then rinse with cool water.
4. Scrubbing Mask (this hydrates and smooths oily skin while removing dead cells, oil and excess sebum):
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of oatmeal and cucumber paste.
Into this mixture, add 1 teaspoon of aloe juice and mix well to from a smooth paste.
Gently scrub the skin in circular motions.
Lie down and rest for 15-20 minutes then rinse off with warm water.
5. Green Tea Mask (particularly good for premature aging, as green tea, like aloe, is rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals):
Mash the pulp of one-quarter avocado and cucumber puree in a bowl.
Into this mixture, add a teaspoon of the aloe gel and green tea water.
Mix well to form a paste and apply to the skin. Leave on for 20 minutes then rinse with warm water.
