Aloe Vera has been valued as a healing herbal remedy since ancient times. It not only nourishes the body internally by aiding digestion, providing nutrients, and boosting immune function, but it also enhances the health and beauty of your face, skin, hair, and more when applied topically.
Here’s how to use Aloe Vera gel and juice in your daily skin and hair care routines.
How To Harvest Aloe Vera Gel
Before diving into the benefits of Aloe Vera gel, let’s look at how to harvest it. Choose large, thick leaves from the base of the plant. Grip the leaves near the base and pull gently but firmly. Be careful of the thorns on the edges.
Once you have the leaves, use a sharp knife to remove the thorny edge from one side of each leaf. Slice the leaves open lengthwise to create two long halves. Place the halves gel side up on a cutting surface. Use a spoon to scrape the gel into a container. Refrigerate any unused portion.
If you don’t have an Aloe plant or find extracting the gel too cumbersome, Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel is a great alternative.
6 Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel for Face & Skin
1. Soothe Sunburn
Aloe Vera gel has anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, making it ideal for sunburn relief. It forms a protective layer on the skin that helps retain moisture and is rich in antioxidants and minerals that speed up healing.
2. Moisturize
Aloe Vera is a fantastic moisturizer that doesn’t leave a greasy film on your face. It softens skin without clogging pores and can also be used as an aftershave treatment to hydrate and heal razor burns and small nicks.
3. Accelerate Wound Healing
Aloe Vera is commonly used for treating cuts, burns, and other wounds. It can reduce the healing time of first or second-degree burns by almost nine days. Aloe speeds up skin cell reproduction and penetrates the skin faster than water.
4. Fight Aging
Rich in vitamins C and E and beta carotene, Aloe Vera may have anti-aging properties. It can lighten blemishes, reduce inflammation, and increase collagen production, improving skin elasticity.
5. Reduce Acne and Infection
Aloe Vera’s gentle cleansing and antimicrobial properties make it great for treating acne. It protects the skin from bacteria and other pathogens and reduces inflammation and redness. It also acts as an astringent, reducing pore size and keeping out excess sebum, dirt, and microbes.
6. Lighten Blemishes
Aloe Vera can help reduce acne scars and stretch marks due to its ability to speed up skin cell reproduction, fight inflammation, and reduce redness. Adding lemon juice can also help lighten age spots and freckles.
3 Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel for Hair & Scalp
1. Promote Healthy Hair Growth
Aloe Vera can stimulate new hair growth by increasing blood circulation to the scalp and providing essential vitamins and minerals. It contains enzymes that repair dead skin cells on the scalp, improving hair elasticity and preventing breakage.
2. Prevent Dandruff
Aloe Vera helps combat dandruff caused by dry skin, fungal infections, and irritated, oily skin. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties fight fungus, while the gel hydrates and balances oiliness.
3. Nourish and Condition Hair and Scalp
Aloe Vera softens and conditions the hair, restoring shine and vitality without leaving a greasy residue.
20 Aloe Vera Recipes for Face, Skin, and Hair
1. Green Tea and Aloe Skin Toner: Tightens pores, removes toxins, reduces redness, and moisturizes.
2. Eye Make-Up Remover: Gentle yet effective, made with extra virgin olive oil and Aloe Vera juice.
3. Shaving Gel: Provides a smooth shave while moisturizing and killing bacteria.
4. Soothing After Sun Spray: Eases and soothes skin after sun exposure.
5. Skin Brightening Scrub: Brightens skin tone and removes blemishes.
6. Daily Cleansing Face Wash: Suitable for all skin types.
7. Soothing Moisturizer: A silky soft cream that lasts for months.
8. Aloe and Honey Face Mask for Acne: Reduces redness, pain, swelling, and itching.
9. Cucumber and Aloe Face Mask for Dry Skin: Alleviates dryness and tightness.
10. Tinted Slick Eyebrow Gel: Enhances brows and keeps hairs under control.
11. Citrus Body Wash: An invigorating body wash with essential oils.
12. Anti-Aging Aloe Vera Peel: Tightens skin, smooths wrinkles, and adds moisture.
13. ‘Keep Your Cool’ Facial Mist: Refreshes on hot or stressful days.
14. Sugar Foot Scrub: Revives tired feet.
15. Coconut Mango Bath Bombs: Transforms your bath into a spa experience.
16. 3-Ingredient Instant Lift Eye Gel: Hides bags and puffiness.
17. Hair Gel: Tames unruly hair and doubles as an aftershave balm.
18. Aloe Shampoo: Promotes hair health.
19. Conditioner for Dry Hair: An effective DIY conditioner.
20. Anti-Frizz Hair Spray: Natural detangler that stops frizz and adds shine.
Where To Buy Aloe Vera Gel
Harvesting your own Aloe Vera gel is the best way to benefit from this natural ingredient. If you prefer to buy ready-extracted gel, look for pure, straight-from-the-leaf options like Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel from Cold Pressed Aloe, available on Amazon.
