The incredibly useful Aloe Vera plant has been valued as a healing herbal remedy since ancient times. It nourishes the body from within by aiding digestion, providing beneficial nutrients, and boosting immune function. It can also be used topically to enhance the health and beauty of your face, skin, hair, and more.

Here’s how you can incorporate Aloe Vera gel and juice into your daily skin and hair regimen and why you should consider doing so.

How to Harvest Aloe Vera Gel

First, pick one or more large, thick leaves from the base of the Aloe Vera plant. Grip each leaf near its base and pull gently but firmly. The leaves should come off easily. Be careful not to cut your fingers on the thorny edges of the leaves.

After harvesting the leaves, use a sharp knife to slice away the thorny edge from one side of each leaf. Then cut the leaves open lengthwise so you have two long halves with the gel exposed. Use a spoon to scrape the gel away from each leaf and into a container. If you don’t use all the gel immediately, remember to refrigerate any leftover portion.

If you don’t have an Aloe Vera plant or find extracting the gel by hand cumbersome, Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel is an excellent substitute.

6 Reasons To Put Aloe Vera Gel On Your Face & Skin

1. Soothe Sunburn

Aloe Vera gel’s anti-inflammatory and cooling properties make it perfect for sunburn relief. It provides a protective barrier to the skin, which helps retain moisture, and its antioxidants and minerals help speed up healing. Studies have shown Aloe Vera gel to be effective in reducing UV-induced skin redness.

2. Moisturize

Aloe Vera is a great moisturizer that doesn’t leave a greasy film on your face. It softens the skin without clogging pores and can be used as an aftershave to hydrate the skin and heal razor burn and small nicks. Research supports Aloe Vera extract as an effective natural substance for improving skin hydration.

3. Accelerate Wound Healing

Aloe Vera is commonly used for treating cuts, burns, and other wounds due to its ability to reduce healing times of first or second-degree burns. It 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 may help in fighting aging. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, along with its ability to lighten blemishes, make it a great anti-aging remedy. Aloe Vera can also be taken in supplement form to boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity.

5. Reduce Acne and Infection

Aloe Vera’s cleansing and antimicrobial properties make it effective for treating acne. It protects the skin from bacteria and other pathogens that cause infection and inflammation, stimulates the growth of new cells, and reduces inflammation and redness. Aloe Vera is also used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat psoriasis and eczema.

6. Lighten Blemishes

Aloe Vera’s ability to speed up skin cell reproduction and reduce inflammation and redness makes it effective for treating acne scars and stretch marks. Adding lemon juice can help lighten age spots and freckles.

3 Reasons To Rub Aloe Vera Gel Into Your Hair & Scalp

1. Promote Healthy Hair Growth

Aloe Vera may promote new hair growth by increasing blood circulation to the scalp and delivering important vitamins and minerals. It contains enzymes that repair dead skin cells on the scalp. Its chemical similarity to keratin, the main protein in hair, helps rejuvenate hair and improve elasticity, preventing breakage.

2. Prevent Dandruff

Aloe Vera helps with dandruff caused by dry skin, fungal infections, and oily skin. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties combat fungus while the gel hydrates and balances oiliness.

3. Nourish and Condition the Hair and Scalp

Aloe Vera moisturizes and conditions the hair without leaving a greasy residue. Regular use restores shine and vitality to hair.

20 Aloe Vera Recipes for Face, Skin, and Hair

1. Green Tea and Aloe Skin Toner: Tightens pores, removes toxins, reduces redness, and moisturizes. Mix water, green tea, and Aloe Vera.
2. Eye Make-Up Remover: A gentle remover with extra virgin olive oil and Aloe Vera juice.
3. Shaving Gel: Aloe alone makes a great gel; enhance it with castile soap, glycerin, olive oil, and essential oils.
4. Soothing After Sun Spray: Eases sun-exposed skin with vitamin E, witch hazel, and Aloe Vera.
5. Skin Brightening Scrub: A mixture of sugar, Aloe, and lemon juice brightens skin tone and removes blemishes.
6. Daily Cleansing Face Wash: A gentle wash suitable for all skin types with Aloe Vera gel, jojoba oil, castile soap, clay, and essential oil.
7. Soothing Moisturizer: A facial cream made with Aloe Vera gel, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, beeswax, and essential oils.
8. Aloe and Honey Face Mask for Acne: A healing mask with honey and Aloe Vera to reduce redness and swelling.
9. Cucumber and Aloe Face Mask for Dry Skin: Blend cucumber and Aloe to alleviate dryness.
10. Tinted Slick Eyebrow Gel: Enhances eyebrows with Aloe Vera, cocoa powder, activated charcoal, and vitamin E oil.
11. Citrus Body Wash: An invigorating wash with shea butter, Aloe Vera, guar gum, castile soap, and citrus essential oils.
12. Anti-Aging Aloe Vera Peel: Tightens skin and smooths wrinkles with cucumber, green tea, chamomile tea, Aloe Vera gel, and gelatin.
13. ‘Keep Your Cool’ Facial Mist: A cooling mist with Aloe Vera, witch hazel, and peppermint essential oil.
14. Sugar Foot Scrub: Revives tired feet with Aloe Vera sugar scrub scented with essential oils.
15. Coconut Mango Bath Bombs: Transforms bath time with Aloe Vera and coconut milk.
16. 3-Ingredient Instant Lift Eye Gel: Remedies puffy eyes with Aloe, cucumber, and witch hazel.
17. Hair Gel: Tames hair with Aloe Vera pulp, almond oil, and olive oil.
18. Aloe Shampoo: A nourishing shampoo with distilled water, dried herbs, castile soap, Aloe Vera gel, jojoba oil, and essential oils.
19. Conditioner for Dry Hair: A hydrating mix of lemon, Aloe Vera, and essential oils.
20. Anti-Frizz Hair Spray: A simple, natural detangler with Aloe Vera and costs just 39 cents to make!

Where To Buy Aloe Vera Gel

While harvesting your own Aloe Vera gel is best, you can also buy pure, straight-from-the-leaf gel. Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel from Cold Pressed Aloe is highly regarded and available on Amazon.