Beauty ingredients come and go but very few hold their ground in the midst of the commotion–think buzzy new product launches and more. Aloe vera is one such superstar thanks to the fact that it does everything from soothing inflamed skin to treating acne. Before you start using it to solve every beauty concern, it is important to understand what aloe can do for your skin and what its benefits are.
Benefits Of Aloe Vera
Think of aloe as a serial skin soother and hydrator. It has anti-inflammatory properties that calm redness and irritation as well as a host of other chemicals like vitamins, amino acids, polysaccharides, and phytosterols that prevent moisture loss from the skin. It also contains a tiny amount of salicylic acid that may help heal skin that is breaking out. In short, aloe is great to calm skin and soothe it but if you’re looking for a product to brighten skin or treat pigmentation, you may want to look at other ingredients like vitamin C, retinol or even niacinamide.
However, it is always best to do a patch test before slathering aloe vera gel on your skin and hair as some people may be allergic to it. Rub a small amount of it on the inside of your wrist or elbow and wait up for a few hours to see if your skin reacts to it.
10 Ways To Use Aloe Vera Gel In Your Beauty Routine
As a hair moisturiser
Aloe vera has a natural affinity to attract water to itself which means it is a great reviver of dry, dull strands. Mix some aloe gel with your conditioner and apply as usual. Let it sit for three to four minutes and then rinse off.
As a brow gel
If you’re looking for fuller brows, simply dip a spoolie in aloe gel and brush it through your brows. Let it sit for an hour and wash off or leave it on for the whole day. Not only will your brows appear fluffier but they will also stay in place all day.
As a face moisturiser
If you’re looking for a fuss-free moisturiser that only moisturises skin (versus options that brighten or tighten it), opt for aloe gel. Normal to combination skin types need to use just a little bit to moisturise whereas dry skin needs a little more gel to spread out evenly.
As a toner
Combine some aloe gel with rose water and use it as a toner for dry skin. Aloe does a great job of nourishing skin and rosewater is touted as a natural astringent.
As a make-up remover
For oily skin, we recommend combining two tablespoons of jojoba oil and witch hazel each but one tablespoon of aloe vera oil. Mix well and to this, add a few drops of vitamin E oil. Jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural oils and is non-comedogenic and witch hazel regulates the production of sebum in the skin.
As a hair gel
If you are someone who feels the need to wash off hairstyling products from their hair ASAP, this natural alternative to hair gel might just work for you. Say goodbye to flyaways and frizz with the tiniest amount of aloe gel. Simply apply a little using your fingers or a toothbrush (for a more precise, mess-free application) and you’re good to go.
As a hairspray
Mix three teaspoons of aloe vera gel with 500 ml of water. To this, you can add a few drops of coconut oil to soften hair. Shake well and spritz on your mane and style as usual.
As a spot treatment
Mix some honey, aloe vera gel, some chickpea flour and a pinch of turmeric and make a paste. Apply as a spot treatment on acne or just all over your face for a quick pick-me-up. Wash off when semi-dry.
As a post-shave treatment
There is nothing more painful than the skin-stinging that fragranced body moisturisers leave in their wake, especially post-shave or waxing. Use aloe gel directly from the plant to moisturise skin after hair removal and if you’re using a store-bought product, ensure that it is completely transparent (a sign of purity).