Discover the Amazing Benefits of Aloe Vera for Skin and Face
What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe Vera, a cactus-like plant commonly found in households, is not only known for its ability to treat burns but has also been used as a natural skin healing remedy for centuries. Its effectiveness in moisturizing the skin and managing several skin conditions, including acne, has been well-documented. Due to its various skin benefits, aloe vera is a common ingredient found in a variety of skincare products. Regularly incorporating aloe vera into your skincare regimen can help keep your skin hydrated and improve its overall appearance.
Unveiling the Miraculous Advantages of Aloe Vera for Skin
Active components of Aloe Vera
- Vitamins: It contains Vitamins A (beta-carotene), C and E, which are antioxidants. It also contains Vitamin B12, folic acid, and choline. Antioxidant neutralizes free radicals.
- Enzymes: It contains 8 enzymes: aliiase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bradykinase, carboxy-peptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase, and peroxidase. Bradykinase helps to reduce excessive inflammation when applied to the skin topically, while others help in the breakdown of sugars and fats.
- Minerals: It provides calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc. They are essential for the proper functioning of various enzyme systems in different metabolic pathways and few are antioxidants.
- Sugars: It provides monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) and polysaccharides: (glucomannans / polymannose). These are derived from the mucilage layer of the plant and are known as mucopolysaccharides. Recently, a glycoprotein with anti-allergic properties, called alprogen and novel anti-inflammatory compound, C-glucosyl chromone, has been isolated from Aloe vera.
- Anthraquinones: It provides 12 anthraquinones, which are phenolic compounds traditionally known as laxatives. Aloin and emodin act as analgesics, anti-bacterials and anti-virals.
- Fatty acids: It provides 4 plant steroids; cholesterol, campesterol, β-sisosterol and lupeol. All these have anti-inflammatory action and lupeol also possesses antiseptic and analgesic properties.
- Hormones: Auxins and gibberellins that help in wound healing and have anti-inflammatory action.
Benefits of Aloe Vera for the face
- Supports the production and release of collagen
- Aloe vera is known to support the production and release of collagen, a protein that is crucial for the health and maintenance of connective tissues. When it comes to the face, collagen helps firm and strengthen the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Cosmetic and skincare products often contain aloe vera due to its ability to promote healthy skin and enhance the body's natural collagen production processes.
- Effective Moisturizer, Aids in Acne, and Reduces Wrinkles
- It contains mucopolysaccharides which help to keep the skin moist. Aloe Vera stimulates fibroblast, which helps to make the skin more elastic and less wrinkled. It also helps the top layer of skin cells to stick together, making your skin feel softer. Amino acids in Aloe Vera soften hard skin cells, while zinc tightens pores. Aloe Vera is also known to help with acne.
- It contains aloin which is a gel that can be used as a skin tonic to help with pimples. Aloe vera is also great for soothing the skin and keeping it moist, especially in harsh and dry weather. It can even be used as a moisturizer for oily skin. Studies have shown that Aloe vera can help hydrate the skin, remove dead skin cells and penetrate healthy substances through the skin. All these factors make it a popular ingredient in cosmetic and dermatological products. In fact, Aloe vera is currently used in over 95% of dermatologically valuable extracts manufactured worldwide. Its sugars are also used in moisturizing preparations and when mixed with essential oils, it can create a great skin smoothening moisturizer, sun block lotion and other beauty products.
- Anti - Aging Benefits
- Aloe juice contains manganese and selenium, which are powerful antioxidants and cellular anti-aging agents. These help to slow down the aging process and make cells stronger in combating negative effects caused by oxygen and radiation. Amino acid proline, present in Aloe, is a constituent of collagen that ensures perfect holding capacity and elasticity of epithelial tissues. The intake of vitamins and minerals in Aloe stimulates proper blood saturation, guaranteeing better oxygenation and faster expulsion of toxins. As a result, skin becomes smoother, hydrated, and more elastic, protected from free radicals and their degenerative activity, leading to impressive anti-aging effects.
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Aloe vera contains several bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory properties such as acemannan, emodin, and beta-sitosterol.
- These compounds hlp to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, ethus reducing pain, swelling, and soreness associated with wounds or injuries.
Skin Ailments that benefit from Aloe Vera Gel
- Acne
- Sunburn
- Minor burns
- cuts or wounds
- Eczema
- Rosacea
- sun or chemically damaged skin
- Wrinkled / Aging Skin
- Bug Bites