Skin Care Ingredient: Aloe Vera
This green, spiky plant grows naturally in the world’s tropical climates and can be easily cultivated indoors in more temperate climates. Although the aloe plant produces beautiful flowers in the summertime, it’s what’s inside the fleshy leaves that makes it so special. Aloe vera gel grows within the inner leaf of the plant and is easily extracted for medicinal and topical use.
The amazing abilities of aloe vera are no secret, and they haven’t been for centuries. The use of aloe as a skin care ingredient dates as far back as the ancient Egyptians, who are said to have referred to it as “the plant of immortality” and used it regularly in their beauty routines.
Skin Care Benefits
Perhaps the most well known use of aloe vera is its effectiveness in calming burnt skin. But aloe’s abilities go far beyond relieving burns, and it’s becoming a more common ingredient in skin care product formulas. Some of its benefits include:
Cleanses & Revitalizes Aging Skin
Natural, nourishing cleansers with aloe as an active ingredient gently freshen and cleanse your skin without stripping it of its natural moisture, and boost collagen production to keep skin firm. Additionally, because it is anti-bacterial and anti-septic, aloe can help prevent blemishes from appearing for a smooth and youthful complexion.
Moisturizes
Aloe’s ability to moisturize without leaving any greasy residue makes it the perfect ingredient to keep any skin type naturally hydrated. It also absorbs quickly and works to plump out fine lines and wrinkles and prevents skin from drying out throughout the day.
Nourishes
Healthy skin requires constant nourishment and benefits greatly from added vitamins and minerals found in many skin care products. Aloe contains nutrients like Vitamins A, C, and E, and is made of 20 minerals including calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and zinc—all beneficial to skin health.
Tones and Lightens
The anti-septic properties of aloe act as a natural toner to restrict pore size and create a smoother, more even complexion. Once absorbed, it helps to naturally balance skin’s pH, which in turn prevents it from becoming too acidic (oily) or alkaline (dry) and makes it more even in tone and texture.
Fights Wrinkles
Because it comes from the “plant of immortality”, aloe is understandably popular as an ingredient for maintaining younger looking skin. All of aloe’s many beneficial qualities combine to not only reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but also prevent premature aging and allow skin’s natural beauty to shine through.
Health Benefits
The benefits of aloe vera span far beyond skin care, however. Other beneficial uses of aloe vera include moisturizing the hair and scalp, healing cold sores, boosting the immune system, aiding in digestion and preventing constipation, and much more. Aloe vera juice, which is the leaf pulp of the plant, is becoming more accessible on grocery store shelves and many people find it beneficial for internal healing and cleansing.
Find Aloe Vera in our Anti-Aging Foaming Facial Cleanser!