How Aloe Vera Gel Works
Ancient Egyptians named the Aloe Vera plant the Plant of Immortality, and while this amazing plant may not actually have the power to help you live forever, it does have other incredible properties that can help you lead a healthy life.
What’s the Origin of Aloe Vera Gel?
Aloe Vera gel is derived from the nutrient-rich gel extracted from the fleshy leaves of the Aloe Vera plant. Mature leaves are long, thick and wide, and yield tremendous amounts of gel. The beauty of harvesting gel from the Aloe Vera plant is that it continues to grow and thrive. No Aloe Vera plant dies so we can reap the gel’s benefits.
The Many Uses of Aloe Vera
Sunburn
Aloe Vera gel acts as a protective barrier on the skin when used to treat sunburn. The gel soothes the skin and locks in moisture. Aloe Vera gel anti-oxidant properties also help sunburned skin heal faster.
Moisturizer
For an effective and long-lasting moisturizer, use Aloe Vera gel in its most pure form. The gel goes on easily without having to pull or tug. Once the gel coat has been applied, your skin quickly absorbs the gel without the greasy feeling some moisturizers leave behind. For this reason, both men and women love to use the gel as an all-over body moisturizer that can be applied under makeup or at any time.
Shaving Aid
The cooling sensation of Aloe Vera gel, combined with its skin healing properties, makes it a pleasant and effective shaving aid. Men who try Aloe Vera gel, find it a better alternative to the harsh, alcohol-based commercial shaving tonics. The gel goes on smooth and prevents razor burn and ingrown hairs. Razor cuts heal faster with an application of the gel. To apply, pour a quarter-size amount into your palms and rub gently on your face.
Acne
Acne responds well to Auxin and Gibberellin, two active hormones in aloe vera gel. These hormones have potent anti-inflammatory properties that keep acne at bay and prevent new flare-ups. Gibberellin helps stimulate new cell growth, which makes acne marks heal faster with minimal scarring.
Psoriasis and Eczema
Ayurveda practitioners use the gel to treat the skin conditions of psoriasis and eczema. These conditions are often caused by dryness and inflammation, which is successfully treated with the gel’s moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Aging
The hallmark of aging is the advent of lines and wrinkles, as well as lost elasticity in the skin. Aloe Vera gel treats the signs of aging by delivering potent doses of anti-oxidants like beta carotene, vitamin C and Vitamin E, all clinically proven to improve skin tone and firmness.
Vitamin Deficiency
When your body is deprived of vitamins, the results show up on your skin. Aloe Vera gel delivers over 75 naturally occurring nutrients to your skin. These vitamins help your skin look and stay younger. Nutrients found in Aloe Vera gel include vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, phenolic compounds, lignin, saponins, sterols, amino acids, and salicylic acid.
Dry and Brittle Hair and Nails
The same qualities that make aloe vera gel so effective as a skin moisturizer, make it an excellent choice as a hair and nail conditioner. When you use Aloe Vera gel on your hair and nails, you deliver those same nutrients and moisture to areas that need it most. To use as a hair conditioner, wash hair as normal and apply the Aloe Vera gel after rinsing. Leave in for three minutes, then wash and style as usual. For deep conditioning, apply gel to dry hair, leave it overnight, and shampoo/rinse in the morning.
As a nail conditioner, massage a small quantity into nails and cuticles and leave them on all day or overnight. When purchasing Aloe Vera gel, be sure to buy only gel labeled pure and natural. Also available in Aloe Vera Juice.