7 reasons why aloe vera is the perfect skin care product

Aloe (Aloe Vera) is suitable for the care of dry, problem and oily facial and body skin. The plant has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and moisturising properties, promotes collagen production and prevents premature ageing.

What is aloe (Aloe Vera)?

Aloe Vera is a perennial succulent plant that is used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes and grows in warm climates. Aloe looks like a small plant with a short stem and fleshy, pointed, grey-green leaves. The edges of the leaves have soft teeth or spines, and inside is a transparent gel that is used for medical and cosmetic purposes.

Aloe vera versus tree aloe — what is the difference?

Aloe is the name of a genus of plants that includes hundreds of species of succulents. Aloe Vera (common aloe) is a specific species of plant from the aloe genus that is most commonly used for medicinal purposes. The leaves of common aloe and tree aloe have the most similar chemical composition. You can tell common aloe from tree aloe by their appearance: tree aloe has a long stem and narrower leaves. In addition, common aloe contains gel inside its leaves, while tree aloe contains a liquid sap that is less frequently used in medicine and cosmetology.

Why is aloe healthy?

Aloe contains vitamins A, E, C and B12, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, amino acids and enzymes that are beneficial for health. The medicinal properties of aloe include:

• improving digestion (prevention of constipation and heartburn);

• strengthening immunity;

• antiviral and anti-cancer effects;

• accelerating wound healing;

• lowering harmful cholesterol levels;

• antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects;

• lowering blood sugar levels.

Aloe can be helpful for psoriasis, diabetes and ulcerative colitis. Aloe juice is used in weight-loss diets because it helps speed up metabolism.

Why is aloe good for the skin?

The benefit of aloe for the skin lies in moisturising, nourishing and healing wounds. The plant can be used to treat acne, herpes, psoriasis and eczema. Aloe creams are used to regenerate skin after burns and frostbite. The antioxidants in the plant promote skin regeneration and reduce swelling, flaking and itching. Aloe cosmetics help remove excessive pigmentation and normalise sebum secretion. The health properties of aloe are described in detail below.

1. Moisturises, soothes and softens the skin

Aloe is 99% water and is a natural moisturiser. The vitamins A, C and E in the plant's leaves soften the skin and make it smoother, while polysaccharides have a soothing effect and relieve inflammation and redness. The active ingredients of aloe are beneficial for dry and dehydrated skin because they nourish it and relieve the feeling of tightness.

Aloe in face masks moisturises the skin and helps smooth out fine expression lines. An aloe face cream contains hyaluronic acid, which helps restore the skin's water balance. Aloe cosmetics are easily absorbed, leave no greasy shine and can be used as a makeup base.

2. Has antibacterial properties

The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of aloe inhibit the action of pathogenic microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and help reduce inflammation. Aloe contains salicylic acid, phenols and saponins, which are natural antiseptics and aid cell regeneration.

3. Speeds up wound healing

The antioxidants and polysaccharides in aloe help soothe inflammation, swelling and skin redness and promote rapid regeneration through collagen production. Aloe gel forms a moisturising protective film on the surface of the wound and prevents it from drying out. Aloe speeds up wound healing and is suitable for treating minor cuts, abrasions and burns. To treat deep and infected wounds, you should see a doctor.

4. Slows down skin ageing

Aloe fights free radicals, which trigger the oxidation process and accelerate skin ageing. Thanks to antioxidants (vitamins C, A and E) and minerals (zinc and selenium), aloe slows down skin ageing and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. For example, a gel with aloe juice and hyaluronic acid contains ingredients that stimulate metabolic processes in the skin, making it firmer and more elastic.

5. Effective against acne

Aloe helps with acne thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe face gel reduces inflammation, soothes the skin and prevents the formation of scars after breakouts. At home, aloe can be used for mild and moderate acne in the form of cleansing gels and creams. Severe acne requires treatment by a dermatologist.

6. Helps with burns

In the case of burns, aloe helps remove redness and inflammation and provides a cooling effect when applied to the skin. In addition, using aloe helps burn wounds heal faster. You can use gel from the plant's fresh leaves or ready-made cosmetics. For example, an aloe burn cream can be applied to the skin after sunburn and thermal burns. The "Pantenol-Intensive" foam with aloe and hyaluronic acid contains ingredients that moisturise the skin and prevent tightness and flaking.

7. Promotes collagen production and renewal

The antioxidants and polysaccharides contained in aloe promote collagen production, which can help make the skin firmer. Aloe cosmetic products improve microcirculation in the skin and supply cells with nutrients and oxygen. In addition, the plant's components promote collagen renewal when the dermis is damaged and speed up wound healing.

Who is aloe suitable for?

Aloe is suitable for the care of facial and body skin and hair, and for treating dermatological conditions (psoriasis, acne). Indications for using aloe:

• dry and sensitive skin;

• mature skin;

• skin after burns;

• a weakened immune system;

• oily and problem skin;

• disturbances of the intestinal microflora;

• herpes;

• wounds and scratches on the skin.

Aloe juice can be added to masks, creams and shampoos for dry and irritated skin on the face and scalp. Aloe is also suitable for treating a runny nose, gargling and preparing solutions for compresses.

Who should not use aloe?

In most cases, aloe is beneficial for external use, but it can be harmful in cases of allergy and individual intolerance to the plant's components. Contraindications to the internal use of aloe:

• haemorrhoids;

• kidney or heart failure;

• Crohn's disease;

• intestinal obstruction;

• diarrhoea;

• electrolyte imbalance.

Aloe is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or for children under 12 years of age. If you are taking diuretics, laxatives, anticoagulants or corticosteroids, you should consult a doctor about the safety of combining these medications with aloe.

How to apply aloe to the skin?

Aloe can be applied to the skin in its pure form or as an extract in cosmetics. To use aloe at home, cut off a leaf of the plant, extract the gel from it and apply it to the skin for 15–20 minutes. If your skin is prone to irritation, you should first carry out an allergy test: apply a small amount of gel to the inside of your wrist and check after a few minutes for any redness and rash. Aloe biogels, creams and lotions can be used daily if there are no contraindications from a dermatologist.

How much aloe should you take per day?

How much aloe to take depends on the condition of the body and the form of the product. The average intake of liquid aloe is 30 ml per day. Aloe gel capsules can be taken in doses of 50 to 200 mg per day. The standard dose of aloe tincture is 15 to 60 drops per day, mixed with juice or water. To determine the therapeutic dose and select products, you should see a doctor.

What is aloe drinking gel?

Aloe drinking gel is a beverage containing the plant's beneficial components with the addition of water, natural sweeteners and vitamins. Aloe can be drunk to improve digestion, control blood sugar levels and strengthen immunity.

An aloe drink is helpful for constipation and skin problems, but it can be harmful in cases of allergy and when taking certain medications (laxatives, diuretics). Reviews after consuming aloe drinking gel for weight loss and digestive disorders are positive, while negative ones occur in cases of individual intolerance to the drink's ingredients.