Aloe vera for the face: benefits and how to use it

Considered as “the miraculous plant”, aloe vera , also called aloe vera , is one of the wonderful products that nature offers us to benefit the health of the body, both internally and externally. In addition to medicinal purposes, its extracts have also been used in the cosmetic world due to the incredible properties it has for skin care. In fact, there are already many soaps, body lotions and creams that incorporate aloe vera as an active ingredient in their formula.

The constant use of aloe vera on the skin of the face provides it with the essential nutrients it needs to stay healthy, young, beautiful and full of life.

Benefits of aloe vera for facial skin

1. Nourishes and deeply hydrates: its high content of mucilage, unsaturated fats, vitamins, amino acids and polysaccharides give it the ability to penetrate to the innermost layers of the skin and nourish it in depth. It fights the dryness of the dermis and prevents the loss of its natural moisture.
2. Regenerates the skin: in its composition is allantoin, a small chemical substance with extremely repairing properties for the skin. It restores damaged tissues and favors the production of new cells, while eliminating those that are not in good condition.
3. Rejuvenates the skin: aloe vera is an antioxidant and stops the action of free radicals , the main responsible for skin aging. In addition, it produces fibroplastic fibers, which are essential for the formation of collagen and elastin in the dermis. Therefore, with its application, the appearance of signs of aging on the skin is delayed, existing wrinkles are reduced and youth is preserved.
4. Anti-acne: it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so it fights the bacteria that cause pimples and reduces their inflammation. Soothes acne-affected skin and prevents future breakouts.
5. Eliminates spots and scars: lightens dark spots that appear due to sun exposure or age thanks to the vitamin C and E it contains. Its regenerative properties also help reduce the size and visibility of acne scars and marks.
6. Relieve irritations and burns: favors the healing of the skin when it presents irritations and redness, provides great relief after shaving or waxing. On the other hand, it calms the stinging caused by superficial burns and allows a faster recovery of the skin when it has suffered sunburn.
7. Suitable for all skin types: its moisturizing and regenerating properties make it a suitable product for all skin types, from the fattest to the driest. Aloe vera gel is one of the few lotions indicated for sensitive skin thanks to its nourishing and soothing action.

How to apply aloe vera on the face

To take advantage of all the properties of aloe vera on the skin of the face, its gel or sage must be used topically and can be applied in two different ways:

• Directly from the plant: if you have an aloe plant at home, the internal pulp of the fresh leaves must be extracted, which is what will serve as a treatment. To do this, you just have to cut the blade at the base, at the tip and at the ends to remove the thorns. Then, the leaf is cut in half and the gelatinous substance is extracted from its interior with the help of a spoon. The aloe vera gel obtained can be stored in a container in the refrigerator and will have to be used for the next 7 days so that it does not lose its properties.
• Aloe vera gel: if you do not have a plant at home, the best option is to purchase one of the aloe vera gels that are sold in pharmacies or stores specializing in the sale of natural products. To be effective, it is recommended that it be as pure as possible and that it contains a high concentration of aloe vera in its composition.

Aloe vera face masks

Aloe vera can be applied to the face alone or combined with other natural products to make facial masks that have a specific effect, either to hydrate and nourish the skin, rejuvenate the skin, dry out pimples, prevent acne marks, reduce dark spots. , among others. Here are some of the most effective aloe vera masks that can be prepared at home to improve the health and appearance of the skin on the face:

• Moisturizing mask: mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, the yolk of an egg, 1 tablespoon of natural unsweetened yogurt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. It is an ideal treatment to hydrate dry skin and protect it against the damaging action of external polluting agents.
• Rejuvenating mask : mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, 2 tablespoons of rosehip oil and the liquid of 2 vitamin E capsules. This mask prevents the appearance of new wrinkles, reduces the visibility of those present and brightens the skin.
• Anti-acne mask: mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of honey. Reduces excess oil on the face, deflates pimples and prevents the formation of impurities.
• Mask for face blemishes: mix 3 tablespoons of gel with 5 tablespoons of rose water. Lightens dark spots and reduces scars.

It is important to apply these masks with aloe vera on the skin of the very clean face, leave it to act for between 20 and 30 minutes and, after this time, remove with plenty of warm or cold water, avoiding hot water that tends to dry out the skin more.

Although aloe vera-based lotions do not usually cause side effects, in the case of experiencing redness, itching or swelling in the area, the application should be suspended immediately, as it could be sensitive to one of its components or another treatment ingredient.