Aloe vera for face and hair

Overview 

Even though there are more than 300 species of aloe plants, Aloe barbadensis, also known as aloe vera, is the most well-known and highly valued in the health and beauty industries due to its healing abilities both internally and topically. 

The spiky succulent plant is indigenous to tropical climates and dry regions in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the western and southern United States. People discovered long ago that the plant offers fantastic benefits.

Aloe vera 

According to research, there are more than 300 different kinds of aloe plants. Still, Aloe barbadensis, also known as aloe vera, is the most well-known and highly valued in the health and beauty industries for its healing abilities both internally and topically. 

Types of aloe vera 

Aloe leaf 

The clear gel, collected from the plant and frequently utilised in various aloe vera products, is contained in the fleshy leaves. It is applied topically to the skin in a liquid or capsule as a treatment for burns and other skin disorders for oral usage.

These days, there are even more choices, such as drinking aloe vera beverages, which are currently popular. Aloe vera juice can be created by simply removing the gel from the aloe vera leaves and combining it with water. 

Aloe vera is bitter when consumed independently; thus, several manufacturers flavour or sweeten their bottles. Check the ingredients to be sure there isn’t a tonne of extra sugar in there. 

Aloe latex

This is the yellow pulp that lies immediately under the leaf’s outer layer. Aloe latex contains Anthraquinone, which is present in the latex and may be responsible for the plant’s laxative effects. Aloe latex has been shown to have laxative effects, and it is typically given orally to treat constipation. 

Benefits of Aloe vera for face and hair 

Aloe vera is a cactus-like shrub that grows in desert regions worldwide. Vitamins A, C, E, and B12 are widely distributed in the gel that the plant’s leaves create. 

The benefits of using aloe vera on the face are: 

• Owing to its anti-inflammatory qualities, wounds or injuries’ discomfort, swelling, and soreness can be diminished. 
• It promotes collagen formation and release, which shortens the time it takes for first-degree and second-degree burns to heal and prevents scarring. 
• It works well to cure bacterial and fungal infections. 
• Its antioxidant effects can assist in repairing UV damage and halt the skin’s ageing process. 
• It guards against the harmful effects of radiation therapy on the skin. 
• Its 98% water content aids in hydrating, soothing, and moisturising the skin. 
• Instead of making the skin hard and leathery, it helps to make it more flexible and elastic. 
• In cases of sunburns or rashes, it has a cooling effect. 

More scientific research on how it affects hair is needed. In general, there has been so much conflicting research on its advantages. 
 
Some advantages of aloe vera for hair include: 

• Aloe vera strengthens your hair. Numerous active compounds and nutrients found in aloe vera can improve your hair. Along with amino and fatty acids, it is an excellent source of vitamins E, A, C and B12.
• It contributes to the health of hair follicles. 
• Aloe vera controls greasy hair. Aloe vera contains enzymes that break down fats, which allows it to remove any excess oil (sebum) from your hair. 
• Aloe vera soothes a scratchy scalp. A common inflammatory skin ailment that affects your scalp is seborrheic dermatitis. Red skin, dandruff and scaly spots are the results. Aloe vera can significantly reduce the scaliness and itching, according to research.  
• Aloe vera protects you from UV rays. Drinking fresh aloe vera juice can protect you from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays can make your hair less elastic and harsh, causing it to lose its colour, sheen and break. 
• Aloe vera is believed to help in hair growth. There is no scientific evidence to support claims that aloe vera promotes hair growth. Aloenin, a molecule present in the plant, is thought by scientists to be a key element in encouraging hair growth, as seen in individuals with the hair-loss condition alopecia. It has been used to strengthen hair, promote growth, and reduce breakage. 

Conditions it can treat 

People have used aloe vera for skin and hair treatments. Some of the conditions that it helps include:

• Acne 
• Eczema (atopic dermatitis) 
• Cuts or skin wounds 
• Sunburn pain and swelling 
• Sun or chemically damaged skin/wrinkles 
• Bug bites 
• Rosacea 
• Minor burns 
• Fungal infections

How to use aloe for face 

Avoid purchasing aloe vera products with additional additives like alcohol or other chemicals.

The skin may suffer as a result of them. Keeping a plant indoors is the most convenient way to get fresh aloe vera gel. Aloe comes in 420 different plant species. The Aloe barbadensis miller plant’s gel is used in most products with an aloe base. 
 
To remove the raw aloe gel from the plant’s leaves, follow these instructions: 

• Cut a leaf from the plant as close to the root as possible with a sharp knife. After rinsing, gently pat the leaves dry. 
• The yellow aloe vera latex should be drained out and discarded after 15 minutes of being cut. Because this contains laxative characteristics, it may not be suitable for everyone. 
• Remove the leaf’s top narrow, pointed end and, if required, drain the latex once more. 
• To help the leaf soften, press on it. Cut the plant’s ‘spines’ off on both sides as closely as possible to the edge. 
• Slice a leaf horizontally through the centre from tip to tip, or trim the leaf’s outer green covering for larger leaves. 
• Large aloe leaves might contain solid gel blocks; carefully scoop them out with a spoon or knife blade. 
• Carefully wash the gel to remove any leftovers. Before using, place the gel in a sealable container and chill. 
• Aloe vera gel can be frozen in ice cube trays or kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. 
• Before using aloe vera on the face, always conduct an allergic patch test. To see if there is a reaction, apply a small amount of gel to the inside of the wrist. Give it a day. Using aloe vera on the face should not be done if the skin begins to itch, swell, or change colour. 

Take suggestions from your doctor if you have concerns about using aloe vera as an alternate treatment for skin issues. 

How to use aloe for hair 

Fresh aloe vera gel only stays briefly; you must freeze it or keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a week. 

Treating the scalp and hair: The raw aloe vera gel can be applied directly to your scalp and hair. Work it into your hair, scalp and ends with your hands. Apply castor oil and massage it in to help keep the moisture in. After applying the aloe vera, wait for about 30 minutes before rinsing. 

Treating greasy hair: Combine 1 cup of water, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel. After shampooing, rinse with this solution, wait a few minutes, and then rinse one more. 

Risks of Aloe Vera 

There are no known significant health hazards associated with using aloe vera gel on the face.

However, after applying the gel to dry or sensitive skin, some individuals may feel stinging or burning. By applying a tiny bit on the inside of your wrist, you can make sure. 

• Wait for 2 hours and check to see how your skin reacts. Avoid using aloe vera if you’re a user of steroid creams. 
• Left on the face for too long, the aloe vera gel could dry it. To prevent this result, rinse the gel off after a few minutes. Topical aloe vera may cause contact dermatitis reactions in some individuals. 
• Topical aloe vera may cause contact dermatitis reactions in some persons. Before applying it to the face, always conduct a patch test to determine its suitability. 
• Most experts agree that applying aloe vera to the face is safe. Few, if any, comprehensive clinical research exists about the potential side effects of long-term aloe vera product use. 

Summary 

The famous vitamin-rich plant aloe vera provides healing benefits for the skin. Many skin disorders, including eczema, rosacea, and minor cuts, can be treated safely with aloe vera when applied to the face. Get the gel straight from an indoor aloe vera plant, or get it already prepared. 

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