Aloe vera, scientific name Aloe Barbadensis Miller of the Liliaceae family, is a generous plant. It is characterized by large and thick leaves, containing a gel with beneficial properties for health and beauty. The first uses of aloe vera gel date back to 1500 BC, in Greece, Mexico and China. The great queens of Egypt Nefertiti and Cleopatra used aloe vera gel as part of their daily beauty routine. And the fame of aloe vera gel has passed the centuries, reaching the present day. Now it is easy to find aloe vera gel in supermarkets, herbalist's shops and specialized shops and there are countless scientific studies that have analyzed its action. Today we will talk about what aloe gel can do for cosmetic use, based on the most interesting scientific research and providing ideas on how to use this powerful elixir of beauty.
Aloe vera gel, beauty properties
Aloe vera is a source of beneficial substances. As many as 75 compounds including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and water were found in its gel. The vitamins A, C and E of the aloe gel have an antioxidant and anti-aging action, while the zinc is anti-inflammatory, soothing, useful in case of acne and eczema (Gupta et al, Dermatol Res Pract, 2014). Not only that, the gel also contains special enzymes, such as bradykinase, capable of counteracting skin inflammation when the product is applied topically (Surjushe et al, Indian J Dermatol, 2008). In addition to this, aloe gel brings antiseptic and antibacterial substances, such as lupeol, cinnamic acid and phenols, and stimulates the healing processes (Surjushe et al, Indian J Dermatol, 2008 - Hekmatpou et al, Iran J Med Sci, 2019 ). Studies have shown that aloe vera gel helps protect the skin from UV damage. The mechanism by which this occurs is still not known but it has been observed that, following the application of aloe vera gel, the skin produces an antioxidant, called metallothionein, which counteracts free radicals (Surjushe et al, Indian J Dermatol, 2008 - Rodrigues et al, Photochem Photobiol Sci, 2016). This protective action of aloe, however, should not make us think that its gel can take the place of normal precautions when it comes to sun exposure, such as avoiding the central hours of the day and using protective creams, but it certainly represents an additional aid in the fight against sun damage. In addition to this very important action, aloe vera gel nourishes and hydrates the skin, stimulates the production of collagen and elastin for more elastic and toned skin, with fewer wrinkles. Therefore, given all these properties, aloe gel is useful for treating conditions such as acne, but also seborrheic dermatitis, wounds, eczema, sunburns, burns, saggy skin, dehydrated skin and mature skin with wrinkles, in short, a suitable cosmetic product for all skin types (Surjushe et al, Indian J Dermatol, 2008).
Aloe vera gel, how to use it in cosmetics
An excellent mask to make at home, useful both in the case of mature skin and acne-prone skin or skin with irritations, is the one given by aloe vera and cucumber, which nourishes the skin, counteracts swelling and irritation (Mukherjee et al, Phytotherapy, 2013). Blend 100 grams of cucumber together with 100 grams of aloe vera gel. Apply to cleansed face for 15 minutes, you can also apply around the eyes, it will help reduce swelling, then rinse and continue with your usual treatment. Alternatively, you can simply apply pure aloe vera gel to your face, leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse and apply the face cream. It may be interesting, in order to continue the treatment, to apply an aloe gel-based cream on the face after the mask.
