What is aloe vera?
Aloe vera originated from the Arabic word “Alloeh” which means “Shining substance” and “vera” in Latin means “true”. It grows mainly in the dry regions of Africa, and Asia.
Aloe vera gel is a herbaceous and an everlasting plant. Aloe vera is known as an indigenous plant which grows in specific regions.
Aloe vera is a traditional medicine to cure many skin diseases & wounds such as Skin lesions, Sunburns, Acne, Dark spots, deep wounds, and Minor cuts, and hair care.
Aloe vera is a plant that has a gel-like substance that has cooling properties & is anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic.
Aloe Vera benefits:
The benefits of Aloe vera are -
Aloe vera is a medicinal plant with Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory & Anti-septic benefits. It helps in removing dental plaque (a sticky layer of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth) by removing
unhealthy bacteria that lead to dental plaque.
It can heal wounds by hydrating your skin and providing the necessary vitamins to support natural healing. Aloe vera may help in reducing
canker sore(a small, shallow lesion inside the mouth or at the base of the gums) irritation as well as pain and inflammation.
Aloe vera helps in reducing constipation as a result of laxatives(a medicine that helps you empty your bowels) present in it which likely reduces digestive issues. Aloe vera gel reduces blood sugar levels through its
capability of enhancing the sensitivity towards insulin in diabetic patients. Aloe vera gel helps reduce seborrheic dermatitis(a skin condition that causes scaly patches & red skin, mainly on the scalp) by promoting
hair growth.
Medicinal use of aloe vera -
Aloe vera prevents skin problems such as burns, wounds, frostbite, rashes, psoriasis, cold sores, acne, or dry skin by
topical medications(Applying medication to the skin or mucous membrane allows it to enter the body from there).
It prevents skin wrinkles as a result of molecules called sterols present in it which promote the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, which helps your skin retain moisture.
Aloe vera can be used as a traditional medicine for your skin treatment.
Aloe vera’s antimicrobial properties are useful by extracting leaf skins and flowers of Aloe vera for human health.
Aloe vera helps from UV rays by protecting your skin from the aging effects of sunlight.
Hair Care
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Aloe Vera Benefits For Hair:
Aloe vera includes the vitamins A, C, and E. All three of these vitamins help with the renewal of cells, which promotes lustrous hair. It reduces itchiness on the scalp & heals affected areas on your scalp due to its
cooling effects.
The vitamin content in Aloe vera gel helps repair sun damage to hair. Aloe vera gel cleanses oily scalp and hair by removing excess sebum production from the scalp. Aloe vera gel promotes your hair growth by keeping the
scalp hydrated due to aloin(a chemical compound in the plant that promotes hair growth). Aloe vera gel acts as a natural conditioner for hair which makes the hair smooth and frizz-free.
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Adding Aloe Vera to Your Hair Care Routine:
Aloe vera can be used/incorporated in various ways or used with various products like -
Extracting natural Aloe gel directly from the plant:
Aloe vera is a natural healing plant that can cure many problems like wounds, minor cuts, etc.
Aloe vera is also known as a “plant of immortality” that is everlasting.
Using aloe vera daily can cure many skin and hair problems or any deep wounds or diseases.
Natural plant-based aloe vera is considered astonishing for skin problems and is good for our hair and scalp-related problems.
Aloe vera hair care
routines are important for nourishing the scalp, promoting hair growth, and combating dandruff, while also adding moisture and shine to the hair strands, resulting in healthier, more manageable hair.
How to use it:
Take natural aloe vera from intact leaves.
Remove the yellowish part in aloe vera which is also known as aloin(a toxic which cannot be used).
Remove the thorny spines from the side of the leaves.
Peel off the upper covering layer from the leaf.
Remove the succulent gel from the leaf with a knife/spoon.
After removing the gel you can apply/rub raw aloe vera gel directly to the hair and scalp.
You can keep it on your hair overnight also.
Next day, wash your hair with cold water along with a mild
shampoo
that suits your hair & scalp for good results.
DIY Hair Care Hacks:
Nowadays DIY hacks have become much more trendy. Aloe vera extract can be used with various other natural ingredients on hair as a spray.
Aloe vera gel extract sprays -
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Aloe vera + Ginger + Cucumber juice spray:
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➣ Cucumber's sulfur content encourages hair growth.
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➣ Since 95% of a cucumber is water, it moisturizes the hair and scalp.
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➣ On the other hand, ginger including gingerol has a variety of therapeutic uses.
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➣ Aloe vera extract can be combined with both of these substances to make a useful mixture.
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Ingredients required:
2 tablespoons of Aloe vera extract
1 tablespoon of Ginger/Cucumber juice each
How to use it:
Mix aloe vera gel extract with Ginger/cucumber juice in a bowl.
Blend it and transfer the mixture to a spray bottle.
Massage the mixture into your hair and scalp.
Massage it all over the scalp and hair for over 15-20 minutes.
Rinse your hair thoroughly followed by a mild shampoo & conditioner for best results.
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Aloe vera + Sesame seed oil mist spray:
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➣ Sesame seeds are a rich source of nutrition for hair protection from the sun.
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➣ Sesame oil promotes hair growth. Sesame oil can help with the problem of hair thinning or hair loss.
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➣ Mixing sesame oil with aloe vera gel protects your hair from the harsh rays of the sun & gives instant protection.
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Ingredients required:
½ cup water
1 tbsp of fresh aloe vera gel
1 tsp glycerin
Sesame oil
1 capsule of Vitamin E
How to use it:
Take ½ cup of water in a spray bottle.
Then mix the fresh aloe gel, glycerin, a few drops of sesame oil, and Vitamin E capsule in water.
After mixing all the ingredients in water, shake the mix well until all the ingredients blend well.
Spray the mixture directly to your hair and scalp and massage it for 20–30 minutes.
After massaging, wash it off with cold water, followed by a shampoo and conditioner.
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Aloe vera extract hair mask:
The anti-inflammatory, moisturizing effect of Aloe vera gel keeps the scalp and hair hydrated and reduces the redness, and swelling from the scalp.
The vitamins A, B12, C & E, amino acids, and fatty acids present in Aloe vera make hair & hair strands strong from inside the hair roots.
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Aloe vera + Yogurt hair mask:
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➣ The protein and Lactic acid present in yogurt promote hair growth and treat dandruff and itchy scalp & when mixed with aloe vera gel, it will keep your hair moisturized.
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Ingredients required:
2 tablespoons Aloe vera gel
2 tablespoons Yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
Sesame oil
You can also add 1 vitamin E capsule & olive oil
How to use it:
Mix all these ingredients to make a smooth mask.
Massage the mask all over your scalp and hair.
Keep the mask for around 20–25 minutes.
Rinse off the mask with lukewarm water along with mild shampoo &
conditioner
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Skin Care
Importance of aloe vera in Skincare routine:
Aloe vera skincare routines are important for their soothing, hydrating properties, aiding in healing, moisturizing, and reducing inflammation, promoting healthy, glowing skin.
The Antiseptic properties of Aloe vera gel allow protection against bacteria.
Aloe vera gel manages acne-prone skin due to its high moisture content & light texture.
It reduces infection by inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria that cause infections in the skin.
It can be used as a moisturizer which can help stimulate collagen & boost the elasticity of your skin which in return retains moisture into your skin.
Due to the presence of essential amino acids in Aloe vera gel, it keeps your skin healthy and glowing.
Aloe vera gel protects your skin from the harsh sunburn.
DIY for Skin Care:
Aloe vera is a rich source of vitamins A, C & E which are antioxidants.
Aloe vera gel improves skin texture & prevents wrinkles.
Aloe vera when applied on the skin stimulates collagen.
It is a great natural moisturizer & helps to soothe dry skin.
DIY Skincare for acne-prone skin:
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Aloe vera, Honey & Turmeric mask:
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Ingredients required:
2 tbsp of Aloe vera gel
¼ tsp of turmeric powder
1 tbsp of honey
How to use it:
Mix all the ingredients mentioned above and apply the paste to your face.
After applying the paste, massage it gently for 5-7 minutes in a circular motion to enhance blood circulation.
Keep it for a few more minutes and wash it off with cold water.
How is this mask helpful:
Honey and Turmeric are a perfect blend to treat acne as Honey is an antioxidant that helps in reducing uneven skin tone and also moisturizes the skin & turmeric acts as an anti-inflammatory agent for acne.
How many times to apply the mask:
Apply this mask 3-4 times a week to see results.
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DIY Skincare for Oily skin:
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Aloe vera and Lemon juice mask:
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Ingredients required:
2 tbsp of aloe vera gel
Lemon juice
Tea tree oil
How to use it:
Take 2 tbsp of Aloe vera gel.
Mix lemon juice and tea tree oil in aloe vera gel until it becomes a thick paste.
Apply the paste onto your face & massage it for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse it off with cold water.
How is this mask helpful:
Lemon juice works as an astringent(causing a tightening of soft organic tissues).
Aloe vera and lemon juice absorb excess oil from the skin & regulate oil production which gives you a smooth and refreshing look.
On the other hand tea tree oil works magic for oily skin which removes oiliness from the skin and makes it oil-free.
How many times to apply the mask:
Apply it once every 2-3 days or apply it once daily as it is safe to use.
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DIY Skincare for Dry skin:
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Aloe vera and Coconut oil face mask:
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Ingredients required:
2 tsp coconut oil
2 tsp aloe vera gel
How to use it:
Mix 2 tsp of coconut oil in 2 tsp of aloe vera gel and make a smooth paste.
Apply the paste evenly on your face.
Keep the paste for 15-20 minutes and rinse it off.
How is this mask helpful:
Moisturizing skin is an essential step to prevent skin dryness, reduce aging, protection from the sun.
Aloe vera and Coconut oil when mixed work very effectively on the skin to prevent dryness of skin as both are natural moisturizers and hydrate the skin deeply.
How many times to apply the mask:
To see good results apply the mask at least once a week.
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Conclusion:
To summarize, the varied advantages of aloe vera range from skincare to haircare, providing a natural cure for a variety of diseases. Aloe vera's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing characteristics make it an essential
component of any cosmetic routine, encouraging healthier skin and hair. Embrace the benefits of this "plant of immortality" to revitalize and nourish your body from the outside in.
