The Magic of Aloe Vera

What Is Aloe Vera? 

Aloe vera, or aloe barbadensis miller, is a succulent belonging to the genus Aloe. It is found in tropical climates like the dry regions of Europe, Asia, America, and Africa. It has been used in other cultures like Greece, Egypt, Mexico, China, and Japan. There are over 420 plant species of aloe, but only aloe vera can be used. These green cactus-like plants contain vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, and E), enzymes, monosaccharides, polysaccharides, and hormones. Each of these active ingredients adds to the plant's many benefits.

The aloe vera leaf contains three layers. The inner layer is a gel that comprises 99% water, and the rest consists of glucomannans, sterols, vitamins, lipids, and amino acids. The leaf's middle layer is latex - a yellowish sack with anthraquinones and glycosides. The outermost layer synthesizes carbohydrates and proteins and protects the inner plant of the leaf. Besides the ingredients mentioned here, more than 150 essential ingredients have been identified in aloe vera leaves. Experts believe that these leaves might even contain up to 400 vital components.

• Fights Acne

The gel of the humble aloe vera plant is known to have powerful anti-inflammatory agents that can help treat mild-to-moderate acne. The gel is an antimicrobial, meaning it can target various types of bacteria. 

Salicylic acid and sulfur, both used to treat acne, are found naturally in aloe vera gel. These ingredients help clear pores and reduce the amount of sebum on the skin. So, there's less chance of clogged pores and acne breakouts.

Aloe vera is also known to reduce acne lesions. Thanks to its unique polysaccharides and vitamins A, C, and E, its effective wound-healing properties help heal and clear up skin and lighten acne lesions.

Research suggests that aloe vera's anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties might help prevent acne scars from forming or lessen the severity of these scars. The aloesin in the gel might help lighten hyperpigmentation and reduce the appearance of acne lesions.

1. Use a sharp knife to cut a leaf from an aloe vera plant. Ensure the plant is an aloe vera and not any other aloe plant species as these could be poisonous. It's best to use the larger outer leaves found at the plant's base. You can also use store-bought aloe vera leaves.
2. Wash the leaf well to remove any dirt. Stand the leaf upright in a bowl for about 15 minutes. This is to allow the yellowish resin in the leaf to drain off from the leaf. Getting this resin off is essential as it contains latex that could irritate your skin.
3. Once the resin has drained out completely, wash the leaf and peel off the skin using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler. The aloe vera gel is now exposed.
4. Blend this gel in a blender. Ensure no skin of the leaf gets into the blender. Blend the gel until it is liquified. You will notice that the gel turns frothy when it is blended. It takes only a few minutes to blend the gel.
5. Use the gel directly on your face.
6. You can also store this gel in a clean air-tight jar in the refrigerator for up to a week.