Properties of Aloe Vera
The soothing gel of the Aloe Vera leaf pressed against irritated warm skin brings back memories of long summer days. Nothing cools the sunburned shoulder, the acne prone face, or the enzymatic rash like raw, cool, Aloe Vera. Being 99% water it has a gooey slick feel that calms and hydrates like no other product can. The other 1% is filled with powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, E, B12 and folic acid.
In the hospital we slather an Aloe Vera based lotion on ALL of our patients ‘vulnerable’ areas and wounds. In fact, we routinely do audits to make sure that every single patient room has a bottle of it at the bedside. Aloe is medically proven to stimulate fibroblasts that function to produce collagen and elastin. These molecules are the building blocks of healthy, tight, new skin. Our lead wound nurse (WOCN) swears by it. She recommends it as a skin barrier to protect against outside contamination and prevent further skin breakdown.
ACNE CLEARING WITH ALOE VERA
My favorite part about the Aloe Vera plant is its versatility. The zinc in Aloe tightens pores and heals the infected pore (zits) from the inside out. I have been using fresh Aloe Vera on my skin daily for years and want to share with you how I do this. It has single handedly helped my face to be clear and supple more than anything else I’ve come across.
I keep a few aloe plants in my home as they purify the air of toxins, virus, and bacteria. Whenever I’m needing a fresh aloe leaf for my face I remove one of the outermost thick leaves at the base of the plant and stick it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. I will periodically cut off a slice, cut it in half, and slather it all over my face and neck before I go to sleep (after washing my face) . I always notice the difference in pore size and redness relief the next morning.
HOMEMADE ALOE VERA GEL
When I don’t want to pull from my plants at home, I stop at my local Mexican grocer or Whole Foods to buy a whole large Aloe Leaf in the produce section. Usually it’ll be $2-3 and super awkward to carry, but totally worth it once you bring it home and use it. When I buy large leaves, I sometimes cut them up and scoop out the gel. Put the gel in a blender for 10-15 seconds and store in a little jar for 2 weeks.
Putting the freshly blended cool aloe on my face is such a luxury every night before bed and I promise your skin will love it too! Slather this serum on reddened and sunburned skin for instant relief that will speed up the healing process. Aloe will also reduce cellular damage done by over exposure to harmful UV rays. With all of these super hot days coming up this is a cheap trick everybody can use! The best part is it’s safe for the whole family.
