Aloe Vera is a type of cactus plant that belongs to the family of Liliaceae. From the time when ancient Egyptian were there, aloe vera has been using for many purposes, they call aloe vera as “plant of immorality”. In Hindi aloe vera is called as Ghrit kumari. Aloe vera was originates from the hot dry climates of Arabian Peninsula but grows in wild tropical climates all over the world. It was cultivated from centuries for medicinal and agricultural purposes. It is also grows successfully in pots as indoor plants.

The benefits of aloe vera is well-known to everyone, this is the main reason it need no introduction. It has found a permanent place in near about every household and also used in many products like moisturizers, creams, shampoo, conditioners, sunburns, soaps and even in beverages, cuisines and ointments too. The leaves of aloe vera are fleshy and thick, green to grey-green in color, stores water in its leaves because it is a succulent plant.

Nutrients that are in aloe vera:

Numerous kinds of minerals, vitamins, nutrients, fibre and enzymes are present in one single leaves of the aloe vera plant that make it so flexible and useful for human health. It also has copper, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Aloe vera is one of the few plants that contains Vitamin B12, it also has Vitamins like vitamin A, B, C, D and E.

Aloe gel and aloe latex also known as sap found in the inner layers are the two products that are produced by aloe vera leaves.

Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel

Here are amazing benefits of aloe vera that you can use in many ways:

Moisturize skin:

Aloe vera leaves stores huge amount of water in it to prevent from drying out. This is why it the best moisturizer because it keeps your skin moisturize without making it sticky or greasy so its ideal for oil skin type people. It is also good for person having dry skin because it keeps your skin hydrated and give glow.

Reduces tan and Helps with sunburn:

The most common and well know property of aloe vera gel is to treat sunburn and reduces tan. It soothes your skin by reducing inflammation that is the main reason it is widely used as an after-sun treatment. You can directly apply aloe vera gel to the sun burned area. By protecting the epithelial layer of your skin it helps to reduce sun tan.

Prevent acne and helps lightening blemishes:

Aloe vera has anti-bacterial properties which is very effective to treat acne and reducing the redness caused by it, also helps to lighten blemishes and dark spots. It also has anti fungal property which is very useful in treating inflammation like boils and cysts on the skin, it may help with inflammation but might not help with the inflammation bacteria that cause acne. It could explain the reputation for wound healing because of the presence of vitamins in it. You can use aloe vera as cleanser to prevent acne breakouts.

Anti-aging:

Through its anti-inflammatory action it promotes healing, prevents pre-mature signs of aging, by supporting the production of collagen it works to stimulate cell rejuvenation which helps into new skin cells to multiply faster. Aloe vera also reduces the the appearance of wrinkles by improving skin elasticity. Because of the skin moisturising property it makes a great ingredients in anti-aging products.

Skin lightening and whitening:

There are lots of skin lightening products are available in the market but for reducing the pigmentation naturally there are multiple ways available which we can use and one of the best ways is using aloe vera gel. Aloe vera gel is infused with lots of minerals,  vitamins and nutrients that helps to lighten the skin, restore skin’s original color by reducing skin tanning.

Reduces Scars:

Because of its moisturising, soothing and healing properties, aloe vera gel can be applied on scars to help lesson the irritation and skin repair itself. Not just acne, it promotes skin regeneration which helps to reduce acne scars and making your skin looks flawless and radiant. After an injury when your skin begins to heal the damaged surface such as cut or scrape, it resulted in scars. People are using aloe vera for centuries to treat skin infection, wounds, burns, even on insect bites and other types of skin problems.

Makeup – primer or remover:

On the delicate skin many makeup removers can be harsh and dry it out your skin, use straight aloe vera as your makeup remover it not only removes your makeup but also moisturizes your skin. If you have dry skin it is the best makeup remover ever. You can also use it as a makeup primer it is light weighted, it actually plumps fine lines and absorbs super fast so  if you have oily skin then it is the best choice for you.

Face packs and Face masks using Aloe Vera

Here are some face masks/packs that you can make with the help of using aloe vera:

1.  Aloe vera, honey and lemon:

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp aloe vera
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Procedure:

1. Add Aloe Vera gel (you can use the gel of any brand or direct from Aloe Vera leaf) with honey and few drops of lemon, mix it well and make a smooth paste.
2. Apply evenly on your face and neck, leave this for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Now, Rinse with lukewarm water.

Best Used for : For skin tanning.

2. Aloe vera and rose water:

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
• 1 tbsp rose water

Procedure:

1. Make a smooth paste by mixing aloe vera gel and rose water.
2. Apply evenly on your face and neck, leave this for about 15 minutes.
3. Rinse it off with cold water.

Best Used for : For moisturising skin.

3. Aloe vera and Lemon juice:

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Procedure:

1. Add aloe vera get with lemon juice and mix it well.
2. Apply on your face and neck, message the gel.
3. Best time to use it as overnight treatment.

Best Used for : For reduces acne and helps lighten blemishes.

4. Aloe vera and turmeric:

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp aloe vera gel.
• 1 tbsp turmeric.

Procedure:

1. Make a smooth paste by mixing aloe vera gel and turmeric.
2. Apply evenly on your face and neck, leave this for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Best Used for : For glowing skin.

5. Aloe vera, honey and neem leaves:

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp aloe vera gel
• 1 tbsp honey
• neem leaves one handful

Procedure:

1. Wash and grind the neem leaves to make a smooth paste.
2. Mix aloe vera gel, honey and neem paste to make a face pack if it is thick you can use water for its consistency.
3.  Apply this in your face or only on affected areas.
4. Leave it to dry for 10-15 mins then wash it off.

Best Used for : For acne treatments and pimples.