Hero Ingredient Spotlight: Aloe Vera
After a full summer of sun, fun, wind and water, your skin may be begging for relief, and Aloe vera may be the first thing that comes to mind. While it has been used for centuries to soothe dry, irritated, sunburned skin, it is much more than a sunburn soother.
Its sunburn-relieving benefits are due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling, soothe the skin, reduce pain, and promote healing. Aloe also contains aloin, which may inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for skin discoloration, essentially suppressing UV-induced hyperpigmentation and the skin-damaging effects of sunburns. This is why you will find it and its derivatives in so many skin products including moisturizers, shower gels, sunscreens, etc.
The plant itself grows in dry, arid areas and as such stores water in its thick, pointed leaves. This water retention and certain other plant compounds found in its leaves make it an effective moisturizer. Aloe vera is also known to penetrate the epidermis, i.e., the outer layer of the skin, faster than water.
The thick, sticky gel inside the leaves of the Aloe vera plant is loaded with a host of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that may provide a variety of health benefits.
One of those nutrients is Beta-carotene, a yellow-red pigment that acts as an antioxidant which can help support healthy eyes and skin.
Aloe vera juice is also an excellent source of:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Folic acid
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
Aloe vera’s Vitamin A, C, E, Zinc and Beta carotene content make it helpful in skin health with its cell-reproductive, anti-microbial, antioxidant and anti-aging properties. Zinc acts as an astringent to tighten pores, and antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, help prevent the formation of free radicals.
Additionally, Aloe stimulates fibroblast activity, helping to increase the production of collagen and elastin fibers in the body and skin, enhancing skin elasticity and helping to speed up skin cell reproduction as much as eight times.
Aloe vera has been used for centuries by all ancient cultures for healing and softening the skin. References to the plant date back as far as 6000 years. Ancient Greeks deemed it “the universal panacea,” believing it to be from the gods and used it for everything from baldness to insomnia. The ancient Egyptians regarded it as a sacred plant that held the secrets to immortality, beauty, and health. In fact, both Egyptian queens Cleopatra and Nefertiti used it daily in their beauty regimens. Native Americans referred to Aloe vera as the “medicine plant” and the “wand of heaven” because they believed its healing properties came directly from heaven.
With all these wonderful ingredients and benefits, you can see how adding Aloe vera to your skincare regime can be a wonderful addition and natural boost for healthy, glowing skin.
Body Bliss Product Suggestions:
Featuring Aloe Vera
PRECAUTIONS: Though generally considered safe to use Aloe vera topically when applied appropriately, it may cause a mild skin irritation for some people. Do a skin patch test before use. Do not apply on open wounds. As always, if you are under a physician’s care, pregnant or breastfeeding, and/or are taking any medications, particularly blood thinners, contact your medical doctor before using Aloe vera or products containing Aloe vera.