Great Ways to Use Aloe Vera for Beautiful Skin

You’ve probably heard that aloe vera is an excellent anti-aging ingredient. However, you may be a bit skeptical of the ingredient’s ability to diminish wrinkles. Perhaps you’re dealing with dark spots on your face or acne scars, and you’re wondering if aloe vera may help.

No matter your skin problem, aloe vera can probably help. This healing plant is a versatile skin care remedy that can give you the beautiful skin you want, no matter your skin care problem.

Aloe vera has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes, and it’s a popular ingredient in skincare products today. It contains a fantastic selection of antioxidants, which have the ability to repair damaged tissues and stimulate the growth of healthy skin cells.

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This Healing Plant Offers many Beauty Benefits
For example, if you use aloe vera gel, which comes from the inside of the aloe vera leaf, on dry hands or heels, you’ll find that it will be quickly hydrated and heal dry, cracked skin.

This plant also offers some excellent anti-aging properties. Aloe vera contains vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin A, and all of these vitamins are known for their ability to hydrate and nourish skin. This means that aloe is an excellent ingredient to use on the skin if you want to hydrate skin while reducing pigmentation and dark spots.

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Do you Have Acne Scars?
If so, aloe vera can help. Take pure aloe vera gel and rub it on your acne scars a couple of times each day. It will help to fade those acne scars, so they are less noticeable. The gel will also help to treat and prevent acne breakouts.

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How to Remove Gel from Aloe Leaf
① Start by cutting a fleshy, thick leaf from the outside of the plant. Cut it with a knife at the very base of the leaf. Make sure you cut off the thorns on the leaf.

② Next, cut the leaf into medium-sized pieces, placing them in a bowl of water. Allow the pieces to soak overnight, or a minimum of eight hours. The next day, you’ll notice that the water is a pale red or pink. Throw the liquid used to soak the plant away.

③ The aloe vera leaf should be soft and ready to peel. In one hand, hold the leaf, and using a knife, peel away the outer layer of the leaf. Ensure that you only take the green skin, not the aloe vera gel. After removing the green layer, use a spoon to scoop the gel out of the leaves.

④ Place the gel in an airtight container, put in the refrigerator, so it does not go bad if you don’t use it right away. You can keep aloe vera gel for up to three months.

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How to Use Aloe Vera Gel for Face and Body?
① For Radiant, Smooth Skin
If you want a radiantly clear, baby smooth face complexion that will make your best friend drool with envy, then look no further than this gentle homemade exfoliating oatmeal-aloe facial mask.

What to Do:
Combine 1 tablespoon each of aloe vera gel, ground oats, ground almonds, and raw manuka honey (or pure honey) in a bowl. Mix all ingredients together until well blended. Spread mixture on clean face and neck, massaging lightly in circular motions. Leave on for a few minutes until it dries before you wash off with lukewarm water.

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② For Dull-Looking Skin
What to Do:
Bring hopelessly dull-looking skin back to life by mixing together equal amounts of aloe vera flesh and brown sugar, and a splash of extra virgin olive oil. Add a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice or lime juice for extra natural skin brightening and whitening actions, if you desire.

This polishing body scrub is sure to leave your skin much softer and smoother, and smelling good.

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③ For Tired and Dry Skin
For a fabulously frugal yet invigorating facial to perk up tired and moisture-starved skin in summer, use this cooling face mask made from cucumber and aloe vera. It will also do very nicely as a sunburn remedy and will help sunburned skin heal faster.

What to Do:
Blend 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel and ½ small cucumber (peeled and seeds removed) in a food processor until you get a smooth paste. Apply on your clean face and neck, making sure to avoid the eye area. Wait for 20 minutes or so and then rinse off with cold water.

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④ For Acne-Prone Skin
If you have a uncontrollable spotty problem and want something that really heals acne naturally while moisturizing, I highly recommend this purifying seaweed-honey-aloe home facial. Why? Nutrient-rich seaweed has been found to provide substantial anti-bacterial effects on Propionbacterium acnes, the bacteria that causes acne.

What to Do:
In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon organic seaweed powder (kelp powder) with a ½ tablespoon each of aloe vera gel and raw manuka honey. Allow it to stand for about 10 minutes. Smear aloe vera acne mask on your face. Relax and rinse off using lukewarm water. Use 2-3 times a week for healthier-looking, blemish free skin.

You can buy seaweed powder at most health food stores, locally or online.

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⑤ Use it as a Facial Cleanser
Did you know aloe vera makes an excellent facial cleanser, and is especially great for soothing and calming dry sensitive skin? It gently cleanses away impurities and grime without stripping away your skin’s natural oils, for an ultra clean, supple and refreshing feel.

What to Do:
Mix 1 large aloe vera leaf (gel only), 1 cup papaya flesh, 1 tablespoon raw honey, 1 teaspoon plain yogurt in food processor.

To use, take a small amount of your homemade aloe vera cleanser and gently massage onto skin. Rinse well.