Aloe vera is a common ingredient in several of your skin and hair cosmetics. Here are different beauty benefits of aloe vera and how to use it in your skincare and haircare regime.

One of the most commonly found ingredients in all skincare and haircare products is aloe vera gel. You will be amazed to know that this miracle ingredient is the solution to all your skin and hair problems. Not only does aloe vera have medicinal properties, but because of its beauty benefits it is extensively used in cosmetics. Aloe vera is loaded with minerals, vitamins and enzymes that heals and makes your skin radiant, repairs dead skin on the scalp and promotes hair growth. Here are different beauty benefits of aloe vera gel and how to use it in your skincare and haircare regime.

 

Moisturizes skin

Aloe vera hydrates and moisturizes your skin. It enhances your skin’s elasticity and makes it healthy and supple. When applied, it penetrates deep into the skin and restores its pH balance. Also, since it is in gel form, it is not oily and can be used on all types of skin. All you have to do is, peel off the outer layer of an aloe vera leaf and rub the gel after scooping it out. Massage it on your face, neck and other parts of your body every day.

 

Prevents premature ageing

You can use aloe vera gel to delay signs of ageing such as wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin as it has high antioxidant content that stimulates skin regeneration. You can make an exfoliating aloe vera gel mask by blending one teaspoon of aloe vera gel with one teaspoon of ground oatmeal and half teaspoon of olive oil. Apply this face mask all over your face and neck. After 30 minutes, using wet hands, scrub off the mask and rinse with cold water. Use this mask once a week for better results.

 

Promotes hair growth

Aloe vera gel is not only a skincare ingredient, it can also help you with your hair woes. It helps to remove the dead cells from your scalp so that your hair follicles do not get clogged, which results in dandruff. The gel also balances the pH balance of your scalp and promotes hair growth. To make a nourishing hair mask, mix aloe vera gel and castor oil in the ratio of 2:1 in a bowl. Apply this mixture onto your scalp. Leave it overnight and wash it off with a mild shampoo in the morning. Repeat this twice a week for healthy and lustrous hair.

Fights acne

Aloe vera gel has anti-bacterial properties which helps to fight the bacteria responsible for acne and breakouts. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which heals your skin and stimulates the growth of new cells. To make an anti-acne aloe vera gel mask, mix one teaspoon of aloe vera gel with half teaspoon of honey and half teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Apply this mixture on the affected area. Post 15 minutes, wash it off with water. Repeat this twice daily to reduce appearance of acne on your face. You can also freeze the aloe vera gel in an ice cube tray and then use it on acne affected area twice or thrice a day to soothe the burning sensation.

Treats sunburn

Aloe vera gel has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it the best thing to use on your skin to treat sunburn. The gel will heal your sunburned skin and also retain the moisture level. While soothing the sunburn, the gel will also remove the suntan. To whip up an aloe vera gel mask to treat sunburn, extract the aloe vera gel and squeeze juice of half a lemon. Mix well and massage this onto the affected area. After 20 minutes rinse it off with cool water.

Minimizes stretch marks

If you want to get rid of your unsightly stretch marks, you can use aloe vera gel on your skin. Though it will not completely remove the marks, it will minimize the visibility as it repairs skin damage and restores skin’s elasticity. Mix  equal amounts of aloe vera gel extracted from the plant with rose water. Massage this onto your stretch marks in gentle, circular motions for a couple of minutes. After 20 minutes, rinse it off with cold water and pat dry with a clean towel. Use this pack twice a day to see visible results.

Lightens dark lips

Over a period of time your lips tend to become dark due to your lifestyle factors. If you want to lighten your lips and make them soft and supple, instead of the chapstick, reach out for aloe vera gel. Aloe vera will exfoliate your lips and get rid of the dead skin cell build up, making your lips supple and smooth. To make an aloe vera gel pack for your lips mix 1 tablespoon of coarsely powdered rice with a little bit of aloe vera gel to make a paste that is not too runny. Rub this aloe vera scrub on your lips gently for 5 minutes, then wash it off. Use this scrub once a week for noticeable difference.