Haven’t we all heard enough about the benefits of Aloe Vera? But at times we forget why is it a praised ingredient. Aloe Vera is a common household plant that can be used for some quick DIYs when you don’t have your first-aid kit refilled. But apart from skin, it has proven to be effective for hair care and body care too. Curious? Start taking notes!
What makes Aloe Vera the healer for your body?
Aloe Vera has been used to heal your body for a reason. The answer lies in its composition. That jelly is not just all water but also has a 0.5% composition of active components like Amino acids, Polysterols, Polysaccharides, Vitamins A, C, D, E, etc. No wonder it can soothe your skin. It can also moisturise your skin, reduce transepidermal water loss, soothe sunburn or cuts, etc. Since it has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-renewing properties, it is no surprise that it has become a staple to many with sensitive skin too.
How can you use Aloe Vera for your face?
Our face is majorly exposed to pollution, heat, etc. Hence it needs to be soothed every day. Here’s how Aloe Vera can fit in perfectly for your skin:
1. DIY face mask
Have you ever felt like your skin has no glow or simply looks tired? Aloe Vera gel is the answer. You can mix Aloe Vera gel with a couple of drops of your favourite oil. Since Aloe Vera has a small amount of Salicylic acid in it, it can eliminate dead skin and a couple of drops of oil can nourish your skin to bring in the glow.
Sublime picks Arata Aloe Vera Face Gel. You can use this as a base to add anything that can make for a suitable face mask.
2. Set your eyebrows
Eyebrows look so much cleaner when they’re brushed well and you can see where the bald patches are. This also helps us to fill in our eyebrows later with makeup in a much more effective way. But if you just brush it then the eyebrows will go out of shape for some time. That’s where Aloe Vera gel comes in. Pick a little bit of Aloe Vera gel on a brow brush. Now brush your brows with it and let it dry off. You can use the same method for your eyelashes to achieve that ‘fanned-out’ lash effect without using mascara.
3. Spot treatment
To all clumsy individuals, you know how it feels to have multiple scars and not know when you even get them. But just in case you know that you were hurt then you can instantly apply Aloe Vera gel to ensure that it leaves no scars. This holds true only for open wounds though. So acne, zits, blackheads, etc can all be soothed by Aloe Vera.
How can you use Aloe Vera for your body?
Yes, you can include it in your body care regime too. Since it has excellent soothing and renewing properties, it can be used for your body too. This is how you can use Aloe Vera for your body:
1. After-Shave Gel
Most of us suffer nicks and cuts after shaving around the curves of the body. There is a simple solution to it and that is to soothe your skin after it so that it does not leave a mark and the healing process speeds up. It is important to use a moisturiser or a toner after shaving to allow your skin to soothe. Aloe Vera fits in just right for this need.
Sublime picks Juicy Chemistry Aloe Vera Juice For Face & Body. It’s perfect to pick right after shaving.
2. Body scrub
Have most of the DIY scrubs hurt your skin? It is probably because your skin is sensitive and your scrub does not have a gentle moisturising agent. Ideally, when you’re exfoliating your body, you should have something that makes the scrub less harsh. You can mix Aloe Vera with coffee powder or with gentle chemical exfoliants. Rub it on the area that you want to exfoliate and let it rest for 5-7 minutes. By then your skin will loosen up all the dead skin and dirt which you can clear off with lukewarm water and follow with a shower. We love this method especially when the skin is tanned.
3. Soothing sunburn
If you have been sunburnt then say no more, Aloe Vera is your answer. All you need after being sunburnt is sunscreen and Aloe Vera gel. You can also opt for Aloe Vera-based soap and cream to provide that extra cushion of nourishment and soothing that your skin needs.
Sublime picks August Bioscience Body Shower Gel High Hydration With Cucumber, Chamomile And Aloe Vera Extracts. It is crafted specifically to heal sunburn and uneven skin tone. It should definitely be in your vacation vanity.
How can you use Aloe Vera for your hair?
Your hair can also do with a little bit of Aloe Vera especially if your scalp is itchy, hot, and dry. Here’s what you can do to your hair with Aloe Vera:
1. Hair mask
If you have an irritated and itchy scalp then Aloe Vera is your answer. You can mix Aloe Vera with pure Coconut oil, yoghurt, crushed Cucumber or even crushed hibiscus to cleanse and soothe your scalp. Keep it on for 15-20 minutes before washing it off with cold water. Aloe vera has a jelly texture but it is not difficult to wash off. Just don’t let it sit on your hair for a longer duration.
Sublime picks Prakriti Herbals Itchy Scalp Control Cucumber Aloe Vera Hair Gel. This simplifies the process and eliminates the pain of putting in the energy to make the mix. You can wash it off with Faith In Nature Anti-Dandruff Aloe Vera Shampoo & Conditioner that fits perfectly for sensitive and dry scalp.
2. Set those baby hair
How annoying are those hair sticking to your makeup when you’ve created the perfect look? We know how it feels. But to set them with gel every day feels like a crime or rather an invitation to receding hairline. Hence, Aloe Vera fits in perfectly to set back those baby hair for a few hours without damaging your hair. You can use a washed mascara brush, dip it in Aloe Vera gel and run it over baby hair in the direction you want to set your hair in.
Does Aloe Vera suit all skin and hair types?
Nope. It does not. While it is so said that Aloe Vera is less irritant than the rest of the ingredients in skincare, it still could irritate certain skin types. Hence, with every skincare ingredient, you should patch test. You should also adhere to using Aloe Vera as a wash-off treatment simply because the gel can get hard to wash off. So we advise you to not let it rest on your skin for the entire day or night.
Summary
Aloe Vera is a staple product that can be used in multiple ways to make your life easy. It is because Aloe Vera carries more than just water. It has amino acids, polysaccharides, polysterols, etc to nourish your skin. It can be used in skincare, haircare and even body care. Anywhere you need your body to heal and soothe, Aloe Vera is your quick rescue. Do let us know when you try these methods!
- Divya Salvi
