Aloe vera is a beloved ingredient in the skincare world. Let’s take a look at it today. First and foremost, aloe vera is a succulent plant that grows to be around 24 to 39 inches tall. For thousands of years, it’s been used in traditional herbal medicine in China, Japan, India, Russia, and South Africa. The gel from this plant contains over 70 potentially active substances such as vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acid, and amino acids.
Other names: Aloe barbadensis Leaf Juice
What it is: anti-inflammatory, moisturizer/humectant
You can find it in: Aloe Milk Cleanser and Face Glow
So what makes aloe vera such a wonderful ingredient?
For one, it’s a wonderful humectant. 😍
Don't worry if that word doesn’t sound familiar to you. Basically, humectants are moisturizing ingredients commonly found in skincare products. Essentially, they’re water-loving substances that work by attracting water to the top layer of your skin (aka. the stratum corneum). The water either comes from the moisture in the air or the dermis (aka. the deeper layer of your skin).
If you’re a skincare lover like me, then you know that hydration is essential to any skincare routine. Hydration, hydration, hydration! It’s the key to smooth, plump and glowing skin.
But hydration isn’t the only reason why aloe vera is so phenomenal.
Enter its second benefit: anti-inflammatory properties 🥰
This probably comes as no surprise for you. Aloe vera is amazing at calming redness and inflammation. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has nominated aloe vera for the treatment of burns since 1959. It has been shown to aid with the healing of first-degree and second-degree burns. It has also been shown to aid wound healing and skin regeneration.
So, who is it good for?
Basically everyone tbh. Remember our hydration mantra? No matter what your skin type is, you can always use a little extra moisture. And if you have dry skin like me? All the more reason to add this ingredient to your routine. Also, if you have sensitive skin that’s prone to redness, then this will be your new best friend.
Overall, it’s a beauty of an ingredient!
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Sources
Babaee N, Zabihi E, Mohseni S, et al. Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of Aloe vera gel on minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Dent Res J (Isfahan). 2012 Jul;9(4):381-385
Reider N, Issa A, Hawranek T, Schuster C, Aberer W et al. Absence of contact sensitization to aloe vera. Contact Dermatitis 2005; 53: 332-334.
Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG. Aloe vera: a short review. Indian J Dermatol. 2008; 53(4): 163–166.