4 Major Benefits of Aloe Vera for Skin
Now, this is something that you’ve probably already used before - aloe vera. We take it for granted in the summertime, but it's a plant that can benefit our entire skincare routine (and not not just when we're red from sunburn)!
What Is Aloe Vera?
The Aloe Vera plant is what's known as a succulent - these plants are native to very dry regions, and are especially efficient at attracting water. Remember that little tidbit of info, because it’s something that aloe can do for your skin, too!
Most of us are familiar with the gel inside the leaves; that’s where all the good bits are. Aloe vera leaves are packed with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes that all nourish the skin. Some of these notable vitamins include A, C, and E - all potent antioxidants that protect the skin from oxidative stress and premature signs of ageing.
But here’s the thing - that’s not the only reason why you should be adding this superstar ingredient to your skincare routine. The skincare benefits of aloe vera go way beyond soothing red, sunburned skin (although, we don’t dispute that it’s amazing for that)!
Kiehl’s Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque | $71
This gel mask harnesses the soothing power of calendula and aloe to calm irritated, angry skin.
The Skincare Benefits of Aloe Vera
Now that we’ve had a refresher of what aloe vera is, here’s all the benefits that your skin is able to reap from it as a skincare ingredient. It’s more than just a sunburn-soother!
A Powerful Natural Anti-Inflammatory
Anti-inflammatory skincare ingredients are often misunderstood. Reducing inflammation in skin is crucial for soothing apparent irritation, but also in the long run for preventing the signs of ageing.
Enzymes and soothing vitamins in Aloe Vera are responsible for its ability to bring down inflammation, calming red, irritated skin. However, reducing inflammation also has the effect of reducing premature signs of ageing - that’s right, ‘inflammaging’ is totally a thing!
Boosts Skin Healing
This is the main benefit that most think of when they reach for aloe vera, but here’s the thing - why wait until you’ve got a sunburn to make the most of this ingredient?! Aloe vera’s ability to boost wound healing (that’s the term used in scientific studies) means that it could potentially help acne-prone skin - here’s how.
By improving the skin’s natural response to a wound (even one as small as breakouts) can help them heal faster, reducing how long breakouts stick around for.
La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream | $690
La Prairie uses the power of Aloe Vera alongside other potent botanicals to create a one of a kind skin-perfecting face cream formula.
Nourishes Dry Skin
When it comes to dry skin, most of us would probably choose an oil over aloe vera if given the choice. Here’s the thing - aloe vera works amazingly well, especially combined with oil-based skincare ingredients to reduce dryness in skin. Here’s how.
Aloe vera acts as a humectant on skin - that means it attracts water to itself, rehydrating any skin that it’s applied to. It works in the exact same way as hyaluronic acid, increasing water levels in skin to plump out fine lines and maintain a healthy moisture barrier.
Fights Off Wrinkles
Studies have found that aloe vera is able to influence fibroblasts - the cells in our skin that are responsible for collagen production. By exerting a bit of effect on the fibroblasts, aloe vera is potentially able to increase collagen levels in skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles!
Now that you know what aloe vera is great for, will you be adding it to your skincare routine?
Create the perfect beauty routine for your skin type today with our skin care quiz!
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