The healing properties of aloe vera are countless as it is considered a wonder plant in so far as skin and its allied issues are concerned. Aloe vera is a succulent plant and belongs to cacti family. It has thick serrated saw-like leaves having thick white gel inside if upper layer is removed. The gel is used on the skin to get solace from burning and irritation. The aloe vera gel is an effective remedy due to its antibacterial property. Some believe it better to use aloe vera orally for hydrating and healing skin issues from within but it requires certain methods and care to consume aloe vera.
HOW TO GET ALOE VERA GEL?
For maximum results aloe vera gel should be taken directly from the plant. Aloe vera plant can be grown in a plant pot at home. The plant pot should be placed where ample air and sunshine could reach the plant. It is evergreen plant and can give gel round the year. The gel can be saved for a few days in open or in the ice box. Over the counter gel cannot be as useful as fresh gel can be.
- HOW TO APPLY ALOE VERA GEL?
Raw and pure aloe vera gel can be applied on the acne and acne scars. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which help control and reduce acne causing bacteria. Aleo vera gel can be applied directly on the lesion that appear on the face or on other parts of the body. It is better to apply it before going to the bed and should be washed with lukewarm water in the morning. With a few days use, the acne and scars begin to disappear.
- ALOE VERA AND LEMON JUICE
Lemon juice has citric acid which helps reduce excess oil and sebum and thus prevents acne growth. It has natural antiseptic and astringent properties which help in killing bacteria, drying out pimples and tightening pores. Lemon juice is replete with Vitamin C that is necessary to keep the skin healthy and free of dark spots. Citric acid can cause some irritation and redness on the skin so it is better to apply it by mixing it with some other natural product and aloe vera gel is the best option.
- SPOT APPLICATION
It is advisable to take one table spoon of aloe vera gel and mix one or two drops of well-strained lemon juice. It should be stirred well and applied on the acne scars with the fingers by rinsing gently. After 10-15 minutes, it should be washed with lukewarm water. It is better to use it before going to bed.
- FACEMASK
A facemask of aloe vera gel and lemon juice is more effective as it not only treats the already present acne but also helps in preventing further growth of zits on the face. Take three table spoons of aloe vera gel and five to six drops of well-strained lemon juice, stir them well to make a thick paste, cover the face with thin layer of the past and let it rest for 10-15 minutes then wash it away with lukewarm water. Repeat the exercise for a few days and the best time is before going to bed.
- ALOE VERA GEL, CINNAMON AND HONEY
Cinnamon is one of the common spices and is a necessary part of households in Asia and many other regions. It has the ability to kill microorganisms. It is a suitable home remedy for acne because of its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Honey is also very effective natural product to treat and prevent acne because of its antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When applied on the skin, it produces hydrogen peroxide that works like benzyne oxide that is an integral part of all the anti-acne products.
- SPOT APPLICATION
It is better to grind cinnamon well before mixing it with aloe gel and honey. Cinnamon extract can also be used. Take a table spoon of aloe vera gel, a table spoon of pure honey and one fourth of cinnamon powder or extract, stir them well to make a paste and apply paste on the acne. The paste can be allowed to stay for a longer period or even overnight. Afterwards, it should be washed away with lukewarm water.
- FACEMASK
Facemask is always a better choice for treating many of the issues of the face. To make a facemask, take two table spoons of aloe vera gel, two table spoons of pure honey and one tea spoon of cinnamon powder or its extract, stir then well into a paste and spread it over the face. Let it stay for 15-20 minutes and then the paste should be washed away with lukewarm water.
- HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON EXTRACT?
Although cinnamon extract is an over the counter (OTC) product, it can be made at home. It is required to take two or three medium sized pieces of cinnamon, half cup of an oil – olive, mustard or castor – and cook it as long as the cinnamon pieces turned blackish, let it cool down, strain it well and cinnamon extract is ready.
HOW TO MAKE ALOE VERA SCRUB?
Face scrub or exfoliation is a good option to address many of the skin related issues particularly the acne breakouts, pimples, whiteheads or blackheads as the scrubs remove dirt, dead skin cells, open clogged pores and reduce sebum on the skin. If scrub is prepared at home with natural products, its effectiveness gets enlarged manifold. Therefore, for one time use, it is required to take two table spoons of aloe vera gel, two table spoons of rose water and one table spoon of sugar. The three ingredients should be mixed well to make a paste and should be rinsed on the face gently with the fingers for 5-10 minutes and afterwards face should be washed with lukewarm water. The exercise should be done twice a week for better results.
- BOTTOMLINE
It is always wise to say that natural things should be treated naturally. The occurrence of many skin-related issues particularly acne and pimples is the outcome of a natural process as youngsters fall prey to it while attaining puberty. Therefore, it should be treated with natural products and aloe vera is the best natural product in this regard. It should be taken directly from the plant for better and prompt results. If there is aloe vera at home, it is surprising that one has skin issues.
FAQs (Frequent Asked Questions)
Can aloe vera plant be grown in countries with severe cold conditions?
It is difficult to grow aloe vera plant in cold weather because it is plant of hot and tropical regions. However, it can grow in cold conditions if provided with ample sunshine and open air.
How long can aloe vera gel be saved once taken from plant?
Aloe vera gel can be saved for a longer period by putting it in cold and dry place.
Why is it not preferable to have OTC aloe vera gel?
OTC aloe vera gel is usually mixed with other products like preservers which may hamper in taking desired results.