The content of antiviral and antibacterial substances in aloe vera gel provides many benefits for the skin, especially sensitive skin on the face and neck. Although aloe vera is widely used as a component of beauty products, you can use pure aloe vera directly on your face. When used properly, the gel helps moisturize the skin and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Aloe vera gel can also be used to reduce acne breakouts.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Moisturizing Skin
Step 1. Gently apply aloe vera gel using your fingertips
To get the maximum benefits of aloe vera gel for the face, rub the gel very gently. You don't need to massage it to get it absorbed into the skin. If the gel is absorbed too deep, it can actually have the opposite effect and cause facial skin to become dry.
- Apply a thin layer of gel only. No need to rub it thick. The extra thick layer provides no added benefit.
- For best results, leave aloe vera gel on your face for about 10 minutes, then rinse your face with cold water and pat dry. Pure aloe vera gel can dry out the skin if left for too long.
Step 2. Clean your face twice a day with aloe vera gel
If used properly, aloe vera gel can replace facial cleansers and moisturizers. Apply a thin layer of gel on the skin in the morning and evening. Rinse with cold water and dry your face gently.
Do not rub the skin, especially the sensitive area around the eyes. This action can damage and weaken the skin
Step 3. Make a facial scrub that also acts as a moisturizer for oily skin
If you have oily skin and are prone to breakouts, maybe traditional moisturizers are just making your skin prone to breakouts. Mix brown sugar and aloe vera gel to get a powerful skin exfoliator that can gently remove dead skin cells that can clog pores while moisturizing and nourishing the skin.
- To make this scrub, pour a small amount of brown sugar into the palm of your hand. Add aloe vera gel to the sugar evenly.
- Apply the mixture evenly all over the face, but avoid the sensitive skin around the eyes. Massage gently for 1-2 minutes, then rinse with cold water and gently dry the skin.
- Use this scrub at least twice a week or as needed. Stop this treatment if the skin becomes too oily.
Step 4. Use aloe vera gel in moderation to get maximum benefits
Aloe vera gel can help moisturize the skin and improve the overall appearance of the skin. However, because the enzymes contained in the gel act as an exfoliator, using it too often can dry out the skin.
- The skin produces oil when it is too dry. If you use aloe vera gel too often, you can trigger excessive oil production. This can lead to clogged pores, inflammation, and acne.
- If you've just started using aloe vera gel for your face, rinse it off immediately or don't leave it on for more than 10 minutes.
Tip:
If you want to leave the aloe vera gel on your skin for a longer time, for example overnight, dilute it with another moisturizing liquid, such as olive oil.
Method 2 of 3: Dealing With Inflammation
Step 1. Use pure aloe vera gel to prevent acne
Pure aloe vera gel has antibacterial and antioxidant properties so it can be used as a substitute for traditional facial cleansers. Because it also has anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera gel works gently and is safe for sensitive skin. Replace your daily facial cleanser with aloe vera gel for at least a week to see if it makes a difference.
The enzymes in aloe vera gel also gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to new breakouts over time. As a result, the skin will become brighter and emit a healthy glow
Step 2. Make a face mask with aloe vera, cinnamon, and honey
Combine 2 tablespoons (45 grams) of honey, 1 tablespoon (20 grams) of aloe vera gel and 1/4 teaspoon (1 gram) of cinnamon in a small bowl. Apply this mixture to the face and avoid the sensitive skin around the eyes. Let the mask work for 10 minutes, then rinse.
Both honey and cinnamon have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties similar to those of aloe vera. Therefore, this mask can provide greater benefits than just using aloe vera gel
Variation:
Mix aloe vera gel and lemon juice in equal proportions. Apply this mixture on the face lightly and leave it overnight. Wash your face the next morning as usual. This treatment can help heal existing pimples and prevent new ones from forming.
Step 3. Rub aloe vera gel on the skin after shaving
If you shave your face, minor cuts may occur and make the skin feel burning and itchy. Instead of using commercial aftershave, which can be very dry, apply aloe vera gel lightly on the skin.
Scratching a small cut can transfer bacteria to the skin, causing additional inflammation. Aloe vera gel soothes the skin and reduces itching thereby minimizing the urge to scratch the skin
Step 4. Apply aloe vera gel on existing pimples to reduce inflammation
Because aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties, the redness and swelling of the pimple can be reduced so that the pimple is less visible. Aloe vera gel also has moisturizing properties so it is also suitable for treating various skin diseases, including eczema and rosacea.
If you are taking prescription medications to treat a skin condition (such as acne or eczema), consult a dermatologist before using aloe vera gel. Alternatively, you can also stop using the medication your doctor prescribes
Step 5. Combine aloe vera gel with tea tree oil to increase acne-fighting effectiveness
Mix 6 to 12 drops of tea tree oil for every 15 ml of aloe vera gel. Start with 6 drops and gradually increase the amount as long as the mixture does not cause redness or irritation. Use this mixture as a local remedy after washing and drying your face to heal smaller pimples.
- You can buy tea tree oil online or at your local beauty or drugstore. The amount of tea tree oil you can use depends on how diluted the tea tree oil you purchased is.
- Store unused mixture in an airtight, amber glass container. Then, store the container in a cool, dark place.
- If you apply it all over your face, this treatment can help prevent new pimples from forming. However, you should not use it as a substitute for other treatments without consulting a dermatologist first.
Method 3 of 3: Harvesting Aloe Vera
Step 1. Choose the right type of aloe vera
There are many types of aloe vera plants, but only one bears the name "aloe vera". Other species are often cultivated as ornamental plants because they are relatively easy to care for. However, you can only harvest aloe vera gel from the aloe vera plant, not from other varieties. When visiting a nursery, check the label to determine the type of plant.
- True aloe plants are less decorative than other aloe plants, and rarely thrive when placed indoors.
- The aloe vera plant has thin, light green, speckled leaves.
Step 2. Use cactus planting media in medium to large flower pots
A medium or large flower pot will give the aloe vera plant ample space to grow and spread its nature. Choose a pot with good drainage to keep the soil dry enough.
Look for flower pots with one large hole in the bottom to drain moisture. If there is standing water in the pot, aloe vera will not grow
Step 3. Place the plant in a place that gets a lot of sunlight
The aloe vera plant is quite fussy about the sun. Although the plant needs a lot of sun, aloe vera will dry out if it is exposed to too much sun. Constant indirect sunlight usually provides ideal growing conditions.
- If you are in the northern hemisphere, place the plant in a south- or west-facing window.
- If aloe vera leaves become dry and brittle, it could be a sign that the plant has been exposed to too much direct sunlight. Try transplanting the plant to see if the condition of the plant improves.
Step 4. Avoid over-watering plants to keep them healthy
The soil in the pot should be damp, but not wet to the touch. Check the plant's leaves to see if the plant is getting enough water. If the leaves feel cold and damp, it means that the aloe vera is getting enough water.
- In general, don't water aloe vera until the soil is completely dry. These plants usually do not need to be watered more than once a week. In cooler weather conditions, plants need less water.
- If the aloe vera leaves feel dry and brittle, consider how much sun the plant is getting before you give it more water, especially if the potting soil is still wet. Too much sunlight can cause the leaves to dry out.
Step 5. Cut the thick, long leaves from the bottom of the plant
When cutting leaves, try to keep them as close to the stems as possible and use a sharp, clean knife or scissors. Thicker leaves contain more gel in them.
- Do not try to harvest aloe vera gel from a plant that has dry, brittle leaves. Move the location of the plant and wait for the condition to return to health.
- You can harvest aloe vera gel from healthy plants once every 6 to 8 weeks by cutting 3 to 4 leaves from the plant.
Step 6. Place the leaves upright to drain them
Position the leaves with the cut side down in a glass or small bowl. After a few minutes, a red or yellowish liquid starts to come out of the leaves. Drain the leaves for 10 to 15 minutes.
This liquid is toxic and can cause stomach upset if swallowed. Even if you are planning to apply aloe vera gel topically to your face, it is best to expel the liquid
Step 7. Peel the outer layer of the aloe vera leaf
Use a sharp, clean knife to carefully cut the thorny edges of the leaves. Then cut off the green part of the leaf to separate it from the clear gel inside. You may need to practice doing this, but you should be able to peel the aloe vera leaves in neat, fine pieces.
Wash your hands before starting this process. Work on a clean surface to avoid contamination of the aloe vera gel
Step 8. Scrape the gel from the inside of the leaf
Once the leaf is peeled, insert a knife under the gel to separate it from the other side of the leaf. Do this process slowly and make sure you don't cut the leaves.
With a little practice, you may be able to harvest the entire gel in neat, long strips from the leaves. However, you don't need to harvest the gel in one whole piece. Making it a few chunks is also fine and may be easier to do
Step 9. Store in the refrigerator the gel that is not used immediately
You can directly apply the freshly harvested aloe vera gel on the face. If you harvest it for later use, store the aloe vera gel in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. That way, the aloe vera gel will stay fresh.
Aloe vera gel will break down over time. You can store it in the refrigerator for a few days, up to a week. If you need to keep it longer, freeze it
you can too freeze aloe vera gel to make soothing aloe vera ice cubes. Put the aloe vera gel in the blender and turn the pulse knob for 2 to 3 times until the gel becomes a soft liquid. Pour the liquid into an ice cube mold and freeze. Aloe vera ice cubes can be applied directly to the skin for a cooling effect that can reduce inflammation or irritation.
Warning
- If you buy aloe vera gel online or at a supermarket, check the ingredients carefully. To get the maximum benefit from the product, do not buy aloe vera gel that contains additional chemicals.
- To keep aloe vera gel fresh and undamaged, always store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
