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Healthy Hair And Skin: Benefits Of Aloe Vera To Know About

From uses, application and precautions—here’s all about aloe vera, a miracle plant and a must-have ingredient in every skincare and haircare routine

Team ZZ

Aloe vera has been used for centuries for its healing properties. It’s a plant that has thick leaves with a gel-like substance inside of them. It’s found all over the world, and many people even grow their own. Known for its healing, soothing, and nourishing properties. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, the Aloe vera plant is a natural remedy for various skin and hair concerns. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, acne, dandruff, or hair fall, aloe vera can be a powerful addition to your beauty routine.  

How to extract fresh aloe vera gel at home

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Cut a fresh aloe vera leaf from the plant and wash it thoroughly and let it sit upright for a few minutes to drain out the yellow latex. Slice the leaf open and scoop out the clear gel using a spoon. Blend the gel for a smoother consistency which can be easily stored for up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Benefits of aloe vera on skin  

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Aloe vera is perhaps one of the most widely used herbal remedies for topical skin conditions. Let’s look into the incredible benefits of applying aloe vera on your face and hair and how you can incorporate it into your grooming routine:

Deep hydration  

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Aloe vera is an excellent natural moisturiser that hydrates the skin without clogging pores. Contrary to heavy moisturising creams, its gel is lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin cells, making it just right for oily, dry, and combination skin. Opt for freshly extracted aloe vera gel directly to clean skin as a daily moisturizer which will not only save expenses but also enhance your skin texture! Add a few drops of rose water for extra hydration and essence and to reap the maximum benefits of aloe vera.  

Soothes the skin damage 

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With its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe benefits redness, sunburns, rashes, swelling, discomfort, and allergic reactions. Store aloe vera gel in the refrigerator and apply it to sunburned areas. There will be instant reduction and a soothing effect on the skin. On regular application to the affected part, it also acts as an aid for eczema and psoriasis.

Faster healing 

Aloe has properties of antibacterial and antifungal that support speedy wound healing making it one of the prime health benefits of aloe vera. It helps regenerate skin cells and prevents infections around the injury.  Mix it with a drop of coconut oil for additional antibacterial protection. Application of fresh aloe vera gel to minor cuts, burns, or insect bites was an instant option in earlier generations.

Reduces acne and prevents breakouts  

Aloe benefits, exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores as it contains salicylic acid. Its antibacterial properties prevent acne-causing bacteria from thriving, reducing breakouts and inflammation. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel on acne-prone areas and leave it overnight and you will see the difference.  

Fades acne scars and dark Spots  

One of the top benefits of aloe vera on skin is that it boosts collagen production and skin cell turnover, which helps in fading dark spots over the neck or face, pigmentation, evens skin tone and lightens acne scars over time on regular usage. Blend aloe with honey for a natural brightening face mask at home and shine everywhere!

Slows down aging and reduces wrinkles  

Ditch all those expensive cosmetic products and enrich the benefits of aloe vera by using it as an anti-ageing serum every day! Polish, refine and elevate your glow with fresh aloe gel as it is rich in vitamins C and E, protecting the skin from free radical damage, and reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging also improving skin elasticity.  Add a capsule of vitamin E oil for added nourishment.  

Benefits of aloe vera on hair  

The best form of aloe vera to use on your hair is the raw gel of the plant. Aloe vera plant benefits immensely in tackling hair and scalp problems:

Strengthens hair and reduces breakage  

Aloe vera contains essential amino acids and proteolytic enzymes that repair damaged hair and strengthen the strands, reducing breakage and split ends. Extract the maximum benefits of aloe vera by mixing the gel with castor oil and apply it to the scalp and hair strands.  

Promotes hair growth  

Aloe vera restores inactive hair follicles and improves blood circulation to the scalp, thereby promoting new hair growth. It also contains vitamin B12 and folic acid, which prevent excessive hair fall.  One of the DIY remedies at home to enhance hair growth is to blend aloe vera gel with onion juice and apply it to the scalp for 30 minutes before washing your hair. Massaging fresh aloe vera gel into the scalp twice a week to boost hair growth is simple and one of the best benefits of aloe vera on hair.  

Controls dandruff and itchy scalp  

Dandruff and itchy scalp is a common problem faced today and to be combated soon, one helpful measure is to use Aloe vera. With its antifungal and antibacterial properties, aloe vera plant benefits by soothing itchiness and balances the scalp’s pH levels preventing dryness and flakiness over a period of time. Combine aloe vera gel with lemon juice and massage it into the scalp appropriately and then rinse off after 20 minutes.  

Acts as a natural hair conditioner  

One of the best  benefits of aloe vera on hair is that it smooths the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and making hair shinier and more manageable. It also adds moisture without making the hair greasy.  Apply it with yoghurt and honey for a deep conditioning mask and rinse off thouroughly.  

Prevents premature graying  

Aloe vera nourishes the scalp and hair follicles, preventing premature greying by keeping the hair healthy and well-hydrated, it is one of the unknown benefits of aloe vera.  Try aloe vera gel with amla (Indian gooseberry) powder and apply it to the scalp once a week.  

Precautions when using aloe vera  

Always do a patch test before using aloe vera on the skin or scalp to check for allergies. In consideration with  health benefits of aloe vera, it should not be ingested in large amounts as it can cause stomach cramps or diarrhoea. People with sensitive skin may experience mild irritation when using raw aloe vera. Try to, dilute it with water or another gentle ingredient. Avoid applying aloe vera directly to open wounds without consulting a doctor.  

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