Aloe vera is a great natural moisturizer and can help to soothe dry skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles. Plus, aloe vera is non-irritating and can be used on any type of skin. Aloe vera is a succulent plant native to Africa, Madagascar, and Arabian Peninsula. The leaves of the aloe vera plant are thick and fleshy, and they contain a clear gel-like juice. This juice is used as an ingredient in cosmetics and medicines. It is also commonly applied to the skin as a beauty treatment or to soothe sunburns. In ancient Egypt, it was allegedly used by Cleopatra as part of her beauty regime, and in ancient Greece, Aristotle praised its virtues to Alexander the Great, advising him to conquer the Socotra island in today’s Yemen, rich in aloe vera to obtain the plant and treat the wounds of his soldiers.
What Does Aloe Vera Contain?
Aloe vera raw pulp contains approximately 98.5% water, while the remaining solid material consists of a range of compounds including water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, enzymes, polysaccharides, organic acids and phenolic compounds.
Various active ingredients in aloe vera work beneficially for the skin. Here are some of them:
- Aloin (barbaloin) is a substance with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiseptic, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. Hormones such as auxins and gibberellins help in wound healing and have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Salicylic acid is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Lignin, when included in topical preparations, enhances penetrative effect of the other ingredients into the skin. Saponins that form about 3% of the gel have cleansing and antiseptic properties.
- Vitamins A, C, and E present in aloe vera have antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from free radicals.
- It is a natural moisturizer.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties.
- It is non-irritating.
- It helps with insect bites.
- It benefits your hair too.
- It treats sunburns.
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