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The antiviral and antibacterial properties of aloe vera gel provide numerous benefits for the skin, especially for the sensitive skin on the face and neck. While aloe vera is often a key ingredient in many cosmetics, you can also apply pure aloe vera gel directly onto your face. When used properly, aloe vera gel moisturizes the skin and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines. Additionally, it can help reduce acne.
Steps
Moisturize the skin
Gently apply aloe vera to your face using your fingertips. To maximize the benefits of aloe vera, dab it lightly on your skin, without massaging it in deeply. Over-application can lead to dryness, so avoid pressing it into your skin.
- Apply a thin layer of the gel; there’s no need to apply it thickly. A thick layer won’t offer extra benefits.
- For best results, leave the aloe vera on your face for about 10 minutes, then rinse your face with cool water and pat it dry. If left on too long, pure aloe vera gel may dry out your skin.
Wash your face with aloe vera gel twice a day. Aloe vera gel can replace both face wash and moisturizer when used correctly. Apply a thin layer on your skin in the morning and evening. Rinse with cool water and gently pat your skin dry.
- Avoid rubbing your face, especially around the delicate skin near the eyes. Rubbing may cause damage and weaken your skin over time.
Make a gentle exfoliating and moisturizing face wash for oily skin. If your skin is oily and prone to acne, traditional skincare products might make things worse. Combine brown sugar and aloe vera gel to create a mild cleanser that gently exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and leaves your skin hydrated and healthy.
- To make this exfoliating face wash, place a small amount of brown sugar in your palm, then add aloe vera gel to form a damp mixture.
- Apply the mixture evenly across your face, avoiding the thin skin around your eyes. Gently massage for about 1 minute, then rinse with cool water and pat dry.
- Use this product at least twice a week or as needed. Stop use if your skin produces excessive oil.
Use aloe vera gel in moderation for optimal results. Aloe vera gel helps to hydrate the skin and improve its appearance. However, since the enzymes in the gel act as exfoliants, overuse may lead to dry skin.
- When the skin becomes too dry, it produces more oil. Overuse of aloe vera gel can stimulate excess oil production, leading to clogged pores, inflammation, and acne breakouts.
- If you are new to using aloe vera gel, wash it off immediately or leave it on for no longer than 10 minutes.
Tip: If you wish to leave aloe vera on your skin for a longer period, or overnight, dilute it with another moisturizing liquid, such as olive oil.
Treat skin inflammation with aloe vera gel
Use pure aloe vera gel to prevent acne. Aloe vera gel is known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties, which makes it a great substitute for your regular face wash. Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, aloe is also gentle and safe for sensitive skin. You can switch your regular face wash with aloe vera gel, or use it at least once a week and see if it makes a noticeable difference.
- The enzymes in aloe vera gently exfoliate the outer layer of skin, removing dead cells that block pores and worsen acne. Your skin will appear brighter and healthier with a natural glow.
Create a mask with aloe vera, cinnamon, and honey. Mix 2 tablespoons (49 g) of honey, 1 tablespoon (20 g) of aloe vera gel, and ¼ teaspoon (1 g) of cinnamon powder in a small bowl. Apply the mixture to your face, avoiding the delicate skin around your eyes. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes, then rinse off.
- Both honey and cinnamon have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, much like aloe vera, making this mask potentially more effective than a simple aloe vera mask alone.
Another remedy: Mix aloe vera gel and lemon juice in equal parts. Apply a thin layer of the mixture to your face and leave it on overnight. Wash your face as usual in the morning. This remedy can help treat existing acne and prevent new breakouts from forming.
Apply aloe vera gel to your skin after shaving. If you regularly shave your face, tiny nicks and cuts can occur, causing irritation and itching. Instead of using commercial products that may dry out your skin further, apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel after shaving.
- Bacteria can enter through these tiny cuts when you scratch, causing further inflammation. Aloe vera helps to soothe the skin and reduce itching, making you less likely to scratch.
Apply aloe vera gel to existing pimples to reduce inflammation. Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce redness and swelling, making pimples less noticeable. Its moisturizing effects also benefit those with skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea.
- If you are using prescription medication for conditions like acne or eczema, consult with your dermatologist before using aloe vera or discontinuing any prescribed treatments.
Combine aloe vera gel with tea tree oil to enhance acne-fighting effects. Add 6-12 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 doesn't cause redness or irritation. Apply this mixture to acne spots after cleansing and patting your skin dry to heal small blemishes.
- You can purchase tea tree oil online or at stores selling health and beauty products. The required amount will depend on the concentration of the oil you buy.
- Store any leftover mixture in a tightly sealed amber glass jar, keeping it in a cool, dark place.
- If applied all over the face, this remedy may help prevent new pimples from forming. However, you should not use it as a replacement for other treatments without consulting a dermatologist first.
Harvesting Aloe Vera Gel
Select the right type of aloe vera. There are various species of aloe, but only one is known as aloe vera. Other species are typically grown as ornamental plants due to their ease of care, but aloe vera is the only one from which you can harvest gel. When visiting a nursery, check the label to ensure you're selecting the correct variety.
- Aloe vera is not as decorative as other types of aloe, and it rarely blooms when grown indoors.
- Aloe vera has thin, light green leaves with numerous spots.
Pour cactus soil mix into a medium or large-sized pot. A medium or large pot will provide enough space for the plant to grow, as aloe tends to spread out. Choose a pot with good drainage so the soil stays adequately dry.
- Look for a pot with a large drainage hole at the bottom to prevent water accumulation. If water collects in the pot, your aloe plant may not thrive.
Place the plant in a location with plenty of light. Aloe vera plants are very particular about light. While they need lots of sunlight, they can dry out if exposed to too much direct sun. Indirect sunlight is usually the ideal condition for aloe growth.
- If you're in the Northern Hemisphere, place the plant near a south-facing or west-facing window.
- Dry, brittle leaves could be a sign that the plant is getting too much direct sunlight. Try moving it to a different spot to see if the situation improves.
Avoid overwatering to keep your plant healthy. The soil should feel moist to the touch, but not soaked. You can check the leaves to determine if the plant is getting enough water. If the leaves feel cool and moist, the plant is adequately hydrated.
- Generally, you should not water aloe vera until the soil has dried out. This plant usually requires watering no more than once a week. During colder months, it needs even less water.
- If the aloe leaves are dry and brittle, consider the amount of sunlight the plant is receiving before watering again—especially if the soil is still moist. Excessive sunlight can cause the leaves to dry out.
Cut the thick, long leaves at the base of the plant. Use clean, sharp scissors or a knife to cut the leaves as close to the stem as possible. Thicker leaves contain more aloe vera gel inside.
- Do not attempt to harvest aloe vera gel from dry and brittle leaves. If that's the case, move the plant to another location and allow it to recover first.
- You can harvest aloe vera gel from a healthy plant every 6-8 weeks by cutting 3-4 leaves at a time.
Place the aloe leaves upright to drain the sap. Put the freshly cut leaves in a bowl, with the cut end facing down. After a few minutes, a red or yellow liquid will begin to drip out. Let the sap drain for 10-15 minutes.
- This liquid is toxic and may cause stomach discomfort if ingested. Even if you're only using aloe on your skin, make sure to allow the liquid to drain off.
Peel the outer skin of the aloe leaf. Carefully use a sharp knife to cut off the spiky edges of the leaf, then slice and remove the green skin, exposing the clear gel inside. It might take some practice, but you'll eventually get a smooth and clean peel in one motion.
- Remember to wash your hands before handling the gel and work on a clean surface to prevent contamination of the gel.
Scoop out the gel from inside the leaf. Once you see the gel layer, gently slide the knife underneath it to separate it from the other side of the leaf. Take your time, being careful not to cut into the leaf itself.
- After practicing a few times, you'll be able to scoop out all the gel in one neat motion. However, you don't need to extract the gel in one large piece. Smaller pieces of gel can work just as well and may be easier to handle.
Place any unused aloe vera gel in the refrigerator. You can use aloe vera gel right after harvesting. If you want to store it for later, place the gel in an airtight container and refrigerate it. This will help maintain its freshness.
- Aloe vera gel degrades over time. You can keep it in the fridge for several days to a week. For longer storage, freezing is necessary.
You can also freeze aloe vera gel to create soothing aloe vera ice cubes. Blend the gel in a blender 2-3 times to form a smooth liquid. Pour this liquid into an ice cube tray and freeze. These aloe vera ice cubes can be applied directly to the skin to cool and reduce inflammation or irritation.
Warning
- If you buy aloe vera gel online or at a store, carefully check the ingredients. To gain maximum benefit, avoid purchasing aloe vera gel that contains chemical additives.
- To prevent the gel from spoiling, always store it in a sealed container in a cool, dry place.
