The Surprising Benefits of Aloe Vera on Face - if you do THIS

Although the use of aloe vera on face isn’t exactly new, many of its benefits are revelations.

Since ancient times, people have known there was something special (and effective) about the aloe vera plant.

Utilized around the globe for 6,000 years, many cultures have seen the incredible benefits that this unique succulent offers.

One fan of aloe? Cleopatra.

Ancient lore says this Egyptian royal utilized the aloe plant in her own beauty routine.

What is intriguing, however? →

In our modern society, aloe is typically only thought of for one purpose.

For most of us?

For you included, aloe likely brings back young memories - after a day at the pool.

Perhaps, as a child, a parent or loved one rubbed aloe vera lotion on your skin after you started to feel a sunburn - or even used a fresh aloe vera plant, breaking off the leaf from a pot planted right in your own home and rubbing the gel directly on it.

While this plant is good for sunburns, most people don’t know something.

Aloe vera has the capacity to work a variety of wonders on your skin - from healing acne to being anti-aging - far beyond sun burns alone.

Backed by medical experts, we’re going to walk you through the benefits of aloe, as well as how to work this incredible plant’s goodness into your daily routine.

First, what is aloe vera?

Before we get into the effects of aloe vera on skin, let’s confirm what exactly this plant is.

The aloe vera plant is a succulent - which has accumulated a variety of sweet nicknames, from “lily of the desert” to “elephant’s gall”. One reason for the former nickname? This plant is a member of the lily family and, originally, is derived from Africa, Madagascar and the Arabian peninsula.

This plant flourishes in warm and dry climates, ironic as it is so immensely hydrating. (We’ll touch on more of that in a few moments - for its hydration is what makes it so healing for such a wide variety of skin issues.)

What is within the “sap” of aloe vera?

When breaking off an aloe plant, a clear gel oozes forth. This is good stuff that has an immense number of potential uses.

The reason is simple. Sap within an aloe plant is packed with vitamins, minerals and other important elements that are vital to your health. Within the sap, you’ll find:

• Vitamins A, B, C, D & E
• Antioxidants
• Potassium & Zinc
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Enzymes
• Polysaccharides

Each of these offers its own unique benefits, from Zinc - known for its sunscreen-like properties to Vitamin E - praised for combating free radicals and having anti-inflammatory properties.

Those are merely a few benefits - we’ll be sharing more momentarily. Remember, this isn’t simply talk - the effects of aloe vera are backed by science and federal regulations.

Even the FDA supports aloe vera plant benefits for skin

The FDA (Federal Drug Administration) approved Aloe vera ointment to be used as a treatment for skin burns decades ago - back in the 50s.

**Side note - In contrast, you’ll be startled on how lax the FDA is on other beauty regulations.

Specific effects of aloe vera on skin...from acne to wrinkles

Most of us yearn for clear, spot-free skin that is glowing and youthful. Whether hoping to reduce or prevent wrinkles for as long as possible, the good news is there are natural solutions to make these goals happen.

Aloe vera is a perfect example of a natural fixer.

Kim Chang, an aesthetician with the Baylor College of Medicine - Aesthetics Studio, shares that the various ingredients within aloe - from the vitamins to the antioxidants - naturally make it ideal for:

• Treating acne
• Supporting dry skin
• Helping with burns (from the sun or otherwise)
• Addressing psoriasis
• Supporting healing of stings or rashes

Let’s dive into these further - so you can start reaping the aloe vera plant benefits for skin!

Have acne? There are benefits of aloe vera on skin overnight

If blackheads are a constant irritation or you’re facing another type of inflammatory skin situation, there is a specific reason aloe vera can help.

New York City-based dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, M.D. shares that, “It (aloe vera) prevents blood vessel dilation in irritated areas, producing pain-relieving salicylates as a byproduct, and inhibiting the part of the immune response that triggers inflammation.”

In other words, increased moisture and decreased inflammation help to heal acne.

One study revealed aloe fighting wrinkles

There was a study conducted to test how aloe vera worked on women experiencing wrinkles.

The goal was to see what would happen with continued use of the plant - would there be benefits of aloe vera on the skin in as little as a few months?

In the study, there were over 30 women - each over 45 years old. The hosts had the women apply the aloe vera to their skin - and monitored the results.

After 90 days, the results were in. It appeared there had been increased production of collagen - as well as improvement seen in the elasticity of the skin. Although this is a smaller sample size, the noticed benefits are still worth considering, especially if one is looking for natural solutions to anti-aging.

Skin challenges, such as eczema and psoriasis

Aloe vera has natural hydration properties, as well as antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. Those are the key reasons aloe vera is so incredible for soothing skin with challenges like eczema and psoriasis.

These skin-healing properties of aloe are backed by experts.

"In general, aloe can be used to reduce skin irritation and inflammations such as acne and eczema”, shares acclaimed Eforea spa's Nunette Mudaro.

Although aloe is not a cure, because - alas there is not a known cure for eczema yet - aloe can help prevent, treat and heal such skin conditions.

How to maximize the benefits of aloe vera

Now that you know some of the benefits of aloe vera on your skin, here’s how to make sure aloe vera really works for you - to the max.

Does it matter if I use an aloe plant - or a cream?

While there are benefits to applying aloe vera directly from the plant - it is not always feasible. First off, having an aloe vera plant means taking care of a plant and, as you break it off, waiting for parts to grow back or having even MORE aloe vera plants.

Another potential issue?

An aloe vera plant is tricky to transport. If you pop off to a weekend getaway or go on a trip - suddenly, you don’t have your handy dandy aloe plant at the ready.

Luckily, you get the benefits of aloe - whether fresh OR, if bottled meticulously, within a product that contains aloe.

Plus, when a product has aloe and other natural nutrients - your skin gets benefits of aloe - simultaneously with other vital nutrients for the skin.

Get the benefits...IF you use it every day, twice a day

To maximize the benefits of aloe vera, you’ll want to apply it each day - a product with aloe in morning and night is ideal. This is particularly important for the evening - as there are benefits to applying aloe vera on your skin overnight - letting it absorbs into the skin for hours unperturbed.

If seeking an all natural cream to start getting the benefits fast? Check out this vegan aloe-packed moisturizer.