You don’t have to be a skincare expert to know that aloe vera is good for your skin. You may not understand exactly why, but you’re probably familiar with the use of aloe vera gel to soothe sunburn and moisturize dry skin. What you may not know is that the benefits of aloe vera don’t stop there.
Read on to learn more about what aloe vera is and what it can do for your skin. You’ll also receive some helpful tips for including this hydrating ingredient in your skincare regimen and learn which popular Yon-Ka Paris products contain aloe vera.
There are over three hundred species of aloe, but Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) is the most well-known. A type of stemless succulent, aloe vera grows naturally in dry, tropical areas like Asia, Africa, and Europe as well as the southern and western parts of the U.S.
The aloe vera plant typically produces thick, pointed, fleshy green leaves that grow 12 to 19 inches long. The outside of these leaves is smooth on the surface with spiked borders and inside you’ll find a slimy gel-like tissue that stores water. In the summer, the plant produces yellow pendulous flowers on long spikes that grow up to 35 inches tall.
Centuries ago, people realized the benefits of the juice and gel found inside the aloe plant and started using it as a natural remedy to treat everything from digestive issues to skin problems. In ancient Egypt, aloe vera was known as a plant of immortality and was given to pharaohs as a funeral gift. Aloe vera came to be used in herbal remedies in Chinese, Indian, Mexican, and Native American cultures as well.
Though you may only think of aloe vera as an ingredient in sunburn remedies, this plant is used extensively in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries. In fact, aloe vera has a global estimated annual market value of $13 billion.
There are two parts of the aloe plant that are medicinally useful – the gel and the latex. The gel is easily extracted from the leaves and contains most of the beneficial bioactive components including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids. The aloe latex is the yellow pulp found just under the leaf’s outer surface – it is most commonly used for its laxative properties.
When it comes to health benefits, aloe vera has been shown to provide digestive benefits including heartburn relief and relief of constipation. Ingesting aloe vera juice has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels in type II diabetics and may enhance insulin sensitivity. Most of the benefits associated with aloe vera, however, are skin-related.
In terms of skin benefits, aloe vera is known for keeping the skin hydrated and for providing soothing and cooling benefits. Aloe vera is rich in several antioxidants including vitamins A, C, and E – it also contains seven of the eight essential amino acids. This powerful plant has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and, when applied to skin, acts as a natural exfoliant and may even help boost collagen production.
Here are some of the additional skin-related benefits of aloe vera:
The good news about aloe vera is that it’s easy to come by. You can grow the plant yourself and use the leaves directly by breaking them apart to extract the gel. In many cases, however, it’s easier to purchase over-the-counter aloe vera gel and skincare products that include aloe vera as an ingredient.
Aloe vera is safe and gentle on all skin types which makes it an excellent ingredient to incorporate in your skincare routine. Due to its cooling and hydrating properties, it is a particularly beneficial addition to summer skincare – especially after-sun care.
Here are some simple tips for including aloe vera in your skincare routine:
To make your own aloe vera gel at home, all you need to do is keep a small aloe vera plant. These plants do best with slightly sandy soil, and they require plenty of drainage and proper lighting. To use fresh aloe vera, simply cut open a leaf with a clean knife and separate the gel from the stalk. Store fresh gel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days and use as needed.
At Yon-Ka Paris, we have a history of producing luxurious skincare regimens using the best ingredients nature has to offer. Our products are French-made, featuring our proprietary essential oil complex, Quintessence, and other plant cell active ingredients. Each and every one of our products is backed by research and expertise in phyto-aromatic therapy, designed to deliver a tailored skincare experience.
Here are some of Yon-Ka’s most popular products featuring aloe vera:
Find a local Yon-Ka Spa or consult the Skincare Advisor to be paired with the perfect products for your skin type and your skin concerns. If you’re soaking up the summer sun, check out Yon-Ka’s special collection of suncare products including sunscreen, sunless tanning, and after-sun care.
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Hi Great Blog on importance of Aloe-Vera. It is safe and gentle on all skin types which makes it an excellent ingredient to incorporate in your skincare routine.
Thanks for sharing.I read one blog about aloe vera on iahas.com where they also provide information about aloe vera very well. I appreciate how you explained the benefits of aloe vera as a natural remedy. Your blog is really educative, and I will add your blog to my list