8 Amazing Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel for Your Skin and Hair

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a succulent plant species originating from the Arabian Peninsula. Today, it is widely cultivated in tropical climates around the world for agricultural, medicinal and cosmetic uses. Aloe vera gel is a personal care product based on aloe vera leaf juice with a small addition of other ingredients (herbal extracts, natural thickeners and preservatives, etc.). It is promoted as a moisturizer and anti-irritant. Let’s take a closer look at the skin and hair benefits of aloe vera gel.

#1. It’s a great moisturizer. As we’ve already mentioned above, aloe vera gel is a great moisturizer that is suitable for all skin types, including overly sensitive skin. It absorbs almost instantaneously without any sticky or greasy residue, leaving the skin silky smooth and soft. Aloe gel softens the skin without clogging pores and keeps it hydrated throughout the day.

#2. It has soothing and healing properties. Aloe vera gel has an anti-inflammatory and cooling effect which makes it the perfect remedy for sunburned skin and a great aftershave treatment. Aloe soothes irritated and inflamed skin, as well as reduces the healing time of burns, cuts, insect bites and other skin injuries, due to its high antioxidant content and its ability to speed up skin cell regeneration.

#3. It helps prevent premature skin aging. Antioxidants contained in aloe vera gel somewhat neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals and therefore help slow down the aging process. Besides, it has an ability to reduce pigmentation and improve complexion, helping to take years off your face.

#4. It helps combat acne. Thanks to aloe vera’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it eliminates bacteria that cause acne. As an astringent, it tightens pores, which helps keep out dirt and excess sebum that clog pores and cause blackheads and whiteheads. In Ayurvedic medicine, aloe is even used to heal psoriasis, eczema, and some other chronic skin conditions.

#5. It can be used as an eyebrow gel. It you need to make your eyebrows look well-groomed ASAP but don’t have any eyebrow gel, try aloe vera gel instead. Dip a clean mascara wand applicator in aloe vera gel and apply it you your eyebrows. It will help tame stray hairs without getting your eyebrows sticky.

#6. It can be used as a make-up remover. Aloe vera gel can substitute for make-up remover. Make-up remover lotions for waterproof mascara and eyeliner can contain harsh chemicals because stubborn eye make-up products can be very difficult to remove. Aloe vera gel is a gentle alternative. It effectively removes even waterproof make-up without drying the skin or irritating the delicate eye area.

#7. It improves hair growth and reduces dandruff. Topical application of aloe vera gel to your scalp can make your hair grow faster and reduce dandruff. Aloe gel removes dead cells from the scalp, which allows your hair to grow, and eliminates bacteria and fungi that cause dandruff. In addition, it soothes irritated and itchy scalp and helps maintain its normal pH balance.

#8. It can be used as a hair conditioner. Due to its moisturizing and hair repairing properties, you can use aloe vera gel instead of your regular hair conditioner, or even as a leave-in hair treatment. It replenishes lost hair moisture, repairs damaged hair structure, leaves your hair smooth and glossy, and restores is natural shine.