Aloe | Ingredient 101

With the rise of natural and organic skin care, Aloe Vera has become a renowned ingredient in the skincare community for its ability to soothe your skin, replenish moisture, as well as prevent aging and acne. Let’s get into its benefit and how to use it in this Ingredient 101 installment.

Aloe Vera is a cactus plant that secretes a clear gel, which can be used topically to heal wounds and soothe the skin. Because of its healing abilities, it can be used to replenish moisture and accelerate the healing process. This makes it amazing for acne. With Aloe leaves containing antioxidants, such as beta carotene and vitamins C and E, it can also help keep the skin hydrated and firm.

What are the benefits of Aloe?

Skin-Soothing

Aloe Vera is mostly marketed as a soothing and healing agent. It contains ingredients that stimulate collagen production as well as protect the skin from UV radiation. Also, it has anti-inflammatory properties that lower the activity of an enzyme causes inflammation and pain. It’s the same enzyme targeted by drugs like ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 

Moisturizing 

Aloe’s anatomy aims to succeed in dry environments. Its cell walls are composed of polysaccharides. Which are long chains of sugar molecules. As a matter of fact, they help the plant, and your skin, retain water content (hyaluronic acid and collagen are also polysaccharides). Thus, this ingredient is perfect for boosting hydration and moisture.

What Skin Types Benefit the Most From Aloe?

All skin types can benefit from aloe vera extract. However, its soothing and healing properties are best for oily and sensitive skin. In fact, its ability to moisturize the skin without making it greasy makes it ideal for oilier skin types. Additionally, its soothing properties make it ideal for sensitive skin types.

What products contain Aloe Vera?