Kelsey Merritt Swears By This Plant For Her Beauty Routine
Aloe vera has been extensively used for centuries, for its medicinal and healing properties. These days, this thick, short-stemmed plant that stores water in its leaves is widely used as a main ingredient in our favorite beauty products—and for good reason.
It’s got vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants that work wonders for the skin. The green-cactus looking plant that sits out in your garden isn’t just a plant with its roots in folklore now. Over time, it has seamlessly integrated itself into everything we use.
But what makes this miracle plant so different from other hero ingredients? Here, we give you a break down of some incredible benefits of aloe vera that will convince you to use it on your face and skin STAT. Keep reading to know exactly what we’re talking about.
It treats sunburn.
Now that the summer is almost over, it's time to soothe your skin aloe vera! Ideal for sunburned and irritated skin, aloe acts as a protective layer on the skin and helps replenish moisture because of its nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties. In one study, it was found that aloe vera gel gives some anti-inflammatory effects superior to those of 1% hydrocortisone when applied over a 48-hour period. Researchers concluded that the gel might be useful as a treatment for inflammatory skin conditions such as UV-induced skin redness.
READ: 5 After-Sun Care Products To Save Your Skin This Summer
It acts as a moisturizer.
You probably already know about this—aloe moisturizes skin without giving it a greasy feel, so it’s perfect for anyone, even those with an oily skin complexion. And for an added tip for women who use mineral-based makeup, aloe can act as your moisturizer and is great for the face prior to the application to prevent skin from drying. For men, aloe vera gel can be used as an aftershave treatment as its healing properties can treat small cuts caused by shaving.
It fights acne.
Besides having serious antibacterial skills, aloe vera gel contains salicylic acid, which is an exfoliant that helps to unclog pores, making it especially helpful if you deal with pimples and blackheads. Bonus: It also acts as an inflammatory on the oil glands that cause acne.
It slow signs of aging.
As we age, everyone begins to worry about the appearance of fine lines and the loss of elasticity in their skin. But don't fret, aloe leaves contain a plethora of antioxidants including, beta carotene, vitamin C and E that can help improve the skin’s natural firmness and keep the skin hydrated.
Lead photo from Vogue Youtube
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