Aloe Vera for Face & Skin: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects (2024)

Aloe vera is available around the world and is found in the leaves of aloe plants. The leaves are pointy, and upon cutting the leaves in pieces, you can extract the gel for regular use. Aloe vera gel is commonly used for skin and hair hydration and other benefits.

Let us find out the benefits of aloe vera gel on the face and hair below.

List of Benefits of Aloe Vera on Face

Provides Deep Moisturisation

Our facial skin is very fragile. Based on the changing weather, the skin changes its needs and thus requires constant hydration the right way, especially for dry skin. With the use of aloe vera gel on the skin, you can benefit from deep hydration and moisturisation without the stress of clogged pores.

Reduces Acne and Acne Marks

The constant concern of acne and acne marks impacts the self-confidence of individuals. However, with regular use of aloe vera on the face, you can fight this concern effectively. Aloe vera has antibacterial properties thus, reduces inflammation and acne while optimising sebum production for healthy-looking skin.

Fights Hyperpigmentation

The natural elements of aloe vera are known to reduce uneven skin tone as they help the skin retain moisture, fade scars and pigmentation while promoting the growth of new skin cells. Additionally, aloe vera also improves skin elasticity, allowing skin on the face to glow from within.

Reduces Signs of ageing

We are constantly exposed to harmful radiation and atmospheric pollutants, which make our skin look dull and increase the visibility of different signs of ageing. As aloe vera contains vitamins E and C, it helps reduce the appearance of different signs of ageing, like fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, it increases the production of collagen in the skin.

Promotes Faster Skin Healing

The anti-inflammatory nature of aloe vera also promotes faster healing and is thus an effective natural ingredient to cure burns. In addition, it also penetrates through the skin surface effectively, allowing reduced healing time and faster skin-cell development to reduce the risk of scars and clots.

List of Benefits of Aloe Vera on Hair and Scalp

Provides Scalp Hydration

One of the top benefits of applying aloe vera gel to your hair and scalp is increased hydration. A dry scalp can irritate the scalp and attract more air pollutants onto the surface. Aloe vera not only hydrates the scalp but also helps reduce any inflammation on the scalp to allow better hair growth.

Reduces Dandruff

Dandruff is the aftermath of dry or oily scalp and fungal infections. To resolve this correctly, incorporating aloe vera into your hair care routine can do wonders. With regular application of aloe vera gel, alone or in combination with other ingredients, you can cleanse your scalp and reduce dandruff significantly.

Promotes Hair Growth

With a clean scalp and proper hair wash routine, your scalp will be free from any harmful bacteria and other substances. This will allow the hair follicles to remain unclogged, promoting healthier hair growth and reducing excessive hair fall.

Improves Hair Quality

Other than the scalp, you can also use aloe vera gel masks as a conditioner on your hair length. Aloe vera has soothing properties and is highly moisturising, which helps reduce frizziness and condition the hair strands for softer, glossier hair.

Promotes Better Digestion

Regular consumption of aloe vera juice in your diet can help fight the common issue of constipation. This is because aloe vera helps with the detoxification of the digestive system, which helps wash out the toxins effectively.

When the digestive tract is detoxified, food breakdown and absorption are better, resulting in a lower risk of constipation.

Reduces Blood Sugar Levels

One of the lesser-known yet significant aloe vera uses is a reduction in blood sugar levels. With regular consumption of aloe vera juice, people with a higher inclination towards diabetes can benefit from a reduction of the fasting plasma glucose in the body.

Moreover, aloe vera also helps with better glucose absorption into the digestive system.

Reduces Dental Plaque

Using mouthwashes that contain aloe vera can help reduce the risk of dental plaque. This is because it helps wash out the food particles stuck in and around the teeth effectively, which promises healthier gums and teeth, along with a fresh breath.

Improves Healing for Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers or canker sores are painful and uncomfortable. They are caused due to multiple factors, some being poor oral hygiene and digestive issues. The application of aloe vera to the ulcer helps reduce skin irritation and encourages faster healing.

Treats Sunburn - Applying aloe vera gel on sunburns can help heal them effectively as it soothes the inflammation in the affected area. Furthermore, it adds a protective layer on the surface to allow faster healing while reducing the impact of the colour discolouration slowly.

Aloe Vera Gel for Face - As part of your skincare routine, apply aloe vera gel on your face after face wash and gently massage it into the skin for 3-5 minutes using a circular motion. Once done, wash it off with warm water and pat dry before applying any moisturiser of your choice.

Aloe Vera Juice - Slice up the aloe vera leaves, scoop out the gel with a spoon and then add it to a mixer with a cup of water. You can also mix any sweetener based on preference and drink up the fresh juice. Alternatively, you can mix the aloe vera juice with smoothies, lemonade, mocktails, etc.

Aloe Vera Hair Mask - For scalp and hair, you can explore different hair masks. The most effective one is an oil mixture. For this, you need to mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and then apply it evenly all over your scalp and hair. After 30 minutes, you can wash it off with a gentle shampoo.

Aloe Vera Face Mask - Besides using aloe vera gel on its own, you can also combine it with different ingredients for face masks. Some of them include -

Banana + Aloe Vera Gel + Honey for dry skin.

Aloe Vera + Cucumber for oily skin.

Turmeric + Aloe Vera + Honey for dull-looking skin.

Neem Leaves + Rose Water/Normal Water + Aloe Vera for breakouts and acne.

• Over sensitivity on the facial skin.

• Hives and redness on the facial skin.

• Excessive skin irritation right after application.

• Extreme dryness due to excessive use.

• Allergic reaction to aloe vera on the skin.

Incorporating aloe vera into your daily diet, skin, and haircare routine can help improve your overall health and well-being significantly. However, even with proper precautions and necessary inclusions in your lifestyle, health issues can show up unannounced.

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Most of the aloe vera gels and creams available in the market are safe for regular use. However, using this raw ingredient straight out of the leaves can be more beneficial. With the numerous aloe vera benefits for skin and hair, adding this hero ingredient into your routine can do wonders.

Always remember to consult a doctor in case you feel uncomfortable after the use of this ingredient. Additionally, do a patch test on the hand or elbow before using it on the face or scalp to avoid any unnecessary reactions.

Are there any benefits of applying aloe vera on the face overnight?

Applying aloe vera on the face overnight can result in increased skin hydration, making the skin glow from within. This is because aloe vera is 95% water, and it acts as a natural moisturiser for the facial skin, which also helps achieve softer skin.

Can aloe vera help reduce tan?

With regular use of aloe vera, you can see the visible difference in your skin tan as it gently exfoliates the dead cells and helps hydrate the skin effectively, which in turn reduces the sun tan impact over time.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on the benefits of aloe vera. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.