Today I decided to write about one of my favorite health and beauty products: the aloe vera gel.
Aloe vera gel is rich in numerous bioactive compounds which promote skin healing and regeneration, so it's no wonder that aloe vera is often the main ingredient in skin care products for dry, irritated or sensitive skin, hair and scalp.
I've first started using the aloe vera gel regularly when I got myself that super popular Nature Republic 92% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel. I'd like to write a few words about this product, as well, so I'm going to add my impressions at the end of this post.
Let’s see now how we can use aloe vera gel in order to get healthier, clearer skin and shiny hair:
1. Lightweight Face Moisturizer
If you have oily or combination skin (like me!), aloe vera gel is a great moisturizer for you during the summer - it’s absorbed quickly, hydrates your skin and offers an abundance of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. These days I prefer to use it as a nighttime moisturizer.
2. Super Hydrating Calming Facial Mask
Simply apply a thick layer of the gel to your face and after 20 to 30 minutes, remove any excess and massage the rest into the skin. I love how my skin feels after this mask - so fresh and super moisturized!
3. Hair Mask
Before washing your hair, use aloe vera gel as a mask and leave it on your hair for 20 minutes or even more. You can also use it as a conditioner/mask after washing your hair. Just be sure to rinse it out well. This way you’ll hydrate your hair without weighing it down with those heavy duty masks that are usually difficult to rinse. It is said that aloe vera helps with hair loss by increasing blood circulation to the scalp while also moisturizing the hair and the scalp, and regulating sebum production.
4. Stop that Itch
Who hates mosquito bites? (me, me, me!) So, the next time you get bitten by a mosquito, apply some aloe vera gel to the bite in order to reduce itching and swelling.
5. Cooling After-Shave
Aloe vera gel is great for soothing irritated skin after hair removal (post-shaving, post-waxing).
6. After-Sun Care
After a sunny day at the beach (or anywhere where you spend time in the sun), be sure to use some kind of an after-sun lotion in order to soothe minor burns and irritations and prevent dryness and peeling. Aloe vera gel is, again, great for after-sun care, since it has anti-inflammatory properties and contains antioxidants which can help prevent premature skin aging caused by the sun’s UV rays. It goes without saying that you should use sunscreen before going out into the sun in order to prevent sun burns and skin cancer.
7. A Cool Breeze During Hot Summer Months
How to cope with hot summer days (and nights), you ask? Try applying aloe vera gel liberally to your face, arms, shoulders and legs. This should instantly cool you down. For an added cooling effect, freeze the aloe vera gel in a cute ice cube mold and pop it out when you’re in need of an instant skin refresher.
I must say that I have seen this gel in the best sellers category of almost every site that sells Korean skin care products, so naturally I was rather curious to try it. First thing I noticed (and liked) is the scent - it reminded me of cucumbers. However, the first couple of times I used this gel on my skin, I wasn't too impressed. I definitely think I used too much product, because my skin couldn't absorb it all and it actually felt rather sticky. Then I decided to use just a bit, and then add some more product if needed. That worked quite well.
So, this gel feels moisturizing and cooling, that's for sure. However, I would say that it doesn't provide enough moisture if your skin is dry or very dry (like the skin on my legs usually is, for example). Also, if you look at the ingredients list, you will notice that it contains alcohol (at the second place, immediately after aloe vera leaf extract!) that can dry out and irritate the skin. In my opinion, this product is best to be used during hot days and by people with normal or oily skin type.
I'm currently using the aloe vera gel from another brand (ESI, an Italian brand) and I recommend buying a gel that contains as much aloe vera extract as possible (so, ideally 99,9%).
That was my list of the best ways to use aloe vera gel during the summer (and during other seasons, too, why not), plus a mini-review at the very end.
What are your thoughts? Do you use aloe vera in your daily or weekly routine? What are you favorite uses for aloe vera?
BONUS: My thoughts on Nature Republic Soothing & Moisture 92% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel
As the name itself says, this product claims to soothe and moisturize the skin (sensitive skin as well) and to keep the surface of the face and body healthy. Its price varies and goes from 6$ (in Korea) to 9$-10$ (on most online shops) for 300 ml. It comes in a green, transparent plastic container and the gel itself is colorless and clear.
So, this gel feels moisturizing and cooling, that's for sure. However, I would say that it doesn't provide enough moisture if your skin is dry or very dry (like the skin on my legs usually is, for example). Also, if you look at the ingredients list, you will notice that it contains alcohol (at the second place, immediately after aloe vera leaf extract!) that can dry out and irritate the skin. In my opinion, this product is best to be used during hot days and by people with normal or oily skin type.
I'm currently using the aloe vera gel from another brand (ESI, an Italian brand) and I recommend buying a gel that contains as much aloe vera extract as possible (so, ideally 99,9%).
That was my list of the best ways to use aloe vera gel during the summer (and during other seasons, too, why not), plus a mini-review at the very end.
What are your thoughts? Do you use aloe vera in your daily or weekly routine? What are you favorite uses for aloe vera?
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