10 Best Benefits Of Aloe Vera For Skin & Hair

Overview

The aloe vera plant is a natural remedy for many skin and hair conditions, especially when applied topically on cuts and abrasions. Its healing properties allow it to heal damaged or irritated skin and prevent further infection. It’s also rich in antioxidants and antibacterial compounds that protect the body against harmful free radicals. You can use it as a moisturizer or make a paste by mixing two teaspoons of its gel with half an ounce of coconut oil.

Apply this mixture to your face or massage it into your hair, then rinse with warm water. When you apply this home remedy, don’t forget to cover it with a cloth or towel, and avoid contact with sunlight to ensure effective results. Here are 10 ways aloe vera benefits skin and hair.

1. Helps With Irritation/Redness:

It is one of the best herbal remedies to alleviate itchiness. Simply rub 3 – 5 drops of tulsi powder onto affected areas before bathing soothes skin. To get rid of redness, add 1 tablespoon of honey to the mix to fight off bacteria, which causes acne.

2. Antibacterial Properties:

If you have sensitive skin, Aloe Vera can be a great addition to your diet. Not only does it help reduce irritation but also helps with skin care routine, such as washing it. This herb is beneficial for treating dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, boils, acne, rashes, bruises, sunburn, burns and more. Aloe vera is antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-bacterial, making it naturally safe for both humans and animals. In high doses, aloe vera has been found to enhance immunity, fight against cancer cells and even treat lupus.

3. Stimulates Cell Reaping:

Aloe vera contains enzymes like protease, amylase and lipase that help the aloe vera extract break down cellulose and elastin in our bodies. As a result, the aloe vera juice reduces inflammation and promotes cell regeneration. Moreover, studies show that it stimulates collagen production and prevents connective tissue degeneration by stimulating growth factors.

Some natural remedies may contain certain chemical components that could irritate the skin. If used in moderation, Aloe vera can stimulate skin rejuvenation and help improve the function of the skin. However, if taken in large quantities, it can cause rashes, bleaches, dermatitis and lead to allergic reactions like hives. The most common side effects of these include itching, burning, stinging, itching, flaking, redness, irritation and bleeding.

4. Improves Hair Health:

Aloe vera can nourish dry and brittle hair, promote hair growth and strengthen hair strands. A study published in the Journal of Biomedical Research discovered that the extracts of aloe vera are able to restore the strength of blood vessels within the scalp. The blood circulation is essential because it improves oxygen delivery and removes toxins from the brain. Regular exposure to the aloe vera gel allows blood to flow in a healthy manner from the scalp to the rest of the body.

Thus, this property makes aloe vera more suitable to treat scalp problems such as hair loss, thinning hair, dandruff conditions, hair follicle deficiencies, hair damage, split ends and more. One dosage of 2 tablespoons of pure aloe vera can produce soft, smooth and long hair, leaving no greasiness behind. Make sure the treatment area is well hydrated.

5. Cleanses Exfoliating Scars:

Aloe vera can be used to help exfoliate rough, dead and injured skin and remove impurities. It can also brighten and de-puff the skin and give it a radiant glow. After cleaning, apply aloe vera gel directly to the damage area, leave it overnight, and wash it with plain water the following morning. During the day, try to massage a pea-sized portion of aloe gel into the area using clean cotton and a mild cleanser. Continue this process for up to four weeks until your skin heals completely.

6. Treats Eczema:

If you have eczema, aloe vera can be extremely helpful in alleviating symptoms of this condition. The soothing Aloe vera gel can help regulate the immune system while acting as a barrier to stop other irritants. A research conducted by University College London (UCL) found out that consuming aloe vera oil can significantly relieve inflammatory symptoms and help relieve swelling of eczema.

Furthermore, research has shown that aloe vera extract effectively treats asthma, allergies and bronchitis symptoms, among others. Try applying aloe vera to a freshly cut area and wait about 30 minutes after.

Wash off with plain water and repeat at least three times a week until aloe vera healing properties start working on your skin. Follow directions on how to store aloe vera and avoid touching it with bare hands as a precaution. If you do experience any adverse effects, consult your doctor right away.

7. Natural Antibacterial Remedy:

Antibiotics have proven to be very effective in reducing bacterial infections, however, antibiotics often take an enormous toll on our health. They cause antibiotic resistance in bacteria and destroy their ability to create new viruses and bacteriophages. Therefore, they are not recommended as alternatives to conventional treatments for bacterial infections (especially in young children).

Nevertheless, there are alternative types of antibiotics, such as those produced by the aloe vera plant, that can be used for wound repair. When used regularly, aloe vera will help slow bacterial growth and stop infectious diseases from spreading. Just keep in mind that some plant extracts, like aloe vera, can increase levels of human hormones like estrogen. Speak with your healthcare provider regarding the appropriate amounts to use for your situation.

8. Prevents Dandruff & Cuts That Are On Your Scalp:

Dandruff is a fungal and bacterial infection of the scalp. These scalp conditions cause itching, scaling and discharging of flakes from the scalp. Luckily, aloe vera has natural antibacterial properties that can help eliminate the source of this problem. An Australian study from 2009 showed that aloe vera juice was able to kill all the spores found in the scalp, thus preventing disease spread.

Another Chinese study published in 2014 discovered that the aloe vera gel effectively combatted the fungus causing dandruff on the scalp of mice. Use an aloe vera peel all over the scalp for a few minutes once daily to fight off dandruff and find out why its powerful healing qualities help treat baldness. Don’t just apply aloe vera to the scalp, you should rub it onto the affected area, leave this solution for about 15 minutes, and then rinse it off with cool, clear water.

Also, make sure to apply petroleum jelly or another lubricant before bathing so that you don’t let the aloe vera cleansing power dull your hair. Keep in mind that the gel can dry out hair, so be careful about taking frequent baths. After cleansing your hair, shampoo and condition it to restore its appearance.

9. Moisturizes Scarred Belly:

The aloe vera gel can be used to prepare a gentle diaper rash remedy to treat scrotus scarring. Using 100 ml aloe vera gel on dried and wet scrotum area is enough to provide relief for approximately 3 days. Be sure not to get it too close to the scrotum area as this might irritate it.

Alternatively, you can also soak raw aloe vera leaves in saltwater, place them in boiling water until the water evaporates the gel, mix them in a bowl and apply it to the affected area. Let this work for ten minutes before changing it with fresh water. Remember to always thoroughly wash your hands after handling aloe vera since this product can dehydrate your hands.

10. Soothes Sunburned Skin:

Aloe vera gel helps soothe sunburned skin while fighting against bacteria. Since it has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiparasitic and antimicrobial properties, the aloe vera gel helps reduce pain by reducing inflammation and speeding up the healing process for damaged skin.