First and foremost a healing plant, aloe vera has been used over the years to treat a variety of things from skin conditions to protecting the skin from free radicals. Highly moisturizing and non-comedogenic, aloe vera is very effective at cooling the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties combined with its plentiful bounty of amino acids, minerals and antioxidants actively contribute towards helping to safeguard the skin against harmful environmental stressors whilst boosting the skin’s dermal healing response.
Premature dermal aging resulting from UV exposure, otherwise known as photoaging, is one of the main culprits of wrinkle formation. The antioxidants in aloe vera have been reported to prove effective at fighting free radicals stemming from such exposure as well as being able to boost skin elasticity and collagen production.
For centuries, aloe vera has been hailed as a wound healing hero. This ability has been declared to play a very useful role in cellular rejuvenation. This is because aloe vera has been said to increase fibroblast activity, a process that’s vital in the production of elastin and collagen fibers. Not only this, but aloe’s amino acid content is said to be able to soften the superficial epidermal cells that have since hardened (a result of aging), helping to provide them with moisture and thus improve the skin’s texture.
Fun fact – because of its non-comedogenic nature, aloe vera can also be made into a nourishing and conditioning face oil. Argan, apricot kernel, jojoba and grapeseed are some of the best carrier oils to mix aloe vera with since they are compatible with all skin types and low on the comedogenic scale. To discover more about carrier oils, visit our Carrier Oil Glossary.