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Spring is here, the UV's are intense, and we're hungry for light and vitamin-D. In the eagerness of the season, we might get carried away and end up with a little shoulder burn. That's when we realize why keeping that aloe vera plant was a good plan - because fewer things in life are as pleasant as applying fresh, cooling aloe after spending the day in the sun. Yes, it's a sticky, gooey consistency, but the immediate relief you get from this soothing plant is nothing short of heavenly.

It's the gel within the leaf of the aloe vera plant that holds a lot of good stuff like vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and antioxidants.

Research suggests aloe vera has remarkable anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiviral effects.

The soothing gel on your skin also helps treat minor skin irritations, abrasions, burns, ulcers, and sports injuries, to name a few.

Plus...

It has a local anaesthetic effect.
It helps dilate capillaries and increase blood flow.
It's a natural anti-inflammatory that helps reduce the swelling.
It provides a protective barrier that helps keep moisture locked in.
It's cooling effects reduce acne inflammation and assist in healing, removing redness and soothing dry or angry skin.

9 Skin And Hair Benefits Of Aloe Vera

1. It's an excellent moisturizer

Aloe Vera easily absorbed by the skin, which helps to lock in moisture, and it doesn't add oil or clog the pores of those with already oily skin. You can apply gel straight from the plant or use a moisturizer that contains aloe vera.

2. It helps heal small wounds and cuts

The active ingredients in the aloe plant—vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and peptides—work to heal skin from a variety of minor ailments, and it can even expedite wound healing (1).

To use, apply a thin layer of gel to the wound, then bandage as normal. Alternatively, you can soak a bit of gauze in aloe vera gel, then apply that to the injury.

3. An anti-inflammatory agent

For sports injuries, Aloe Vera gel can be applied directly to swollen skin and muscles. The natural anti-inflammatory properties will help to reduce the swelling (2).

4. Aloe vera can minimize skin redness and irritation

The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in aloe vera help reduce inflammation and skin agitation, which makes it an effective treatment for many skin issues, including eczema and psoriasis. Just apply the gel onto affected areas.

5. Might decrease hyperpigmentation

When you apply aloe vera gel topically, it may help reduce hyperpigmentation. Because it blocks an enzyme called tyrosinase, which is the primary cause of skin hyperpigmentation.

6. It may reduce acne

One of the active ingredients in aloe vera gel is salicylic acid, which is an exfoliant and antibacterial agent commonly used to treat acne. Plus, the soothing properties can help calm inflammation associated with painful pimples. To keep breakouts at bay, apply a thin layer of gel to acne-prone areas every evening.

7. Aloe vera can prevent fine lines and wrinkles

Aloe vera has collagen-boosting capabilities that help the body turnover damaged skin cells and produce new skin. Using a thin layer of aloe vera gel can help lessen wrinkles.

8. Try it for eliminating dandruff

Aloe vera is also great for your scalp if you suffer from excessive dandruff.

The hydrating power of aloe vera, coupled with its soothing nature and antibacterial properties, can help calm the irritation, reduce scalp itchiness, and protect any open wounds from worsening.

To use aloe vera gel for this purpose, make a hair mask. Apply the gel to your scalp, massage it in with your fingertips, let sit for 30 minutes, then shampoo as usual.

9. And cleaning hair

This hair mask can acually also be enough to clean strands. Using the gel of the aloe vera plant as shampoo can help remove excess oil and keep hair follicles healthier.

How To Make Aloe Vera Gel From Fresh Aloe

To reap the most benefits of the aloe vera, use the gel straight from the plant.

To do this:

Snap the leaf off and cut off the serrated edge.
Turn the knife to its side and slide it in just under the skin on the end of one of the strips.
Carefully slide the knife along the top edge of the skin down the whole length of the leaf. Try to stay close to the skin so you get as much gel as you can.
Once you've removed the top, slide the knife along the bottom skin to release the gel.
Cut the flesh into 2 or 3 pieces and place in a clean bowl (if you are using an immersion blender) or your blender pitcher.
Blend until smooth. It will almost immediately froth when you start your blender, which is normal.
The froth will eventually go down. Pour the gel into the clean storage container and pop it in the fridge.
It will keep in the refrigerator for about a week.

You can also buy the gel in your local health shop. Go for a product with max aloe vera content (99% if available).